The ceremony was held at Durupi base camp, Juba on Friday 26th August 2022.
In his remarks, Rwanbatt-3 Contingent Commander, Col Christophe Rutaremara who spoke on behalf of both contingents, thanked the leadership of UNMISS, the Government of South Sudan and other stakeholders for their collaboration to accomplish the UNMISS mandate.
The ceremony was presided over by Acting Force Commander, Major General Main Ullah Chowdhury, who appreciated Rwanbatt-3 and Rwanda Aviation Unit for their contribution to maintaining peace and security in South Sudan.
“I want to reiterate that both contingents have exhibited a high level of professionalism, determination, and dedication in the fulfilment of the respective missions and tasks for the overall UNMISS mandate achievement…The medal is an acknowledgement of your hard work, sacrifice, commitment and devotion towards the mandate and your support and assistance towards the consolidation of lasting peace in South Sudan,” Said Major General Main Ullah Chowdhury.
Rwanbatt3 started its tour of duty on 29th October 2021, and conducted various operations including Patrols, establishing Temporary Operating base far from battalion headquarters, CIMIC activities ranging from medical care services, water supply and community work. While Rwanda Aviation Unit 10 provided Air-service and patrols.
The event was attended by different dignitaries including South Sudanese People Defence Force (SSPDF) Representatives, Rwandan community living and working in South Sudan, UN leadership and Sister Contingents among others.
They include an employee of Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) at Ngoma District branch, who unlawfully processed documents for the mutation of property after altering tax arrears and without conducting the automobile physical verification as a prerequisite.
Two others include the original owner of the vehicle identified as Eric Mashuti, and another man, who was acting as a broker.
The new owner of the Hilux pick-up vehicle, Cyprien Munyaneza, said that he bought it from another person early this month but the vehicle was still in the names of Mashuti.
“We found that the vehicle had tax arrears amounting to Frw3,487,650, which were supposed to be cleared within 10 days as per the agreement, by the original owner, Mashuti,” Munyaneza said.
He added: “I was surprised when Police called asking me about the mutation of property which they said was complete. I was frank with the Police because the vehicle was parked at home with old plate numbers and logbook still in the names of the original owner.
Later, I received another call from another person (Mashuti) that the mutation of vehicle was complete. I connected what this person was telling me that the vehicle was already in my names even when I was not involved at all, with what the Police was asking me, and I became suspicious.”
Munyaneza advised the public to always be vigilant to avoid becoming accomplices.
“I am glad that the Police contacted me prior and informed about what was going on without my knowledge. Probably, I would have become an accomplice in things that I didn’t know. What was about to happen to me and what these people did, could happen to another person, which requires vigilance and taking steps to ask about things you don’t know,” Munyaneza said.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that these were acts of tax evasion and forgery.
“The RPU found out that the RRA staff had altered the tax arrears in the system from Rwf3,487,650 to Rwf1,930,500. He also issued new vehicle number plates and logbook without conducting physical verification of the automobile, he did not see the vehicle he was transferring under new ownership, and there was no any involvement of the new owner,” CP Kabera said.
He warned against such criminal acts and called upon the public to always go through right procedures.
The three suspects were handed over the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for further investigations.
Among others, the bank has reported Rwf19.6 billion in net revenue (before impairment provisions), up by 20% year-on-year, driven significantly by an increase in net interest income of 17%.
In the reported period, operating expenses increased by 16% year-on-year to Rwf 11.3 billion, as the lender continued to improve productivity across all our products and services.
In the first half of 2022, loans and advances to customers increased by 7% to Rwf 237 billion from Rwf222 billion.
The growth was supported by new deals booked across all segments. Else, total financial investments increased to Rwf113 billion, up by 24% from Rwf91.5 billion reported at the end of December 2021, in line with the Bank’s strategy to efficiently deploy capital.
Deposits held for customers and financial institutions were also up by 8% to Rwf352 billion (Rwf 327 billion- December 2021), total borrowings position for the period was Rwf60.2 billion while the liquidity coverage ratio was 170% as of the end of June 2022.
