Education is one of the most valuable investments any parent can make. Yet, the cost of paying school fees all at once can put a heavy strain on families.
Tuza na BK provides a solution by allowing parents to borrow up to 500,000 RWF, with a flexible three-month repayment period. This way, children can stay focused on learning while parents enjoy peace of mind.
As Desire Rumanyika, BK’s Chief Digital and Retail Banking Officer, explains: “Education is central to Rwanda’s development journey. With Tuza na BK, we are helping families secure the resources they need so that every child can stay in school and work toward a brighter future.”
{{Who Can Apply?}}
Tuza na BK is available to:
-* Parents or guardians whose children attend schools using Urubuto Pay
-* BK customers with at least six months of banking history
{{Applying is quick and convenient:}}
1. Dial *775*7# on your phone
2. Follow the prompts to submit your request
3. Once approved, funds are sent directly to the school.
{{Building Rwanda’s Future Together}}
Tuza na BK is part of our wider Nanjye ni BK campaign, which focuses on developing financial solutions that make everyday life easier for all Rwandans. By easing the burden of tuition fees, we’re not only supporting parents, we’re also contributing to Rwanda’s vision of expanding access to quality education and shaping the next generation of leaders.
Don’t let tuition fees disrupt your child’s education. Apply for Tuza na BK today by dialing *775*7# or call our toll-free number 4455 for assistance. You can also visit any BK branch or connect with us through our social media platforms.
Because every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed, without interruption.
The fiery exchange, sparked by accusations from DRC’s Minister of Human Rights, Samuel Mbemba Kabuya Tanda, highlighted continued tensions between the two nations and raised questions about the credibility of UN reporting on the ongoing conflict.
The session, presided over by Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber, saw Amb. Bakuramutsa demand clarification on the DRC’s claims, calling them a “red line” for Rwanda.
“Did the Minister of Human Rights from the DRC government accuse my delegation and my country of being genocidal in their territory?” she asked, emphasizing that such grave allegations must adhere to international legal standards.
“There’s no mechanism that has called for that, and I will not allow for that to be mentioned here in the UN premises and accept that this happens under your watch.”
Bakuramutsa’s remarks followed a point of order, which she noted was ignored by the Council President, who suggested resolving the issue bilaterally with the DRC delegation. The ambassador insisted on addressing the accusation publicly, arguing that accountability must be based on “objective, verified results” rather than selective reporting that prejudges member states like Rwanda.
The controversy stems from a recent United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report, which Rwanda has dismissed as “sensational” and baseless.
Issued on August 11, 2025, Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation criticized the OHCHR for alleging, without evidence, that the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) aided in the killing of civilians on farms in eastern DRC between July 9 and 21, 2025.
The report also accused the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebel group of similar atrocities, claims the group has similarly rejected as politically motivated.
Amb. Bakuramutsa challenged the UN report’s methodology, highlighting its reliance on “remote open-source material” and lack of access to data. She pointed out a “pre-cooked narrative” in the report, noting that M23 was mentioned 110 times, Rwanda/RDF 65 times, FARDC (DRC armed forces) 42 times, Wazalendo 43 times, FDLR only 15 times, and generic armed groups 23 times.
“This imbalance shapes a narrative and skews the reality on the ground,” she said, noting the presence of approximately 260 armed groups in eastern DRC, including private military contractors and mercenaries, which the report largely overlooks.
Rwanda has consistently denied supporting M23, asserting that its defensive measures along the DRC border aim to neutralise threats from the FDLR, a militia formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Bakuramutsa accused the DRC of equipping and enabling the FDLR, allowing it to “recruit and spread genocidal ideology” despite commitments to neutralize the group through regional peace processes like the Washington Peace Agreement, African Union, Nairobi, and Luanda initiatives.
The European Union, represented by Pierre Minard, expressed alarm at the escalating violence in eastern DRC, citing the OHCHR’s Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) report documenting widespread human rights violations, including potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The EU called for the prompt operationalization of a Commission of Inquiry for the DRC and urged adequate funding for the OHCHR to continue collecting evidence of abuses until the commission is active.
Bakuramutsa countered that the UN’s reporting minimizes verified hate speech and identity-based attacks against Congolese Tutsi communities, particularly around Minembwe in South Kivu.
She described these as an “early warning priority” for the Council, warning that ethnic labeling in reports risks inflaming tensions. She also criticized the UN’s MONUSCO mission, noting that despite 25 years and billions spent, it has failed to protect civilians while DRC-backed FDLR forces continue to recruit and arm.
In her concluding remarks, Ambassador Bakuramutsa presented three main demands. First, she urged the Council to pause the issuance of new mandates and initiate a UN-aligned review to streamline overlapping mechanisms, ensuring resources are redirected toward effective civilian protection.
