The house caught fire at around 4:30 a.m. on Monday, February 10, 2020, destroying property worth millions of francs.
One of the residents at the house told authorities that as she entered one of the bedrooms next to the living room, she saw smoke after which took her child and left calling for help.
The Secretary-General of Nyarugunga Sector, Uwamahoro Geneviève, told IGIHE that they suspect the fire to have been caused by an electric short circuit.
“We suspect an electric short circuit to have caused the inferno. This is because the person who was in the house says that the fire started from a room.”
She added that an investigation has started, but that it is not yet known how much worth was the damaged property.
Rwanda police fire department extinguished the fire.
CIP Umutesi Marie Gorette, RNP Spokesperson in Kigali City confirmed the incident happened at around 9 in the morning.
“The victim’s name in Ntatinya Audace and from Gicumbi district. He was coming to replace his colleague who worked the overnight shift. He took his firearm and shot himself.”
CIP Umutesi advised the general public that in case they experience a problem they are unable to handle, they should consult professionals or seek the advice of a friend instead of resorting to taking their own lives.
“If you face a setback, it is better to seek professional advice or talk to a friend before it is too late.”
About 5,000 participants filled the Cotabato City Plaza to celebrate the “Peace Day in Mindanao” originally designated on January 24th in 2014.
Local government officials, youth leaders, religious leaders, teachers and students from secondary schools and higher education institutions gathered to collectively work for the creation and development of sustainable peace through the DPCW.
The Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) is a comprehensive document, which clarifies the role of members of the international society to prevent and resolve conflicts.
It is in the process of being introduced to the UN as a draft resolution and eventually be implemented as a legally binding document to sustain peace globally.
About 5,000 participants filled the Cotabato City Plaza to celebrate the “Peace Day in Mindanao” designated on January 24th in 2014.
The City Mayor together with local government officials of Cotabato City, youth leaders, religious leaders, teachers and students from secondary schools headed by the Schools Division Superintendent and higher education institutions gathered to establish collaboration for the sustainable development in Mindanao and the implementation of the DPCW.
In 2014, Chairman Man Hee Lee of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) signed a peace agreement with the former Governor of Maguindanao, Hon. Esmael Mangudadatu, and His Excellency Fernando Capalla, who are now serving as the Congressman and Archbishop-emeritus of Davao, respectively.
Since then, HWPL has cooperated with local organizations in Mindanao to open the channels for peacebuilding including peace education for students and inter-religious dialogues for mutual understanding.
In her speech, Dr. Concepcion Ferrer-Balawag, Cotabato City Schools Division Superintendent, commended the success of the most recent two-part Peace Education Writeshop held on January 17-18 and January 31-February 1, 2020, respectively.
A total of 85 supervisors and writers from 55 schools participated to contextualize the 12 Lessons proposed by HWPL by creating a teaching guide for the integration of Peace Education to all schools in Cotabato City.
“I am extending my heartfelt gratitude to the HWPL for the partnership we have established to better serve our Filipino learners as we prepare them for life,” said Dr. Balawag.
The Department of Education Cotabato City Schools Division expressed its full support toward the integration of Peace Education by signing a Memorandum of Agreement with HWPL.
Moreover, HWPL’s affiliated youth organization, International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) continuously work with local youth organizations especially with Gallant Adolescent New Generation (GANG) for the advancement of the DPCW and the civic betterment of Cotabato City.
“Violence has never been the solution,” said Rauf Lumabao, the President of GANG. He emphasized the significant role of youth being at the “frontline of peacebuilding” in advancing the DPCW as an instrument to “make this society free from violence.”
As one of the highlights of the event, city officials led the “Kadsapa sa Kalilintad” or Peace Promise Padlock with the pledge for sustainable peace in the presence of Cotabato City. Afterwards, all shouted a unified call, urging the President to support the implementation of DPCW, “We want peace. President Duterte, please support DPCW.”
Graham Nazer Dumama, Vice Mayor of Cotabato City and the Director of HWPL led the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the HWPL Peace Monument which will serve as a visual representation of the peace movements initiated and the partnership declared with Hon. Atty. Frances Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, Mayor of Cotabato City.
The coffee farmers are from Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Huye,Nyaruguru and Muhanga and sell coffee to 9 industries owned by IMPEXCOR in Shangi, Kinunga,Nyakabuye, Muhari, Shyogwe, Nyakabuye,Muhari,Kiyumba, Gatare and Busanza sectors.
Normally, a kilo of coffee was sold between Rwf 190 and Rwf 195 but recently, US based San Fransisco Bay Coffee LTD which also exchanges with the farmers, requested an upgrade in the purchasing price to Rwf 300 per kilo.
Oreste Baragahorana, the Executive Director of IMPEXCOR LTD said that after coffee buyers praised the good quality they were provided with, IMPEXCOR LTD found it only just to upgrade the value of the coffee by increasing it’s purchasing price.
