Kilimobenecyo, one of Rwanda’s most talented visual artists in history, died in the early hours of Saturday April 19, 2025.
Despite his remarkable contributions, Kilimobenecyo remained largely out of the spotlight and rarely appeared in the media. He gave only one interview, which was with IGIHE, in which he spoke about his artistic journey.
He was known for his humility and deep talent, and he loved to talk and joke with people, making it easy for young artists to identify with him.
His passion for art began at a young age while studying at the Nyundo School of Art, where he excelled. After graduating, he received a scholarship from the Soviet Union and went on to study graphic arts at the Institute of Fine Arts in Kyiv.
After completing his studies, he returned to Rwanda and in 1988 started working at the national printing press, where he was responsible for illustration, design, and editing content. He initially worked by hand, as computers were not yet available, but eventually bought his first computer in 1989.
Among his most notable and lasting creations is the current Rwandan national flag, which began official use on December 31, 2001. His design for the flag and the national coat of arms was selected as the best in a nationwide competition.
The idea to include a sun in the national flag was entirely his own, as it had not been among the required design elements. Like his other works, he always aimed to create something original and meaningful.
Kilimobenecyo also designed many of the symbols used by the Rwanda Defence Forces, from the layout of inscriptions on their uniforms to the insignias of various military units.
Over the years, he created numerous other official emblems used in state ceremonies, including a symbolic sword presented to President Kagame in 2017.
He also illustrated several Rwandan banknotes currently in use, including the Frw 5000, 2000, 1000, and 500 denominations, as well as coins such as the 100.
Recently, he shared with IGIHE a collection of restored historical photos, which he had digitally enhanced to modern standards as part of his effort to show younger generations what life looked like in the past.
The violent attack occurred two days ago in Bwanika Village, located in the Bufumbo Sub-county of Mbale District. According to eyewitnesses, tensions had been simmering for weeks after the body of a middle-aged man was discovered in a nearby thicket under suspicious circumstances.
The villagers, convinced that a local family was involved in the murder, took matters into their own hands, leading to a deadly assault that left five people dead and several homes in ashes.
Among the victims were the family’s patriarch and matriarch, as well as three adult children. Two younger family members reportedly managed to escape and are currently in protective custody.
In a further act of vengeance, the mob set fire to six houses belonging to the family, reducing them to rubble and ashes.
Residents said they had grown increasingly restless due to what they claimed was police inaction over the murder case. “We kept waiting for justice, but nothing happened. People got tired and took action,” one local told reporters on condition of anonymity.
Authorities have since condemned the attack, calling it a gross violation of the law.
Mbale District Deputy Commissioner, Sarah Nabirye, confirmed the incident and revealed that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched a full-scale investigation into both the lynching and the initial murder.
“This kind of mob justice is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We urge residents to let the law take its course and refrain from taking justice into their own hands,” Nabirye stated.
The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examinations.
Police patrols have been intensified in the area to prevent further violence, and several suspects linked to the mob attack have already been apprehended.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the deadly assault, leaders are calling for calm, urging residents to seek lawful ways of resolving conflicts.
This brutal episode has once again spotlighted the dangers of mob justice and the urgent need for stronger faith in Uganda’s criminal justice system.
In total, RDB registered 612 new investment projects during the year. The report shows that three main sectors including manufacturing, financial services and insurance, and real estate, accounted for 77.9% of the total investment value.
Manufacturing alone attracted $1.35 billion, while the financial services and insurance sector brought in $811.2 million. Real estate-related activities received $377.7 million in new investments.
The report indicates that Asia was the leading source of foreign investments in Rwanda in 2024, contributing $907 million across 100 projects, representing 37.4% of all investments.
Africa followed with $579.3 million in 188 projects, while the Americas contributed $485.6 million through 39 projects. Europe invested $404.1 million in 52 projects.
The Middle East contributed $41.5 million across 11 projects, and Oceania invested $8.3 million in three projects. Domestic investment amounted to $782.8 million across 191 projects, accounting for 24.4% of the total investments made in 2024.
Among foreign countries, China led the way, investing $460 million in 58 projects. It was followed closely by India, which invested $445.1 million in 35 projects, and the United States, which committed $441.3 million across 31 projects.
Nigeria was Africa’s top investor, contributing $313 million through 22 projects. The United Kingdom followed with $144.6 million in 14 projects, the Netherlands with $103.9 million, and Ireland with more than $93.6 million, though invested in just three projects.
Eritrea also made a notable contribution of $93.6 million across 65 projects, followed by Ethiopia, which invested over $57.6 million in 16 projects.
Several major projects were registered in 2024. These included Bio Usawa Biotechnology Ltd, which will construct a plant to manufacture treatments for serious eye diseases.