Second, she called for a single, published evidentiary standard for all reports, with concerned states given prior notice to engage before any public condemnation. Third, she rejected all recommendations directed at Rwanda in the OHCHR report, citing a lack of evidence and expressing concern over the Council’s failure to address her point of order.
The ambassador emphasized Rwanda’s role as a UN member state contributing to peace and stability, stating, “We will not accept being continuously subjected to baseless accusations. Rigorous evidence is non-negotiable, and any breach of that standard will be challenged every single time.”
The discussions focused on strengthening media cooperation between Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates, recognising the role of media in advancing bilateral relations and deepening partnerships across multiple sectors.
Rwanda and the UAE enjoy a strong and growing relationship. The UAE is currently Rwanda’s largest export market, with exports surpassing USD 1.55 billion in 2024, accounting for nearly two-thirds of Rwanda’s total goods exports.
The UAE is also a major investor, ranking as Rwanda’s second-largest source of foreign direct investment in 2023, with commitments of over USD 138 million in sectors ranging from logistics and hospitality to mineral processing and agriculture.
A prominent example of this cooperation is DP World’s Kigali Logistics Platform, a facility that has streamlined Rwanda’s trade flows and positioned Kigali as a gateway for East African commerce.
The two countries have also signed agreements on economic and technical cooperation, and in 2024, the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC) signed a partnership to link Rwanda’s financial hub with global capital markets.
Beyond trade and investment, Rwanda and the UAE are expanding cooperation in space technology, artificial intelligence, and governance innovation.
In December 2023, the Rwanda Space Agency signed an MoU with the UAE Space Agency to collaborate on civil space activities, while in April 2025, both countries joined Malaysia in a tripartite partnership on AI governance and innovation through their Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Education and tourism are also central pillars of cooperation. Rwandan students continue to benefit from UAE government scholarships at institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi and UAE University, while Rwanda regularly participates in the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, showcasing its unique attractions such as gorilla trekking and positioning itself as a top destination for Middle Eastern travellers.
Against this backdrop of broad and dynamic collaboration, media cooperation is expected to serve as both a bridge and a catalyst, promoting accurate information, facilitating cultural exchange, and amplifying the visibility of joint initiatives between Rwanda and the UAE.
They stressed that some online content creators are falsely claiming that Gogo was sacrificed, while others allege that she was killed. The family said if such baseless reports persist, they will take legal action, as the claims amount to a mockery of the deceased.
The warning was made on Monday, September 8, 2025, during Gogo’s burial in Munini Cell, Fumbwe Sector, Rwamagana District, where she was originally from.
News of Gogo’s death broke on September 3, 2025. She had travelled to Uganda for evangelical missions, having left Rwanda on August 29 together with some of her handlers. The artist had long battled epilepsy, the illness that ultimately claimed her life.
Bikorimana Emmanuel, commonly known as Bikem, explained that the hospital confirmed she died of complications related to her lungs.
Following her death, some YouTubers produced numerous videos alleging that Gogo had been sacrificed, while others claimed she had been killed by colleagues in disputes over money.
Musoni Bernard, who heads Gogo’s family and is also her stepfather, told IGIHE that it is deeply regrettable that certain media personalities seek to profit from a person’s death by fabricating stories for commercial gain.
“It is extremely painful that people want to profit from the death of a person. I have known that child since birth, and she never enjoyed good health because of epilepsy, which afflicted her continuously. Those who were with her called us from the moment she started feeling unwell, they took her to hospital and informed us, and even after her passing, they immediately notified us. The hospital clearly stated the cause of death,” he said
Musoni added that as the family was preparing to repatriate her body to Rwanda, they were shocked to see some content creators producing content on YouTube claiming that she had been sacrificed, while others used insulting language to mock them. He called on those responsible to delete the content or face legal consequences.
Bishop Nyirimpeta Anastase, who had invited Gogo to Uganda, also condemned the conduct of some Rwandan YouTubers who falsely claimed she was sacrificed and accused others of being behind it.
Gogo who rose to prominence on social media, gained wider attention after her worship track was remixed by South African musician David Scott, popularly known as The Kiffness.
Gogo was best known online for her heartfelt worship songs, often sung in English with her distinct accent. In the viral clip, she sings: “Everyday, I need the blood of Jesus.”
The Kiffness reworked the video by layering her vocals with trumpet and piano, creating a lively new version that he shared on TikTok and YouTube in January.
For years, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has earned recognition both within Rwanda and internationally, particularly in Mozambique and the Central African Republic, for its discipline and professionalism.
