The final list of candidates approved to contest in the FERWACY elections scheduled for May 31, 2026, was released on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
Gahitsi, who had been nominated for the presidency by Les Amis Sportifs as a federation member, decided to withdraw from the race after his club also fielded another candidate for the position of First Vice President. The club reportedly agreed to focus on that position instead.
The First Vice President race will now feature Makuza Clement Anastase Rwigimba of Les Amis Sportifs as the sole candidate after Mpatswenumugabo Jean Bosco also withdrew his candidacy for personal reasons.
Ishimwe Jean Hubert, who previously served as Coordinator of Tour du Rwanda 2026 and was nominated by Bugesera Cycling Team, is now the only candidate contesting for the FERWACY presidency.
Other candidates confirmed on the final list include Niyonzima Gildas and Umuhoza Ange Belyse, who will compete for the position of Second Vice President.
Ruyonza Arlette, who served as Secretary General in the outgoing committee, is seeking re-election for the same position. Katabarwa Daniel, the outgoing treasurer, is also seeking another term, while Bizimana Albert is contesting for the auditor position.
Candidates vying for advisory roles include Karambizi Rabini-Hamim, Nsengumuremyi Florent, Mupenzi Christophe Rene, Ntembe Jean Bosco and Nsengiyumva Jean Claude.
Campaign activities will run from May 24 to May 30, while elections will take place on May 31, 2026, followed immediately by the announcement of the federation’s new leadership for a five-year term.
The outgoing FERWACY Executive Committee was led by Ndayishimiye Samson, who was elected in November 2023 to complete the term initially won by the committee headed by Murenzi Abdallah.
Ishimwe Jean Hubert, who previously served as Coordinator of Tour du Rwanda 2026 and was nominated by Bugesera Cycling Team, is now the only candidate contesting for the FERWACY presidency
During the solemn ceremony, Ambassador Bakuramutsa conveyed greetings from President Paul Kagame, the Government, and the people of Rwanda to Pope Leo XIV.
She also reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding relations between Kigali and the Holy See through dialogue, cooperation, and shared values centered on peace, solidarity, and mutual respect.
Several other diplomats accredited to the Holy See also presented their Letters of Credence during the same ceremony, including ambassadors from Bangladesh, Chad, Mauritius, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, and Yemen.
In his address to the diplomatic representatives, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of diplomacy rooted in dialogue, shared responsibility, mutual respect among nations, and the promotion of peace at a time when the international community continues to face numerous global challenges.
Ahead of the official ceremony, Ambassador Bakuramutsa held a series of diplomatic meetings with senior Holy See officials.
She met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, as well as Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, following the presentation of copies of her credentials.
She also held discussions with Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, Substitute of the Secretariat of State, and Monsignor Javier Fernández, Head of Protocol at the Vatican.
The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the longstanding partnership between Rwanda and the Holy See, as well as avenues for strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Rwanda and the Holy See share longstanding and cordial relations, supported in part by the continued contribution of the Catholic Church to Rwanda’s development, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, social welfare, and community development.
During the solemn ceremony, Ambassador Bakuramutsa conveyed greetings from President Paul Kagame, the Government, and the people of Rwanda to Pope Leo XIV.Ambassador Bakuramutsa presenting credentials to Pope Leo XIV.
Qatar Airways has announced that it will restart two weekly flights to Kigali International Airport (KGL) from June 16, 2026, strengthening connectivity between Rwanda and Doha through Hamad International Airport ahead of the busy summer travel season.
The resumption forms part of Qatar Airways’ wider African network expansion, which also includes the restart of four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16 and daily flights to Marrakesh from July 1.
The carrier, which resumed passenger flights to Kigali last year after a three-year hiatus, is also increasing frequencies on several African routes amid growing demand for air travel and trade connectivity across the continent.
Among the destinations receiving additional flights are Alexandria, Cairo, Cape Town, Dar es Salaam, Lusaka-Harare, and Maputo-Durban.