Nation Cement Holding Ltd acquired 99.94% of shares in CIMERWA. Ramba Investment Africa Holdings Ltd and Parklane Group Ltd made significant entries in the construction and real estate sectors.
Other notable investments included TTEC CX Solutions Rwanda Ltd, which supports digital skills development across industries, Basigo Rwanda Ltd in public transportation, Rio Tinto Exploration Rwanda Ltd, which is helping drive Rwanda’s mineral exploration efforts, and Bestred Technology Development Rwanda Co., Ltd in the technology sector.
Some members of the AFC/M23 coalition, an armed group opposing the Congolese government, confirmed that Kabila arrived in Goma on the afternoon of April 18, 2025, having traveled through Rwanda.
Patrick Muyaya, the spokesperson for the DRC Government, stated that Kabila’s presence in a territory controlled by AFC/M23 proves that he is an enemy of the state.
A close associate of Kabila told the Associated Press that the reason for his trip to Goma is to contribute to efforts aimed at restoring peace in eastern DRC.
Kabila’s spokesperson, Barbara Nzimbi, announced on April 19, 2025, that he would be addressing the Congolese people in the coming hours or days to clarify the situation. She said: “In the coming hours (or days), former President Joseph Kabila will deliver a speech to the nation to provide clarity.”
This marks Kabila’s return to the DRC after more than a year, his last visit was in 2023 before going into exile. It remains unclear how long he plans to stay in Goma.
Kabila has also recently denied allegations of collaborating with the AFC/M23, during an interview with the media in South Africa. He challenged the DRC government to present evidence to support its claims.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, confirmed the decision to IGIHE, saying, “Yes, we granted them permission to pass through Rwanda.”
While the exact date of the SADC troops’ departure from the Democratic Republic of Congo has not been confirmed, a task force has already been established to work on the process. This team recently began its work in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Once the withdrawal begins, the troops are expected to enter Rwanda through the Rubavu border and continue on to Tanzania, one of the countries contributing forces to the SADC mission. Other contributing nations include South Africa, whose contingent is the largest, and Malawi.
During earlier discussions between the SADC mission and the M23 group, it had been agreed that SADC troops would be allowed to take their military equipment with them upon departure, but they would not remove equipment left behind by the Congolese national army (FARDC).
FARDC troops currently stationed in Goma are also expected to leave, though the manner of their withdrawal remains unclear.
The repatriation of SADC troops has gained urgency in recent days following a spike in tensions after the M23 accused the regional forces of involvement in the April 11 clashes.
South Africa’s Chief of Defence, General Rudzani Maphwanya, has publicly stated that the withdrawal of the troops must be expedited.
Rwanda had previously allowed UN personnel based in Goma to exit through its territory when fighting intensified between M23 and Congolese government forces. It had also granted passage to wounded SADC troops and the remains of soldiers killed in combat.
By signing the WIFR Gender Charter on Thursday, April 17, the agency pledged to champion inclusivity not just within its ranks but across the ecosystem it helps shape.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, attended by Belinda Bwiza, WIFR Co-founder and CEO of One Acre Fund Rwanda, along with KIFC staff, CEO Nick Barigye emphasised that gender inclusivity is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic imperative.
“Empowering women is not only the right thing to do. It is the smart thing to do for ourselves as a company and for our country,” Barigye said.
“Inclusivity brings innovation and ensures sustainability. If we want finance to be sustainable, it must be inclusive.”
Barigye called on KIFC staff to treat the moment as a launchpad for real action rather than a symbolic gesture.
“Let’s walk the talk,” he urged, reiterating that the partnership must translate into tangible mentorships, capacity building, and growth for all.
The statistics shared during the event painted a vivid picture. While women make up 48.2% of Rwanda’s labour force compared to men’s 65.6%, their presence in high-impact roles remains limited. In the private sector, only 32% of decision-making positions are held by women. Moreover, they are significantly underrepresented in higher-paying technical fields—limiting both their economic empowerment and influence on financial policy and innovation.
“Women are present in the workforce,” said Bwiza, “but they’re not rising in the ranks. In many institutions, they enter in large numbers, but disappear by the time you reach senior management.”
Bwiza highlighted the issue of “support roles” often assigned to women in senior positions, underscoring a weak pipeline that endangers long-term progress.
“You may see a woman CEO, but ask yourself: what’s behind her? If the pipeline is dry, that progress isn’t sustainable.”
Central to WIFR’s mission is evidence-based transformation. A key part of their agenda is bridging the data gap that hinders effective interventions. With support from stakeholders such as Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), and the Rwanda Bankers Association, Bwiza noted that WIFR will soon conduct an in-depth study to map the current state of women in finance.
