The warning follows various operations in which vehicles have been impounded transporting smuggled goods.
In an operation conducted on Thursday, September 29, in Muhanga District, Police impounded a bus transporting 1074kgs of smuggled second-hand clothes.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that the clothes belonged to five passengers, who were also arrested.
“The operation was based on credible information that a group of smugglers had boarded a bus from Rusizi District en-route to Kigali. It was stopped in Muhanga where five smugglers were arrested, their 1074kgs of smuggled clothes seized and the bus impounded,” said SP Kanamugire.
The clothes were sneaked into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“A number of public vehicles have been impounded transporting smuggled goods as well as narcotic drugs. There are serious repercussions including imprisonment, impounding and auctioning the vehicle used in smuggling,” the spokesperson warned.
Also in Rubavu District, Police apprehended two people, who were smuggling five bales of smuggled clothes and 49 pairs of shoes.
Article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is applicable in Rwanda, provides that seized smuggled goods be auctioned.
A vehicle intercepted transporting smuggled goods is also auctioned and the driver slapped a fine of US$5000.
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A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is subjected to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax and a likely imprisonment of between six months and two years.
To mark World Tourism Day, the African Management Institute hosted an event at Norrsken Kigali House with its programme graduates, partners and industry stakeholders to share and celebrate the impact made through their programmes.
The event was also an occasion for AMI to affirm its long-term commitment to empower businesses working in the sector by equipping them with needed skills and practical tools to grow.
“Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industry has been experiencing significant transformation and growth, providing high potential for employment opportunities to young Rwandans. AMI’s unique approach to entrepreneurship and business management training has been preparing businesses and their workforces for any challenging situation, enabled them to seize growth opportunities, and rethink tourism” says Malik Shaffy, Country Manager at AMI.
Over the last three years, AMI has supported businesses in Rwanda under the Mastercard Foundation’s Hanga Ahazaza initiative , which increases employment opportunities for young people while expanding the tourism and hospitality sector in Rwanda.
Through Entrepreneurship and Workplace Learning Programmes, Businesses bounced back strongly in 2021, created jobs while others invested in their teams. AMI offered a range of programmes – open enrollment in the market, inhouse programmes with clients, and impact driven programmes with partners focused on specific sectors to drive transformation, with the following results:
● 51% of young adults and youth (below 35years old) trained under these programmes reported that they have gotten promoted, had salary increment or access to new job opportunity;
● 78% of senior leaders, managers & employees confirmed that they apply the learnings often on their day jobs and stated that their competency has improved
● 77% of Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses trained through entrepreneurship programmes reported an increase in revenue in 2021
Through AMI’s workplace learning programmes provided under the Hanga Ahazaza Initiative, Leaders, managers and professionals trained report that the skills acquired have improved their performance, and that they are proud to contribute to the development of Rwanda’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Patrick Twizeyimana has been working in the tourism and hospitality industry for eight years. He is currently working at Sina Gerard Entreprise Urwibutso in Nyirangarama in sales and marketing. Joining the industry was a dream come true for him.
He participated in AMI’s Inspiring Managers programme to expand his managerial skills. Prioritisation, self-awareness and emotions management are among his most important skills gained from the programme. Patrick has also trained his colleagues on how to use different management tools from AMI.
“Working in tourism and hospitality requires you to understand and show a high level of customer care and work with others in a conducive environment. AMI equipped me with those skills and it’s really boosted my working spirit,” says Patrick.
As Rwanda joins the world to celebrate the World Tourism Day, he is proud of the progress made and his contribution to a growing sector.
“I now see myself as someone who had a role in the sector’s journey to growth. Rwanda works hard to attract investors in this sector and people involved need to know that they have what it takes to succeed and offer good services,” adds Patrick.
The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on different sectors, and tourism and hospitality were no exception.
Aime Habihirwe, a university graduate in Hospitality Management in Culinary Arts and now a Head Chief at Stafford Coffee Brewers Company, found the pandemic particularly difficult.
However, thanks to AMI’s workplace learning programme, he has gained professional skills and experience which have taken him to the next level in his career.
“I gained skills that made me confident to do the work and effectively collaborate with colleagues by communicating positively and managing my emotions when making decisions. This helped me get promoted from an Assistant Chef to a Head Chef,” says Aime.
Vanessa Kanyabutembo, a young Rwandan who has been in the tourism and hospitality sector for six years and who now works as the Head of Front Office at White Stone Apartments, says that the skills acquired from AMI’s training helped her adjust to difficult situations, including Covid-19 pandemic.