“We normally purchase a kilo of coffee from the farmers at between Rwf 190 and Rwf 200 but given the good quality provided by farmers, we increased the price by Rwf 100. We have been working with San Fransisco Bay Coffee LTD since 2014 and they requested for this change after countless praises for the coffee we obtained from Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Muhanga, and Nyaruguru ”
Coffee farmers in Shangi, Bushenge, and Nyabitekeri told IGIHE that with the increase of the purchasing price, they will be able to cover financial expenses and also improve the quality of the coffee they sell.
Muramira Pheneas, one of the farmers said that since he started growing coffee in 1971, not once has he felt that he received the just value of his coffee but that the new price will at least solve his financial needs.
” I have just collected Rwf 300,000 for 3 tons of coffee and I will also collect another amount in Shangi where I own a coffee farm as well.”
Uzamushaka Theresia said that she had just collected Rwf 52,000 after yielding from more than 500 coffee trees. “It is wonderful news that we will now be paid rationally. My children were out of school but I will immediately pay the school fees.”
Baragahorana called upon coffee farmers to treat their coffee so that the purchasing price could keep increasing.
Coffee farmers in Rwanda have long suffered from being at the wrong end of the value chain. With the increase in the purchasing price of coffee, farmers will be able to solve financial needs including school fees, medical insurance and other life necessities they could not afford.
Through IMPEXCOR LTD, 8096 coffee farmers will receive Rwf 202, 286, 745 in total for 2,056,441 tons sold.
IMPEXCOR LTD is a Rwandan company which buys, processes and sells coffee. It was established in 2008 and currently operates 20 coffee industries in three provinces in Rwanda. It works hand in hand with more than 20,000 coffee farmers across the country.
Arsenal Football Club is based in Islington, London and plays in the Premier League.
However, its recent performance has been questionable given that the team has dropped to 10th place in the Premier League and last took the cup in 2004.
For five years now, Arsenal FC has not participated in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) as it keeps failing to appear in the top 4 teams which qualify directly to the group stages of the UCL.
President Kagame said that he has often criticized the performance of the team especially when Unai Emery was the head coach of Arsenal and said that something needs to be changed.
“Arsenal used to be in the top three teams to qualify in the Premier League but its performance downgraded with time to a point it is ranked 10th now. Something needs to change.”
Even after Unai Emery was sacked in 2019, Arsenal has not improved its performance and remains at the 10th place. Mikel Arteta Amatriain is currently Arsenal head coach and was formerly an attacking and defensive midfielder.
President Kagame said he has hope that the team will improve since the new coach knows the field and is more qualified than his predecessors.
He suggested that the new head coach should be given the means to buy new players since those currently playing in the team were transferred under Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery.
“I still am a big fan of Arsenal and I am hoping they will win more championships in the future. As a fan, I have no say to how the players should perform but I can only watch with the hope they will win. I will keep supporting them regardless.”
On the partnership with Arsenal FC through the ‘Visit Rwanda’ initiative, President Kagame was asked if the partnership was necessary. He said that he undoubtedly believes it will contribute to the tourism sector.
“The partnership has so far borne fruits. The number of visitors in Rwanda has remarkably improved and the Government of Rwanda earned at least five times the amount invested.”
Rwanda also expects profits from the recent partnership agreement that was signed between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Paris st. Germain with the aim of enhancing tourism.
Bugesera district has 9 lakes including Rweru and Cyohoha.
Despite being one of the districts in Rwanda with as many lakes, no concrete lucrative activity in tourism, agriculture or irrigation has been initiated yet as a district that faces drought problems, the aforementioned activities could greatly benefit it.
Mutabazi Richard, Bugesera District Mayor recently told IGIHE that opportunities are open for those who want to invest in lakes by building hotels and hence enhance the tourism sector.
“None of our lakes has a beach and it is a setback since lakes are known to attract tourists. We urge investors to build hotels and finance other entertainment activities in Bugesera.”
Bugesera is one of the districts in Rwanda which is evolving at a remarkable rate especially around Nyamata where a new airport is under construction.
Mutabazi said that many people are moving from cities to come live in Bugesera but that the district lacks in the entertainment sector.
“We need Bugesera to be more than just a residential district and we are working on introducing various other activities mostly in the entertainment sector.”
He called upon investors to build hotels and clubs to enhance Bugesera’s nightlife. “One of the reasons why the youth in Bugesera migrate to Kigali is because there barely is any entertainment activity here so they go to Kigali which offers a remarkable nightlife experience.”
Mutabazi said that if lakes in Bugesera were exploited to their full potential, it would attract tourists and on top of it, avail employment opportunities to locals.
The 9 lakes in Bugesera district combined spread on 10,365 Hectares.
She gave the advice during a press conference which brought together Miss Rwanda organizers and Miss Rwanda 2020 contestants. During the press conference, the contestants received advice on how to behave during the competition before they headed to a two-week boot camp.