“If we understand the state of gender in our institutions,” Bwiza said, “then we can make systematic changes with clear targets. That’s what we’re advocating for.”
So far, 13 institutions have signed the WIFR Gender Charter, committing to transparent policies on diversity, equitable compensation, and inclusive governance structures. KIFC now joins this growing coalition. Some of the members include Bank of Kigali, BRD, NCBA Rwanda, Access to Finance Rwanda, EcoBank, I&M Bank, Umwalimu Sacco, Old Mutual Insurance, Coopedu, Mayfair, Sanlam and Zep-Re.
Among WIFR’s key initiatives is a newly launched mentorship programme promoting peer-to-peer learning. The goal is to create networks where young professionals can grow under the guidance of experienced women leaders. The programme, now in its first cohort, includes over 100 mentees and 30 mentors, with structured group mentoring sessions planned over nine months.
“Even mentors learn from these sessions,” Bwiza noted. “It’s a safe, empowering space where women can talk about workplace challenges, leadership, and personal growth.”
Additionally, WIFR partnered with the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (UK) to provide 50 scholarships to young women in finance. Notably, 50% of the recipients are under 30, pointing to a clear effort to develop the next generation of technical talent.
Both leaders agreed that signing the charter must be the beginning, not the end, of institutional reflection and transformation.
“Diagnose your institution,” urged Bwiza. “Where are you on this journey? What are your gaps? What commitments can you transparently make, and how can you track progress?”
Barigye echoed the sentiment, stressing that KIFC, as a sector coordinator, must model the very change it hopes to inspire across Rwanda’s financial landscape.
“Let’s be supportive,” he told staff. “This is about us, all of us. If we’re building a financial centre for the future, let’s build one that includes everyone.”
The catastrophe began when a fire started while a person was cooking on board the vessel, said Compétent Loyoko, the river commissioner. Several passengers, including women and children, died after jumping into the water without being able to swim.
Dozens were saved but many of the survivors were left badly burnt. The search for the missing included rescue teams supported by the Red Cross and provincial authorities.
The motorised wooden boat caught fire near the town of Mbandaka, Loyoko said. The boat, HB Kongolo, had left the port of Matankumu for the Bolomba territory.
“The death toll among the 500 passengers on board was extremely high,” said senator Jean-Paul Boketsu Bofili on Friday. “As we speak, more than 150 survivors suffering from third-degree burns are without humanitarian assistance.”
Deadly boat accidents are common in the central African country, where late-night travels and overcrowded vessels are often blamed. Authorities have struggled to enforce maritime regulations.
Congo’s rivers are a main means of transport for its more than 100 million people, especially in remote areas with little infrastructure. Hundreds have been killed in boat accidents in recent years as more people abandon the few available roads for wooden vessels packed with passengers and their goods.
“Our magnificent Congo River and the lakes our country abounds in have become huge cemeteries for the Congolese people. This is unacceptable,” said Bofili.
Dignitaries from various sectors graced the opening ceremony, including Rwanda’s Minister of State of Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, Irene Murerwa and presidents of national sports federations.
The event also drew prominent fan leaders like Bigango Valentin of the Rwanda Arsenal Fans Community (RAFC). At the heart of the festival was a powerful message from Minister Rwego Ngarambe, who called on African fans not only to support Arsenal but to invest in the future of African football.
“We are Arsenal fans from different African countries, let’s give ourselves the mission to do everything possible so that one day we have players from our own countries playing for this great club,” he urged.
Beyond the official speeches and celebrations, the festival offered a packed program, including visits to iconic sites like the Ntarama Genocide Memorial and Amahoro Stadium. Fans also committed to giving back, with planned donations to Aheza Healing and Career Center and a joint tree-planting activity with Orion BBC.
Social events added even more sparkle to the weekend, with friendly matches, tourism excursions, and a highly anticipated group screening of the Arsenal vs. Ipswich Town match on Sunday afternoon.
The festival, last hosted in Rwanda in 2018, returned with even more energy and international presence, welcoming fans from Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Sierra Leone.
This gathering also underscored the ongoing partnership between Rwanda and Arsenal through the Visit Rwanda campaign, proudly featured on the club’s left sleeve since 2018, a symbol of growing ties between global football and African ambition.
With scholarships valued at up to $85,000 per year, the program is offering a growing number of young learners the chance to access top-tier universities across North America, Europe, and Africa, without the financial barriers that have historically limited such opportunities.
Far from being just another scholarship scheme, ALX Pathway is designed to help students succeed beyond admission. Essential tools that are especially crucial for students transitioning directly from secondary school into fast-paced global academic environments, are disseminated.
It begins with an eight-month Foundation program that equips learners with communication, leadership, critical thinking, and professional readiness skills. Once they complete the program, through the application process, the students are connected to partner universities.
