During the assembly, a new national executive committee was established to steer the League’s agenda for the coming term. Uzamukunda, who currently serves as the National General Secretary of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Rwanda, will be deputised by Emilienne Kabega. The committee also includes Virginie Mukandayisenga, who was elected as the League’s Secretary General.
Other members of the executive committee include Christine Hitimana Niyotwambaza, in charge of governance, Ninette Umurerwa, in charge of justice, Marie Alice Kayumba Uwera, in charge of social welfare, and Maryse Mbonyumutwa Kangabo, in charge of economic affairs.
The Congress served as a platform to review the significant milestones achieved by the League over the past two years. A primary highlight was the success of the “One Hundred Women” (Ijana ry’Abagore) program, a self-reliance initiative that has provided Rwf 100,000 in startup capital to at least 100 vulnerable women in every sector across Rwanda.
Furthermore, the League highlighted the impact of the “Triple Roles” framework, which assists parents in balancing household responsibilities with their contributions to national development. This sits alongside the “Women in Vision 2050” program, an initiative aimed at fostering knowledge-sharing and economic autonomy at the village level.
Reflecting on the 2023–2025 period, the League noted its success in transitioning women from informal street vending into organized cooperatives and enhancing participation in the Ejo Heza long-term savings scheme. Beyond economic gains, the League remained a key player in social advocacy, driving campaigns to return school dropouts to the classroom and addressing critical health issues such as stunting and teenage pregnancy.
Looking toward the 2025–2027 strategic period, the party aims to further entrench financial inclusion and justice for women. In her inaugural remarks, Uzamukunda expressed her readiness to work closely with women across all structures to accelerate these development goals.
The RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on members to maintain the momentum of citizen mobilisation, while the party’s Vice Chairperson, Consolée Uwimana, reminded the assembly that while progress has been substantial, the journey toward total empowerment requires consistent and collective effort from both men and women.
The RPF-Inkotanyi Secretary General, Amb. Christophe Bazivamo, called on members to maintain the momentum of citizen mobilisation.Members of the RPF-Inkotanyi Women’s League convened for their Sixth National Congress on March 21, 2026, electing Pudentienne Uzamukunda as the League’s new President. The high-level meeting, attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, coincided with the national celebration of Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Empower Her: Shape the Future Generation.”
What are these additional forces, what is their mission, and can they achieve it?
What are the additional forces?
U.S. media reported on Friday that the U.S. military’s amphibious assault ship USS Boxer, accompanied by the dock-landing ship USS Comstock and amphibious transport dock USS Portland, had left San Diego, California. They are transporting the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising about 2,500 Marines, to the Middle East.
On Tuesday, maritime tracking data showed the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, carrying Marines and sailors to the Middle East, was nearing the Malacca Strait off Singapore as it made its way to the region. The Tripoli is the Navy’s most updated amphibious warship, known as a “big deck.”
A U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit typically has over 2,000 Marines. Its ground forces are equipped with armored vehicles and artillery, while its air combat element features Osprey aircraft, helicopters, and F-35 fighter jets.
Based on their location, it will take at least three weeks for the three warships, including the USS Boxer, to reach the Middle East. The USS Tripoli had already reached waters near Singapore earlier this week. Once assembled, U.S. troops in the region will reach 50,000.
A Marine Expeditionary Unit was last used in a U.S. raid on Venezuela earlier this year. The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima transported the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with Delta Force, for that military operation.
This file photo shows visitors watch the USS Iwo Jima as it sailed on the Hudson River during the “Parade of Ships” in New York, the United States, on May 25, 2011.
What is their mission?
Iran has restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, targeting ships associated with the United States and Israel. Blockade of this vital global energy route has driven up oil and gas prices worldwide, exacerbating inflation in the United States. Trump recently called on allies to send warships for escort operations in the strait, a request that has so far garnered little response.
U.S. media reported that the Trump administration is also considering deploying ground forces to Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export hub, to seize it as leverage for restoring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island lies about 25 km off Iran’s northwestern Gulf coast. Roughly 6 km long and 3 km wide, it handles about 90 percent of Iran’s crude exports because much of Iran’s coastline is too shallow for large tankers.
On March 12, U.S. forces carried out heavy strikes on the island, while deliberately sparing its oil facilities. Trump warned that any interference with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, by Iran or any other party, would prompt him to “immediately reconsider” that decision, leaving open the possibility of future strikes on the island’s energy infrastructure.