“Consistent learning is a necessity in this sector. With AMI’s workplace learning programme, I was able to visualise my future by identifying where I am now, where I want to be and what I need to do. Before, it was hard for me to adjust with the Covid-19 situation, but through the training I managed to adapt to the new environment which has positively impacted my work. I’m excited to keep learning and contributing to the sector,” says Vanessa.
Learn more about the African Management Institute and apply to join its entrepreneurship development and workplace learning programmes at africanmanagers.org/rwanda.
During previous trial proceedings on 21st September 2022, the Prosecution asked Nyarugenge Intermediary Court to convict Edouard Bamporiki of the crimes of receiving a bribe and abuse of office, hand him 20-year jail term and charge him Rwf200 million fine.
The Head of State was delivering ‘Majulah Lecture’ to close to 1000 participants in a session moderated by Prof. Subra Suresh, President of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore in the morning of Friday 30th September 2022.
The event followed the signing of a partnership agreement between the Government of Rwanda represented by the Ministry of Education and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) allowing Rwandan students to get opportunities to study at the academic institution starting next year.
President Kagame said that the partnership is a result of a discussion he had with Professor Suresh a few years ago, and an addition to Rwanda’s relationship with Singapore.
“We are enthusiastic about the opportunities that this collaboration will open up for both Rwandan and Singaporean students and researchers, and we intend to make the most of it,” he said.
The Head of State said that he considers the invitation to deliver the ‘Majulah Lecture’ a particular honour, because the title is drawn from Singapore’s national anthem where “Majulah” is a call to progress, to move forward, together and united.
Kagame also reminisced on Rwanda’s journey over the past 28 years.
In 1994, Rwanda had basically ceased to exist as a nation. A million people lay dead, out of a population of around seven million, because of a perverted genocidal ideology. Millions more were refugees. Every public institution had been destroyed, and the national treasury was looted.
The Head of State went on to explain that , to most observers, what Rwandans could aspire to, in the generation which followed that tragedy, was simply to survive where ‘charting a pathway to prosperity seemed like a preposterous dream’.
Even though the country still has a long way to go, the President stated that it has been fundamentally transformed for the better.
He stressed that Rwanda found its way forward through home-grown solutions in three key areas.
Firstly, Kagame pointed out the country’s need to innovate around national unity and social cohesion where it started by creating security, considered as the basis for anything else to happen.
To this end, Rwanda also immediately initiated the process of merging the liberation army with the defeated army of the former government.
“A country without a shared national identity has no future. Rwanda’s historic unity had been progressively corrupted by the previous colonial and post-independence governments,” he said.
The Head of State said that Rwanda restored a traditional practice where a monthly community service brought all citizens together to improve their neighbourhoods.
The country also released genocide suspects back into their communities, where they were judged through Gacaca courts that focused both on punishment and on bringing the truth to light. This initiative was important for survivors and perpetrators to be able to live together again.
Among others, Rwanda focused on equipping young Rwandans with a positive concept of citizenship that emphasizes ‘what we all share, rather than what divides us’.
As a result, today, independent polls find that Rwanda has some of the highest levels of social trust in the world.
Secondly, Kagame pointed out, innovations in techniques of inclusive, citizen-oriented governance unlike the past where public institutions and assets were treated as the property of a few.
He gave an example of such poor governance in the past where studying at secondary school was a privilege afforded to those with political connections.
“But whenever citizens do not enjoy equal rights and treatment, a country’s stability is at risk. This is why we strive to establish a culture of meritocracy, where every young Rwandan knows that hard work and excellence will bring rewards, regardless of background,” Kagame noted.
The President also talked about the signing of performance contracts (Imihigo) by leaders at different levels of government as a practice that has become a habit.
“These are performance contracts that specify what is to be delivered and how to measure it. This is one of the tools we have adopted to encourage citizens to be fully involved in holding government to account. The practice is simple but powerful, and also affordable,” he said.
The Head of State underscored that the third area of innovation that Rwanda prioritized was technology.
“In the late 1990s, the government decided to make internet access and digital skills a keynote of our economic strategy. We even got pushback from some or our partners, the donors, at the time, who thought that technology was a luxury for a poor country. Fortunately, we persisted, and today services are the fastest-growing segment of the Rwandan economy, largely building on those infrastructure and training investments,” he said.
All public services, such as obtaining birth certificates or paying tax, are now done online, via a platform called Irembo, which is largely designed and operated by Rwandan professionals.
