The rainy period’s conclusion is forecasted to be between December 21st and 27th. Significant heavy rainfall is expected in the western and northern provinces, while the southern region of the country as well as the capital city, Kigali, will likely experience more moderate levels of precipitation. Conversely, the eastern province is predicted to encounter relatively lighter rainfall.
Attributing this rainfall pattern to elevated temperatures observed in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Aimable Gahigi, the Director General of Meteo Rwanda, highlights, “The upcoming rainy season in 2023 will witness a substantial increase in precipitation, comparable to the levels recorded in 1997, 2002, and 2006.”
Gahigi strongly recommends that individuals engaged in agriculture take proactive measures, including erosion control, expedited land preparation, timely provision of fertilizers to farmers, and strategic planning for planting seasons. The accuracy of forecasts for this season is an impressive 75.5% for the long term, increasing significantly to 85% for short-term predictions.
Authorities and the general population are earnestly urged to adequately prepare in order to mitigate potential damages and minimize the risk of human losses.
While addressing Kicukiro local leaders on Gerayo Amahoro on Wednesday, August 23, the Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that most road accidents are caused by reckless drivers, wrong overtaking, failure to respect safe distance and violation of right of way.
Other causes include failure to use side mirrors, driving on the wrong side of the road, speeding, destructed driving such as use of phone, and drunkenness.
More than 7800 accidents were recorded across the country between January and June this year, with the vast majority 97 percent involving male drivers.
During the same period, 399 road fatalities were recorded, with 331 of them male.
“It is always important to ensure that your automobile is in roadworthy conditions, have enough knowledge on traffic rules and regulations, regulate your speed, use indicators efficiently, avoid weaving between lanes or multi-tasking when driving, or driving while drunk,” CP Kabera told Kicukiro local leaders.
He added that practicing and understanding defensive driving, using headlights and interior lighting at night for the case of public vehicles, buckling up, respecting traffic lights and other roadside signs, and most importantly staying focused on the road, also contribute to road safety.
“You should be mentally ready for driving and healthy, with your eyes and ears on the road, no stress or under any influence like drugs and alcohol,” CP Kabera told the local leaders.
He also urged them to always keep children safe in the car by putting them in back seats with seatbelt or baby car-seat belt, and respect pedestrian zones.
“Be good advocates of Gerayo Amahoro, share road safety tips with your children, relatives and friends, behave responsibly while on road and be agents of change,” CP Kabera said.
Kicukiro District Executive Administrator, Antoine Mutsinzi reminded the district, sector and cells staff to be responsible drivers and to spearhead Gerayo Amahoro campaign in their respective areas of responsibility.
“Road safety is the responsibility of us all, and giving a service is not just helping, it’s a responsibility,” Mutsinzi said.
Kagame presided over the ceremony on August 24, where Sandrine Umutoni, now Minister of State for Youth, Jeanine Munyeshuli, Minister of State for Public Investment and Resource Mobilisation at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Finance, and Maj Gen Albert Murasira, Minister of Emergency Management, took their oaths of office.
Umutoni, formerly Imbuto Foundation Director General, Munyeshuli, formerly Chief Strategy Officer at the University of Global Health Equity, and Murasira, previously Minister of Defence, were appointed on August 22 as part of a cabinet reshuffle featuring several new appointments.
Kagame stressed the importance of individuals assuming accountability not only for themselves and their followers, but also for the nation. The inclusion of Umutoni and Munyeshuli, both women, in leadership positions was intentional, aimed at fostering a sense of youth leadership across various sectors critical to the nation’s development.
He clarified that this initiative is driven by their competence rather than gender, anticipating that it would enable the younger generation to better relate and aspire. Kagame emphasized that fostering this mindset from a young age holds promise for a future where the youth take charge with confidence.
Kagame also reminded the new leaders that their forthcoming responsibilities are a continuation of their prior roles, urging them to build upon past accomplishments and strive for further progress.
CTC, under the visionary leadership of Rwandan entrepreneur Janvier Nzamutuma, currently based in Luxembourg, has launched student enrollment for meticulously designed training programs with a primary focus on AML/KYC/compliance.