The photo released on July 21, 2019, shows the British oil tanker “Stena Impero” surrounded by speedboats of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran.
Can they achieve it?
Regarding the U.S. plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, military experts have said that success is unlikely without deploying ground forces to control Iran’s coastline.
“You’ll need to create a buffer zone on the ground if it’s determined that air strikes do not sufficiently decrease Iran’s ability to fire onto traffic transiting the straits,” said retired Army General James A. Marks. “That’s why Marines are en route. It’s a contingency force.”
Jason H. Campbell, a senior fellow on defense and security issues at the Middle East Institute in Washington, also said U.S. forces would need to take control of the Iranian coastline bordering the Strait and create a buffer zone.
However, analysts noted that, given low U.S. public support for military action against Iran and the failure to achieve a quick victory, using ground forces could pose significant political risks for the Trump administration.
A joint public opinion poll completed by Reuters and Ipsos on Thursday showed that 59 percent of Americans disapprove of the U.S. taking military action against Iran, while only 7 percent support sending ground troops to fight in Iran.
A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, recently told the media that Washington has not yet decided whether to deploy ground forces to Iran, “but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal.”
He made the remarks on March 19, 2026, during a session with the Parliamentary Committee on Governance, Gender Equality, and Women’s Empowerment.
According to Dr. Nsanzimana, the addition of services that were previously not covered has significantly raised the cost borne by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB). These new services are expected to increase annual expenditure by at least Rwf 21 billion.
On February 24, 2026, the government announced reforms aimed at strengthening Mutuelle de Santé, a program that has been in place for 25 years and is rooted in the principle of solidarity to improve access to healthcare for all Rwandans.
Initially, citizens contributed Rwf 1,000, a figure that was later raised to Rwf 3,000 in 2011. Under the new structure, contributions are now categorized based on socio-economic status: citizens in the first social registry will be fully subsidized by the government; those in the second category will pay Rwf 3,000; the third category Rwf 5,000; the fourth Rwf 8,000; while those in the fourth social registry will contribute Rwf 20,000. RSSB estimates that about 90% of members will pay between Rwf 4,000 and Rwf 8,000.
The minister emphasized that the increase reflects the inclusion of costly but essential treatments such as cancer care, kidney dialysis, organ transplants, orthopedic and spinal surgeries, and assistive devices for people with disabilities, including hearing and vision impairments.
Last year, the scheme spent Rwf 98 billion, while member contributions totaled Rwf 31 billion, just 34% of total funding, highlighting the financial gap the reforms seek to address.
Dr. Nsanzimana detailed the distribution of contributors: 6.89% of citizens are fully covered by the government due to extreme poverty; 23% will pay Rwf 3,000 with a government top-up of Rwf 1,000; over 35% will pay Rwf 5,000; 26% will contribute Rwf 8,000; and 8% will pay Rwf 20,000.
He noted that efforts are underway, led by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and RSSB, to correct misclassifications in socio-economic categories to ensure fairness. These adjustments are expected to be completed by July 2026, when the new insurance year begins.
Despite the increase, the minister stressed that contributions remain relatively low compared to the cost of services provided. For instance, the inclusion of cancer treatment drugs alone has added at least Rwf 9 billion annually to RSSB expenditures.
“These costs are substantial, which is why we had to review how to strengthen the scheme financially, while ensuring that the burden on citizens remains manageable,” he said, noting that earlier proposals had considered raising contributions up to Rwf 15,000 from Rwf 3,000.
He warned that failing to adjust contributions over time had strained service delivery. “It was like trying to draw water from an empty container. We must reinvest in the system, especially now that we have added very expensive services,” he said.
The expansion of coverage is already improving access to care. Previously, dialysis sessions covered by the scheme were limited to 18 per patient, after which individuals had to cover the costs themselves.
Each dialysis session costs about Rwf 75,000, and patients typically require at least three sessions per week, making it unaffordable for many without insurance support.
Dr. Nsanzimana also highlighted progress in specialized treatments, including kidney transplants now performed by Rwandan doctors trained abroad, as well as plans to expand services such as heart surgery.
He noted that in 2024, more than 6,000 patients in need of orthopedic surgery had been unable to access care, but have since been treated following the inclusion of such services under Mutuelle de Santé.
