The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. on 30th December 2022 as a bus with registered number plate RAD798B belonging to Volcano collided with another bus (plate number KCU 054L) belonging to Oxygen transport company from Kenya.
The bus belonging to Volcano was moving from Kampala to Rwanda while the other one was headed for Nairobi from Kigali.
The Operations Manager at Volcano Express, Agaba Andrew Japhet has told IGIHE that they have so far learnt that three people including a driver, co-driver and another passenger next to their seats died in the accident.
Ugandan Police has however announced that the accident claimed lives of four Rwandans, a Kenyan and Burundian.
The deceased include the driver of Volcano’s bus, Alphonse Murara, Omido David the driver of Oxygen’s bus, Mustafa Ishingiro, Claude Gakuru, Etienne Hakizimana and another female Burundian passenger.
Ugandan Police has also revealed that at least 40 injured passengers were rushed to Lotom Health Center in Muhanga Town.
According to The New Vision, Elly Mate, the Spokesperson of Kigezi Regional Police said that the preliminary cause of the accident was too much fog ‘where they couldn’t easily see what was ahead of them and hence collided’.
The deceased have been taken to the mortuary of Kabale Hospital.
Agaba has said that they sent another bus to carry non-affected passengers as soon as they learnt about the accident.
Videos shared on social media show the two buses’ front parts severely damaged.
Rwahi area in which the accident happened is located in Ntungamo District in the western part of Uganda.
It is situated in 83 kilometers from Mbarara and 317 kilometers from Kampala. It also takes one hour drive to reach Gatuna border.
As 2022 comes to a close, a number of initiatives have been undertaken to strengthen climate resilience, beat plastic pollution, promote conservation, restore degraded ecosystems and develop partnerships to limit average global temperature rises below 1.5 degree Celsius.
Below are highlights of how Rwanda moved further towards a green and climate resilient nation in 2022.
{{Global Plastics Treaty to End Plastic Pollution by 2040}}
At the annual United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi in March this year, the world adopted a proposal from Rwanda and Peru to begin the process of creating an international, legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. This milestone was described as the “biggest green deal since the Paris Agreement.”
To ensure an ambitious and robust treaty is adopted, Rwanda and Norway founded the [High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution->https://hactoendplasticpollution.org/] together with Canada, Peru, Germany, Senegal, Georgia, Republic of Korea, UK, Switzerland, Portugal, Chile, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Costa Rica, Iceland, Ecuador and France. Today, the coalition has almost 50 members.
The High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution will issue statements and work on essential elements and issues to inform the negotiations in order to develop a landmark treaty by 2024.
{{Sustainable Energy for All Forum}}
The Sustainable Energy for All Forum was held in Rwanda from 17-19 May 2022 to discuss how to achieve universal energy access, fight climate change and to reduce global inequalities. The event was organised by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Government of Rwanda. It was the first time the event was held in Africa.
The global SEforALL Forum is the landmark international gathering on sustainable energy.
Global leaders from government, business, development institutions, civil society and many other organisations as well as youth representatives-built partnerships, shared expertise, and formed important commitments related to energy and climate goals ahead of COP27 in Egypt.
{{Keeping 1.5 climate Goal Alive at CHOGM2022}}
“There is a lot Commonwealth Member States can do together to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.”
On the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali, leaders from across the Commonwealth [committed->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/commonwealth-leaders-commit-to-keeping-15-climate-goal-alive] to working together to address climate change and keep alive the goal of limiting average global temperature rises below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The commitment was made at an event hosted by the Government of Rwanda and the Government of the United Kingdom, together with the COP26 Presidency.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kigali was the [greenest CHOGM ever->https://youtu.be/_K5-pgTxAcE].
{{Official Opening of Nyandungu Eco-Park }}
Nyandungu Eco-Park was transformed from a degraded wetland into an educational and recreational public space in the heart of Rwanda’s capital city. It represents the value of restoring urban ecosystems, and serves as a blueprint for other wetlands in Kigali and across the country.
Nyandungu Eco-Park [was officially opened->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/nyandungu-eco-park-opens-to-the-public] in 2022 by the Prime Minister of Rwanda and provides a space for residents and visitors to the city to explore and learn from nature. It is part of Rwanda’s efforts to harness eco-tourism to restore biodiversity and conserve urban wetland ecosystems.