Building on this reputation, new reforms announced at the end of August 2025 introduced updated measures to ensure that certain categories of military assets are kept strictly confidential.
A Presidential Order issued on August 25, 2025, outlined the types of military assets that must be classified. The directive makes clear that weapons, systems, ammunition, and military vehicles — main battle tanks, armoured personnel carriers and light and heavy duty vehicles— are to remain secret.
The 2025 Order expands on earlier provisions. A 2012 regulation had already stipulated that fighter jets, helicopters, and their related systems were classified.
The new framework not only reaffirms these categories but also includes unmanned aerial vehicles and their accessories. In addition, information and telecommunication devices — ranging from radars, telephones, and radios to cameras, computer software and other related equipment, — are all deemed classified.
Military installations also fall under this classification. These include the RDF General Headquarters, barracks, arms and ammunition depots, as well as military industries and related raw materials.
Military uniforms and accessories are equally considered classified, along with imported and exported military assets and related information.
The modalities of audit related to the use and management of military classified assets is determined by instructions of the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force.
The Rwanda Defence Force itself was formally established under Law No. 19/2002 of May 17, 2002. Since then, it has undergone substantial transformation in governance, weaponry, training, uniforms, and professionalism.
Today, Rwanda operates its own defense industry through the Rwanda Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation (REMCO), which produces a wide range of military equipment for the RDF and with goals to support partner nations with defense supplies.
Among its output are weapons for ground forces, special forces, and counterterrorism operations, as well as equipment for riot control, training, and other military purposes.
The literacy paper has been produced by the What Works Hub for Global Education (WWHGE), with the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel (GEEAP) and the British Council as core partners.
{{It highlights that:}}
{{Foundational literacy is essential}} – without it, children are locked out of future learning opportunities.
{{We know what works}} – structured pedagogy, teacher professional development, and targeted interventions can dramatically improve outcomes at scale.
{{Partnerships accelerate impact }} – by linking global evidence with local policy and classroom practice, governments and partners can achieve sustainable learning gains.
{{EE4A (Education Evidence for Action)}} is a biennial conference and initiative that bridges the gap between education research and decision-making in the education sector, with Zizi AfriqueFoundation playing a key role as the organizer and host of the EE4A conference, where education stakeholders and researchers gather to deliberate on critical issues and inform policy and practice.
{{The What Works Hub for Global Education }} is an international partnership, funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Gates Foundation, working out how to effectively implement education reforms at scale. This collaborative initiative comprises 12 strategic partners and 43 consortium partners, convened by the Blavatnik School of Government, the programme’s host institution.
At the conference, {{WWHGE}} convened education leaders in a session titled “Strengthening the Evidence Ecosystem: Building a Roadmap for Education Reform in Kenya.” The Hub emphasised its mission: to take rigorous global evidence, such as the GEEAP Literacy Paper, and ensure it moves into government policy and ultimately into classrooms.
Through collaboration with ministries, teacher training institutions, and local organisations, WWHGE is helping countries translate recommendations into practical reforms that directly shape how teachers teach and how learners acquire foundational skills.
{{The British Council’s Learning and Life for Global Education (LL4GE)}} initiative also featured at the conference. LL4GE integrates literacy, language, and life skills to provide young people with both academic and social competencies, equipping them for future employment, resilience, and active citizenship.
Together, {{WWHGE (with GEEAP)}}, the {{British Council}}, and {{LL4GE }} represent a powerful synergy: advancing literacy through both policy-to-classroom reforms and holistic learner development.
The What Works Hub for Global Education, working with GEEAP, the British Council, and other partners, will now take forward the Literacy Paper’s recommendations by embedding evidence into national reform agendas and supporting governments to implement them in classrooms at scale.
This marks the next phase of {{WWHGE}}’s mission: ensuring that every child, regardless of context, benefits from proven strategies to acquire foundational literacy and learning skills.
It is attended by military senior officers from 6 Eastern African Standby Force member states, namely Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, as well as the EASF Headquarters.
The training was officially opened by the Defence spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
The Defence Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga expressed gratitude to the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) for its steadfast commitment to building internal capacity to ensure peace and security in the region.
He also commended the Rwanda Peace Academy for hosting this significant course and for its ongoing efforts in delivering the requisite training courses to enable commanders and staff to effectively conduct peace support operations in the region and beyond.
Brig Gen Rwivanga highlighted the necessity of the course, saying that “expanding the pool of qualified personnel is essential in creating a sustainable nucleus of training experts who can cascade their skills and knowledge across all levels of our forces”.
He added,”By empowering you to become both leaders and educators, we ensure that training excellence is replicated consistently, even in the most remote operational environments.”