Lawmakers called for increased public awareness to ensure citizens understand the reasons behind the changes. MP Deogratias Nzamwita pointed out that similar resistance was observed when RAMA and Mutuelle de Santé were first introduced, but public understanding later improved.
MP Etienne Mvano Nsabimana added that clear communication would help ease public concerns.
Meanwhile, Anastase Nabahire, Chairperson of the committee, urged authorities to address persistent issues such as inconsistencies in prescribed medication, where treatments recommended by specialists are sometimes altered by RSSB-affiliated doctors, raising questions among patients.
The revised contributions have already begun to be collected and will officially take effect in July 2026.
On 20 March 2026, residents of Kiryanongo village in Bananywa reportedly attacked the home of Semasaka and Hakiza Damascene following the detection of a strong, unpleasant smell.
Upon searching the house, they found body parts belonging to a woman from Nakabugo village who had been reported missing for several days. Some of the remains were reportedly stored in a bag. Angered by the discovery, the residents allegedly beat the two men to death.
Following the incident, the Kiryanongo village leader alerted Bananywa Police, who involved district authorities to investigate the case.
Luke Kigozi, spokesperson for the Uganda Police in the Wamala region, condemned the violence and confirmed that an investigation has been launched into both the death of the woman and the attack on the two men.
The bodies of Semasaka, Hakiza, and the woman were taken to Ntwetwe Health Centre for examination.
An investigation has been launched into both the death of the woman and the attack on the two men.
The measures, worth over 5 billion euros (5.75 billion U.S. dollars), were laid out in two decrees. The first was aimed at supporting businesses, while the second focused on curbing rising housing and rental costs.
Speaking to the press, Sanchez admitted that the measures “won’t prevent the effects of this illegal war from reaching Spain,” but promised that “at least they will make them less corrosive and somewhat more bearable.”
Among the measures approved in an emergency cabinet meeting were a reduction of VAT from 21 percent to 10 percent on automotive fuels, electricity, and natural gas, as well as a reduction on special tax on hydrocarbons.
The Spanish government will also temporarily suspend its tax on electricity generation, while introducing a 15 percent personal income tax deduction for the purchase of electric and plug-in vehicles, along with additional tax deductions to support energy efficiency improvements, self-consumption and heat pumps, according to the measures.
“Extraordinary situations require extraordinary measures,” insisted Sanchez, who highlighted the decrees contain “80 measures that will come into effect as soon as they are published in the Official State Gazette (BOE).”
The United States and Israel launched massive attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, disrupting global shipping, sending oil prices soaring and shaking the global economy.
European gas and oil prices rose sharply in early trading on Thursday. The Dutch TTF benchmark, a key reference for European gas supply contracts, surged more than 30 percent to 70.7 euros (81.3 U.S. dollars) per megawatt-hour at the open, before easing to around 67 euros (77 dollars) per megawatt-hour. The price has more than doubled from around 32 euros (37 dollars) megawatt-hour before the conflict began.
Oil prices also moved higher. Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose to above 116 dollars per barrel in early trading on Thursday.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attends a press conference in Madrid, Spain, on March 20, 2026.
“A well-conceived 15th Five-Year Plan and its effective implementation will ensure we have even stronger foundations for basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035,” Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, once said.
Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that socialist modernization can only be realized through a historical process of gradual and ongoing development. It requires the unremitting hard work of one generation after another.
Building new growth momentum
The world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, with the challenges of securing peace, development, security and governance intensifying, while geopolitical risks are increasing, and global economic growth momentum remains weak.
Notably, China’s economic transformation and upgrading are deepening, with reform efforts tackling deep-seated problems. In addition, new quality productive forces are being fostered at an accelerated pace.
“Efforts should be redoubled to gain experience in analyzing new situations and solving new problems,” Xi said during China’s “two sessions” earlier this month.
Developing new quality productive forces is an essential requirement for building a modern industrial system and fueling a powerful engine for advancing high-quality development.
As a new driver of future development, new quality productive forces should be cultivated in line with local conditions. It is necessary to leverage local resource endowments, industrial foundations and research capabilities to selectively foster emerging industries, new business models and new growth drivers.
Guided by scientific and technological innovation and anchored in the real economy, efforts should be made to speed up the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and foster the growth of emerging industries and future-oriented industries, so as to accelerate the development of a modern industrial system.
