Keir Starmer is expected to be formally appointed as Prime Minister. Rishi Sunak has conceded defeat.
“I am sorry. I take responsibility for the loss,” Sunak said in a televised address to his supporters in Richmond and Northern Allerton.
This marks the end of a long Conservative dominance that began in 2010 under David Cameron and continued through the leadership of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak.
Sunak’s defeat, however, didn’t come as a surprise, according to sources. It was the culmination of widespread public dissatisfaction over the handling of key issues and the renewed appeal of Labour’s platform under Starmer’s leadership.
Out of the 650 seats declared by press time, Starmer’s opposition party leads with 412 seats against the Conservatives’ 120. The Liberal Democrats come in a distant third position with 71 seats.
As the Tories come to terms with their devastating defeat, let’s dig deeper into several factors that could have contributed to the historic loss.
{{Brexit, inflation & Covid-19
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Firstly, the Conservative Party has been in a compromising situation since Johnson was forced to step down in September 2022.
Johnson, who assumed office in July 2019, faced criticism that his economic policies were inadequate or poorly managed, especially in response to challenges such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising inflation.
Britain’s exit from the European Union contributed to economic uncertainty, with several quarters raising concerns about its potential negative effects on businesses, investment, and jobs.
Some critics argue that prior to this, the government did not adequately prepare for the potential economic and social impacts such as fears about disruptions to trade, supply chains, and the economy at large.
Johnson’s ‘Partygate’ scandal, involving gatherings of government and Conservative Party staff during the COVID-19 pandemic amid restrictions on gatherings, also eroded public trust in the Conservatives.
Johnson’s departure, however, did little to redeem the ruling party, as his successor, Truss, resigned just six weeks into her tenure. Truss’ short-lived premiership has been linked to her failure to address Britons’ concerns about inflation, despite campaigning on a platform promising “growth”.
The UK inflation rate was 2% percent in May 2024, the lowest since April 2021. Between September 2022 and March 2023, the UK experienced seven months of double-digit inflation, which peaked at 11.1 percent in October 2022.
Sunak’s efforts to stabilize the party after the leadership turmoil experienced during Boris Johnson’s and Liz Truss’s tenures, and to revive the economy, did not sufficiently restore voter confidence.
{{Mismanagement of public services
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The Conservatives are widely perceived to have mismanaged public services, including the National Health Service, education, and other essential services.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), from June 2020, the elective waiting list, which comprises patients waiting to receive non-urgent treatment or surgery, started rising rapidly, increasing by an average of 80,000 per month up to December 2023.
{{Rise of Reform UK
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The resurgence of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party split the right-wing vote, drawing support away from the Conservatives. This further weakened their electoral base and allowed Labour to gain ground in constituencies that traditionally belonged to Conservatives.
Farage, the driving force behind Britain’s Brexit movement, secured a parliamentary seat in Britain on his eighth attempt, winning 46.2% of the vote in the heavily pro-Brexit Clacton.
{{Labour’s Renewed Appeal
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Under Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party repositioned itself as a more moderate and less controversial option compared to the Conservatives. This strategic shift helped Labour appeal to voters who were critical of the party’s more radical stance during Jeremy Corbyn’s tenure. Corbyn led the Labour Party from 2015 to 2020.
Xi noted that the two sides should continue supporting each other in a bid to bring more benefits to the two peoples.
China and Azerbaijan are good friends with sincerity and mutual trust, as well as good partners with equality and mutual benefit, and bilateral relations have been developing healthily and steadily, with fruitful cooperation and richer strategic connotations, he said.
China firmly supports Azerbaijan in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, Xi stressed.
The two sides should promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in such fields as trade, investment, oil and gas, and photovoltaics, strengthen connectivity, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and ensure the healthy and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains, he said.
The two sides should also carry out more exchanges in such areas as education, culture and tourism, as well as between the youths of the two nations and at the sub-national level, and consolidate the public foundation of China-Azerbaijan friendship, he said.
China supports Azerbaijan in hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Xi said.
