The delegation that includes police officers and other officials from different entities, headed by Traore Wodjo Fini, the advisor to the Minister of Interior for Ivory Coast, is in Rwanda since March 27, for a working visit.
While welcoming the delegation, DIGP Ujeneza said that Rwanda National Police is always open to share its experiences and to learn from one other.
“Your visit to the Rwanda National Police will focus on building the capacity of the police, including continuous training, human resource management and logistics. Rwanda National Police remains committed to move jointly to train and develop the capacities of our police officers and forces, and to strength bilateral cooperation between our two institutions,” DIGP Ujeneza said.
While in Rwanda, the delegation will visit RNP schools and other facilities as part of their working visit.
Mr. Traore said that they are happy to choose and to learn from Rwanda as a country that has achieved a lot in all aspects, including policing and security in general.
“We visited Rwanda National Police to understand, share experience and expertise on how the police works with and for the people. We are looking at three main things; human resource management, professionalism and training programmes that prepare Rwanda Police officers to work with and serve the people,” Traore said.
He has lectured thousands of students and chaired various departments in different universities across Australia and South Africa.
The Tanzanian-born researcher has authored more than 130 research articles, and his experience was a decisive factor in his selection as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kigali.
IGIHE has caught up with Prof. Rugimbana to talk about his areas of priorities; plans to deliver on efficiency and help UoK become a hub for intellectuals in Rwanda and the region.
{{Excerpts:}}
{{How did you welcome your recent appointment as the new Vice Chancellor of UoK?}}
I was very privileged to have been chosen for this appointment. It is a huge honour. Rwanda is a visionary country that has grown enormously for the past 27 years. I was very keen to see for myself what was happening because I felt that what was happening here could be mirrored in other countries.
I am pretty sure that there are other countries that consider Rwanda as the Singapore of Africa. This is a result of fast-tracking development initiatives.
I am very privileged to have had this opportunity to come to Rwanda. I have not yet seen the entire country, but what I have seen in Rwanda is a testimony.
{{What is your impression about the university?}}
To be honest, I am impressed by its performance. The university has been operating for about 7 years. From that time until today, if you look at statistics in terms of admissions, graduations, it has been performing well. In December last year, the university released more than 2000 graduates despite issues of COVID-19 pandemic and introducing new technologies and the cost of running a private entity. It is doing an amazing job.
A small university that is growing so fast has huge potential. It is a major attraction for me.
So, I am pleased to see what has been achieved so far including infrastructure and most importantly in terms of the Board of Promoters’ vision and what they expect from individuals like us. They are very approachable. When you have that kind of communication, you are more likely to be productive. The impression of the University is that they are punching all above their weight when you look at the basics standard measures with which we measure quality.
I would wish that such kind of progress continues and grows.
{{What are your aspirations as the new Vice Chancellor?}}
I am working with the Board of Promoters. They have very carefully thought about its vision, futuristic position, they are looking to grow and diversifying. That is going to be the major occupation and I find it very useful to be here at this point in time basically for one reason.
When you talk of growth, it is not necessarily about size, it is also about shape.
Talking about shape. I mostly refer to the notion of what kind of university? It is a big university but what makes it unique?
{{What available packages make UoK different from others? }}
I am happy that we have begun these discussions. We are gauging our strength to make improvements and forge the way forward. We are also seeking how to review courses and adjust them to labour market demands.
What I find very interesting in this university is that the Board of Promoters are very careful about positioning the University of Kigali as a forward- looking higher education provider.
It is also reflected through our motto ‘Labour for the Future’. It implies that we are trying to produce graduates who are going to be relevant in the future.
That future is about the fourth industrial revolution. However, the challenge for us becomes future work in the corporate world. We must also talk about future pedagogy. My excitement is to be part of a project sticking to ‘how do we mould what you already have so that it has a futuristic orientation?” What we eventually produce in terms of graduates is very relevant, very applicable to what Rwanda needs.
{{Rwanda is expending much effort to become an education hub. How is UoK positioned to take advantage of it?}}
The initiative is really about producing graduates who are relevant to the society. I sense that some of the approaches we must take may involve reviewing the way we provide academic services.