Meanwhile, improving the national innovation system and stimulating the vitality of various innovation entities remain key priorities. With a focus on the frontiers of global science and technology, sustained efforts should be made to strengthen basic research and enhance original innovation capacity, while intensifying breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields and frontier technologies.
Amid a rapidly changing international environment and various uncertainties, focusing on managing the country’s own affairs well and enhancing its development quality is crucial in ensuring a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan.
For China, it is imperative to advance high-quality development, build a unified national market and expand high-standard opening up to explore global markets.
China still faces challenges of uneven and inadequate development, including declining labor demand in traditional industries due to technological and industrial transformations, and growing pressure on public services and social security because of an aging population. Addressing these issues is essential for sustaining growth and ensuring that development benefits all.
Global vision of China’s modernization path
“Chinese modernization delivers benefit to the Chinese people and also advances common development of the world. It is a sure path for us to build a stronger nation and realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is also a path we must take to seek progress for humanity and harmony for the entire world,” Xi said in a keynote address at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-level Meeting in 2023.
These remarks situated Chinese modernization within the historical context of China’s relations with the world, highlighting its inclusive character and pursuit of win-win outcomes.
Chinese modernization is fundamentally characterized by proactive global engagement. Since the reform and opening up, China’s developmental trajectory, guided by successive five-year plans, has been inseparable from international cooperation.
Openness has always been the defining feature of Chinese modernization. From “the world factory” to “the world market,” and from a land for global investment to a global innovation hub, each leap in China’s development drives cooperation with the world into broader areas and deeper levels.
As industrial transformation accelerates, China’s massive market will continue to offer significant demand for countries worldwide. In pursuit of smart, green and integrated growth, China aims to share its manufacturing experience and technical innovations to drive global sustainable development.
Beyond that, the global significance of the Chinese model of modernization lies in its success in shattering the myth that modernization is synonymous with Westernization, thereby creating a new form of human advancement.
“China will do well only when the world does well, and vice versa,” Xi once said.
Leveraging the China-proposed Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, the world’s second-largest economy is committed to the building of an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity.
Faced with global changes not seen in a century, China will continue to stand on the right side of history and remain a steadfast, reliable and constructive force in a turbulent world.
CPC leadership as core
Chinese modernization is characterized by unique features: the modernization of a huge population, the modernization of common prosperity for all, the modernization of material and cultural-ethical advancement, the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature, and the modernization of peaceful development.
In advancing Chinese modernization, the key lies in upholding the overall leadership of the CPC, which has been the strong leadership core in developing socialism with Chinese characteristics.
By integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and its fine traditional culture, the Party has, through years of dedicated efforts, deepened its understanding of the laws that underlie governance by a communist party, the development of socialism, and the evolution of human society.
The Party has led China in building one of the world’s most complete industrial systems, in eliminating absolute poverty, in growing into an economy of 140 trillion yuan (about 20.32 trillion U.S. dollars), and in becoming a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions.
Advancing Chinese modernization requires solid work and sustained efforts over time, and sound planning must go hand in hand with effective implementation. Party members and officials are urged to establish and practice a correct view on governance performance, remain committed to serving the public and improving people’s well-being, make well-grounded decisions, and focus on practical work.
An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 10, 2026 shows a dual-fuel car carrier loaded with vehicles for export setting sail at Yantai Port in Yantai, east China’s Shandong Province.
What unfolded was more than a demonstration of martial arts. It was a story of cultural exchange, healing, and transformation.
Eric Mugisha, secretary general of Rwanda Kung Fu Wushu Federation, highlighted the steady growth of Kung Fu across the country in an interview with Xinhua.
Representing the federation at the event, he noted the widespread presence of clubs and the unique place tai chi holds within them.
“Many clubs are based in Kigali, and we have some others in different provinces, normally we have around 30 clubs in total,” he said.
Unlike other forms of kung fu, tai chi stands apart. “This is a form of art that is not about fighting, the energy from tai chi is from within oneself, it is there to balance the harmony between body and mind,” said Mugisha.
For many Rwandans, tai chi is more than just movement – it is a personal journey.
Emile Ndagijimana, a tai chi teacher, shared a deeply rooted story of passion that began in childhood with Xinhua.
“I started practicing kung fu at the age of nine,” he recalled. Over the years, his curiosity led him from martial arts films to deeper study and eventually to tai chi.
His turning point came when he began to understand its philosophy.
