Zimbabwean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that Minister Biruta visited the country’s National Heroes Acre on Saturday 30th July 2022. The latter is located in the western part of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe.
During the visit, Minister Biruta laid a wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier at the National Shrine representing all soldiers who died in the war between 1966–1979 to liberate the country from white colonizers and obtain Independence.
He was accompanied by officials including Rwanda’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, James Musoni.
The country’s heroes include Robert Mugabe who served as the first president Cephas Cele, Oliver Mtukudzi, Felix Ngwarati Muchemwa, Sabina Mugabe, Edgar Tekere, Samuel Mamutse and Dzingai Mutumbuka.
The National Heroes Acre was established in 1980.
The visit of Minister Biruta left both countries signing three cooperation agreements in the areas of transport and infrastructure development, extradition treaty and immigration cooperation.
The President of Zmbia, Mnangagwa witnessed the signing of the agreement at State House on Friday 29th July 2022.
During the event, Zimbabwe was represented by two Cabinet Ministers while Rwanda was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta who was on a visit to the country.
According to The Herald media house, pacts signed include the extradition treaty, a memorandum on understanding on immigration cooperation and another memorandum on cooperation when investigating civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents.
For Zimbabwe, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Amb. Frederick Shava signed the MoU on cooperation for investigating civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents, while the other two agreements were signed by Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe.
After the signing ceremony, the representative of the Government of Rwanda said that the partnership with Zimbabwe is mainly to deal with trade and investment for the benefit of their peoples.
“There are many sectors, I talked about trade and investment, which is a huge area which comprises agriculture, energy and many other sectors,” said Minister Biruta.
“We have MoUs in place. So, we just need to implement them and start working,” he added.
President Mnangagwa early this year opened the Zimbabwe-Rwanda Trade and Investment Conference in Harare, where he stressed need for the two countries to boost trade and cooperation as a way of improving livelihoods.
“Zimbabwe and Rwanda enjoy an excellent relationship, and we have other MoUs, 19 of them,” said Minister Biruta.
“Some have started being implemented, and these ones also need to be implemented and we need to come up with action plans between both governments to implement the MoUs and the agreements that we have signed.
All these MoUs, the agreements that we are signing are just a framework to be able to work on various issues. We signed an extradition treaty, and this is a very important instrument to be able to deal with criminals who could be here or in Rwanda,” he added
This year, Rwanda has started recruiting Zimbabweans to fill critical skill gaps in the education sector, exploiting the good bilateral relations that exist between the two countries.
The hiring of the Zimbabweans is a consummation of the professional memorandum of understanding signed last year that allows the two republics to exchange education personnel and expertise.
Amb. Bellomo was received for a farewell meeting at Urugwiro Village on Friday 29th July 2022.
During his tour of duty, Amb. Bellomo worked hard to strengthen cooperation between the EU and Rwanda.
At the celebration of European Day in May 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta commended Amb. Bellomo for his commitment to promote excellent relationships and partnerships between the European Union and Rwanda and pledged continued government efforts to elevate the cooperation to new heights.
Minister Biruta also wished him well in his future endeavours.
At the time, Amb. Bellomo also commended warm hospitality extended to him during his stay in Rwanda.
The envoy had presented credentials to President Kagame on 18th January 2018.
The workshop launched on Thursday 28th July 2022, was built by Byumba Catholic Diocese in collaboration with Oxfam.
Oxfam is a British founded confederation of independent charitable organizations focusing on the alleviation of global poverty.
One of children rehabilitated at the prison has said that the new facility has enough space enabling them to conduct practical sessions easily.
He requested support to get relevant equipment so that they can put into practice acquired skills.
The Bishop of Byumba Diocese, Papias Musengamana said that they decided to support the prison because children rehabilitated at the facility are part of segments of the population in need of special attention.
“We have the youth in different parishes but these children fall under a special category. That is why we considered equipping them with vocational skills including welding during their stay at this facility,” he said.
Bishop Musengamana revealed that there is a plan to make follow up and provide released children with needed equipment relevant to their skills.
The Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons, DCGP Rose Muhisoni thanked partners for continued support to correct children and equip them with different skills that will help them to become responsible members of the community upon release.
Over 400 children are rehabilitated at Nyagatare Juvenile Prison.
They are equipped with skills in welding, construction and sewing among others.
Some of them who pass national exams are released on presidential prerogative of mercy.
Preparations to elect his successor are underway in Kenya. It is expected that the next leader will be announced following presidential polls due on 9th August 2022.
On Thursday 28th July 2022, President Kagame and Uhuru Kenyatta attended in the 2nd Special Summit of the African Peer Review Forum of Heads of State and Government.