China stands ready to work with Azerbaijan to advocate an equal and orderly world multipolarity, and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote world peace, stability and development, he said.
For his part, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan and China are good partners.
The two countries have maintained close exchanges at various departments and levels, witnessed increasing bilateral trade volume, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in international organizations, he said.
The two sides jointly announced the establishment of the Azerbaijan-China strategic partnership in a joint statement, which is of great significance to the development of bilateral relations, he said.
Azerbaijan firmly abides by the one-China principle and firmly supports China’s great cause of national reunification, which is the trend of history and no force can stop it, he said.
Azerbaijan is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, tap the potential, enhance cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, investment, new energy and culture within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, closely collaborate within the SCO and other frameworks, oppose external interference and safeguard regional security and stability, said Aliyev.
The two sides issued the joint statement on establishing the strategic partnership.
Relevant departments of the two sides signed cooperation documents in such areas as Belt and Road cooperation and onnectivity.
Xi made the remarks in his meeting with Tokayev at the presidential palace in Astana.
In their small-group talks, he noted that last year Tokayev and him met twice in Xi’an and Beijing respectively, and made new arrangements and plans for the development of China-Kazakhstan relations, leading the “golden 30 years” of rapid development of China-Kazakhstan relations.
The Chinese side has always viewed its relations with Kazakhstan from a strategic and long-term perspective, and regards Kazakhstan as a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy and an important partner for cooperation in Central Asia.
Xi said China’s will and determination to maintain and grow bilateral relations stand firm, and will not be changed due to any single incident or transformations in the international situation.
China will always be a good neighbor and partner Kazakhstan can rely on and trust, he added.
The Chinese side, Xi also said, will continue to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in traditional energy such as natural gas, expand new energy cooperation including photovoltaic and wind power, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Kazakhstan, and help Kazakhstan convert its resource advantages into development capabilities to achieve green, low-carbon and sustainable development.
Tokayev said Xi’s state visit to Kazakhstan is of historic significance to the development of Kazakhstan-China relations, hailing China as a friendly neighbor, close friend and important strategic partner of his country.
Based on solid good-neighborly friendship and firm mutual support, Kazakhstan-China relations have shown an unprecedented sound momentum of development, he said, noting that major achievements have been made in cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, minerals and other fields, which have benefited the two peoples and set a good example for state-to-state relations.
Kazakhstan is ready to work with China to further tap the potential of bilateral cooperation in energy, minerals, new energy and connectivity and push bilateral relations to a new height, he said.
The Kazakh side appreciates China’s firm support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and will firmly abide by the one-China principle, resolutely fight against the “three forces” and safeguard the common security of the two countries, Tokayev added.
In their big-group talks, Xi said the friendly relations between China and Kazakhstan are rooted in the millennia-old ancient Silk Road, reinforced by 32 years of cooperation after the establishment of diplomatic relations, and have reached the high level of a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, China will remain steadfast in its commitment to the China-Kazakhstan friendship, in its resolve to advance cooperation across the board, in its determination to continue mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests, and in its confidence in both countries realizing their development goals.
China and Kazakhstan are both at a critical stage of development and revitalization, Xi said, calling on the two sides to enhance the alignment of their development strategies and exchanges of governance experience, and implement more mutually beneficial cooperation projects to boost the development of their respective countries.
The Chinese side is ready to work with Kazakhstan on boosting economic and trade cooperation, and set a new goal of doubling two-way trade at an early date, he said.
He pledged that China will further expand imports of high-quality Kazakh goods and create new growth drivers for cooperation in e-commerce and digital economy, calling on the two sides to increase the scale of cooperation in production capacity investment, tap the potential of cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, and expand cooperation in electric vehicles, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and satellite communications.
China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to actively promote the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and build a multi-dimensional connectivity paradigm, Xi said.
He also said that China supports the holding of China tourism year in Kazakhstan in 2025, and has decided to open a second Luban Workshop in the Central Asian country.