For example, we might need more relationship with the industries or other stakeholders, so that the inputs become part of the curriculum. We can also make sure that what our students learn is not just theoretical aspects but also depict the reality.
Helping graduates come out of institutions and be relevant helps the society to become self-reliant. I am optimistic to make a contribution based on my long history and experience in different universities.
{{How is UoK working with other universities to advance quality education?}}
The University of Kigali is really doing well in terms of collaboration with other universities. We have already signed MoUs that we believe are going to assist in capacity-building so that we can bring in professors and other experts to reinforce where we are not capacitated enough to assist our students.
{{How do you follow-up on graduates?}}
We have had conversations with the Board of Promoters around a number of strategic issues. One of them involves creating an alumni section whereby we monitor graduates in particular positions who could assist us in creating links and assist us perhaps in recruitment. They may also come back and become employees.
The alumni issue is a very important one. I am told that we have many successful individual graduates in Rwanda who studied at this university. I am sure that by approaching them and asking them for ideas will put us in a vantage position of knowing how we can collaborate to assist current students.
{{Where is UoK positioned in terms of research?}}
The University of Kigali is right now in the process of growing the side of research. My own views are that we can build capacity in research through a number of strategies.
We have signed MoUs with various universities; run workshops with those universities so that our students can be the very best.
The promoters have looked very hard at the organogram and are looking for a dedicated Directorate of Research which will involve the entire range of research workshops. I believe this will attract more students to come to us. Perhaps, we will move much more away from there from taught programs to independent learning.
We are also going to introduce what we call ‘Research Communities of Practice.’ The advantage of it is that people who are pursuing Masters are placed into groups, workshop is given to them by an expert, and then they give them the opportunity to talk to each other and justify what they are doing.
One of the things I have learnt from the years is that you sometimes learn more from colleagues.
These kinds of discussions tend to become very useful and productive because you might find that someone else has the solution where you find difficulties.
If we create these ‘Communities of Practice’ where people meet regularly and talk, discuss, argue and debate, you are introducing the culture of questioning, argumentation and independent thinking. That is very critical and is one of these ideas I am proposing to introduce.
{{What kind of support do you extend to students affected by effects of the COVID-19 pandemic? }}
There are students who have been receiving scholarship even before COVID-19. The program is continuous. The fact that we have got so many students registering and paying suggests that people coming here want to pay for it. But it does not dismiss the idea of what we can do to assist people who are going through difficulties.
Every university has got its plans to work around that and our Promoters are very busy with the subject going forward, particularly as we look at our growth strategy.
It is something being discussed very seriously and I am certain that we are going to find creative ways of assisting people, so that their education is not impaired.
{{How has your journey in the education sector been like?}}
I actually started in the business sector and I was very fortunate that after finishing my first degree at the University of Dar-es-Salaam, I studied education and graduated as a teacher. This happened a long time ago. I am one of the people who are extremely fortunate because I was offered a fully-paid scholarship by the Australian Government after graduation in 1982. The exposure was remarkable. It is one of the reasons why I always say that I couldn’t get a better gift because giving someone a fish is different from teaching someone to fish.
I returned with a Master’s degree feeling more confident and interested in the academic sector. After my Masters, I returned to my native land in Tanzania where I worked for some time and went back to Australia.
I joined the university as a tutor. I started in 1989 but the opportunity to work within an academic institution came in 1990. They were very helpful and encouraged me to pursue studies to the next level. Australia encourages people not to do all degrees at one university. So, I did my Masters and PhD at different universities. I was privileged that it was a full- paid scholarship. After three years, I graduated with a PhD and got a full-time appointment and became part of the University of New Castle.
In 2004, I moved to another university in Australia. Since I obtained my PhD, I have been working in teams with other colleagues and we were able to create conferences, we were publishing widely with people who helped and mentored us.
By the time I went to Griffith University, I was able to do the same for those who came after me. I stayed at Griffith University until 2008. It had always been my wish to be back in Africa. It wasn’t easy to get into some universities but I joined a University in South Africa.
{{Education is a vocation you continue until the day you can’t walk. I love being a teacher and building capacity. }}
Seeing people growing and meeting their aspirations is always my pleasure. I feel proud to have assisted different students who also became lecturers and continue to pass on knowledge to others. It is a great level of satisfaction.
