The proactive act is meant to ensure that traffic rules and regulations are respected for the safety of everyone on the road.
The campaign started on different roads in City of Kigali where drivers, taxi-moto operators, passengers and pedestrians were explained on the meaning of road symbol signs, including traffic control lights and red-light cameras.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gerald Mpayimana, the Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety said that the red light cameras were introduced to counter violations of traffic lights and bad maneuvers, which cause traffic jam and road crashes.
“We need road users to beware of the meaning of traffic light colour, understand that their violations especially in intersection that have cameras will lead to penalties, and know the meaning of different road traffic symbols including cross-walks,” ACP Mpayimana said.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that this is part of the continuous Police campaigns to remind road users of their individual responsibility when using the road to prevent accidents.
“This campaign was initiated to remind road users on the traffic regulations and how to use the road safely. Road users should know and respect traffic control lights, sign posts and road lines, which direct traffic flow,” CP Kabera said.
He added that in addition to the speed cameras set to penalize speeding motorists red light cameras were also installed to detect those, who enter intersections in wrong manner violating road lines or violate traffic lights.
Rwanda National Police installed CCTV, speed cameras and Red-Light Cameras (RLC). The RLC is an automated system that detects and captures images of automobiles entering an intersection after the traffic signal controlling the intersection has turned red.
In a statement released ahead of the concert, KGL FWD recalled numerous circumstances under which the artiste was accused of violence against women and highlighted that the concert should be cancelled to discourage inappropriate behaviours.
{{Read full statement by KGL FWD }}
{We would like to express our support and stand in full solidarity with those who have demanded that Koffi Olomide’s 4th December concert in Rwanda be cancelled. As members of the entertainment industry we know the importance and impact that artists have on their fans and larger society.}
Additionally, as communications practitioners, we know the power of messaging. Refusing to cancel the concert sends a strong message to those who have been directly impacted by Koffi’s violence and abuses as well as to survivors everywhere who may be questioning if it will make a difference if they speak up about their own stories and experiences with GBV. It also sends a blaring message about how society chooses to prioritize entertainment over violence against women and girls.
As entertainment and communications professionals, we play a direct role in the arts, entertainment and messaging that is delivered and promoted to the general public. With that role comes a responsibility for the things we amplify and promote. We cannot choose to be oblivious to that role.
In recent years we have seen the #MeToo movement demand accountability for numerous entertainers, executives and others in power who, similarly to Koffi, have been accused numerous times over the years of violence, assault, abuse and inappropriate behavior. It has shown us that if we speak up we can make a difference and that if we choose not to do so then we are empowering and enabling abusers to continue to abuse more women and girls for years to come.
As the Rwanda Men Engage Network (RWAMNET) and their cosigners have pointed out, South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and France have already communicated their stance by banning Koffi. To continue to move forward with this concert is to disregard the women who have been violated and all who have demanded that the concert be cancelled.
What message will we choose to send in this critical moment? That is the question.
Hakizisuka was arrested in Nyamwiza Village, Munini Cell, in Rwimbogo Sector with the meat after killing the hippopotamus in Akagera National Park.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana said that the suspect was apprehended red-handed on the way home with a sack of hippo meat.
“Hakizisuka was intercepted coming from Akagera National Park at about 7:30pm, following information provided by residents,” said CIP Twizeyimana.
He warned against killing protected animals in gazetted areas
Hakizisuka along with the exhibit were handed over to RIB at Rwimbogo station for further legal process.
Article 44 of Law N°48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on environment prohibits the following acts in order to protect biodiversity: burning forests, national parks and reserved areas, burning swamps, grazing land, bushes, grass with the aim of agriculture or organising grazing land, killing, injuring and capturing animals of endangered species, destroying or damaging habitats, larvae, pupae or the young animals of the endangered species, causing death or burning protected plants, harvesting or destroying them, transporting or selling the remains of a whole or part of an animal and plants of endangered species, and cutting trees in forests or protected areas or in national parks.