Noting that at the airport after arrival, he was moved to hear a group of Kazakh teenagers sing “Ode to the Motherland” in standard and fluent Chinese, Xi said young people are the inheritors of China-Kazakhstan friendship from generation to generation.
He urged the two countries to give full play to the role of the culture centers and the Kazakhstan Branch of Beijing Language and Culture University to strengthen cultural exchanges, enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples, especially the young generation, and strengthen public support for all-round cooperation between the two countries.
China, Xi noted, will assume the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) following Kazakhstan, saying that the Chinese side stands ready to jointly build an even closer SCO community with a shared future with the SCO member states including Kazakhstan.
Xi noted that China supports Kazakhstan in hosting the second China-Central Asia Summit next year and is ready to work with relevant parties including Kazakhstan to make the China-Central Asia mechanism better and stronger, and to promote the China-Central Asia cooperation to achieve more new results.
China is willing to work closely with Kazakhstan within the framework of the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, practice genuine multilateralism and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and other developing countries, Xi added.
For Tokayev, he said Xi’s visit to Kazakhstan once again proves that both sides attach great importance to and strongly hope for further enhancement of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
Kazakhstan and China, he said, enjoy a solid friendship spanning thousands of years and fruitful cooperation in various fields, adding that in recent years in particular, bilateral ties have entered a new “golden era,” with smooth progress in major cooperation projects and positive results in agriculture, green energy, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, contributing to the well-being of the two peoples.
Tokayev said his country is a reliable friend and partner of China, adding that it is an unswerving strategic priority for Kazakhstan to deepen friendly and strategic cooperation with China.
Speaking highly of China’s diplomatic concept of peace, a series of global initiatives put forward by Xi and China’s important contribution to promoting world peace and development, Tokayev said the Kazakh side is willing to work with China to promote the building of a Kazakhstan-China community with a shared future as well as a community with a shared future for mankind.
Tokayev stressed that Kazakhstan looks forward to working with China to earnestly implement the important outcomes of Xi’s visit, continuing to jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, making every effort to achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade, strengthening cooperation in agriculture, economy and trade, new energy, cross-border e-commerce and electric vehicles, and advancing the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Kazakhstan welcomes the establishment of culture centers in their respective country and Luban Workshop, said Tokayev said. He called for ensuring the China tourism year in 2025 a success, so as to keep closer bilateral sub-national cooperation as well as people-to-people exchanges in education, culture and other fields.
Kazakhstan will continue to actively participate in building the China-Central Asia mechanism, and closely coordinate with China within multilateral frameworks such as the SCO and the United Nations, Tokayev added.
Following the talks, the two heads of state signed the joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and witnessed the exchange of dozens of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of economy and trade, connectivity, aviation and aerospace, education and media.
Prior to their meeting, Kazakh fighter jets painted the sky with colored smoke trails to welcome the Chinese president. A group of six jets, while flying over the presidential palace, left behind them colored smoke trails of red and yellow, colors of the Chinese national flag.
This prestigious recognition highlights the quality, dedication, and innovation that characterize Silverback Tea, making it stand out in the global tea market.
Tea has been a significant part of Rwanda’s economy since its introduction in the 1950s. The country’s ideal climate, fertile volcanic soil, and high altitude create perfect conditions for cultivating premium tea. Over the decades, Rwandan tea has gained international acclaim for its unique flavour profiles, vibrant colour, and health benefits.
Named after the majestic mountain gorillas that inhabit Rwanda’s volcanic ranges, Silverback Tea embodies strength, resilience, and the natural beauty of Rwanda. Established to produce high-quality tea that honours its origins, Silverback Tea’s, mission is to share the joy of the finest from Rwanda with the world.
Silverback Tea Company sources its tea from some of the top Rwandan tea gardens, namely Rugabano, Gisovu, and Pfunda. Each garden possesses a unique attribute suited for the production of high-quality tea that is rich, flavorful, complex, and full of character.
{{Awards and Recognition
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Some of the notable awards and recognition that Silverback Tea company has received include:
1. Rugabano Tea Company PvT Ltd: Currently holds the highest average made tea selling price in Rwanda as of May 2024, at 3.96 USD per Kg, according to NAEB’s data.
2. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Awarded the 1st Factory of the Year 2024 trophy during the International Tea Day Celebrations in Rwanda.
3. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd. D1: Recognized as the Best D1 in its category during the National Tea Tasting event, facilitated by NAEB, and awarded a trophy.
4. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd. PF1: Recognized as the Best PF1 in its category during the National Tea Tasting event, facilitated by NAEB, and awarded a trophy
5. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd: Honored to host the International Tea Day Celebrations in Rwanda.
6. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Recognized by the East Africa Tea Trade Association (EATTA) as the top producer in terms of average price per year in 2023, according to the EATTA annual report.
7. Pfunda Tea Company Ltd: Ranked 8th top producer in terms of average price per year in 2023 by EATTA.
8. Gisovu Tea Company Ltd: Recognized by EATTA for having the highest-priced tea in 2023, at 6.84 USD per Kg, an achievement shared with another top Rwandan garden.
9. All Silverback Tea Gardens: Recognized by the Gender Monitoring Office of the Republic of Rwanda, the Private Sector Federation, UNDP, and UN Women for promoting gender accountability through the Gender Equality Seal Certification Programme.
{{Quality and Sustainability
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Silverback Tea’s commitment to quality begins at the very source—the tea gardens. The company employs sustainable farming practices to ensure that the tea is not only of superior quality but also environmentally friendly. The handpicked leaves are processed using traditional methods combined with modern technology, preserving the rich flavours and aromas that distinguish Silverback Tea.
One of the key reasons Silverback Tea has garnered such high praise is its distinctive flavour profile. The tea is known for its bright, brisk character with a harmonious balance of sweetness and astringency. The high-altitude growing conditions impart unique notes of floral and citrus, making each sip a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed as a morning energizer or a calming evening brew, Silverback Tea which is rich in theanine offers a versatile and exquisite taste.
{{Recognition by NAEB
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The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) plays a crucial role in promoting Rwanda’s agricultural products on the global stage. Each year, the NAEB evaluates the country’s agricultural exports, recognizing the finest products that meet stringent quality and sustainability standards.
{{Impact on the Local Community
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The company’s success translates into economic benefits for the farmers, providing better livelihoods and supporting community development projects. Silverback Tea invests in local education through ECDs and infrastructure, tea tasting events which are open tea enthusiasts fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for its workers and their families.
{{Availability in Local Markets
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Silverback Tea has expanded its availability in local markets. Tea enthusiasts can now purchase Silverback Tea at several prominent retail locations, including Simba Supermarket, Tuma250, The Hut Supermarket, Silverback Kigali office and other supermarkets across Rwanda. This increased accessibility allows more people to enjoy the unique flavours and superior quality of Silverback Tea.
For those seeking a tea that is not only delightful in taste but also rooted in a story of dedication and excellence, Silverback Tea stands as the finest choice.
“Silverback tea greatly appreciates the business-friendly climate of Rwanda which allows us to thrive and focus on delivering the highest quality tea,” affirms Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, the Chairman of Silverback Tea Company Ltd.
“By nature, Rwanda’s security posture has always been defensive, not offensive. We prioritize cooperation and working together and we only act when trouble is brought on us,” he said.
The Head of State was speaking before thousands of Rwandans and friends of Rwanda gathered at the newly renovated 45,000 seater Amahoro stadium to mark 30 years of Liberation.
The national celebrations were marked with a military parade by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and Rwanda National Police, cultural dance by the national cultural troupe Urukurereza, and performances by different artistes.
It is this army that first encountered most Rwandans after the Genocide when the situation in the country was still extremely tense and dangerous. Yet, the forces did everything in their power to treat all Rwandans with professionalism and humanity, setting the tone of everything that followed.
Even today, they remain close to the community, and invest in projects that matter to the country’s development, such as infrastructure and medical services.
Subsequently, Rwandans have attained values and courage, an endpoint of the liberation struggle that has put citizens at the center of government action.
