“My heartfelt condolences to the family of President Kenneth Kaunda and the people of Zambia. His commitment to Africa’s liberation will never be forgotten. His leadership on the continent and legacy of Pan-Africanism will live on for generations to come,” he tweeted.
The Zambia’s founding president and liberation hero, died on Thursday 17th June at a military hospital in the capital, Lusaka, where he was being treated for pneumonia. He was 97.
Kaunda ruled Zambia from 1964, when the country obtained independence from Britain, until 1991, and afterwards became one of the most committed activists against HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Following his demise, Zambia declared 21 days of mourning.
Kaunda will also be remembered for his role as an anti-colonial fighter who stood up to white minority rule in Southern African countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In 2017, President Kagame held talks with Kaunda when he visited Zambia.
During Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award held in Kigali 2019, Kaunda was bestowed the anti-corruption lifetime/outstanding award for his efforts in promoting transparency and fighting corruption.
He wrote eight books including ‘Letter to My Children’, ‘The Political Philosophy of President Kenneth D. Kaunda of Zambia’ and ‘Zambia will be Free’ among others.
The four-year policy involves different activities to promote inclusive technology, increase the participation of persons with disabilities in employment and other sectors, establish various special needs of PwDs for full participation in all agricultural programs and initiatives, subsidise the provision of assistive devices and disability related health care services to PwDs and promote social and cultural activities as well.
The Executive Secretary of the National Council of PwDs, Emmanuel Ndayisaba has explained that the policy is expected to bridge gaps in different aspects of life impeding welfare and development of persons with disabilities.
“It sets a framework for needed actions, identifies all stakeholders and needed interventions,” he said.
For the last ten years, Successive Education Sector strategic plans (ESSP) have continued to note high school dropout rates for vulnerable children (28.3% in Primary 5 and 10.2% in Primary 1) since 2005. For example, the Rwanda Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) of 2013-2018 confirmed that more Children with Disabilities (CwDs) have never attended school than those without any (27% versus 14%) and more CwDs dropped out of school than those without (9% versus 6%).
The Ministry of Education (2017)19 report indicates that out of 185,666 children enrolled in pre-primary education, 1,545 children are CwDs, representing less than 1% of enrolled students. The number of CwDs enrolled at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels are similarly very low and well below the expected proportion of PwDs (approximately 15% of the population using WHO’s definition of disability or 5% using Rwanda’s definition).
Ndayisaba highlighted that the policy will also address barriers hindering persons with disabilities from attending schools or occasioning school drop outs yet education is considered the backbone for development.
Other barriers are reported in healthcare, employment and accessibility.
Accessing healthcare in all its forms is also said to be challenging for PwDs because of associated costs, distance from service providers, and systemic and institutional healthcare practices and barriers.
Health service access data does not disaggregate by disability which undermines planning and decision making.
Eleven of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require disaggregation by disability. Disaggregated disability data is important if achievements in health care recorded by Rwanda are to be extended to all citizens. In addition, there is little documented evidence about the physical and social barriers that PwDs may face in accessing health services.
The present policy is particularly concerned about access to rehabilitation and therapeutic services, assistive aids, and other key health provisions that enable PwD equal access participation to socio-economic activities.
Being unable to detect road signs, waterways along the road among others also presents difficulties depending on the nature of disabilities.
Ndayisaba has expressed optimism that many of these challenges will be addressed in the new policy.
“A blind person should not wait for green to cross red lights. He/she should have a switch to detect red lights or zebra crossing. The new policy incorporates these concerns. We are optimistic that a lot of things will be addressed within the four years,” he affirmed.
With allocated budget of Rwf 41,458, 014, 440, the new policy for persons will be implemented through different ministries to bridge loopholes in the sectors of education, health, social protection (impact the welfare and wellbeing of children and adults with disabilities), agriculture, infrastructure, employment, justice, child protection, sports and leisure among others.
The Rwandan law No 01/2007 of 20/01/2007 aligns with the medical model and defines disability as the condition of a person’s impairment of health ability which consequently leads to deficiency compared to others.
Police officers took to the streets of Kigali as they educated drivers, taxi-moto operators, passengers and pedestrians on the health guidelines and government directives in a move aimed at influencing behavioral change and positive practices to prevent the spread of the virus.
Officers also inspected taxi-moto operators and public service vehicles if they are abiding by the safety directives including wearing of facemasks, if they have hand sanitizers to be used by passengers before boarding, social distancing in commuter buses and private vehicles.