The brainchild of Nzamutuma, CTC offers an array of comprehensive consulting and training services tailored to the dynamic financial industry. Renowned for its expertise, CTC specializes in two core domains: Consulting and Training. The company has established a robust partnership with the esteemed European Business University of Luxembourg, leading to collaborative efforts on various pioneering initiatives.
In a recent feat, CTC celebrated the graduation of 50 accomplished individuals who had successfully completed rigorous training programs in finance. This triumph is attributed to the synergy between CTC and the European Business University of Luxembourg (EBU), offering an extensive range of courses spanning business, economics, and finance. These educational offerings have proven to be instrumental in propelling individuals from diverse backgrounds towards unprecedented professional growth and advancement.
CTC’s overarching mission is to equip individuals with essential financial skills coveted by employers, including leading insurance companies. The firm also extends its expertise to financial institutions, guiding them in adopting measures that align with international standards. Beyond this, CTC lends its support to investors, facilitating well-informed investment decisions and ensuring the seamless operation of their enterprises.
The forthcoming intake, scheduled to commence in September 2023, will be divided into two distinct phases. The initial phase will delve into theoretical foundations, allowing trainees to establish a robust understanding of fundamental concepts. The subsequent phase will focus on practical applications, enabling participants to apply their acquired knowledge through hands-on exercises.
Scheduled to begin from September 13 to December 9, 2023, the training session also offers flexibility for working professionals. Participants can engage in courses after regular working hours, with an option for virtual participation. Online sessions are set to take place every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm, and the final examinations are slated for December 9th.
Prospective candidates aspiring to carve a niche in the financial sector and specialize in compliance are encouraged to register via a straightforward process.
By visiting the official website, www.ClearTrustconsulting.com, interested individuals can peruse the array of courses available and complete the user-friendly registration form. For further assistance, inquiries can be directed to 00352621265637.
The registration deadline is firmly set for September 3, 2023. CTC’s management also elaborates that examinations will be conducted in multiple locations, including Luxembourg and Rwanda, with additional instructions forthcoming for other countries.
A noteworthy highlight for graduates is the receipt of certificates accredited by EBU, a testament to the robust partnership between the institution and CTC. This accreditation serves as a badge of honor for graduates, validating their successful completion of the program.
Xi made the remarks at a press conference during the 15th BRICS Summit after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were invited to become new BRICS members.
In response to the complaint, President Kagame has instructed relevant authorities from the City of Kigali, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Defence to address the situation.
The incident came to the President’s attention on Wednesday during the celebration of YouthConnekt’s Aluminum anniversary at Intare Conference Arena.
According to Musinguzi, he paid Rwf210 million in 2021 for a hotel located in the Kicukiro suburb of Kigali. However, despite his payment and reporting the matter to authorities in Kicukiro District, the ownership transfer has not occurred as expected.
Musinguzi also raised the issue of the duration of the certificates offered by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to new business owners. He suggested extending the validity period of the certificates from the current two years to at least five years, to better support their business establishment.
Furthermore, he appealed to the President to reconsider the age requirements for youths aspiring to join the army, proposing a lower age limit. He emphasized the youth’s eagerness to contribute to their country’s service.
Kagame, in response, called upon the mayor and relevant institutions, including the justice system, hotel managers, and district officials, to promptly address the issue of alleged exploitation by the retired Colonel. He also assured Musinguzi that concerns regarding RDB certificates and other related matters would be examined.
In line with Kagame’s directive, the concerned authorities engaged with Musinguzi to better understand the details of his claim. IGIHE has learnt that Musinguzi was invited to the Rwanda Defence Force headquarters on Thursday morning to receive assistance.
Present at the anniversary event was 23-year-old Mugisha Robinson, known as Producer Ele, who encouraged fellow youths to leverage Rwanda’s peaceful and secure environment for the country’s future development.
Ezekiel Nziyosenga, representing visually and hearing impaired youths, appealed to the President to facilitate their access to information on how they could join the army as handicapped individuals. He cited the example of Captain Michael Nsengiyumva, who returned to Rwanda and joined the army out of patriotism, despite receiving education abroad.
Kagame assured Nziyosenga that the army welcomes individuals from diverse professions and pledged to ensure inclusivity for handicapped individuals.