In that spirit, President Kagame expressed gratitude to those who liberated the country and honored those who sacrificed their lives in the process.
“On July the 4th, we express our thanks to those who liberated Rwanda, and remember those who gave their lives. Our army and security forces are a powerful symbol of unity and safety,” he said.
Three decades ago, the venue for these celebrations was the site of refuge and rescue. From the surrounding neighborhoods, Rwandans flowed to Amahoro stadium for safety.
Today, strides have been made, offering the freedom and the opportunity for Rwandans to live the lives they want. It is therefore not surprising that wherever life takes them; they will never forget their duty to uphold the good politics that have been built.
In his address, Kagame emphasized that Rwandans today are better and stronger than ever before, a reason to keep marching forward to continue growing Rwanda’s uniqueness.
“Even though Rwandans have made huge strides towards this mindset, we must remain vigilant. I am addressing this message in particular to Rwanda’s young people, especially those born over the last thirty years,” he said.
“This country is yours to protect, defend, and make prosperous. It is worth repeating that real liberation only begins when the guns fall silent. We began that stage thirty years ago, and we are counting on you, the liberation generation, to take us further,” he called out to the youths.
The President reminded the world that where there is a need for humanitarian action, Rwanda will not be absent emphasizing that the only real answer to any humanitarian crisis is to fix the root cause of the political problem.
He lashed out at critics who even try to spoil what has been established saying that those negative efforts produce no results.
According to him, the solid foundation upon which Rwanda was rebuilt is the driving force to remain principled and consistent, a product of hard work and civic values that will define the next generation of Rwandans.
Travel is a cornerstone of Rwanda’s economic growth and employment, with the sector contributing a record $620 million in revenue to GDP in 2023, a substantial 36% increase from 2022 according to the Rwandan Development Board. Travel and tourism remain the largest source of foreign exchange earnings, and according to a forecast by World Travel and Tourism Council, will contribute 10% to Rwanda’s GDP by 2033, creating over 200,000 new jobs.
Capuano applauded Rwanda’s rapid progress and President Kagame’s leadership in supporting the travel sector. “Rwanda is undergoing an economic transformation, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Capuano. “We are dedicated to positioning Rwanda as a premier global travel destination and will continue to showcase the country’s breathtaking natural beauty, national parks, and dynamic cultural attributes to attract visitors. Additionally, we are committed to delivering career opportunities locally and supporting sustainable development.”
Marriott’s presence in Rwanda dates to 2016, when it opened the Kigali Marriott Hotel – one of the country’s largest properties – further enhancing Kigali’s reputation as a hub for conferences and conventions. The company’s second property, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali, has also played a pivotal role in fueling economic growth, supporting local employment, and attracting tourists to the region.
Underscoring Rwanda’s goal of bolstering its core industries, including travel and agriculture, both Marriott properties have worked with community-based organizations to provide career opportunities and source from locally produced goods. These properties have also forged strong collaborations with local schools, non-profit organizations, and universities, equipping youth with hospitality skills in areas like catering and engineering. Since 2019, these initiatives have benefited more than 530 Rwandans, enabling them to participate as professionals in tourism and associated sectors.
Capuano’s visit also included a tour of the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis. In support of Rwanda’s ongoing reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts, Marriott International has committed funding to The Aegis Trust, an organization that works to prevent genocide and support recovery efforts in affected communities.
This initiative was introduced in February encouraging clients to request for EBM receipts every time they purchase things from local enterprises thereby attaining eligibility to receive a reward equal to 10% of the VAT paid on each EBM receipt.
Speaking during the release of the Financial Year 2023/2024 performance results, Batamuliza Hajara, the Commissioner, Domestic Taxes Department, said a total of RWF 16 billion was registered in sales during the period under review, with the government collecting RWF 2.4 billion in VAT.
Hajara confirmed that 10% of the VAT collected will soon be distributed to 23,675 beneficiaries who have registered their claims with RRA.