In the article 58, Any person who hunts, sells, injures or kills a protected animal species and products thereof, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years and not more than seven (7) years and a fine not less than five million Rwandan francs (Rwf 5,000,000) and not more than seven million Rwandan francs (Rwf7,000,000).
The group was paraded to the media on Wednesday, December 1, at Nyarugenge District Police offices in Rwezamenyo sector, Nyarugenge district.
Patrick Mugisha is one the drivers paraded who was arrested after he declined to be tested whether he had taken alcohol.
“I was in my car parked on the road side in Nyamirambo on Monday, when Police officers who were on duty approached me and tried to test if I had taken alcohol but I refused because it was observable by everyone that I was drunk as I had even a bottle of Konyagi liquor in my car,” said Mugisha.
Murwanashyaka was also arrested driving a truck with luggages from Rusumo to City of Kigali. He said that he was arrested after he involved in an accident.
“I had taken alcohol during the previous night which I was thinking it could not affect me driving during morning however in the wee hours when I started driving the truck, I hit a vehicle which was parked on the side of the road and immediately when Police officers arrived to examine the accident detected through a breathalyzer that my blood had alcohol content and I was brought here,” said Murwanashyaka.
Murwanashyaka along with Mugisha asked for forgiveness and advised their colleagues to avoid driving when they had taken alcohol otherwise to seek someone else to help them or suspend the journey to other occasion.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rene Irere, The Spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety Department reminded the public that rejecting to be tested whether you have taken alcohol does not clean your drunken status.
“A big number of drivers are being currently found under influence of alcohol, others refuse to be tested and those who deny to be tested do it because they know that they had taken quantities of alcohol beverages which they want to conceal despite that they possess driving licenses which they got after studying road safety regulations,” said SSP Irere.
SSP Irere warned motorists that deliberately violating road safety rules and regulations especially driving under influence of alcohol is exposing their lives and those of others in high traffic risks adding that operations are meant to ensure safer road usage and will be continuous across the country.”
The funding worth Rwf2 billion was secured through the partnership between Rwanda and Belgian Development Agency, Enabel.
Enabel works with the Government of Rwanda on different projects meant to promote poultry, pig farming and agro-processing.
Normally, commercial banks provide loans with interest rates between 16% and 17%. The interest rate on loan from Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) can go up to 22% while the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) offers loans at 12%.
The Rwf2 billion funding will be channeled through the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) which will also work with commercial banks to lend it out to beneficiaries with poultry, pig farming projects as well as those producing animal feeds effective from January 2022.
Dr. Solange Uwituze, the Deputy Director General in charge of Animal Resources Research and Technology Transfer at Rwanda Agricultural and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has told IGIHE that beneficiaries will receive loans at 8% interest rate.
“If someone applies for Rwf50 million loan in a commercial bank, the latter will consider 8% interest rate to be paid by the farmer or animal feed producer while the Government will cater for the remaining 8%,” she said.
Dr. Uwituze explained that the interest rate subsidy will not go beyond Rwf100 million.
“The Government shall only pay the interest rate not exceeding Rwf100 million for a farmer or animal feed producers requesting loan under this financing scheme,” she revealed.
Beneficiaries will have to go through existing loan application processes. Those without collateral will continue seeking assistance from Business Development Fund (BDF).
The Government mulls increasing the Rwf2 billion allocated to the fund depending on available means.
Poultry and pig farming are among projects benefitting from the subsidized National Agriculture Insurance Scheme launched in 2019.
It is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) in collaboration with partners including Radiant Insurance, Access to Finance Rwanda, Prime Insurance and Sonarwa.
Under the subsidized agriculture insurance scheme, a farmer provides 60% of insurance fees while the Government caters for 40% of farmers payments.
The cost of insurance equals 4.5% of the total value of the cow.
So far, a total of 208,749 chickens and 3,020 pigs have been insured.
While humanitarian assistance has effectively supported displaced populations in emergencies, a different approach is needed involving new actors, predominantly the private sector in contributing to sustainable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.