Kagame also hinted at Rwanda’s ambitions to become a vaccine and medicines manufacturing hub where the first end-to-end mRNA manufacturing facility in Africa will be launched by the German company BioNTech in Kigali.
He highlighted that what connects these three types of innovation that made a difference on Rwanda’s journey is the importance of mindset change.
Rwanda and Singapore enjoy cordial relations. The country’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong recently visited Rwanda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June. He was also hosted at Urugwiro Village by President Kagame.
At the time, the Head of State said that he had a very productive discussions with the Prime Minister of Singapore and thanked the country for being a reliable partner with Rwanda and expressed optimism that both countries will be doing even more together, in the years ahead.
“We value highly the trade and investment links as well as the cooperation between our central banks. Both our countries have created a strong foundation. Singapore’s development model and its commitment to social cohesion and national unity are very impressive,” he said.
Both countries have partnership in the areas of investment, trade, education, rule of law, technology and air transport service among others.
Figures show that Singaporean investment in Rwanda is estimated at US$150 million.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that President Kagame is in Singapore for a three-day visit. He is expected to meet with the country’s President, Halimah Yacob and Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong.
In the morning of Friday 30th September 2022, the Head of State toured the exhibition showcasing the university’s history over the last 30 years that have led it to becoming one of the top academic institutions globally.
Kagame also delivered a lecture to close to 1000 participants in a session moderated by Prof. Subra Suresh, President of NTU Singapore.
As he delivered the lecture at a session attended by government officials and members of the private sector, Kagame said that Rwanda has been transformed for the better after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi owing to home-grown solutions.
Rwanda and Singapore enjoy cordial relations. The country’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong recently visited Rwanda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in June. He was also hosted at Urugwiro Village by President Kagame.
At the time, the Head of State said that he had a very productive discussions with the Prime Minister of Singapore and thanked the country for being a reliable partner with Rwanda and expressed optimism that both countries will be doing even more together, in the years ahead.
“We value highly the trade and investment links as well as the cooperation between our central banks. Both our countries have created a strong foundation. Singapore’s development model and its commitment to social cohesion and national unity are very impressive,” he said.
Both countries have partnership in the areas of investment, trade, education, rule of law, technology and air transport service among others.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Diane Karusisi, the CEO of Bank of Kigali said: “We are delighted to have appointed Mr. Eveque as the new Chief Information Officer. His appointment is an important step for us as a financial services institution that seeks to deliver tech oriented services and products. His leadership will ensure BK builds innovative and world-class services that evolve with the changing needs of our customers.”
Mutabaruka has ten years of experience working in the Banking sector occupying different Information Technology managerial positions. He has vast knowledge and experience in Information Technology project implementation, having worked as Chief Information Officer at BBS Limited in Botswana, and Head of Engineering in Bank of Kigali and other managerial roles in Bank of Kigali Ltd and KCB Rwanda Ltd. He re-joined Bank of Kigali Plc’s Management Team in June 2022.
Mutabaruka holds a Master of Science Degree in Software Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology with an ongoing Master’s in Business and Administration at the University of People in the United States of America.
He also holds a first-class bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Ngozi.
ACHIEVE is a project funded by PEPFAR/USAID to prevent HIV infections and reduce vulnerability among orphans, vulnerable children, adolescent girls and young women in selected high burden districts in Rwanda. The programs are implemented through sensitization to enlighten beneficiaries on preventive measures and reduce the amount of HIV in the body.
PEPFAR stands for the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief while USAID is the United States Agency for International Development.
Under the interventions of ACHIEVE, adolescents and women with high vulnerability to HIV are assisted by mentors who advise them to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a medicine taken to prevent getting HIV and educate them on reproductive health.
They also benefit from capacity building initiatives through vocational training to improve their wellbeing.
ACHIEVE beneficiaries attest that the project has changed their livelihoods and helped them get out of isolation.
Henriette Nyirabahire, who was impregnated at early age testified that ACHIEVE has restored her hope for a bright future.
“I was leading hard life before ACHIEVE’s intervention. I had no hope for a better tomorrow but the support received from the project helped me to move with others along the development journey. Today, I have my own house and have learnt how to prevent HIV infection and protect my life,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry at the Ministry Of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Mireille Batamuriza said that ACHIEVE came in handy to solve problems affecting families.
“This project came as a solution to many family problems. As MIGEPOROF, we make an effort to build a safe family. ACHIEVE programs aligns with these ambitions to build the family especially drawing attention to female and male adolescents including HIV/AIDS positive ones and teen mothers. They are taught how to adapt to different situations with a view to build safe and resilient families,” she noted.