Ishimwe Dieudonné, Rwanda Inspiration Back-Up Director, the society that organizes Miss Rwanda, told the contestants they should at all costs ignore negative comments directed towards them especially on social media.
“There are so many rumors online that the crown has already been won and that Miss Rwanda system is corrupt.”
He reassured the contestants that the crown is given based on merit and on the three pillars Miss Rwanda was founded upon which are ‘Beauty, Brains, and Culture’.
“Miss Rwanda is all about empowering girls and availing a platform for them to give back to society. The crown will never be given to the undeserving, I can assure you.”
Ishimwe said that most negative comments about the Miss Rwanda contest are meant to discourage contestants and trivialize the purpose of the initiative. “If you ask former contestants, they will tell you they received the exact negative comments but regardless of that, we will strive to improve the contest and reassert its original purpose as I mentioned before.”
Nimwiza Meghan advised the contestants not to listen to negative comments when they will be preparing for the finale in the boot camp. ” You will witness a lot of internet slurs while you will be preparing for the finale but remember none of those who discourage you has the power to give you the crown. It will all depend on your performance”
On Sunday, February 9th, 2020, 20 contestants who passed the pre-selection contest headed to a two-week boot camp. The finale is scheduled on February 22nd, 2020 at Kigali Convention Centre (KCC).
As we are soon celebrating the season of love, roses, and chocolate, many people around Kigali are trying to figure out how to express their love to family and partners. Some chose to go for something classic, romantic dinner with candlelight, flowers and a nice gift; while others want to go all the way out and create memories that their lovers are not ready to forget.
Keeping in mind their everyday mission ‘making fun easy’, Gameville Entertainment in partnership with Arthur Nation and many more service providers have created a very special event to help lovers all over Kigali worry about nothing other than to share a magical moment with their significant others, the perfect package to reignite the flames to your love.
A three day program that includes a romantic dinner at Radisson Blu Hotel, a Kigali city tour, Salsa Masquerade Party and many more adventures to enjoy including VIP ticket in the KASSAV Concert
Valentine is more than just a day for couples and married people; it is a day to celebrate LOVE in all its forms so single people are also encouraged to join this amazing treat!
Gameville story began when three brothers started brainstorming where to go have fun and could not come up with something active and rejuvenating. The company was built on something different; fun and collaboration. Bubble soccer was the pilot project, something that had never existed in Rwanda! This activity inspired expansion into other outdoor activities and ventured into team building activities.
Gameville prides itself on creating fun spaces for social connections, building collaboration, and teamwork.
Today, Gameville is a reservation-based company with a fast-growing number of stakeholders, many families and teams coming together. It also specializes in the area of event organization – with the ethic and vision to stand as the best in the market connecting different Service Providers and Customers to craft amazing experiences for Rwandan.
In the new changes, Rugaza Julian becomes the City Manager; Asaba Katabarwa Emmanuel, City Engineer; Niyongabo Joseph, Director General of Corporate Services; MUHIRWA Marie Solange, Head of Urban Planning and Rubangutsangabo Jean, Urban Economist.
In Gasabo district, Umwali Pauline becomes the District Executive Administrator and Mudaherwana Regis the Deputy District Executive Administrator.
In Kicukiro, Umutesi Solange is the District Executive Administrator and Rukebanuka Adalbert, Deputy District Executive Administrator.
In Nyarugenge, Ngabonziza Emmy is the District Executive Administrator and Nshutiraguma Esperance, Deputy District Executive Administrator.
Members of families that were resettled in the modern village have told IGIHE that they now have peace of mind and thanked the government for getting them from risky areas.
In 2018, City of Kigali management and other partners made a household survey whereof they established that 13 670 families were settled in high-risk zones especially alongside the hills of Jali, Kigali, and Rebero.
Families that were settled on Mountain Kigali were most affected with 55.4 % being susceptible to risks.
It was thereafter resolved that vulnerable families in high-risk areas be relocated to Karama modern village, seated at 39 hectares.
Other families in Gatsata, Mpazi, and Gashyekero villages at the foothills of Rebero were not relocated but the drainage systems in the said areas were fixed and other infrastructures established to ensure their lives are not in danger in any way.
The first phase of the Karama Modern Village Project that accommodates the 240 families has been completed at a cost of Rwf 8 billion.
It has six blocs, with the first three having 120 semi-detached houses, each with a bedroom, sitting room, kitchen, bathroom, and toilet.
The village is connected with water and electricity, paved roads, water taps, flowers, fruits and vegetable gardens. It also has a school that can accommodate 840 students.
The families have been supported with 7500 chicken, layers, with ample space to grow vegetables for home consumption and for the market.
The Vice Mayor in charge of welfare for the City of Kigali, Ngarambe Wellars, says that it is a great stride in improving the livelihoods of the beneficiary households.
“In the high-risk zones from where they were relocated, they could not have decent sleep because when it rained, they could get immersed in fright, fearing houses could collapse on them any time.”