Pedestrians were also reminded to be responsible and ensure that they are given hand sanitizer and wear fabrics in helmets before boarding a taxi-moto as well as social distancing at bus parks and stations.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Teddy Ruyenzi, the Deputy Commissioner for TRS in charge of Administration said that the awareness is part of the RNP enforcement measures for all road users to understand what is required of them in the implementation of the safety directives.
“The current situation which has seen a new wave of Covid-19 infections necessitates using all means available to change people’s behaviours to adhere to the government directives to prevent the spread. We all understand that the virus is spread during movements, so don’t be the one to spread it by adhering to all health measures and that is the purpose of this outreach,” said ACP Ruyenzi.
She added: “We are educating them about the government directives but also checking if they are respected; like proper wearing of face mask, the required 50 percent maximum capacity for public buses. Any motorist, who undermines the government directives will be fined Frw25, 000 and the automobile impounded for five days.”
Emmanuel Ngendahimana, a pedestrian said that individual responsibility is key to combating the pandemic.
“We were told what we should do to keep ourselves safe such wearing face mask properly at all times we are in public places, observing physical distancing, avoiding unnecessary movements and social events. It is now our responsibility to keep ourselves safe by respecting these health guidelines,” said Ngendahimana.
Ildephonse Ngarambe, a bus driver said that before transporting passengers, he checks whether they are all respecting Covid-19 prevention measures; wearing facemasks properly and respecting social distancing and that any passenger, who fails to respect these safety practices is told to get out of the bus.
The positive client is a Rwandan, who had returned from Kuwait.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said the Rwandan, who arrived in the country on June 13, at about 3pm, had booked at Airport Inn Motel, one of the designated establishments, where he was supposed to wait until the Covid-19 test results are released.
“It is a standard process for all people arriving in Rwanda to be tested for Covid-19 by RBC, on arrival at Kigali International Airport. The passenger is supposed to stay at one of the designated hotels they booked as they wait for the results. Sadly, the management of Airport Inn Motel facilitated one of their clients the following morning to leave the facility before results could be released. Unfortunately, the results came out later positive,” said CP Kabera.
He added that Police and other concerned institutions are still searching for the positive person in question.
CP Kabera faulted people, who disregard the prevention directives and do whatever pleases them.
“The management of Airport Inn Motel understands well that no one should leave their facility before getting results but they decided to check this resident out the following morning knowing well that the results were not yet out. These are behaviours and practices that derail national efforts to contain the virus and which will not be tolerated,” he noted.
Genevieve Uwamahoro, the executive secretary of Nyarugunga Sector said the hospitality establishment will be closed for at least 90 days.
Uwamahoro blamed the facility management for playing part in spreading the virus instead of preventing the spread.
She called upon the public not to shield or withhold information regarding anyone suspected to be Covid-19 positive or undermining prevention guidelines.
The majority of new cases was found in Kigali: 176, Rubavu: 36, Rutsiro: 29, Kamonyi: 29, Burera: 27, Musanze: 24, Rulindo: 24 and Gakenke: 14.
The statement released last night shows that a young man from Kigali aged 19 has succumbed to the virus bringing the death toll to 377 while 9 recovered.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 29597 have been tested positive of whom 26 392 recovered, 2 828 are active cases, 9 are critically ill while 377 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 389,891 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The symposium organized by Rwanda National Police (RNP) under the theme: ‘Confronting Emerging Security Threats in Africa’ is part of the ‘Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC)’ which brings together senior Police students from across Africa.
The current ninth intake is attended by 32 law enforcement officers from five countries—Kenya, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan and Rwanda, the host.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye, while officially opening the symposium, said that the world is confronted with numerous and complex challenges including ethnic conflicts and wars, transnational organized crimes, pandemics, natural disasters, proliferation of weapons and arms, climate change, migration and xenophobia.
It was also attended by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza, the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) Juvenal Marizamunda, and Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.
“As a result of globalization, rapid socio-economic development, information communication technology and knowledge dispersal, some of these threats are growing more complex and new forms thereof are emerging especially in Africa.
NPC Commandant, Commissioner of Police (CP) Christophe Bizimungu said that the conference aims to expand the knowledge of the students beyond what they learned in class and to have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of peace, security, and justice.