{{What message do you have for the youth with ambitions to achieve great things? }}
There will be times when the river flows slowly; there will be times when the water falls, when it is rapid and very fast. We need to know that different challenges exist and navigate them before getting out there. That will prepare you to achieve what you want to do.
Striving to do great things always should be all human beings’ ambition but not everyone gets the right advice or right opportunities.
Anyone who wants to do well in their field, the opportunities may have never been there. They should not be put off by one or two hurdles. But hurdles are steps which mature and strengthen us. Keep focus on your ambition because it is that focus that keeps you growing. Where you have questions, ask them. Get mentorship, learn and seize other available opportunities.
What I have picked up when looking at the African environment is that we are not very good at reading. I am not referring to WhatsApp center. Just take a simple text book or even a novel and read from start to the end. If you develop that kind of habit early, you will be surprised. My learning and understanding of English came from reading novels. I learnt many things like sentence structure and more.
Through regular reading of books, you suddenly find yourself with grammar that you didn’t have before and express yourself in a way that you haven’t done before.
I believe that developing langue proficiencies gives you extra comprehension, understanding and confidence, so that you will be able to interpret what is given to you when you go for a particular course. The culture of reading is of critical importance.
The cow was handed over to the beneficiary on Saturday 26th March 2022 after a monthly community work held in Kabeza Village, Nyamugari Cell of Mwiri Sector in Kayonza District.
The community work characterized by the construction of 1.5 kilometer road was attended by DASSO members and residents.
Uwimbabazi thanked DASSO members for the great gesture and pledged to take good care of received cow to transform her life.
“The cow will help me to get compost and milk for children. I am hopeful that the donation serves as the foundation for my five children’s better life,” she said.
The funds are raised from DASSO members’ contributions deducted from salary to enhance social protection initiatives.
The Head of DASSO members in Kayonza District, Edmond Twahirwa said that the gesture was meant to support Government’s efforts to transform lives of vulnerable people.
He revealed that they intend to do similar gesture twice every year.
Last year, DASSO members in Kayonza District donated 45 goats to vulnerable residents.
POWERHer aims to inspire and unlock job opportunities to young women pursuing Energy related courses.
Speaking at the event, Etiene Gasasira, the Head of Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at IPRC Kigali revealed that only 25% of the students who pursue energy related courses are women where the number is still low yet the school wants to boost the number of women in energy courses for up to 30% and above.
He explained that lack of confidence is among issues triggering women’s low participation in technical courses.
In fact, the number of girls pursuing science in secondary school is relatively low and the situation worsens at university level. It is under this context that the sensitization is being done starting from primary schools to universities to attract more girls in the energy sector.
Gasasira emphasized that women who are currently enrolled in technical courses are performing better than boys.
Having these conversations in schools, is one way to share with the girls successful stories of women in the technical field and remind them that they are capable of taking the lead in the technical field and beyond.
Gasasira concluded by thanking POWERHer Rwanda for the initiative of inspiring young women through testimony of successful women and encouraging the younger generation to work hard and get ready for the job market.
Bertile Uganje, 22, and student in 3rd year Electrical and Electronics narrated how the community discouraged her from pursuing related fields in her younger age as a matter of mindsets that the option is only suitable for males.
However, Uganje did not give up and kept pursuing her dreams.
Uganje disclosed she was inspired to see successful women in the sector such as POWERHer members who are doing great at the labour market.
After graduating, Uganje revealed that she has dreams to work with a Hydro Power plant as a manager or technician.
Allen Munganyinka, the co-founder of POWERHer underscored that through the tour visit to IPRCs and universities, POWERHer will be able to inspire young women to work and love the energy sector and expressed optimism to reach its mission of increasing number of girls and women working in the Energy Sector.
She also disclosed that the aim of the visit is to create a POWERHer club within the school where POWERHer will be able to help those young women through mentorship, apprenticeship and offer training to help them be ready for the world of opportunities in the sector.
POWERHer elected 4 women who represent the club and will help as a liaison between the club and POWERHer in the future plans where the latter is organizing competitions within those clubs in different IPRCs and universities.