{{Africa Protected Areas Congress – APAC2022 }}
The IUCN Africa Protected Areas Congress (APAC), the first-ever Pan-African gathering of leaders, citizens, and interest groups focused on protected areas [was held in Rwanda->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/first-iucn-africa-protected-areas-congress-opens-in-kigali-rwanda] from 18-23 July 2022.
More than 2,000 participants from 52 African countries and beyond came together to address challenges and drive action for Africa’s protected and conserved areas. They discussed the key role of these areas in safeguarding the continent’s iconic wildlife, delivering vital ecosystem services, driving sustainable development and conserving Africa’s cultural heritage and traditions. The participants adopted the Kigali Call to Action.
{{Forest Planting Season 2022}}
Each year Rwanda organises the Forest Planting Season from September to November. This year, 36 million trees were planted across the country through a campaign launched at the Kigali Special Economic Zone, Masoro marking the 47th anniversary of National Tree Planting Day. This year, emphasis was given to indigenous and agroforestry tree species for their ability to restore landscapes and promote biodiversity.
In 2022, over 50 tree species were distributed and planted including indigenous and agroforestry tree species. As part of afforestation and forest rehabilitation, more than 92,000 hectares of new forests were planted and degraded forests rehabilitated. This was done as part of efforts to increase and maintain the country’s 30.4% forest coverage and contribute to the Bonn Challenge and AFR100 goals of restoring two million hectares of degraded land.
{{UN Climate Change Conference – COP27}}
Rwanda [called for greater climate action->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/rwanda-calls-for-greater-climate-action-and-shares-green-investment-opportunities-at-cop27] and shared the country’s green investment opportunities at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) that took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. COP27 was an opportunity for Rwanda to promote Rwanda as an ideal destination for green investment, share the diverse opportunities that exist across Rwanda and highlight Rwanda’s track record in delivering climate action and vision for a carbon neutral future by 2050.
{{Launch of Ireme Invest}}
Rwanda [launched ->http://fonerwa.org/rwanda-launches-100-million-facility-boost-private-sector-access-green-finance]Ireme Invest, a facility that will promote private-sector investment in Rwanda’s green growth journey. Ireme Invest will support the private sector to access green finance and increase the private sector’s contribution to Rwanda’s response.
The facility will catalyse green and low-carbon private investment with a focus on blended finance and is a partnership from the Rwanda Green Fund and the Development Bank of Rwanda. It was launched by the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt in November.
{{Launch of Rwanda NDC Facility}}
Funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through the Rwandan-German Climate and Development Partnership, the Rwanda NDC Facility will invest in climate action led by the public sector. The Facility [was launched->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/rwanda-launches-new-eur-46m-facility-to-finance-public-sector-climate-action] on the sidelines of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt.
Known formally as the NDC Facility, the new funding is available to government institutions working to implement Rwanda’s climate action plan, also known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement. It will be managed by the Rwanda Green Fund.
{{World Circular Economic Forum 2022 – From Africa to the World}}
The 6th World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF 2022) was[ held in Kigali->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/from-africa-to-the-world-landmark-event-presents-circular-economy-solutions-for-green-growth-climate-and-biodiversity] and for the first time in Africa from 6-8 December. Co-organised by the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Environment, the forum explored pathways to transition toward an inclusive, low-carbon and climate resilient economy while tackling key societal challenges in partnership with African nations and the world at large.
The WCEF2022 discussions, outcomes and key findings showed that Africa can lead the world towards a new, more resilient economy – the circular economy. During the forum, the [Kigali Call to Action for a Circular Future->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/kigali-call-to-action-for-a-circular-future] was endorsed by policy makers, businesses, financial institutions, philanthropies, NGOs, multilaterals, as well as the academia and research community, recognising the important role and opportunities circular economy can play in advancing Africa’s green growth and low carbon pathway. Rwanda also [launched->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/rwanda-launches-national-circular-economy-action-plan-and-roadmap] its Circular Economy Action Plan during the WCEF2022.
{{UN Global Biodiversity Conference – COP15}}
Rwanda participated in the UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, Canada and [called on nations of the world->https://www.environment.gov.rw/news-detail/rwanda-calls-on-the-world-to-put-nature-first-and-agree-on-an-ambitious-global-biodiversity-framework] to join hands and agree on an ambitious Global Biodiversity Framework.
The UN Biodiversity Conference, also known as COP15, convened nations to agree on a new set of goals for nature through the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework. At COP15 Rwanda joined with nations of the world to adopt a historic agreement to address the loss of biodiversity and restore natural ecosystems.
