The request has been made by the Acting Director General of RURA, Eng. Deo Muvunyi appearing in RTV talk show.
The development comes at a time when passengers using public transport continue to decry poor services over long queues and delays of buses.
Muvunyi explained that there is a shortage of buses among public transport companies including KBS, RFTC and Royal Express which have been facing criticisms for poor services.
“We want to reduce the long time it takes for buses to pick passengers,” he said.
Muvunyi also said individuals with buses suitable for public transport can register them so that the desired number of buses can be reached.
“Those who are ready will join public transport gradually. Whoever owning a bus cannot miss a public transport route,” he noted.
“We are all concerned with this situation. We need to fight together and have common understanding that efforts are underway to address the shortage of buses which affects all of us,” added Muvunyi.
He disclosed that regulations for those seeking to join the public transport sector are clear where whoever with means can compete to carry passengers.
“We have so far received a request from individuals to register 25 vehicles,” Muvunyi revealed.
He however stressed that newly registered individuals will have to operate under the umbrella of public transport companies licensed to operate in Kigali City. These include Royal Express, KBS and RFTC.
Muvunyi explained that the directive is meant to avoid persistent anomalies in public transport over individuals who might use the registered buses for other businesses.
“We need buses in Kigali City. Individuals are urged to bring them to be assigned routes,” he noted.
Nowadays, transport companies sign three-year contract. It is said that they have failed to increase the number of buses to a desired extent due to difficult times occasioned by COVID-19.
The man was arrested on Monday 25th July 2022 in Gakoma Village, Buhabwa Cell of Murundi Sector.
It is said that the man committed Genocide crimes in Samatare Village, Kagezi Cell of Gahengeri Sector. According to sources, the man escaped justice at the beginning of his trial and later handed 30-year sentence in absentia.
The Executive Secretary of Murundi Sector, Benon Bashayija has told IGIHE that the man was arrested following a tip off from residents who knew his background.
“The man fled after he was handed 30-year jail term. Initially, he settled in Gahini where he got the national identity card in Juru Cell. He later came to Gakoma for hard labour. Following a tip off from a resident, we rushed to arrest him. He admitted that he was handed the sentence but claimed that it was suspended,” he said.
The local leader also revealed that the man has been handed over to security officials for investigation to get more details about his case.
The Executive Secretary of Gahengeri Sector, Allan Ntambara has told IGIHE that the man escaped before serving the sentence.
He explained that they consider processes of returning him to serve his sentence.
The move follows the establishment of the Law nº 016/2022 of 29/06/2022 approving the ratification of the agreement between Rwanda and Angola for the elimination of double taxation with respect to taxes on income and the prevention of tax avoidance and evasion, released in the Official Gazette on 22nd July 2022.
The agreement shall be applicable to Personal Income Tax; Corporate Income Tax; Withholding Taxes; Capital gain tax; and Tax on Rent of Immovable Property.
The Agreement shall apply also to any identical or substantially similar taxes that are imposed after the date of signature of the agreement in addition to, or in place of, the existing taxes.
The competent authorities of the Contracting States shall notify each other of any significant changes that have been made in their respective taxation laws.
Apart from Double Taxation Avoidance, Rwanda and Angola also signed more agreements in the areas of Extradition, Legal Assistance; Transfer of Convicted Persons ; Agriculture and Livestock Development, on Local Administration and cooperation in the field of Health.
Others were signed on Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; and an MoU between National School of Administration and Public Policies (ENAPP) and Rwanda Management Institute (RMI).
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Kigali on Friday 15th April 2022; Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta said that the parties will work together to ensure both countries’ people benefit from signed agreements.
He further stated that Rwandans can visit Angola for business reasons and benefit from signed agreements on avoidance of double taxation.
At the time; Angolan Minister of External relations, Amb. Tete Antonio explained that the move set a framework for existing relations between both countries.
He underscored that the signing of agreements is a great milestone for both countries and encouraged technical team to work hard and develop a shared agenda for the creation of innovations, follow up of signed agreements and implementation.
There were unconfirmed reports of civilian casualties during anti-United Nations demonstrations in easternmost North Kivu province.
Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said that “violent attackers snatched weapons from Congolese police and fired upon our uniformed personnel. Sadly, one military peacekeeper and two UN police personnel were killed, and another was injured.”
Haq said the attack occurred at the Butembo base of the UN mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO. The only identity among the casualties was that of the slain peacekeeper from India.
The spokesman said that “we add our voice to the acting head of MONUSCO, Khassim Diagne, to condemn the killing of our colleagues and to express our deepest sympathy to their families and colleagues.”
Diagne described the violence against the United Nations as “absolutely unacceptable” and “counterproductive” given that the mission is in the country to work alongside local authorities to protect civilians, deter armed groups, and build the capacity of state institutions and services, Haq said. Diagne called on Congolese authorities, civil society, and community groups to denounce the violence.