“The conference will explore the impact of media on security, the role of technological advancements in security, and environmental challenges. These topics are of interest at the present time and for many years to come,” said CP Bizimungu.
It is, therefore, evident that addressing these security threats in an efficient manner requires senior security managers be equipped with state-of-the art knowledge and skills as well as a deep understanding of the national, regional, and global security dynamics,” Minister Busingye said.
He added that the theme of the symposium enables the Police Senior Command and Staff Course participants—as senior police leaders and managers—to think about customized strategies to effectively respond to the emerging security threats in their respective countries.
Panelists on the first day of the symposium include the Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, Dr. Almerindo Graziano, the CEO of SILENSEC, a UK-based Information Security Management Consulting and Training company, and Col. David Kanamugire, the CEO of National Cyber Security Authority; who tackled the ‘policing in the modern information and communication technology era’ and ‘media and security.’
‘Media and Security: proactive role in building secure and coherent societies’ also took the centre of discussion on the first day of the symposium as media specialists; renowned journalist Charles Onyango Obbo, Lt. Col. Claude Nkusi, Yolande Makolo, Dr. Fredrick Gooloba Mutebi and Dr. Lonzen Rugira; who divulged more on how the role of security institutions and that of the media are interdependent in sovereign and democratic societies.
Suspended health facilities include Isangano Clinic, Santé Clinic and Polyclinique Le Bon Berger following an improvised inspection by the Ministry of Health at different private clinics in Kigali.
The inspection aimed assessing management efficiency, employees’ welfare, capacity, available equipment, standards of drugs and the status of hygiene.
Dr. Corneille Ntihabose, the Head of Clinical and Public Health Services at Ministry of Health has told IGIHE that these clinics are suspended for various reasons.
“We have noticed poor hygiene inside and outside buildings of Polyclinique Le Bon Berger to the extent that it cannot be tolerated. The way they disinfect medical equipment to be reused are against established guidelines in the health sector,” he said.
“The clinic had two health workers without renewed licenses allowing them to operate. The clinic’s building is very old. It is neither well maintained nor sprayed with new paints as a facility suitable to receive patients,” added Dr. Ntihabose.
As he explained, Isangano Clinic had issues including lack of water and washing facility, expired drugs, workers without employment contracts and poor hygiene particularly in the laboratory.
Dr. Ntihabose revealed that Santé Clinic was also spotted with poor hygiene inside and outside buildings. Among others, the clinic was found with expired drugs and the building operates without appropriate place for waste disposal.
“If we are to promote medical tourism and maintain Rwandans’ health, such facilities should be in the right position to complement these initiatives. That is why we are inspecting clinics through ongoing intensified scrutiny to be rolled out upcountry,” he said.
It is expected that suspended clinics will apply for authorization to resume operations after adjusting to required standards.
According to a joint statement signed yesterday by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of Health, the Government has established new health and safety measures to mitigate the pandemic following the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.
As of newly established measures, all staff in selected hotels and restaurants and all clients visiting these establishments are required to present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen rapid test).
Tests must be taken within 7 days for visiting clients and 14 days for staff while testing can be done at designated sites at own cost.
As per new guidelines, accredited private clinics with partner hotels may arrange on-site testing in an appropriate room available at the hotel.
Only trained medical personnel staff from accredited clinics will be allowed to conduct the tests and results that must be uploaded into the national health management information system.
All clients are required to present the results at the hotel, restaurant entrance to a designated staff who must scan the QR code on the clients’ certificate and access the RBC app to confirm authenticity. Clients may also be requested to present their identity cards for verification of test results.
Hotels concerned with new guidelines include Kigali Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu & Kigali Convention Center Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel and The Retreat Hotel.
Selected restaurants are; The Retreat Restaurant, Choose Kigali Restaurant, Meza Malonga Restaurant, Brachetto Restaurant, Soy Restaurant, Nyurah Restaurant, Inka Steak House, The Hut Restaurant, Epicurien Restaurant, Poivre Noir Restaurant, Repub Lounge and Kury Kingdom Restaurant.
Issued guidelines indicate that these hotels and restaurants will report status on staff testing to RDB and RBC every two weeks. They are also required to give notice of the exact number of people that can be hosted in various outlets and meeting rooms equivalent to 30% occupancy while clients who do not have a valid test result will be denied access to the hotel or restaurant.
The statement also reads that outdoor dining and events are encouraged where feasible as they present less risk for the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Participants are however encouraged to continue adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures.