It is against this background that the Amahoro Coalition and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have convened the inaugural ‘36 Million Solutions: Africa Private Sector Forum on Forced Displacement’ taking place in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda from 30th November to 2nd December 2021.
The Amahoro Coalition is an African-led initiative convening multi-sector actors from across the region to accelerate private sector leadership in driving sustainable market-based interventions that advance economic inclusion for displaced populations.
Guided by the Global Compact on Refugees and the pledges made at the 2019 Global Refugee Forum, the event brings together Africa’s private sector firms to explore solutions that promote economic inclusion for Africa’s forcibly displaced persons and their host communities.
The Forum’s theme, 36 Million Solutions, references the number of people forced to flee across the region and the opportunities to invest in their potential.
Alongside private sector leaders, the Forum brings together refugees and displaced persons, government representatives, and humanitarian actors to actualize a multi-stakeholder Pan-African approach to the displacement crisis.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, UNHCR Director of the Regional Bureau for the East, Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes said that the number of displaced persons and refugees has been on high rise for the past ten years.
The issue is mainly reported in Central African Republic, South Sudan, Burundi and Mozambique.
She said that African countries should not perceive refugees as a burden but rather an investment opportunity.
Salami thanked Rwanda and Djibouti for achieved milestone towards the cause and urged the private sector to work with Governments and other organizations to support refugees and displaced persons.
Also present, was Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente who officially opened the forum on behalf of President Paul Kagame on Wednesday 1st December 2021.
As he delivered remarks, Premier Ngirente highlighted that the number of refugees and displaced persons continues to increase particularly in Sub-Sahara African countries and shared needed actions to manage refugee crisis.
“Forced displacement has reached its highest level in Africa. Statistics indicate that in 2020, the number of displaced people in Sub-Saharan Africa reached an alarming record of 35.9 million people, representing 45% of the total number of refugees globally,” he said.
Reports from SOS Children’s Village, the world’s largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children without parental care and families at risk, show that poverty is among six major reasons behind increasing number of African refugees.
Other causes include armed conflicts and climate change.
Premier Ngirente went on to explain that efficient use of available resources is of critical significance to solve the issue of economic refugees.
“As it is well documented, Africa has a significant economic potential which, if well exploited, the continent can at least minimize the number of economic refugees by giving different opportunities to our youth,” he said.
Dr. Ngirente urged the private sector to contribute to the creation of jobs to tackle unemployment among the youth.
“It is therefore our responsibility to work closely with the private sector to use properly these resources by creating enough jobs for our youth. This will economically and socially empower them to address the issue of their risky migration to other continents,” he noted.
Also top on the forum’s agenda, is to explore solutions that promote economic inclusion for Africa’s forcibly displaced persons and their host communities.
Dr. Ngirente stressed that facilitating refugees’ access to the job market, decreases their dependence on aid and help the host economy to tap into full potential of their skills and consumption.
{{Rwanda’s strides}}
Premier Ngirente also shared Rwanda’s efforts in supporting refugees and asylum seekers to lead dignified life.
“About 10% of refugees in Rwanda live in urban areas, while the remaining 90% are settled in 5 camps across the country. We all know that receiving refugees is one good thing but ensuring that they live in conditions of dignity is another,” he said.
Dr. Ngirente revealed that all refugees aged 16 years and above, like any other Rwandan, have been issued with ID card to enable them get access to various services.
Today, there are 55,000 refugee students enrolled in various education levels in Rwanda, from early childhood, to primary through secondary schools. In addition, more than 500 refugees are currently enrolled in different universities under several scholarship programs.
Regarding the access to healthcare, in collaboration with The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), all camp-based refugees receive healthcare services at no cost. Those settled in urban areas are enrolled in the National Community-Based Health Insurance Scheme known as Mutuelle de santé.
Through Government of Rwanda, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and their partners, various projects owned by refugees and host communities have been funded whereby cash grants are extended to refugees to support their livelihood activities including money to start small businesses and to improve their agricultural activities.