Rwanda played a leading role by facilitating consultations on resource mobilisation alongside Germany.
{{Climate, Environment and Natural Resources Sector Digital Solutions}}
In 2022, digital solutions were developed to make it easier for citizens to access services.
{{• Digital Land Titles}}
To make it easier for citizens to undertake land related transactions and achieve paperless service delivery, the National Land Authority launched a pilot for the provision of electronic certificate of land registration, also known as “e-Title”.
The new system will eliminate the issuance of physical land title deeds and enable other sectors to rely on digital land certificates to serve citizens in different capabilities.
The implementation of e-Title will accelerate service delivery, reduce the cost associated with the production of titles and address the issue of title loss or damage.
The goal is to realise the target of zero trips, and zero paper. Once fully operational, e-Titles will be accessible via the land portal at [landinformation.lands.rw->https://landinformation.lands.rw/]
{{• Baza (Ask)}}
Baza was created to engage with and respond to beneficiaries of services provided by the Ministry of Environment and its affiliated agencies. It is a digital channel where citizens and other stakeholders can lodge complaints, ask questions, share information regarding services and projects and receive timely feedback. The system can be accessed via the Web, Android, IOS, SMS, and USSD (*164#). To access Baza, visit bazamoe.environment.gov.rw
{{Awards and Recognition}}
In 2022, the Climate, Environment and Natural Resources Sector and partners received a number of awards and recognition for efforts to build a green and climate resilient nation, including:
• NDC Investment Award given to President Paul Kagame in the category of Presidential Just Transition Champion
• NDC Investment Award for Agriculture NDC Investment Initiative of The Year in the category of Low Carbon Transformation for the Rwandan Tea Processing Sector
• Recognition of the City of Kigali as a Wetland City by the Ramsar Convention
• Hanga Pitch Fest Public Innovation Award Nomination of the [Air Quality Monitoring System->https://aq.rema.gov.rw/] by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, which connects users to real-time air quality data collected from 23 air quality monitoring stations across the country.
• Hanga Pitch Fest Public Innovation Award Nomination of the Ubutaka App by the National Land Authority, which prevents impersonation and double-selling of property using blockchain, fingerprint, camera, and signature pad technology for land ownership transfer processes.
Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu said the police were hunting for people who set fire to the game reserve called Namalok, located 50 km south of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
He said this is the second time unknown people set fire to the game reserve, adding that the first time was in May when 21 hectares were destroyed.
The Namalok game reserve is home to various wildlife and was created in 2004 for conservation.
Between January and October 2022, IOM registered over 100,000 returning migrants to Ethiopia, with the majority — more than 71,000 — coming from Saudi Arabia, the UN migration agency said in its latest Ethiopia Crisis Response Plan issued late Wednesday.
“The alarming number of migrants arrive destitute and with serious medical and psychiatric conditions which challenge the local capacities,” the IOM said.
It said the conflict in northern Ethiopia has made the situation of migrants even more precarious, with returns to home communities made impossible and migrants becoming stranded.
According to the UN migration agency, approximately one-third of all returns from Saudi Arabia originate from areas devastated by conflict.
Noting that the eastern African country is an important departure, transit and destination country for mixed migration flows in the Horn of Africa, the IOM said hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians, primarily youth, migrate toward the Middle East, South Africa, and Europe every year.
It said forced migration due to climate change has worsened in recent years, exposing vulnerable populations to trafficking in persons and other forms of exploitation.
Desperate Ethiopian migrants, who attempt to cross the dangerous Red Sea route via the neighboring nation Djibouti, often endure deadly incidents along the Red Sea as well as imprisonment and killings in Yemen.
The amendments to the Act include the reclassification of the supply of sanitary pads as a zero-rated supply, said Wilson Shikoto, the ministerial spokesperson, in a statement Thursday.
“This means no VAT is to be charged on sanitary pads as defined in the Amendment Act in January next year. Registered VAT persons and vendors are, therefore, reminded to adjust their sale systems to implement the new provision of the law, and accordingly provide the necessary relief on the cost of these products to consumers,” Shikoto added.
According to a 2021 report on the Comprehensive Assessment of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Adolescent Girls in Namibia, most girls prefer and use disposable pads. Still, one in four girls cannot afford them.
The Head of State voiced the appreciation through end of year message to Rwandan Defence and Security Forces in which he also extolled them for addressing pressing issues of human security as the bedrock of sustainable peace.