Commenting on the performance; the CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda Plc, Robin Bairstow said: “I&M Bank Rwanda has performed well in the first half of the year, delivering returns on equity well over 13%, built on the solid momentum and ongoing execution of our ‘iMara’ strategy. The Bank’s robust performance was driven by the growth in the loan portfolio and customer deposits, which led to solid growth in the net interest income and non-funded income.”
Bairstow attributed the lender’s growth to a strategic shift to focus more on customer centricity and digital transformation.
He said that the bank’s digital adoption remains high with 75% of all customer-initiated transactions going through the lender’s digital channels.
Bairstow has also highlighted that the registered several positive developments where its efforts have not gone unnoticed.
In the first half of the year, the lender received key industry awards including Best Bank in Rwanda by Capital Finance International (CFI.co), the Gold Gender Equality Seal offered by the Gender Monitoring Office, and the UN for our best practices and policies and diversification agenda.
As economic activity rebounds in Rwanda, Mr Bairstow said, I&M Bank Rwanda remains committed to both its customers and employees as a responsible Bank.
“Looking ahead, we take notice of the macroeconomic headwinds that are affecting businesses and individuals alike. The Bank will continue to be part of the solution as we continue to support our customers and the community we serve,” he added.
{{About I&M Bank Rwanda Plc }}
Incorporated in 1963, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc is the oldest Bank in Rwanda. It is today one of the leading players in the industry with a strong footprint across the country.
I&M Bank Rwanda offers the full range of personal, business, institutional and corporate banking products throughout its locations. The Bank has been listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange since March 2017.
The Bank is also a subsidiary of I&M Group Plc, a leading regional financial services group in Eastern Africa with a presence in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as well as a joint venture in Mauritius. I&M Group has a long history in banking and has established a wide network of correspondent banks across the globe and enjoys a strong relationship with leading international Development Financial Institutions.
The Head of State made the call on Friday 26th August 2022 as he visited Nyamagabe District as part of his four-day citizen outreach visits to Southern and Western provinces which began on Thursday.
During the visit, President Kagame interacted with thousands of residents at Nyagisenyi Stadium who voiced appreciation for achieved progress and raised concerns on issues affecting them in different areas including infrastructure.
Before interacting with the residents, the Head of State visited Rachel Nyiramandwa, an old woman aged 110, a beneficiary of socio-economic initiatives, including a renovated home and the Girinka programme through which she now has cows that allow her to supply milk to her neighborhood.
As he delivered remarks, President Kagame urged residents to take part in development activities and drew emphasis on poverty along Gitwe-Kaduha corridor.
He stressed that Nyamagabe must have its development aligned with other parts of the country to contribute to national progress collectively.
After his speech, citizens were given floor and raised different problems, some of which have remained unsolved for long.
The Head of State requested leaders to develop a habit of reaching out to citizens to hear their problems and find a solution because some of them are within their capacities.
Generally, President Kagame said that a progress has been made but called for heightened efforts to do more through collaboration and complementarity.
The Head of State also promised action on leaders not responding swiftly to citizens’ concerns.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures}}->https://igihe.com/amakuru/u-rwanda/article/live-i-nyagisenyi-bakereye-kwakira-perezida-kagame-amafoto]
Thereafter, trainees received package of mosquito repellents. They were also sensitized on the need to use mosquito nets, cut down on bushy surroundings, remove stagnant water around their homes and close doors and windows early.
Peter Lumo Lumaya, the head chief of Reggo Payam general area thanked the Rwandan female peacekeepers for training women on ways of curbing malaria which affects their communities; with serious effect on pregnant women and children below 5 years.
President Kagame held the visit in Nyamagabe District on the second-day of his citizen outreach in Southern and Western provinces.
President Kagame arrived at the home of Nyiramandwa on Friday 26th August 2022. It is located in Ngiryi Cell of Gasaka Sector in Nyamagabe District.