“It is not in chaos and confusion or division that we will make progress towards stability and peace,” he said.
There were at least four incidents targeting the homes of MONUSCO and other staff, and a mob tried to enter the premises of the UN Development Programme compound in Goma, the spokesman said. Security guards repelled the attackers.
“Hundreds of assailants have again attacked our bases in Goma as well as other parts of North Kivu province, fueled by hostile remarks and threats made by individuals and groups against the UN, particularly on social media,” he said. “Mobs are throwing stones and petrol bombs, breaking into bases, looting and vandalizing, and setting facilities on fire.”
Haq said that reinforcements are being mobilized because of the very volatile situation.
“Our quick reaction forces are on high alert and have been advised to exercise maximum restraint, using tear gas to disperse protestors and only firing warning shots when UN personnel or property are under attack,” he said. “Some assistance to protect facilities is being received from the Congolese armed forces.”
It is the second day UN posts were targeted.
The spokesman said on Monday there were stone-throwing protests and looting of UN facilities in Goma. Warning shots and tear gas were fired in return to protect personnel, the UN hospital and other UN facilities.
There also was a similar protest at the UN base in Nyamilima, 38 km northeast of Rutshuru, where several peacekeepers reportedly suffered minor injuries, and a peaceful protest at the Kitchanga base, 28 km northeast of Masisi, he said.
These regulations establish a framework for trade of used electrical and electronic equipment, including licensing.
The regulator, Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA) and partners, including Rwanda National Police (RNP), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) held a press conference in Kigali on Tuesday, July 26, to elaborate on the regulations.
RICA Director General, Beatrice Uwumukiza said that lack of regulations governing second-hand electrical and electronic equipment had left a vacuum for irregularities including illegal trade and sell of stolen items.
“We now have clear regulations defining what you need to do as a trader or buyer of used electrical and electronic equipment, licensing and record keeping to prevent related lawlessness. We are everywhere across the country to enforce these regulations because we work with other public institutions like Rwanda National Police and RIB,” Uwumukiza said.
The regulations govern, among others, consumer electronics, office, IT and telecommunication equipment, refrigerator equipment, large and small household appliances, lighting fixtures and lamps, sports and leisure appliances, and toys.
Among them include telephones, electric cables, computers, television sets, music instruments (guitar, piano, keyboard, sound speakers), cameras as well as TV and satellite receivers.
Others include CD and MP3 players, radios, scanners, video mixing and cutting devices, decoders, air conditioners, washing machines, cooking stove, and amplifier.
Under the regulations, for one to trade in used electrical and electronic equipment, you apply for a license issued by RICA, which is valid for two year, renewal.
Business operator is required to ensure that used electrical and electronic equipment he or she intends to buy meets the safety requirements of the standards IEC 60950-1; record description of the equipment bought and sold.
The records kept for at least two years, should 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.
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.
According to RICA, those already in business have up to October to have realigned their trade with the regulations.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that the regulations facilitate in enforcement.
“As a law enforcement organ, it will be easy to track chains of illegal dealers since the regulations require the operator to be licensed, keep records of what they have bought and sold. The regulations comes as a big step against theft and selling stolen or smuggled used electrical and electronic equipment,” CP Kabera said.
The RIB spokesperson, Thierry Murangira said that there will be no more excuse that a trader or buyer doesn’t know where they got the electronic device under question, including those who were changing serial numbers.
“Now the seller and buyer have the legal responsibility to justify the origin of the product. This is a preventive measure because now thieves will not get buyers of stolen electronics,” Murangira said.
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Administrative penalties range from Rwf50,000 to Rwf200,000 for late request of license renewal, failure to submit on time a report required by authority or cooperate with inspectors; failure to make sale contract; failure to notify particular changes or issue invoice; failure to maintain proper data records of used electrical or electronic equipment in his or her possession; and to operate without a license or with an expired license.
Nyandungu Eco-Park was open to public on 8th July 2022. The opening of Nyandungu Eco-Park represents the single largest addition to public green space in Kigali in the city’s history.
The Rwf 4.5 billion project has restored critical habitats, including a native fig forest and the wetland itself, and rehabilitated streams and ponds to alleviate floods and reed-beds to reduce pollution.
Stretched on 121.7 hectares in size, including 70 hectares of wetland and 50 hectares of forest ; the wetland also features a medicinal garden, a Pope’s Garden, five catchment ponds, three recreation ponds, a 10km network of walking and cycling paths, viewing areas, picnic areas, an information centre, and a restaurant among other facilities.
It is home to more than 62 local plant species and over 100 bird species.
The park provides a space for residents and visitors to the city to explore and learn from nature, and is part of Rwanda’s efforts to harness eco-tourism to restore biodiversity and conserve urban wetland ecosystems.
The other five wetlands to be rehabilitated are located in Rwampara, Nyabugogo, Kibumba,Rugenge and another one located in Gikondo.