The report released last year was presented to French President Emmanuel Macron on 26th March 2021.
Dubbed Duclert, the report by French historians revealed that France bears “heavy and overwhelming responsibilities” over tragic history that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which took lives of over 1 million victims.
The report blames the then French President, François Mitterrand, for a “failure” of policy towards Rwanda in 1994. The findings were made public on 19th April 2021 after years of French official secrecy over links to the Government led by Juvenal Habyarimana.
Among the archives are those of Mitterrand, who had close ties to former Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana.
Speaking to IGIHE, Prof. Duclert said that their work was much needed to reveal the truth and fight trivialization of Genocide against Tutsi.
“We were assigned to conduct the research that was of great significance to us, particularly because Genocide survivors have rights to know the truth on the role played by French people [through established leadership],” he stated.
Prof. Duclert explained that Genocide denial fuelled by the propaganda of Mitterand and other activities undermining affected people were among issues of concerns.
“As we released the report, we opened all windows widely. It soothed people’s hearts because we were able to tackle such denial. It was something difficult to bear for researchers and citizens,” he said.
Despite the fact that their work is ongoing, Prof. Duclert revealed that they have got foundation helping them to fulfill their smoothly in collaboration with European researchers and Africans.
On Saturday, March 26, Rwanda National Police (RNP) arrested two people in Kabuyenge Village, Nyanamo Cell, Rugengabari Sector, Burera District after they were found in illegal mining activities.
Fabien Iradukunda, 29, and Jean Baptiste Ntibabaza, 33, were arrested with 6kgs of Wolfram extracted from a concession belonging to Gifurwe Wolfram Mining and Processing Company Limited.
The Northern Region Political and Civic Education Officer (RPCEO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Alex Ndayisenga, said that the suspects’ illegal practices were reported by the affected mining firm.
“The management of Gifurwe mining company reported that there was a group of people that was sneaking into their concession to steal their minerals and identified Iradukunda and Ntibabaza as part of the group.
In response to the information, the two men were located and found in Kabuyenge Village with 6kgs of Wolfram and were taken into custody,” SP Ndayisenga said.
The DPCEO thanked the management of the company for reporting the illegal mining acts.
He warned anyone involved in unlawful mineral related practices, including illegal mining, which in some cases result into loss of lives.
The suspects and exhibits were handed over to RIB at Rugengabari 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 license.
They were apprehended on Saturday 26th March 2022 in Kageyo Cell of Mwiri Sector nearby Gasarabwayi business center.
As residents revealed, it was not the first time the young men slaughtered dogs and accused them to have sold dogs’ meat at different times lying to buyers that they are flesh of poached animals.
Speaking to IGIHE, the executive secretary of Mwiri Sector, John Ntambara has confirmed their arrest.
“These young men are gangs that have been caught red handed slaughtering a dog but declined to tell us where they had to supply meat. We have however learnt from residents that the duo wanted to sell meet to locals. The dog’s owner has not yet been identified,” he said.
Ntambara disclosed that the young men have been arrested on tip off from residents and asked them to be cautious as they buy meat.
The two young men are detained at Mwiri RIB Station pending further investigation.
It was revealed on Friday 25th March 2022 during a press conference with spokespersons of different public institutions in Burundi where the reopening of borders was among topics of discussions.
The Spokesperson of Burundian President, Evelyne Butoyi revealed that relations between her country and Rwanda are being mended gradually evidenced through the exchange of messages between both countries’ Heads of State.
She emphasized that they are working hard to open borders on the side of Burundi for interests of both countries’ people.
“Remember that Rwanda opened borders taking into account the situation of COVID-19 because they had pledged to fight the pandemic. The border on Rwandan side has been already opened. Let us wait patiently because the situation is in that direction. This is all we want. They are making possible efforts to facilitate the free movements,” she affirmed.
Rwanda reopened all land borders on 7th March 2022 after long time of closure due to COVID-19 related restrictions and misunderstandings between Burundi and Uganda.
At the time, passengers started crossing through Gatuna and Cyanika borders but Akanyaru border connecting Rwanda and Burundi remained closed as Rwandans were not allowed to cross.