In addition, Qatar Airways will launch three weekly flights to Port Sudan beginning July 2, 2026. The flights will operate every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday between Doha and Port Sudan.
According to the airline, the expansion is aimed at enhancing travel convenience while supporting sustainable growth and strengthening global connectivity through its Doha hub.
“This summer, Qatar Airways will fly to over 160 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport,” the airline said.
The airline has won the Skytrax World’s Best Airline award nine times, most recently in 2025. It also received recognition for World’s Best Business Class and World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge.
Its hub, Hamad International Airport, has been recognised by Skytrax as the Best Airport in the Middle East for 11 consecutive years.
The airline has also partnered with Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, under a comprehensive strategic partnership that includes a codeshare agreement launched in October 2021 to boost global connectivity through Kigali and Doha.
The agreement allows RwandAir customers access to more than 65 destinations across the United States, Europe, and Asia, while providing Qatar Airways with enhanced access to African cities.
Qatar Airways will restart two weekly flights to Kigali International Airport (KGL) from June 16, 2026, strengthening connectivity between Rwanda and Doha through Hamad International Airport ahead of the busy summer travel season.
Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the presidential poll by the Electoral Commission in January, securing a seventh term in office. Official results showed that he obtained about 72 percent of the vote, while his closest challenger, Bobi Wine, garnered around 25 percent.
Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony unfolded under heavy security and strict protocol, bringing together regional heads of state, senior government officials, diplomats, and dignitaries from across Africa.
Security was visibly heightened across Kampala ahead of the event, with security agencies deploying personnel to manage crowds, secure key routes, and ensure a smooth and orderly inauguration process.
Grand ceremonial display at Kololo
The ceremony featured elaborate military and constitutional rituals at Kololo Independence Grounds. President Museveni arrived under heavy security escort, with supporters lining the venue to witness the occasion.
He received the final salute of his outgoing term as Commander-in-Chief, followed by the national anthem, marking the formal commencement of the inauguration proceedings. Museveni later inspected a ceremonial parade and briefly interacted with visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the event.
The presidential standard was later lowered, symbolically marking the end of his previous term and temporarily rendering the presidency vacant in line with constitutional procedure.
Prayer, electoral declaration, and oath of office
Religious leaders led national prayers, with Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu offering blessings for wisdom, justice, and good health for the President and First Lady Janet Museveni.
Vice President Jessica Alupo presided over the constitutional segment of the ceremony before Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama officially declared Museveni the winner of the election.
“From the declared results, Museveni emerged winner after satisfying the legal requirement that a candidate must obtain more than 50 percent of valid votes cast,” Byabakama said.
Museveni then took the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath before Flavian Zeija, accompanied by his daughter Natasha Karugire. Military honours were rendered as he stepped forward, drawing applause from attendees.
Following the swearing-in, President Museveni signed official instruments and received key national symbols, including the Constitution, the national flag, the presidential standard, the coat of arms, and the public seal.
A presidential salute was fired, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute as the presidential standard was raised again, signalling the formal start of his new term in office.
Museveni later inspected the military parade as the newly inaugurated President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Regional significance and policy direction
Museveni has consistently emphasised priorities such as infrastructure expansion, economic transformation, and regional integration. In his renewed mandate, he pledged to continue advancing Uganda’s development agenda while strengthening regional cooperation and promoting economic growth and stability.
The ceremony comes as East African nations increasingly focus on improving trade links, enhancing security cooperation, and expanding regional connectivity initiatives aimed at boosting economic integration.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been sworn in for a new presidential term following a vibrant and tightly orchestrated inauguration ceremony.Following the swearing-in, President Museveni signed official instruments and received key national symbols, including the Constitution, the national flag, the presidential standard, the coat of arms, and the public seal.President Museveni holding the Constitution.President Museveni receives the national flag of Uganda.President Museveni receives the coat of arms.