Premier Ngirente reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to continue playing its role by ensuring refugee protection, security and social economic inclusion.
Rwanda accommodates over 148,938 refugees from different countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo (51%) and Burundi (48%).
The incident took place on Wednesday 1st December 2021 around 10a.m.
Police Spokesperson in Eastern Province, CIP Hamdoun Twizeyimana has told IGIHE that the exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
“We have not yet established the cause of this incident. We rushed to extinguish the fire outbreak which destroyed different items inside the building including shoes repairing equipment, shoes, motorcycle and vehicle spare parts,” he said.
CIP Twizeyimana revealed that the value of destroyed items is estimated at Rwf3 million.
He also urged the general public to develop precautionary and safety measures to contain fire.
The webinar which was opened on Friday 26th November 2021 was attended by representatives of the public, private and non-governmental organizations.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in MINICOM, Yves Bernard Ningabire highlighted that the Made in Rwanda program, launched in 2015, was initially a “campaign” aimed at showcasing Rwandan products, so as to reduce importation of goods that could be produced locally, hence reducing the country’s trade deficit.
Ningabire particularly cited a report by the National Institute of Statistics showing that in September 2021, the trade deficit stood at US$ 223 million compared to US$ 139 million in September last year, adding that the Made in Rwanda program can still play an important role in reducing this gap.
The various speakers at the webinar highlighted the considerable impact that the Made in Rwanda program has had on the economy so far, especially through the development of the industrial sector. Ms. Amina Rwakunda, Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning particularly pointed out that between 2010 and 2019, the industrial sector’s output increased from 4% per annum (2010 – 2016) to 10.7% per annum (2017 – 2019), which had a positive impact on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
However, despite this achievement, there are still opportunities in the Made in Rwanda industries for the private sector and for the economy in general. Particularly at a time when the country is facing the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic, the industrial sector has shown resilience compared to other sectors of the economy, with its output rising by 2% in 2020, while sectors such as construction, hospitality, mining, trade and others were in recession.
This industrial output has been achieved as a result of efforts put in implementation of the Made in Rwanda policy since 2017. In the short to medium term, the policy is expected to continue to play an important role in tackling the gap that continues to be created by Covid-19, while other sectors will be recovering.
The Made in Rwanda Policy focuses on enhancing the quality and durability of Rwandan products, with a particular attention on increasing investment in agro-processing, light manufacturing products and construction materials, which are also expected to increase decent jobs among Rwandans. The policy also aims at supporting the Made in Rwanda enterprises (especially small and medium-sized enterprises) through various projects aimed at accompanying these enterprises in their activities. Changing the mindset on the use of Rwandan products is another priority under the Policy, from the estimated positive perception of 60% as shown in various reports to 100% in the near future.
In his presentation, Louis Antoine Muhire, Coordinator of the Made in Rwanda Secretariat at MINICOM, highlighted that while implementation of the Made in Rwanda Policy remains on track with relatively satisfactory performance (in the range of 50% according to initial findings from a Made in Rwanda Policy mid-term evaluation exercise being undertaken), some key challenges still need close attention in order to achieve even better results. These include – among others – access to raw materials, high utility costs, labour shortages, infrastructure deficits, etc.
Egide Mutabazi, Analyst at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) on his part shared with the audience the particular importance of sector strategies in ensuring success of initiatives such as Made in Rwanda. He briefly unpacked the fourth edition of the Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA 4) currently being implemented, particularly insisting on the role of technology and innovation in driving the sector’s transformation.
On the other hand, the role of Made in Rwanda industries in creating and maintaining productive and decent jobs for Rwandans cannot be ignored if the country is to achieve the target of 1,500,000 jobs by 2024 from around 800.000 jobs to date, said Faustin Mwambari, Head of Employment Ecosystem at the Ministry of Labor (MIFOTRA).