During the financial year which ended on June 30, RRA collected RWF 2.62 trillion in revenue from taxes, falling short of its target by RWF 17.8 billion (0.7%). However, the revenue netted represents a growth of 12.3% compared to 2022/23.
Additionally, during the financial year 2023-2024, RRA financed 51.2% of the national budget, up from 48.9% the previous year, 2022-2023.
RRA Commissioner General Niwenshuti Ronald attributed the RRA’s performance to several factors, including the increased use of the EBM system by businesses. The number of taxpayers registered on EBM increased from 84,448 in fiscal year 2022/23 to 117,631 in 2023/4.
RRA also credited the VAT reward program and Voluntary Disclosure Incentives for the positive performance. 1,783 taxpayers participated in the disclosure program, revealing a total of RWF 14.3 billion in previously undisclosed income. So far, RWF 6.6 billion of this amount has been collected.
Niwenshuti also attributed the 12% growth in national revenue to the strong economic growth of 9.1% recorded between July 2023 and March 2024 and the automation of key services which simplified communication and service delivery. This year’s economic growth is projected to be 7.4%.
The Commissioner General also expressed his optimism that RRA will achieve its revenue target of 3 trillion in the current financial year.
“This year, our revenue target is set at an ambitious sum of RWF 3,061.2 billion which is 54% of the national budget of slightly over RWF 5,5 billion and we are very optimistic that we shall achieve it,” Niwenshuti remarked.
Currently, Rwanda’s tax revenue stands at 15% of its total GDP of RWF 16.355 trillion.
As the first public listed company in Rwanda since 2011, shareholders were delighted to participate in a physical meeting to discuss the company’s 2023 business performance and future strategic plans.
In some districts where a master plan dictating land use has not been developed, individuals use the land as they wish, leading to activities such as constructing buildings on land designated for agriculture, which can cause future losses.
Residents of Bugesera state that the master plan has become proof that development has reached their area.
Alphonse Nshimiyimana, a resident of Ruhehe village, Batima cell, in Rweru sector, said, “We used to see master plans being made for big cities like Kigali, Musanze, or other urban areas. But under the broad strategy taken by the government to develop rural areas, the land here will gain value and everything done here will also gain value, thus raising the living standards of the residents.”
Nshimiyimana explained that the master plan helps them understand where to build commercial buildings, factories, and other structures that contribute to community development.
Francine Bamurange, a resident of Ruramba village, Kindama cell, in Ruhuha sector, mentioned that they are ready for changes in construction and housing by separating commercial buildings from residential ones. She said, “For instance, in the Ruhuha trading center, people both trade and live there, which is problematic. Trading in one place while living in the backyard does not align well. Therefore, in Ruhuha town, people will separate commercial buildings from residential ones. This will also lead to the construction of modern houses with all amenities since they will be outside the main city.”
“This will prevent land from being wasted because all land will be used for its designated purpose as shown in the master plan. Besides, the district is developing, and the master plan will 100% transform the lives of the residents. It will allow us to progress since even without the master plan, just the tarmac road alone has brought significant changes to the residents’ lives.”
The Mayor of Bugesera District, Richard Mutabazi, told IGIHE that, in collaboration with the Belgian Development Agency, Enabel, various activities were carried out, including developing the district’s master plan and setting up an information collection room for different activities using technology.
He said, “Land use is crucial because when people build haphazardly, they might lack access to infrastructure. For example, roads might not reach where they have been built. People might have built in many places, but when you need a place with greenery and fresh air, you can’t find it. Following the master plan will ensure well-organized construction. Additionally, infrastructure must follow, as the master plan outlines where infrastructure should go, roads should pass, and where playgrounds should be built, making it easier for district budgets and partners to plan without the need to create new plans for everything.”
Mayor Mutabazi emphasized that the master plan is a powerful tool to protect agricultural land from being built on, as people will not abandon houses to seek food. It is essential to protect agricultural land to sustain the population.
Emmanuel Ahabwe, head of the housing development department at the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), stated that, in partnership with Enabel, residents of Bugesera have been helped not to misuse their land.