The secretary-general is concerned by the reported recent exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN chief, said at a daily briefing.
The secretary-general calls on all parties to fully abide by the ceasefire and refrain from any actions that could lead to renewed escalation or undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts, he said.
U.S. and Iranian forces traded fire on Thursday. The U.S. military said it was a “self-defense” action while Tehran accused Washington of violating a ceasefire that took effect on April 8.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges all sides to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation following the exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz
On Monday, Allen made his first court appearance at the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since the shooting.
He was charged with three criminal counts, namely, attempting to assassinate the president, interstate transportation of weapons, and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime.
The prosecutor said Allen had a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a .38 caliber pistol, and was also carrying with him three knives and other dangerous paraphernalia when he was arrested, CNBC reported.
According to law enforcement authorities, Allen, 31, traveled from California to Washington, D.C. by train and checked into the Washington Hilton hotel with weapons before the attack.
Allen reportedly sent an email to his relatives shortly before the shooting, in which he wrote that Trump administration officials were “targets, prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest.”
He also wrote: “I walk in with multiple weapons and not a single person there considers the possibility that I could be a threat.”
Live footage of the event showed that the suspect attempted to rush a security checkpoint and exchanged gunfire with law enforcement. A U.S. Secret Service officer was injured amid the shooting incident.
Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and all Cabinet members were evacuated from the dinner after the shooting. Attendees were seen on the live broadcast ducking around their tables and taking cover.
Shortly after the security incident, U.S. Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi wrote on X that the agency was investigating “a shooting incident near the main magnetometer screening area” at the dinner, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Political violence has been frequent in the U.S. in recent years. Trump has been the target of multiple assassination attempts and death threats during his presidential campaign and as president. The most prominent example is the July 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, in which Trump narrowly survived while campaigning for president.
Media crews are positioned near the entrance to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026. A court security officer stands guard at the entrance to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026.Servicemen and a servicewoman enter the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026. Media crews are positioned near the entrance to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026. Media crews are positioned near the entrance to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., the United States, April 27, 2026.
In research led by a team at Oregon Health & Science University, scientists observed that cells create dynamic internal currents similar to trade winds in the atmosphere. These internal currents, described by researchers as cellular winds, help push proteins toward the front edge of the cell where they are needed for movement and repair.
Previously, it was believed that cells mainly relied on simple diffusion and structural filaments to move proteins around, but this new discovery shows that cells have a more active and powerful transport system than previously understood.
The discovery was made possible through advanced imaging techniques that allowed scientists to see how proteins and other components travel inside living cells.
They found that these internal air‑like currents extend far beyond what was expected and operate in a coordinated way, guiding materials quickly and efficiently within the crowded environment of the cell. This process represents a fundamentally new form of intracellular organization that researchers had not observed before.
According to the study published in Nature Communications, these cellular winds could help explain why certain cancer cells are able to move and spread so rapidly. Cancer cells often migrate faster and more aggressively than normal cells, and the discovery of this internal transport mechanism offers a possible explanation for that increased mobility.
By efficiently directing proteins to specific parts of the cell, the cellular winds may give cancer cells a kind of internal advantage that supports their invasive behavior.
Beyond cancer research, the implications of this discovery are broad. Cell movement is essential for normal biological processes such as wound healing and immune responses, where cells must travel to the site of injury or infection and repair damaged tissues.
A better understanding of how materials are transported inside cells can lead to new insights into these critical natural functions and may reveal new targets for medical treatments.
Scientists believe that uncovering this hidden mechanism opens the door to a deeper understanding of fundamental cell biology.
As researchers continue to explore how cellular winds function and interact with known structural components, this discovery may reshape the way we think about life at its smallest scale and offer innovative ways to intervene in diseases where cell movement plays a pivotal role.
Discovery of ‘cellular winds’ reveals new mechanism for protein transport and cancer cell movement.
The impasse stems from disagreements over how to support U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, particularly in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which nearly a third of the world’s oil passes.