Each institution offers a distinct academic and cultural experience, students are supported and ALX ensures students are prepared for both.
In the United States, students interested in computer science, engineering, or entrepreneurship are drawn to Berkeley’s dynamic campus, where the tech industry and academia often overlap. It’s the kind of place where students work on real-world problems from day one.
For those looking to combine tradition and leadership, Morehouse College in Atlanta presents another option. The historically Black college has produced renowned figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and filmmaker Spike Lee.
It offers a leadership-centered education, particularly appealing for students interested in social impact and public service. Atlanta’s creative and cultural energy only adds to the student experience.
The University of Chicago brings a different kind of intellectual rigor. Known for its commitment to academic depth, students there immerse themselves in debate, discussion, and a high standard of independent thinking.
Other American institutions in the network include Vanderbilt University, with its strong programs in healthcare and innovation and Macalester College in Minnesota, which boasts a globally diverse student body and a deep focus on international relations.
Others are Northwestern University, located just outside of Chicago, with strengths in journalism, business, and engineering and Skidmore College in New York, which encourages creative, cross-disciplinary learning in small, interactive classes.
Across the Atlantic, students interested in applied technology and digital innovation can look to Code University in Berlin, Germany. Here, learners ditch the traditional lecture model in favor of hands-on tech projects in collaboration with leading companies.
The university is situated in one of Europe’s most vibrant startup ecosystems, giving students access to real-world experience even before graduation.
Closer to home, the African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda offers students a chance to study on a forward-thinking campus where learning is rooted in problem-solving.
Rather than memorizing theory, students work on projects that tackle real-world African challenges through internships and collaboration. The institution attracts learners from across the continent, creating a pan-African learning environment that blends leadership development with academic study.
The African Leadership College (ALC) in Mauritius offers a similar model but with the added bonus of a coastal campus setting. It combines academic rigor with entrepreneurship, preparing students for impact-driven careers in one of Africa’s most advanced economies.
For learners focused on practical outcomes and technical education, the Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology in South Africa offers certifications and industryready programs that match evolving job market needs.
While the destinations are varied, the starting point remains the same: the ALX Pathway’s Foundation program in Kigali. For students like Ange, who is aiming to study at Macalester College, this initial step is about more than just preparation.
“The Foundations program changed how I think. I will arrive confident and prepared—the transition will be smoother, because they have prepared me,” she said.
Mentorship plays a central role throughout the journey. ALX alumni and program facilitators guide students as they select universities, prepare applications, and transition into student life abroad.
The program’s focus is not only on academic readiness but also on personal transformation, helping students identify long-term goals and take ownership of their development.
As the deadline approaches for the May 2025 intake, the number of applications is expected to rise. The cohort is scheduled to begin next month, and the final day to apply is April 21. Interested students can visit [alxafrica.com->https://www.alxafrica.com/join-pathway/] or contact 0796 163 394 to begin their application.
During a press conference held on April 16, 2025 at Xianhe Hall, Beijing International Club, Professor Lionel M. Ni, Founding President of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), emphasized the growing demand for AI expertise and how his university is actively inviting foreign talent, including from Africa, to be part of the innovation ecosystem.
Professor Ni said that the university is not just Chinese in location but global in spirit, with 10 to 20 percent of its student population coming from outside China and a diverse faculty recruited from around the world.
“My university is a truly international university… probably 10%, 20% non-Chinese students coming to our place… We’re pleased to entertain, to host the student or senior faculty working with us,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when Rwanda is investing heavily in its digital economy. The country’s One Million Coders program aims to train one million citizens in digital skills by 2030, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, software development, and data analysis.
China’s willingness to host Rwandan students and researchers in its advanced tech labs could fast-track the goals of this national program and create new pathways for innovation-led growth.
At the event, Professor Ni also addressed a question about China’s reliance on Nvidia chips, which are said to have been used in training the advanced Chinese AI model Deepseek.
He acknowledged that China cannot yet access the most advanced chips but is actively investing in local alternatives. “With the century, I cannot get the most advanced, but… I’m looking for some local companies as well… I’m pretty sure in a year or so, you will see the software ecosystem,” he said.
This shift toward technological independence, he explained, is not just about hardware. It involves building complete ecosystems that support AI development, including software, data infrastructure, and academic research.
By involving international students in this effort, China is effectively inviting countries like Rwanda to be part of shaping that future. Rwanda, which already integrates AI across multiple sectors including health, education, and finance, stands to gain from such cooperation.
With the right partnerships, Rwandan students and professionals could gain hands-on experience in high-impact research and contribute directly to global advances in intelligent systems. For a country that has declared technology as a pillar of its economic transformation, the opportunity could not be more timely.