The virtual summit was chaired by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio.
As he delivered remarks, Kagame commended Kenya for completing the peer review process, noting that it demonstrates its relevance (APRM) as a toll to support each other to improve governance and economic opportunity on the continent.
The head of State stated that the reports analysis of the vibrancy, potential of Kenya’s pharmaceutical industry is particularly interesting ‘given the African Union’s growing focus on pandemic resilience and domestic health financing’ and applauded his counterpart of Kenya whose mandate draws to the end.
“Let me also take this opportunity and moment to congratulate President Uhuru Kenyatta as he concludes his mandate. Dear brother, thank you for your distinguished service, not only to Kenya but also to East Africa and Africa as a whole. We look forward to many more years of fruitful collaboration,” he said.
During the leadership of Kenyatta, Rwanda and Kenya maintained collaboration in different areas.
Kenyatta also played a role in the mediation of Rwanda and Uganda where he visited both countries on the same day on 11th March 2019.
At the time, President welcomed President Uhuru Kenyatta to the RDF Combat Training Centre in Gabiro on the sidelines of the 16th annual National Leadership Retreat (Umwiherero).
Rwanda and Kenya enjoy cooperation in the areas of justice, trade, agriculture, education, technology and telecommunication as well as security among others.
Before the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, 30% of Rwanda’s imports were transited through Kenya.
The two leaders held a tête a tête meeting, before President Kenyatta passed by to greet participants at the Umwiherero.
In his message to the retreat participants, President Kenyatta commended existing relations between Rwanda and Kenya and expressed commitment to make the relations even more stronger.
“Let me say that the relationship between our two countries is probably one of the best relations that we have, as Kenya. The things that we have been able to do together, in terms of easing movement of our people, in terms of the linkages and what we did especially in the ICT sector, telecommunications sector.
We have many Kenyans living and working here in Rwanda and feeling very much at home. We have many Rwandans living and working in Kenya, really showing that we are brothers and sisters, bound at the hip. And ours as leaders is to continue to see how we can deepen that integration,” President Kenyatta said.
He further hailed Rwanda’s progress, 25 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi which he said could be replicated elsewhere.
“We are very proud of the manner in which Rwanda has turned around, from a country that was heavily, heavily hit, especially during the Genocide period, a country that was on its knees, to one of the brightest stars on the African continent in a very short space of time.
Really showing clear direction and clarity from the top, all the way to all of you who have been part and parcel of making this Rwandan dream a reality. Lives have changed, the progress you have made in healthcare, the progress you have made in ICT, look at Kigali today… I keep telling my brother here, that I am fighting very hard to overtake him in terms of ease of doing business, and he keeps telling me: ‘Do your best’,” Kenyatta added.
Rwanda and Kenya enjoy cooperation in the areas of justice, trade, agriculture, education, technology and telecommunication as well as security among others.
Before the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, 30% of Rwanda’s imports were transited through Kenya.
Four people, who were aboard the Toyota Hiace, registration number RAB 802Y, including the driver identified as Ernest Ntihabose, 37, were arrested.
Others are Valerie Uwimana, 48, Olive Uwera, 32, and Solange Uzamukunda, 47.
The clothes were smuggled into Rwanda from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region.
The RPU, he added, was tipped-off by some members of the public about the smuggling and fraud.
“RPU had prior information that the vehicle loaded with sacks of second-hand clothes had left Karongi town in Karongi District heading to Muhanga,” SP Kanamugire said.
He added: “A checkpoint was mounted in Nganzo, but the driver used a remote road and parked the vehicle in a banana plantation as he waited for the checkpoint to be removed.
Due to the existing strong collaboration with the public, Police got to know where the vehicle was parked. All the four suspected smugglers were arrested at the scene where the vehicle loaded with 42 sacks of used clothes, was found.”
The suspected smugglers said they were going to supply their clients in Muhanga and in Kigali.
SP Kanamugire thanked residents, who provided information, which helped to foil the smuggling ring.
The suspected smugglers were handed over to RIB at Muhanga station while the goods and vehicle were impounded to RPU offices in Muhanga.
Article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is also used in Rwanda, specifies a penalty of US$5000 to a driver while the vehicle and goods are auctioned.
The meeting held on Thursday 28th July 2022, brought together over 130 participants at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru.
The regulations, which clearly specifies all the requirements for one to trade in electrical and electronic equipment, came into force early this month.
The regulator, Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) now requires traders to apply for a license valid for two year, renewal. Those already in business have up to October to have acquired the operating license.
Business operators will now be required to ensure that used electrical and electronic equipment meets the safety standards, and to always record description of the equipment bought and sold.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, while speaking to traders and technicians, urged them to revise their business operations in line with the regulations.