Trump has publicly expressed anger that European NATO countries have been reluctant to send naval forces or military assets to help reopen the strait and protect shipping lanes disrupted by Iran’s blockade.
This resistance has been met with sharp rebukes from the U.S. president, who has questioned the usefulness and reliability of NATO allies.
Trump’s comments have included blunt language calling into question Europe’s willingness to shoulder shared security responsibilities, and at times suggesting he may consider withdrawing the United States from NATO if the alliance does not change course.
Although U.S. law technically prevents a president from unilaterally exiting NATO without Senate approval, Trump’s repeated threats have still alarmed European capitals and sparked broader debate about the cohesion of the alliance.
European leaders have sought to counterbalance the criticism. Many have reaffirmed their commitment to NATO’s core mission of collective defense while also making clear that their support for Middle East military actions is separate from the alliance’s traditional role.
France’s President, for example, has emphasized that reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force would be unrealistic and risky, underlining the need for diplomacy and coordination.
Amid the tension, NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte has scheduled a visit to Washington to engage directly with U.S. officials in an effort to mend the relationship.
The move underscores the broader anxiety within the alliance about sustaining unity in the face of mounting geopolitical pressure.
Many analysts say the crisis represents one of NATO’s most vulnerable moments since its founding nearly 80 years ago, with trust between the United States and its European partners at a notable low.
The situation also reflects deeper changes in global geopolitics, especially as the United States and its allies grapple with the fallout from the broader Middle East conflict and challenges to international security structures.
While Trump’s opponents within NATO argue that the alliance must remain strong and united, supporters of Trump’s position say Europe must do more to defend shared interests and contribute to global security.
Trump’s anger over Iran escalates NATO into a fresh crisis.
During the appointment ceremony at the presidential palace, Randrianirina said that he needed the “integrity” of Rajaonarison, who has long worked in the anti-corruption field.
“We must show the Malagasy people that the nation needs upright and incorruptible individuals,” he said.
The president also stressed that he expects the new prime minister to promptly form a government tasked with implementing the national refoundation policy and delivering tangible results as soon as possible.
Before his appointment, Rajaonarison served as director general of Madagascar’s Financial Intelligent Unit, a national entity in charge of the fight against money laundering and terrorism funding.
This appointment comes six days after Randrianirina dissolved the government led by former Prime Minister Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo.
Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina (C) attends the appointment ceremony of new prime minister at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 15, 2026. Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina appointed Mamitiana Rajaonarison as prime minister on Sunday. Mamitiana Rajaonarison attends the ceremony of his appointment as Madagascar’s new prime minister at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 15, 2026.Mamitiana Rajaonarison (front) attends the ceremony of his appointment as Madagascar’s new prime minister at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 15, 2026. Mamitiana Rajaonarison (1st R) accepts congratulations after his appointment as Madagascar’s new prime minister at the presidential palace in Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar, March 15, 2026.
Earth’s day is not always exactly 24 hours. It changes naturally because of the moon’s pull and processes inside the planet. But recent climate change adds a new factor. As ice melts, water moves from land to oceans, shifting Earth’s mass. This slows rotation, like a figure skater spinning more slowly when stretching their arms.
To study how unusual this is, researchers looked at tiny marine fossils called benthic foraminifera. The chemical makeup of these fossils shows old sea levels. Using this data and a special computer model, scientists could estimate how day length changed over millions of years.
During past ice ages, growing and melting ice sheets changed day length, but none as fast as today. Only around 2 million years ago was the change somewhat similar, but still slower.
This shows that today’s climate change is faster than anything in the last 3.6 million years, according to said Benedikt Soja of ETH Zurich. By the end of this century, human-driven climate change could affect day length even more than the moon does.
Even though the change is only a few milliseconds, it can affect precise tasks like space travel.
Scientists from the University of Vienna and ETH Zurich say climate change is slowing Earth’s spin, making our days slightly longer.