One of his key recommendations is that public private dialogue platforms should be strengthened for regular interactions on opportunities and challenges that need attention in the Made in Rwanda priority industries, with a particular objective of increasing public and private investments in these important economic sectors.
These webinars will be held in five sessions by May 2022 where each of the pillars of the Made in Rwanda Policy will be discussed in detail. It is expected that participants would benefit from the useful information to be exchanged and would gain significant knowledge on various topics. The outcomes and suggestions from the webinars are also expected to contribute in accelerating the different interventions under the Made in Rwanda Policy by the different implementing institutions.
It is expected that in Summer of 2022, a National High-level Dialogue on Made in Rwanda would be organised to discuss about – among other activities – the outcomes from the five webinars, but also from other ongoing discussions on Made in Rwanda across the country. The conclusions from the National Dialogue would aim at sustaining the achievements registered so far as well as at closing the gaps that still exist, leading to even more successes of the Made in Rwanda program.
The training extended to 126 Military Police officers at their offices in Kanombe, Kicukiro District, was organized and conducted by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) Fire and Rescue Brigade (FRB).
It was part of the RNP initiative to equip different institutions in Rwanda with basic skills against fire emergencies.
Assistant Commissinoner of Police (ACP) Paul Gatambira, the Commanding officer for Fire and Rescue Brigade said that the Military Police was trained on fire components and its causes as well as firefighting techniques.
“Trainees were first explained on the causes and components of fire to have the knowledge and skills on rescue operations. They were also enlightened on techniques used to prevent fire from escalating,” said ACP Gatambira.
Other skills given to the officers include precautionary measures when using cooking gas to prevent one of the causes of fire caused by recklessness and lack of knowledge on how to use it safely.
They were also enlightened on types of fire extinguishers and how to use them to respond to fire.
ACP Gatambira explained that Police took this initiative to equip institutions with basic skills on fire emergencies to prevent or alleviate the possible losses.
Kagame was speaking at the opening of the 33rd Plenary session of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) taking place in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
“First, investment in Infrastructure is very critical. Rwanda’s aviation industry continues to see considerable growth particularly with the increase in capacity, of RwandAir and construction of the new International Airport,” he revealed.
The Head of State explained that these investments support connectivity within Africa, and complements Rwanda’s decision to remove visa requirements for fellow Africans.
Secondly, Kagame highlighted that affordability needs to be at the forefront of the continent’s strategy where ‘the aviation sector should not be over taxed and overburdened with charges compared to other sectors’.
The President also stressed the need to encourage citizens to travel within the continent and integrate digital processes to enhance safety.
“Lastly, innovation is key for sustainability. Digital processes should be adopted to manage travel health credentials. In the long run, this will minimize airport disruptions and increase confidence in safety. As we work towards fully opening our skies, the adoption of a dispute settlement mechanism should be a priority,” he stated.
Kagame emphasized that the aforementioned efforts will help create the impetus for more countries to liberalize their bilateral air service agreement.
Among others, the Head of State said that investing in people and creating the necessary skills to help them take advantage of the wide social and economic benefits that the market offers will be of great significance to sustain the gains already made.
AFCAC is a Specialized Agency of the African Union mandated to oversee matters related to aviation across Africa.
The meeting brought together different participants including the President of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), Gabriel Lesa, President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Salvatore Sciacchitano and other delegates from the aviation sector.
AFCAC’s Ordinary Plenary sessions, held every three years, are attended by delegates from the 55 African Member States, the African Union Commission, State Ministers responsible for civil aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), sister organizations such as the Arab Civil Aviation Organization (ACAO), the Latin American Civil Aviation Commission (LACAC) and other high ranking decision-makers in the global aviation industry. The last Plenary session was held in Lusaka in 2018.
Participants of the three-day meeting taking place in Kigali, are expected to deliberate and take decisions on crucial matters affecting the Commission and the African civil aviation industry, in the areas of safety, security, sustainable development of air transport in Africa, the Yamoussoukro Decision, and the Single African Air Transport Market.