He further reminded the course participants that undertaking this course is not merely about developing individual capacity but also strengthening institutional resilience.
He emphasized that they are not only being prepared to lead, but also to teach, mentor, and multiply the knowledge and experience essential for sustaining a strong, professional, and responsive standby force. He urged the participants to approach this course with an open mind, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose.
Kenneth Goren Albert, Coordinator of the International Advisory and Coordination Staff, congratulated the facilitators, participants, EASF, and Member States for participating in this important training.
He emphasized the vital role of facilitators in equipping future trainers with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and address complex, population-centric operations at battle group and sector levels.
The annual gathering, hosted in Namur, the capital of Wallonia and a predominantly French-speaking city, combined physical activities with community discussions on projects supporting development in both Rwanda and host communities.
As in previous years, the event drew participants from across Belgium, offering a space for intergenerational exchange, recreation, and dialogue. The initiative was spearheaded by DRB-Rugali’s Namur section under the leadership of Lionel Karugarama, with support from the City of Namur, associations such as Humura-Iyubake ASBL and Convivialité-Rukundo ASBL, as well as retail company Delhaize.
The City of Namur played a key role by providing venues for sports and recreational activities. Participants engaged in football, volleyball, tennis, ping pong, tug-of-war, and group hiking at varying distances of 5, 10, and 15 kilometres. Others enjoyed boat tours (Croisière) exploring Namur’s scenic sites.
The day-long activities were carried out in teams, and the atmosphere encouraged both competition and camaraderie. Special arrangements were also made for parents with young children, with dedicated play areas set aside for them.
Speaking at the event, Lionel Karugarama expressed gratitude to all partners and participants, noting that Journée Sportive continues to serve as a platform for Rwandans to review past projects, exchange ideas, and design new initiatives to benefit their communities. He also highlighted how the gathering helps local businesses gain visibility, given the wide turnout.
Umutoni Annick, head of Humura-Iyubake AISBL, also commended the participants for their involvement, describing the event as a valuable tradition that strengthens community ties.
The day concluded with the awarding of trophies and prizes to teams that excelled in the various games, followed by social interactions that reinforced the event’s spirit of unity and togetherness.
The agreement formalized on Monday, September 8, 2025, is expected to enhance connectivity, open new avenues for economic cooperation, and expand trade opportunities between the two nations.
Yankhoba Dième, Senegal’s Minister of Infrastructure, Land and Air Transport, and Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, represented their nations at the signing ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the Government of Rwanda, Dr. Gasore described the agreement as “a major new step” that builds on the excellent relations already in place. He emphasized that it will further promote collaboration and create more opportunities for both countries.
The two countries enjoy longstanding friendly relations, reflected in visits and exchanges by heads of state and senior government officials. The most recent was on August 31, 2025, when President Paul Kagame visited Senegal to attend the Africa Food Summit (AFS).
Rwanda and Senegal have also established other agreements over the years. These include a cultural cooperation agreement signed in 1975, a general cooperation agreement in 2004, the creation of a permanent joint commission to oversee bilateral relations in 2016, as well as a partnership between Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) and Senegalese national broadcaster RTS.
Senegal is home to a significant Rwandan community, including students and families, some of whom settled there more than 40 years ago.
The decision, announced on September 8, 2025, comes after days of unrest triggered by public anger over lawmakers’ perks and growing concerns about rising living costs. The demonstrations, which spread across major cities, turned deadly with casualties, including a 21-year-old food delivery driver.
Sri Mulyani, a respected technocrat and former World Bank managing director, was replaced by Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa, who previously led Indonesia’s Deposit Insurance Corporation and held senior government positions.
Announcing his appointment, Purbaya sought to calm markets, stating, “We are not going to overhaul the system. We are going to optimise what’s existing.”
Analysts described Sri Mulyani’s dismissal as a significant shift, given her reputation as a guardian of fiscal discipline. The reshuffle also removed ministers in charge of cooperatives, youth and sports, and migrant worker protection, alongside security chief Budi Gunawan.
The move rattled investors, with the Jakarta stock index falling by more than 1 percent and the rupiah weakening. Economists fear the changes may pave the way for more expansive government spending.
President Prabowo has pledged ambitious programs, including achieving 8 percent annual economic growth, rolling out a national school lunch scheme costing about 1.5 percent of GDP, and increasing defence expenditure.
The protests that prompted the reshuffle were sparked by lawmakers granting themselves a housing allowance nearly ten times Jakarta’s minimum wage.
According to the Associated Press, demonstrators saw the decision as deeply insensitive in the midst of economic hardship. Violence during the protests left between eight and ten people dead, with rights groups warning of excessive use of force by security agencies.