The President graced the celebration as the guest of honor, marking 10 years of YouthKonnekt’s impactful presence in Rwanda. The event was attended by Youth Minister Abdallah Utamutushima, representatives from Imbuto Foundation, UNDP, European Union, and other dignitaries.
Utamatwishima remarked, “As we reflect, we witness a transformation led by the determination of young innovators. YouthConnekt has provided Rwandan youth with a platform to thrive, enabling them to convert challenges within their communities into opportunities.”
Initiated by Rwanda in 2012, YouthConnekt has emerged as a successful collaboration between the Rwandan government, youth, and development partners, including UNDP, Imbuto Foundation, MTN, KOICA Rwanda, European Union, UNICEF, UNFPA, UN Women, WHO, MasterCard Foundation, Airtel Rwanda, Bank of Kigali, BPR, and others.
Since its inception, YouthConnekt Rwanda has generated employment for over 36,000 youths, trained 24,000 enthusiastic advocates, and engaged more than 4,000,000 volunteers.
Beyond Rwanda, YouthConnekt operates in 32 other African countries, aiming to connect youth from across the continent, offering them opportunities to interact with their leaders and access mentorship.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards will be presented in person this year at St James’s Palace in London, where the event will be attended by The Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke has long championed youth causes and promoted development opportunities for young people.
Commenting on the development, the Commonwealth’s Head of Social Policy Development, Layne Robinson, said: “These awards are a source of pride for us at the Secretariat, and particular the Secretary-General, as we have wholeheartedly committed to empowering and amplifying young people.
These 20 regional finalists have sacrificed much and it is with great pleasure that we have an opportunity to reward them. I also want to thank the Duke of Edinburgh for agreeing to attend the Awards and the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust for their continued partnership.”
The Youth Awards will be one of the main side events of the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting (CYMM), which takes place from 11-15 September 2023. Ministers and senior officials from across 56 nations will gather at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth headquarters, to deliberate on proposals, share best practices and decide on future plans to support young people across the Commonwealth. It will be the 10th time they will be convening, and this meeting will be held under the theme: ‘Aim Higher: Delivering More for Young People in the Commonwealth.’
While there will be celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, the meeting will be focused on charting the way forward with the input of young people, experts, and youth workers in collaboration with the Ministers, Senior Officials and policymakers who will be gathered for CYMM.
On Thursday, 14th September, those gathered for the Commonwealth Youth Ministers Meeting will celebrate the achievements of the Youth Awards finalists. The celebrations will also unveil the much-anticipated Commonwealth Young Person of the Year.
Rwandan Ghislain Irakoze has emerged among the 2023 finalists for the Africa region. He featured on the list along with other Africans including Mawuse Christina Gyisun (Ghana), Deliwe Makata (Malawi) and Emmanuel Tlemu (Republic of Tanzania).
Each of the 20 finalists, from across five regions, will receive a trophy, a certificate and £1,000 as their prize. The top finalist from each region will be recognised as the regional winner and will receive £3,000.
One of the five regional winners will then become the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2023 and be awarded £5,000.
In continuation of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s partnership with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT), an additional prize of £20,000 in funding will also be presented to one project at the award ceremony, to be delivered over the course of two years. The winner will be enrolled into QCT’s Youth Ventures Programme and given access to coaching and development opportunities.
He delivered these remarks at the celebration of YouthConnect’s 10-year anniversary at Intare Arena in Rusororo.
The event brought together thousands of young Rwandan leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to engage in opportunities for socioeconomic transformation, while showcasing their accomplishments and addressing challenges.
The Head of State emphasized that Rwandans and Africans are akin to other global citizens, where foreign powers should not have the authority to control them.
“There are powerful and affluent nations that impose their ways upon others, which raises questions, as no person created another. Regardless of whether you hail from America, China, India, Russia, Europe, or elsewhere, no one is the creator of another. From this standpoint, it’s evident that people should coexist with mutual respect,” he observed.
The President encouraged the youth to devise solutions and cultivate positive mindsets if they are to achieve the desired self-worth.
“Individuals strive for self-respect. You should think in a manner that acknowledges your humanity and capacity, albeit with limitations, just as other individuals also possess limitations in their capabilities,” he highlighted.