{{Below is the full message:}}
{On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, and on my own behalf, I wish the officers, men, and women of the Rwanda Defence and Security Forces, and your families, a Happy New Year 2023.
As we approach the end of 2022, I wish to commend your exemplary service, hard work and professionalism in delivering your core duty of defending the people and territory of Rwanda, and addressing pressing issues of human security as the bedrock of sustainable peace.
Beyond our borders, Rwanda’s Defence and Security Forces have participated in tackling challenges in partner countries in Africa through bilateral cooperation, particularly in fighting terrorism in Mozambique, and contributing to peace and stability in the Central African Republic.
Our peacekeepers deployed under United Nations missions continue to be good ambassadors of Rwanda, consistently representing the best values that we stand for.
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to all of you for making our country proud.
It is not easy to be separated from loved ones at this time of year, for those deployed away from home. Rwanda appreciates this invaluable spirit of dedication.
I pay tribute to our departed comrades who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation and the world in 2022. I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen, and assure you that the leaders and people of Rwanda stand firmly with you.
The beginning of a new year is an opportunity to renew your pledge to protect our country against all threats, so that we can sustain Rwanda’s hard-earned economic and social progress.
Let me conclude, once again, with best wishes for the New Year.
The incident happened around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday 28th December 2022.
Sources indicate that Sibibugingo was an employee of Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC).
The executive secretary of Giheke Cell, Caleb Nigihe has told IGIHE that details about his death emerged around 7h: 30 in the night of Wednesday.
He explained that the young man shared drinks with friends before they went to the home of his colleague to eat meat.
“Witnesses including two motorcyclists indicate that they had spent the day sharing drinks and later went to visit a co-worker who had prepared boiled meat and carrots. He was suffocated by the first piece of meat which got stuck in his throat,” said Nigihe.
He went on to explain that his friends rushed him to Giheke Health Center which provided first aid and called an ambulance to take him to Gihundwe Hospital.
Unfortunately, the young man had died by the time the ambulance arrived.
Nigihe disclosed that the body was taken to Gihundwe Hospital as investigation is underway to confirm the circumstances of his death.
The Vice Chairperson of the Lower House of Parliament, Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana has confirmed to IGIHE that Kamanzi submitted his resignation letter on Wednesday 28th December 2022 ‘citing personal reasons’.
However, sources reveal that his resignation comes after he was reported in a drunk-driving case.
Kamanzi becomes the third parliamentarian resigning in less than two months over drunk driving incidents.
MP Harerimana has said that leaders should model good conduct to citizens they were entrusted to represent.
“Normally, parliamentarians are exemplary citizens selected to represent others. They should mirror virtues to the society,” he said.
Kamanzi cannot be replaced because he only had less than a year to complete his term.
Before joining the parliament in 2018, Kamanzi headed the National Youth Council in Southern Province between 2017-2018 and served as a member of Kamonyi District Advisory Council.
The repatriates arrived in Kigali in the night of Wednesday 28th December 2022. They had fled to the Southern Africa country at different times where some of them left Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Upon arrival, the Rwandans were received by the Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA).
As they landed in Kigali, the repatriates expressed delight for being able to return to their motherland and pledged to join the rest of Rwandans to build the nation.
Gilbert Byiringiro and Emmanuel Hasengimana were arrested red-handed with the motorcycle Bajaj Boxer type, registration number RE 519D, in Remera Village, Nyendo Cell of Rwimiyaga Sector.
The motorcycle was reported stolen in the night of December 25, after suspected thieves broke into the house where it was kept.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that the ring involves three people, with the third member yet to be arrested.
“Suspected thieves broke into the house of the victim located in the same village of Remera, at about 03:00 a.m on Sunday.
The victim realized the criminal act later that night and called the Police, and the search for the motorcycle and suspected thieves was immediately commenced,” SP Twizeyimana explained.
He added: “On Tuesday at about 10p.m, a resident in the same village of Remera called the Police reporting three people, who were traveling on the same stolen motorcycle. Police intercepted the trio, two of them were taken into custody but the third member fled in the process, and the search for his whereabouts is still underway.”
At the time, the ring was looking for a buyer. The suspects were handed over to RIB at Rwimiyaga station for further legal process.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one (1) person.
SP Twizeyimana thanked the resident, who facilitated the recovery of the motorcycle and arrest of the suspected thieves.
“Community policing and neighborhood watch in particular, through swift information sharing, is central to fighting and preventing crimes,” said SP Twizeyimana.