“A Chinese teacher who teaches at the Confucius Institute told me that to succeed, I needed to balance and move my arms while breathing and master the balance technique of tai chi. That’s when I started loving tai chi.”
Today, Ndagijimana teaches hundreds of students and integrates tai chi into community life, especially for healing and wellbeing.
“In Rwanda, people do not know about tai chi; they think it’s fighting,” he explained. “Tai chi is a form of medicine, it helps them move their joints, and those who are sick.”
His mission is clear, bringing tai chi to both young people and the elderly. “The reason I teach tai chi is that I see that it helps in healing, if more Rwandans learn tai chi, it could assist them in healing.”
Sumaya Uwase Niyonzima is a martial art lover whose enthusiasm reflects a growing appreciation among youth. Her introduction to tai chi came through her martial arts club and visiting Chinese instructors. “I love tai chi because I hear it is the medicine of the health. It helps our body, it helps our feelings, also our brain,” she said.
Though she admits the practice requires dedication, but the benefits keep her committed.
“I feel good when I am doing tai chi, my blood goes well. I didn’t get sick again like how I got sick before I practiced tai chi.”
At a broader level, the impact of tai chi in Rwanda reflects years of cultural collaboration. Zeng Guangyu, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, emphasized how far the practice has come since its introduction in 2009.
“More than a decade later, it’s no longer us who practice tai chi best. It’s the Rwandans,” he said proudly.
Today, thousands of practitioners and dozens of trained instructors are helping embed tai chi into local communities. Beyond physical exercise, Zeng underscored its deeper significance: “Tai chi does not advocate confrontation; instead, it champions the principles of ‘overcoming hardness with softness’ and ‘tolerance and inclusiveness.’”
As Rwanda joined the global celebration of the first International Taijiquan Day, the message is clear – tai chi is no longer just a foreign tradition. It is becoming a shared cultural bridge, a tool for health, and a symbol of harmony.
Local people practice Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.Sumaya Uwase Niyonzima (C) practices Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.Zeng Guangyu (front R), Chinese director of the Confucius Institute, communicates with local people for Taijiquan, a kind of Chinese traditional martial arts, at the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda, in Kigali, Rwanda, March 18, 2026.
Since launching its flagship store in October 2022, Goodlife has expanded to 16 pharmacy locations nationwide, offering medicines, pharmacy services, and a range of health and wellness products. The company serves more than 100,000 customers each month and operates a customer loyalty program with over 100,000 registered members.
The investment comes from BK Capital’s Africa Private Debt Fund, which focuses on providing financing to businesses in Rwanda. The financing will support further expansion of Goodlife’s network, strengthen its supply chain, and improve operational capacity across both standalone and hospital-based outlets.
Goodlife operates pharmacy services at Kibagabaga Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Rwanda Medical Supply, and has partnered with Legacy Clinics, a private healthcare provider.
Goodlife has quickly established one of the first world-class pharmacy chains in Rwanda,” said Théogène Uwimpuhwe, Acting Managing Director of BK Capital. “We are pleased to provide the capital needed to fuel this industry pioneer’s next phase of growth, ultimately improving access to quality healthcare and medicines for all Rwandans.”
“Access to medicines and professional pharmacy services is essential for healthcare delivery,” said Grant M. Beyers, Chief Executive Officer of Goodlife Health and Beauty. “This investment will support our ongoing expansion and operational improvements.”
The transaction was supported by Steve Mutaboba, who acted as Lead Financial and Strategic Advisor to Goodlife.
The investment reflects continued investor confidence in Rwanda’s healthcare sector and the role of private capital in supporting access to essential health products and services.
The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, accused the Ivy League university of violating the civil rights of Jewish and Israeli people and turning “a blind eye” to antisemitism and discrimination against Jews and Israelis.
Jewish and Israeli students were subjected to severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive harassment on the ground of their race or national origin, and they were excluded from participation in and denied the benefits of a Harvard education because of their race, ethnicity, or national origin, the complaint alleged.
The complaint also contended that Harvard had actual knowledge of and was “deliberately indifferent” to the harassment and exclusion of Jewish and Israeli students, and that it “intentionally” discriminated against Jews and Israelis.
Since January 2025, the U.S. administration has issued threats to several U.S. universities, warning them of potential funding cuts if they fail to adjust their policies. The main demands included eliminating what was described as antisemitism on campus and dismantling diversity initiatives that favor certain minority groups.