The core objective for the project’s inception was to prevent new infections and help HIV positive people to access health services easily and reduce the amount of HIV as revealed by Moïse Mutabazi, the Country Project Director.
“ACHIEVE project was initiated to provide a contribution aimed at reducing the severity of HIV, lessen problems facing HIV positive people and assist others with high vulnerability to infections,” he said.
“There are infected people who would not easily access health services to strengthen their immunity. This project encourages them to seek services offered at health facilities and benefit from programs aimed at uplifting them from poverty,” added Mutabazi.
ACHIEVE has so far provided school fees for 6160 beneficiaries including children, adolescents and young women to attend primary, secondary education and vocational training.
Among others; a total of 14,716 have been enlightened on reproductive health and ways to fight violence.
The project’s interventions have also reached 31,492 young women and adolescents.
ACHIEVE currently operates in four districts.
The clothes were seized from five smugglers, who were arrested in Rushubi Village, Ngeri Cell, Munini Sector.
The arrested suspected smugglers are Dieudonné Musayidire, 21, Eric Ndayishimiye, 27, Olivier Manishimwe, 18, Vianney Habumugisha, 25, and Olivier Habinshuti, 33.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern Region, said that the smugglers had sneaked the sacks of used clothes into Rwanda from Burundi on bicycles, before they were seen and reported by the residents.
“Residents of Cyahinda Sector called the Police reporting a group of five cyclists, who had crossed into Rwanda from Burundi with sacks of what they believed to be second-hand clothes.
Police trailed and intercepted them in Munini Sector with 12 sacks of used clothes. Other two sacks were recovered in an abandoned house in Cyahinda,” SP Kanamugire said.
He added that law enforcement organs are still searching for two men identified as Célestin Hakizimana and Oscar Hakizimana, believed to be rightful owners of the clothes. The two men allegedly hired the group of cyclists to smuggle the second-hand into Rwanda from Burundi.
This is the second case of foiled smuggling in Nyaruguru District. Last week, Police intercepted three people in Nkanda, Busanze Sector with three bales of second-hand clothes.
In the neighbouring district of Nyamagabe, Police also seized 200kgs of used clothes from six smugglers mid this month.
Josephine Lagu, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said the South Sudan Emergency Food Production Program (SSEFPP) will focus on the production of sorghum, cowpea and rice in the states of Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria and Upper Nile.
“The number of counties that are going to be supported I think is about nine or more and this will be spread across our country, it is not going just to be limited to one state, as you have seen we have people who have come from Western Bahr El Ghazal, Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Jonglei, and Western Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria state,” Lagu told journalists in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The 8.4 million U.S. dollar program is funded by AfDB through its Transition Support Facility and will be implemented by the South Sudan government and the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Country Representative of FAO Meschak Malo disclosed that this program aims to reduce South Sudan’s current annual food deficit standing at 545,000 metric tons by increasing production within the next two years to the target of 1.3 million metric tons needed to reduce prevailing food insecurity.
He noted that the current urbanization growth in the country as it recovers from years of conflict would lead to a huge demand for wheat, adding that the wheat component needs to also be supported under this program.
South Sudan imports wheat from neighboring Sudan which in turn imports from Ukraine.
Malo disclosed that the SSEFPP program includes the distribution of seeds to farmers in the counties.
AfDB Principal Country Economist Flavio A. Soares da Gama said the program will also strengthen the resilience of food systems and mitigate short-term risks due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“Our current strategy of AfDB that covers the period of 2022-2024 is a response to the government of South Sudan on pushing this development agenda on agriculture, and its focus on agriculture value-chain development for economic diversification and resilience,” said the economist.
The UN in its South Sudan Food Security Outlook, June 2022 to January 2023, said food security is expected to deteriorate between June and September, due to the impacts of conflict and flooding, as well as global economic supply chain disruptions, which will, in turn, drive high staple food prices and limit income-earning opportunities.
The dead included three Congolese soldiers, said the source, who spoke under customary anonymity, without offering further details.
On Tuesday, another helicopter belonging to the Uganda army crashed at the Kabarole border area between the two countries, during joint operations between the two armies to hunt down the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group.
According to the Congolese army’s media service, the helicopter hit a cluster of power lines. A Ugandan soldier and a Congolese soldier died in the crash that happened Tuesday, confirmed Mak Hazukayi, spokesperson for the joint Congolese-Ugandan military operations.
Since last year, the armies of the DRC and Uganda have launched joint military operations in the northeastern DRC to hunt down ADF rebels.