Other hotels and restaurants not mentioned on the list will be subject to randomized sample testing undertaken by RBC for both their clients and staff.
The Ministry of Local Government, RDB, RBC, and Rwanda National Police will ensure enforcement of these new measures to take effect from Friday 18th June 2021.
Speaking to RBA; the Deputy CEO of RDB Zephanie Niyonkuru explained that the decision was reached after consultations with other relevant institutions.
He said that the list might be updated depending on further assessments.
“The list will be revised every two weeks. We have started with frequently visited hospitality establishments but RBC will also conduct random testing to other hotels and restaurants to assess status of the pandemic,” he revealed.
The country has been recording surge in new COVID-19 cases for the past few days confirming over 200 positive test results every day.
This prompted the Government to revise existing measures countrywide and placed Rubavu district under lockdown yesterday. Other sectors considered major hotspots for new cases in Rutsiro, Gicumbi and Nyagatare were subjected to revised curfew hours from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 29 175 people have been tested positive of whom 26 383 recovered, 2416 are active cases, 11 are critically ill while 376 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 389,832 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The smart classroom initiative seeks to equip Rwandan schools with ICT infrastructure that facilitates digitalisation of learning and teaching processes.
The smart classroom project was launched in 2018, with an aim of integrating ICT pedagogy and skills in education. An online platform, named smart class, was also established, with a view to facilitate students to access learning materials even when they are not physically at school.
Inaugurated at Gikondo Campus on 12th June 2021, the smart classroom was built in partnership with The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and UR with a view to facilitate students’ attendance to virtual classes particularly for lecturers from Kiel University and Institute for World Economy teaching from Germany.
GIZ has been partnering with UR in the areas of research development, distributing books for students, computers among other didactic materials aimed at promoting quality education.
Ksenija Maver, the Project Leader of Macroeconomic and Investment Policies Program (MIP) has explained that the room aligns with existing initiatives to promote technology and facilitate e-learning.
“As you have seen, this classroom is equipped with advanced technology helping students to attend online classes from Kigali while the lecturer is based at Kiel Institute. With the technology, learning online is almost the same as attending classes physically. It is very much needed particularly during COVID-19 to continue classes even when there is no physical class,” she said.
Ksenija stated that the smart classroom will also be used by other students in different programs and the university management meetings held virtually.
A lecturer in the department of Economics at UR, Dr. Charles Ruhara has said that the classroom gives relief to students who would hardly have access to internet to attend online classes.
“Learning online has been recommended due to COVID-19 but some students would not attend classes appropriately due to slow internet or the teacher would be unavailable. With the smart classroom, e-learning will go smoothly,” he noted.
Dr. Ruhara revealed that one classroom is not enough for all students that more will be built depending on available means.
One of Masters students, Sebeza Celestin said that the classroom comes in handy because some of them did not have laptops to follow up courses.
“The smart classroom is very helpful. With it, we are optimistic for improved performance while students will be concentrated during classes without disruptions, hence, improving quality education,” he observed.
GIZ has since 2018 provided over US$ 1 million funding to the University of Rwanda in different areas including construction of the launched smart classroom and scholarships for Masters students among others.
Dr. Nsanzimana was speaking to the media yesterday on status of the pandemic and ways forward to contain increasing COVID-19 cases across the country.
He urged the general public to draw a lesson from newly confirmed cases among vaccine recipients to heighten vigilance and comply with preventive directives.
“The fact that we have 400 positive cases among recipients of COVID-19 vaccine jabs conveys two messages. Firstly, it means that being vaccinated doesn’t prevent you from being infected. Secondly, a vaccine recipient should be responsible to avoid transmission of COVID-19,” he said.
Towards the end of last week, the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije said that the country confirmed new COVID-19 cases among vaccine recipients but highlighted that they are not critically ill because the vaccine boosts their immunity to fight the virus.
Minister Ngamije has reminded the general public that it should be everyone’s concern to fight COVID-19.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (American CDC) recently recommended vaccinated people to get tested for COVID.
The center explained that cases of fully vaccinated individuals contracting coronavirus are rare, but possible.
Of the 5.2 million people vaccinated in Illinois State, 243 people have been hospitalized with coronavirus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health while 81 died of complications related to the virus.
Rwanda has so far vaccinated over 380,000 since the countrywide inoculation program began on 5th March 2021.