The efforts are part of Kigali Wetland Master Plan aimed at rehabilitating wetlands in Kigali.
The Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya has told RBA that the restoration aligns with efforts to protect wetland’s biodiversity.
“Now that Nyandungu has been completed, emphasis will be drawn on rehabilitating Gikondo because we have experience that it is possible to restore our wetlands and ensure coexistence with species in the habitats,” she said.
“Nyandungu showed us that it is possible that a wetland is not a dumpsite. We will rehabilitate Gikondo, Rwampara, Utexrwa and wetlands in other areas which will lead us to Kigali we want and improved wellbeing of Kigali City dwellers,” added Dr. Mujawamariya.
The timeframe for the implementation of these projects has not yet been revealed.
He was speaking at the 21st Summit of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) held in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC on 25th July 2022.
The meeting took place amidst strained relations between Rwanda and DRC. The tension saw Tshisekedi warning of a war with Rwanda.
Speaking at the summit bringing together regional leaders and heads of state, Tshisekedi revealed that he has been following up the tension between the two neighbouring countries noting that he wants the situation to be back to normal.
The Head of State also underscored that there is willingness to mend bilateral ties.
The summit is held amidst recurrent demonstrations in DRC where Congolese demand the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to leave the country over failure to solve the issue of armed groups.
During the latest protest on Monday 25th July 2022, Congolese stormed headquarters of MONUSCO and its logistical base where they looted valuables and set others on fire.
DRC nationals stormed the headquarters following protests against Rwanda accusing the country of supporting M23 rebel group.
However, Rwanda has repeatedly refuted the allegations and urged DRC to seek a solution instead of externalizing internal problems.
Amb. Nkulikiyimfura was appointed as Rwanda’s envoy to France by the cabinet meeting held in April this year. He previously represented Rwanda’s interests in Qatar prior to the new appointment.
Following the ceremony which took place on Monday 25th July 2022, Amb. Nkulikiyimfura posted a message on Twitter expressing delight to have presented letters of credence to President Macron.
Recently, the envoy also presented credentials to represent Rwanda to the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
The peacekeeping troops have the mission of fighting armed groups which have cemented their presence in eastern DRC.
Despite their presence for the past 20 years, the groups have been increasing where a large number of civilians continue to die in different attacks.
Congolese accuse MONUSCO of working in the interests of foreign countries instead of delivering on their mission.
In the morning of Monday 25th July 2022, protesters turned up in big crowds in Goma, blocked roads and stormed offices of MONUSCO and its logistical base where they looted different valuables including computers, furniture among others. They also set the organization’s vehicle on fire.
The protests organized by the youth from the ruling political party (UDPS) followed more demonstrations launched by women who had spent days at the entrance of MONUSCO’s premises demanding the troops to leave the country because they failed Congolese and are unable to fight M23 rebel group.
During the demonstrations; Police in DRC intervened to disperse the crowds with tear gas in the areas of Majengo, Mutinga-Katoyi, Kituku, Katindo, Ndosho, Quartier Office and Virunga.
One day before, the Mayor of Goma, Senior Police Commissioner Kabeya François Makosa announced that the protests are not allowed and urged relevant authorities to foil the plan.
The Spokesperson of DRC, Patrick Muyaya has via Twitter handle condemned the violent protests noting that those involved must be held accountable and face serious punishments.
Ahead of the protests, Congolese politicians criticized the UN peacekeeping troops for failure to deliver.
As he interacted with members of AFDC political part in Goma on 15th July 2022, the President of Senate, Modeste Bahati Lukwebo said that the UN troops need to leave DRC.
The former Congolese President, Joseph Kabila also used to accuse MONUSCO of failure to solve security issues in the country.
On 18th July 2018, MONUSCO wrote to Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula expressing concerns over hate speeches propagated by the country’s officials.
With the annual budget of US$1 billion, the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC started in 1999.
Two of the suspects; Manishimwe, 33, and Elisa Manizabayo Elisa, 19, were arrested red-handed mining cassiterite using traditional tools in the residents’ farms on Sunday, July 24.
Another suspect, Celestin Habyarimana, 60, was arrested on Monday, July 25.
The Northern Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Alex Ndayisenga said that the suspects’ unlawful mining acts were reported by the affected residents.
“The affected residents in Kabuga village reported groups of people that conduct illegal mining activities in their farms destroying their crops, houses and causing environmental degradation. In response to the illegal acts, Police, local leaders and other security organs first arrested Manishimwe and Manizabayo on Sunday,” SP Ndayisenga said.
Habyarimana, he added, was arrested on Monday at the same site. He was part of the group of illegal miners but others managed to flee during the operation.
SP Ndayisenga warned against such illegal activities and urged the public to continue sharing information on those involved.
He reminded that mining is only done by professionals working for a legally registered and licensed mining company.
The suspects were handed over to RIB at Murambi station for further legal process.
Article 54 of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a licence.