Kagame asserted that considering individual contributions collectively would have a positive impact, ensuring the continent is not perceived as lagging behind. He also reminded the youth to play their roles as early as possible to make significant strides towards desired progress and meaningful contribution to national development.
“Young people, in everything you do, ask yourself why Rwanda and Africa are still lagging behind in terms of development when other parts of the world have managed to move ahead. In whatever you do, ask yourself what you can contribute toward solving that problem. There is no early time or young age for you to not think about the future and what you can do about it,” stated Kagame.
The President also motivated young individuals to dispel any pessimistic thoughts or feelings of hopelessness and self-underestimation.
“No, you are capable, just give it a try, even if it fails you will have tried. Have that heart that wants to try to do something and succeed, you will fail in some cases but if you fail, try something else, you will succeed,” he advised.
Themed “10 Years of Impact,” this anniversary highlighted the multitude of achievements by YouthConnekt, which includes the establishment of over 30,000 jobs and the provision of support to over 2,000 youth-led enterprises with skills in business development, mentorship, funding, and more.
YouthConnekt Rwanda is the result of an effective partnership between the Rwandan government, the youth, and development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Imbuto Foundation, MTN, KOICA Rwanda, the European Union, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women, World Health Organization (WHO), MasterCard Foundation, Airtel Rwanda, Bank of Kigali and BPR, among others.
Among them, 75 students are to pursue master’s degrees, two doctorates and three bachelor’s degrees in science, technology and economics among other disciplines.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, Wang Xuekun, the Chinese ambassador to Rwanda, urged the students to make good use of the study opportunity, aim high and pursue academic excellence.
Encouraging the students to connect personal ambition with national development, Wang said that Rwanda attaches great importance to education and the development of human resources, as it plays a key role in the country’s transformation agenda.
Since the 1980s, more than 1,500 Rwandan students have completed their studies in China after being awarded Chinese government scholarships, according to official data.
The graduates from China are said to be working in different sectors of Rwandan society, contributing to the country’s progress.
Rose Mukankomeje, the director general of Rwanda’s Higher Education Council, highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Chinese government and Rwanda in terms of capacity building.
Besides knowledge from lecture rooms, she advised the students to embrace Chinese culture and society and come back upon completion of their studies with the necessary experiences to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
The students are to study at first-tier universities in China.
Phillip Karenzi, the director general at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the farewell ceremony as a key event in the history of China-Rwanda relations.
“This farewell reception is not just (a) symbolic event but a symbol of strong ties between Rwanda and China,” he said, commending the leadership of Rwanda and China for the unwavering commitment to strengthening excellent relations between the two countries.
He noted that the commitment has yielded tangible results in various sectors such as infrastructure, health, agriculture, energy, technology and education. “The collaboration is a testament to the friendship that has flourished for over 50 years and it serves as the foundation for greater cooperation in the years ahead,” said Karenzi.
Underlining the Rwandan government’s appreciation to China for supporting Rwanda’s human capital development, Karenzi emphasized that the country’s education sector has greatly benefitted from the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Karenzi challenged the students to act as Rwanda’s ambassadors in China and carry with them Rwanda’s spirit of “agaciro,” literally meaning dignity in Kinyarwanda, the national language of Rwanda, or dignity while remaining open to new ideas. He advised the students to not only gain classroom knowledge in China but learn from China’s rich transformative experience from the community they will be part of.
Emmanuel Kamanzi, the adviser to the Rwanda-China Alumni Organization, advised the students against being swayed from their studies, when they reach China, noting there is a lot to learn there which can be helpful when they return to Rwanda, including language and Chinese culture.
Ian Jesse Mbanda, who spoke on behalf of the new scholarship beneficiaries, said their belief is that studying in China offers many rewards in terms of knowledge and skills. He said there is a lot to learn in terms of Chinese technology and industrial development.
Ambassador Wang also encouraged the students “to add fuel to China-Rwanda friendship,” saying the relationship between the two countries is a model of state-to-state relations. “During your stay in China, I encourage you to visit various places, make more friends, and deepen your understanding of China, its people and culture.”