The old woman was heard at different times attesting that the head of state transformed her livelihoods and commended him for his generosity.
Nyiramadwa first met the President in 2010. Since then, the old woman met with Kagame at different times during citizen outreach visits.
Nyiramandwa recently told IGIHE that President Kagame transformed her life through cows donation and a decent shelter allowing her to retire in dignity.
The incident occurred in Remera Village, Gacaca Cell of Rubengera Sector on Thursday 25th August 2022 around 4:30 p.m.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) René Irere, the spokesperson of Rwanda National Police (RNP) Traffic and Road Safety department has told IGIHE that the truck carried construction materials from Kigali to Karongi District.
The truck fell down as the driver crossed the second road bend in Remera Village. The cabin was seriously damaged that the driver and conductor died on spot.
The Mayor of Karongi District, Vestine Mukarutesi has said that Police and residents rushed the rescue these people onboard but their efforts remained futile as the front part was seriously damaged.
Their bodies have been taken to the mortuary of Kibuye Hospital.
The celebrations which took place on 25th August 2022 brought together Rwandans living in Botswana and dignitaries including Rwanda’s Ambassador to the country, James Musoni and the Minister of Defence in Botswana,Thomas Kagiso Mmusi who was the guest of honour.
Rwanda’s Liberation Day is officially celebrated on 4th July every year.
Maj. Gen Murasira attended the ceremony as part of his three-day visit to the county which began on 24th August.
During his visit, both countries signed an agreement on defence cooperation.
In April 2022, Maj Gen Murasira also received his counterpart of Botswana, Thomas Kagiso Mmusi in Kigali.
At the time, their discussions focused on military cooperation between Botswana and Rwanda.
The Chinese team ranked first in its group, which also included Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Vietnam, during the semi-finals that concluded at the Alabino training ground in the Moscow region.
The Chinese team will compete with groups from Russia, Belarus and Uzbekistan in the final contest on Saturday.
The International Army Games, initiated by the Russian Defense Ministry, have served as an international platform for militaries to exchange experience and strengthen cooperation.
The first vehicle shipment arrived at the Indode Freight Station on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.
A special ceremony was held at the station to mark the arrival of the first shipment.
Abdi Zenebe, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway Share Company (EDR), lauded the move, emphasizing that it will help realize the major aspirations of the railway in terms of facilitating Ethiopia’s transportation system.
Noting the huge movement of imported commodities from ports in Djibouti to central Ethiopia and exported items from Ethiopia to the rest of the world via ports in Djibouti, Zenebe said the very first shipment of cars from Djibouti to Ethiopia signifies EDR’s commitment to diversify its transportation services.
“This is an indication that we are diversifying our business. We have multiple varieties of wagons, which includes hoppers, we have refrigerator wagons, we have a large number of wagons that we have not yet utilized,” Zenebe said. “This is one way of indicating and communicating to the world and to our customers that we have started to use these (railway) wagons, and this diversification and expansion of businesses will guarantee EDR’s progress in the future and will expand EDR’s service to the two countries and customers involved.”
The 752.7-km Ethiopia-Djibouti standard gauge railway, also known as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, contracted by China Rail Engineering Corporation (CREC) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is the first trans-boundary railway on the African continent.
As the Ethiopia-Djibouti electrified railway significantly improves the freight market, EDR said the railway is enriching its services toward realizing the two countries’ ambition of building an industrial and economic belt driving the economic and social development of the two countries.
Abdurahman Ibrahim, general manager of Nana Solutions, the company that partnered with EDR to import the first batch of 24 vehicles via the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, said the railway offers various advantages to companies engaged in import and export sectors.
“We are very lucky to be the pioneers in this very good initiative. It offers various opportunities to us, including safety as using railway wagons is highly secured and safe until its final destination,” Ibrahim told Xinhua. “It is also very cost-wise as it reduces the cost by almost half as compared with car-carrier trucks. Its swift delivery is also another great advantage.”