“Doing business related to used electrical and electronic equipment is not prohibited. However, it must follow the gazetted regulations,” said CP Kabera.
He added that there are cases where people vandalize power lines to steal cables causing outage; those stealing mobile phones and television sets.
Most of those stolen, he added, are sold to those selling used electrical and electronic equipment.
“If you have been engaged in such illegal black business, you are advised to adopt to the new way of doing business because the old way was fueling theft and affecting public security,” CP Kabera said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Toussaint Muzezayo, Commissioner for Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crimes (ASOC) advised them to make best choices to buy or sell equipment received through legal channels as specified by the regulations.
During the meeting, participants were enlightened on the new regulations governing trade of used electrical and electronic equipment.
Traders thanked RNP for the meeting to apprise them on the regulations.
“These regulations came as a solution to the disorders, which was affecting our business. It is now up to us to realign our businesses with the regulations to fight theft,” Jean Bosco Izabiriza said.
To Rehema Umuruta, a technician, there were gaps in business related to used electrical and electronic equipment.
“I started my job 20 years ago. However, our business was not going well because of theft. People were buying electronics without minding about the source and buying stolen items,” Umuruta said.
According to the regulations, before buying second-hand electronics, the business operator must first verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment and record detailed particulars.
Traders will be required to keep records for at least two years, indicate the category, brand and model name, model number, serial number, information relating to International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) and International Mobile Equipment Identity Software Version (IMEI-SV) per slot where applicable; any other distinguished marks or features, where applicable and equipment status description.
API is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other.
Speaking at the launch which took place at Norrsken, the biggest start up hub in East Africa; Jean Claude Gaga, the Managing Director of Airtel Money said: “We are excited to embark on this new journey where we open our platform to Developers across Rwanda and the rest of the world as we strongly believe they will bring amazing innovations which will in turn contribute to our efforts as well as the
Government of Rwanda’s focus on turning Rwanda into a Cashless economy with 100% financial inclusion.”
“This is our first step in our focus on supporting Start ups to grow through Partnerships with us”
To access the AirtelMoney APIs, Developers and organizations will simply visit https://developers.airtel.africa/home and follow the prompts. Incase of any query, they will simply contact the Airtel Money Support team at amopen.api@rw.airtel.com
This launch comes as the closing event of the Airtel Money Month which kicked off on July 1st with the launch of the communication of the recently launched Interoperability between Airtel Money and MTN MoMo and was followed by other numerous activities during the course of the month which were aimed at showcasing the many innovations and services Airtel Money has been offering to its Customers.
I Matter Initiative has been working with young girls in different communities across the country at village level since 2019, with the aim of ending period poverty in Rwanda, through service, awareness and advocacy.
Considering the progress that has been made by I Matter Initiative, Bank of Kigali is joining hands with I Matter Initiative to impact more young girls by providing them with equal rights to menstrual hygiene supplies while creating a community of girls and women confident and aware of sexual reproductive health and rights-related issues.
Commenting on the development; Emmanuel Nkusi Batanage, the Head of Corporate Affairs at Bank of Kigali expressed delight for the partnership with I Matter Initiative.
‘‘We are very delighted to partner with I Matter Initiative for this positive cause. We believe that women empowerment is a key pillar in the development of our communities and every young girl deserves a right to healthy menstrual hygiene supplies to eradicate period poverty,” he said.
I Matter Initiative will carry out school visits and will be donating sanitary products.
Included in the donation package to the young girls will be pads, underwear and sanitary soap.
“I Matter Initiative has strived to support end period poverty, access to sanitary products and fight against stigma attached to menstruation through several patterns since 2019. Today, comes another opportunity for us to celebrate our partnership with Bank of Kigali enabling a life transformation for 1500 girls with free access to period protection products that they have not been able to afford,” said Divine Ingabire, I Matter Initiative Executive Director.
“On behalf of I matter Initiative, I would like to express my gratitude to the leadership and dedicated team of bank of Kigali, for their trust in our vision, investment in Rwandan girls’ life transformation and their voice added to ours to break the silence about girls and women’s sanitary need,” she added.
{{About Bank of Kigali Plc}}
Bank of Kigali Plc. is the largest commercial bank in Rwanda, by total assets. In 2017, Global Credit Ratings affirmed Bank of Kigali’s long-term and short-term national scale ratings of AA-(RW) and A1+(RW) respectively with a stable outlook.
The Bank has won several back-to-back international and regional banking awards from Euromoney, The Banker, Global Finance Magazine, and EMEA Finance. Bank of Kigali has been recently awarded “Best Bank in Rwanda 2022” by Global Finance.