Burundi started blocking passenger vehicles from Rwanda since 2016. Burundians continued to cross to Rwanda safely but Rwandans would not be cleared to cross on the Burundian side.
As COVID-19 emerged in March 2020, Rwanda closed all land borders until the recent reopening announcement.
The borders’ closure does not only affect cross border traders but also has become a regional issue.
Currently, goods from Uganda to Burundi are transited through Tanzania yet Rwanda would be a shortcut.
A delegation of 200 investors from Uganda which visited Burundi recently, requested the country to open borders with Rwanda to facilitate trade.
The fact that Rwanda accommodates suspects behind the failed coup plot in Burundi in 2015 was reported to be among reasons why the country is relenting to open borders.
Butoyi said, the Government did not welcome the decision but highlighted that it has nothing to do with the opening of borders.
Despite political mishaps that existed between both countries, the current situation is promising for normalized relations.
Recently on 15th March 2022, President Paul Kagame send a message to his counterpart of Burundi delivered by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira.
The visit came after President Paul Kagame received a delegation led by Burundi’s Minister in charge of EAC Affairs, Youth, Culture and Sports, Amb. Ezéchiel Nibigira with a message from his counterpart Évariste Ndayishimiye on 10th January 2022.
In 2015, a group of Burundian soldiers attempted to overthrow the then President Pierre Nkurunziza but the plan was nullified. Since then, Burundi has been accusing Rwanda of accommodating suspects behind the failed coup plot. Rwanda has however been insisting that the individuals are considered as refugees who must be protected against deportation by international laws.
The political mishap later halted cooperation and free movements between both countries.
Since Burundian President Ndayishimiye was installed in 2020, the situation has been improving gradually to bring relations back to normal for mutual benefits.
Speaking during the celebration of 59th Independence Anniversary last year, Ndayishimiye said it was time to mend political tensions that ruined relations with Rwanda since 2015.
The ceremony was also attended by Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente representing President Paul Kagame.
Ndayishimiye revealed that the representation of Rwanda during the ceremony induced pride to Burundians and considered it the beginning of a new page for both countries relations.
The forum is expected to bring together top CEOs from leading private companies across Rwanda who will advocate for, participate in dialogue, and implement child-friendly policies at their respective areas of business while sharing a common voice for children’s rights.
“Children have a stake in business as consumers, dependents of employees, future employees, and business leaders but most importantly as citizens in the communities and environments where businesses operate,” said Julianna Lindsey, the UNICEF Representative in Rwanda.
“Therefore, every form of business – whether large or small – inevitably interacts with and affects the lives of children,” she added.
This high-level forum will provide a platform for sharing experiences and examples from real-life practices undertaken by companies from around the world to respect and support children’s rights. The CEOs are expected to commit to advancing the rights of children in Rwanda.
“Children are the future of this country and tomorrow’s investors; therefore it is extremely important that businesses pay the due level of attention to ensuring that the business practices which they adhere to on a day-to-day basis are child friendly,” said the Chairperson of the Rwanda Private Sector Federation, Mr. Robert Bafakulera.
UNICEF is working in close collaboration with the National Child Development Agency to advance child rights and wellbeing in the country and is envisaged to play a leading role in the creation and operationalization of the CEO Forum for Children.
“The creation of this forum will go a long way in harnessing the considerable influence and resources that the Private Sector in Rwanda has, and to pool these resources for the greatest cause of all, in the interest of ensuring a better future for all Rwandan children,” said the Director-General of the National Child Development Agency, Ms. Nadine Umutoni Gatsinzi .
The Government of Rwanda has consistently shown commitment in placing the family at the center of development, and as a prerequisite to achieving equitable and sustainable development for the country at large.
It is in this regard that along with NCD Agency and other partners, UNICEF is actively engaged in promoting Child Rights and Business Practices in the workplace, which has paid dividends in the form of 30 child-friendly spaces established by companies in the tea, rice, and extractive industries.
In collaboration with key partners including the National Agriculture Export Development Board (NAEB), UNICEF also recently released a business case to encourage the private sector in Rwanda – particularly companies with many employees of reproductive age – to invest in employer-supported childcare. The report demonstrates that by investing in childcare services at workplaces, substantial business and social returns can be generated.