In April 2025, after Harvard rejected the U.S. administration’s demands, the administration announced it would freeze 2.2 billion U.S. dollars in multiyear grants and 60 million dollars in multiyear contract funds for the university.
In February, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration was seeking 1 billion dollars in damages from Harvard University.
This photo taken on May 24, 2025 shows a view of the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the United States
During her recent visit to Kigali, the 23-year-old entrepreneur and philanthropist sat down for an exclusive interview with IGIHE, offering a glimpse into her personal journey, her passion projects, and her growing love for her Rwandan heritage.
Though born and bred in Uganda, Muhoza revealed a deep personal connection to Rwanda through her maternal roots. Having visited multiple times before, this trip held special meaning.
“This time around, I just wanted to learn more about the culture and embrace this side of me,” she shared, describing Rwanda as a nation defined by love, patriotism, and a strong sense of unity. “It feels like one big family.”
Her admiration for Rwanda’s societal values, particularly its patriotism and structure, left a lasting impression, highlighting contrasts with her home country while inspiring ideas for regional collaboration.
Muhoza was crowned Miss Uganda 2025 on September 20, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
A night out at the Doja Cat Rwanda concert
Muhoza also joined thousands of fans at the highly talked-about Doja Cat Rwanda Concert, featuring American superstar Doja Cat. The experience, she said, was both exciting and eye-opening.
“It was a last-minute decision, but the turnout was incredible, people from Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda,” she recalled. However, what stood out most wasn’t just the music, but the discipline of the crowd. “In Rwanda, everyone goes home early because they have work the next day. That’s something new to me!”
She believes such international concerts are putting Rwanda firmly on the global entertainment map, attracting tourism and boosting the region’s showbiz industry.
Though born and bred in Uganda, Muhoza revealed a deep personal connection to Rwanda through her maternal roots.
From shy girl to national queen
Crowned on September 20, 2025, at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Muhoza’s rise to the crown was anything but predictable. The Bukomansimbi-born beauty admitted she was once shy and reserved.
“I never imagined I’d stand on that stage and hear my name,” she said. “But this journey has transformed me, my confidence, my voice, everything.”
Now preparing to represent Uganda at the 73rd Miss World Festival later this year, Muhoza is stepping onto the global stage with a mission that goes far beyond beauty.
At the heart of Muhoza’s advocacy is the fight against gender-based violence, a cause deeply personal to her.
“It’s something close to my heart because I’ve seen my own mother go through it and the trauma we carried as her children,” she shared. “One in three women globally experience gender-based violence, and it’s something we need to talk about now to protect future generations.”
The beauty queen is preparing to represent Uganda at the 73rd Miss World Festival later this year.
Through the Miss Uganda Foundation and her own Fairfield Foundation, which she co-founded with her sisters, Muhoza is actively working in schools and communities. Her initiatives include tackling period poverty by distributing sanitary products in rural areas and advocating for women’s empowerment across East Africa.
She also runs a growing beauty business, Elle Lip Care, focused on skincare and cosmetics, proving that her entrepreneurial spirit matches her advocacy work.
Miss Muhoza expressed a strong desire to replicate her initiatives in Rwanda and foster collaboration between the two nations.
“Rwanda has made incredible progress, especially in women’s representation. If we can exchange ideas, we can create a better future for all of us,” she said.
Miss Muhoza expressed deep admiration for Rwanda’s societal values, particularly its patriotism and structure, which have left a lasting impression on her.
Inspired by African excellence
In the pageantry world, Muhoza draws inspiration from African queens who have broken barriers, including Quiin Abenakyo and Rwanda’s own Naomie Nishimwe, who recently released a memoir titled More Than a Crown, offering a candid look at life beyond the spotlight and the pressures behind the title.
“I respect African queens so much, it’s not easy to stand on a global stage and be recognised,” she noted.
With her automatic qualification for the Miss World Festival, Muhoza is already deep in preparation, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
“This competition is about impact, not just appearance,” she emphasised. “It’s about what you’re doing in your country.”
If successful, she hopes to amplify her campaign against gender-based violence on a global scale.
Drawing from her own experiences, Muhoza inspires girls to reach for their dreams: “Put God at the centre of everything, believe in yourself, and be confident. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.”
Curious to hear it all? Catch the full video below!