He said, “Previously, there were areas designated for agriculture, but due to their proximity to Kigali, people quickly turned them into whatever they wanted. Now that has changed; they must follow a specific plan. This project, supported by the Belgian government, ensures that.”
Bugesera District borders Kigali City and Burundi. It is home to over 551,000 residents, most of whom engage in cassava, maize, bean, and rice farming.
The National Land Authority (NLA) indicates that the 2023/2024 fiscal year will end with more than 10 approved master plans by the Cabinet, with only six to be developed next year.
Regarding environmental protection, the Kayumbu area has been developed with gardens where people can relax.
With the backing of the Rwandan government, Mihigo is among the five contestants eyeing the coveted regional post in elections slated for next month.
Speaking in an exclusive interview recently on Sunny Ntayombya’s podcast, the 57-year-old said that once elected, he will put in place measures to ensure that the African population lives a healthy life so that they can contribute to their own development.
“From various conversations we have had with ministers of finance and economic policymakers, people tend to perceive health as an expenditure only. They claim to always need money for health insurance, hospital bills, etc. but that’s not all. Health is not only an expenditure; health a tool that can positively contribute to the development of a nation,” Dr. Mihigo stated.
He added, “If you have a healthy population, those people can thrive and contribute more efficiently to the prosperity of their own families, their own communities, and their own nation as a whole. This is my immediate target.”
To achieve this, Mihigo has developed a robust programme on how he would put in place strategic shift to avert this.
The programme includes building resilient health systems able to withstand health crises such as disease outbreaks or pandemics like COVID-19, which have previously exposed vulnerabilities and gaps in global healthcare systems for years.
“We saw how literally everything collapsed during COVID. The responsiveness and preparedness of our systems were really very weak. I want to make sure that we help countries build very robust and resilient health systems based on a primary healthcare system that responds to the needs of the population,” he emphasized.
According to him, a functional primary healthcare system is the foundation of any well-meaning society.
He believes that if people at the grassroots level can access the basic health services needed (both curative and preventive), then Africa will be on track to build a more resilient and functional health system.
Citing instances where Africa was unfairly locked out of access to COVID-19 treatment tools, vaccines and testing equipment, Dr. Mihigo emphasized the need to promote Vaccine manufacturing in Africa.
He also expressed his intent to respond to non-communicable diseases as well as maternal and infant mortality rates.
Beyond fighting diseases, Dr. Mihigo plans to break the gender barriers that exist in the health sector.
“We need to put in place a more robust system that can address gender barriers by borrowing a leaf from Rwanda as a champion of gender equality and inclusion at the continental level,” he emphasized.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Dr Mihigo, largely lived as a refugee but defied all odds to become a widely considered strong candidate for the WHO job due to his rich career profile and extensive education in the medical field.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (M.B., Ch.B.) from the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Kisangani, DRC and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in International Health from Boston University School of Public Health, USA, obtained in 2003.
He held numerous positions, including advisory roles at WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Mihigo also served as an advisor at United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-Rwanda.
Locally, he served as the first Medical Director of Nyanza Hospital in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Today, Dr Mihigo doubles as the Senior Director of Programmatic and Strategic Engagement at the African Union/Africa CDC and advisor at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), a position he has held since March 2024.
He reminisces that the death of his mother due to cervical cancer partly shaped his future in public health, where he has been advocating for immunization to combat various diseases.
“My mother passed away from cervical cancer which is something easily preventable today,” he said, adding, “This is what has also shaped a bit of my future in public health. I am a renowned specialist in immunization globally.”
The mother, whom he fondly refers to as his heroine, also encouraged him to pursue medicine instead of law.
His competitors for the WHO role include Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo of Niger, Senegal’s Dr. Ibrahima Socé Fall and Tanzanian Doctor Faustine Engelbert Ndugulile.
The Regional Committee of the WHO African Region will vote to nominate the next Regional Director in a closed-door meeting during its 74th session from 26th to 30th August 2024 in Congo Brazzaville.
The nominee will then be submitted for appointment by the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, set for January 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
The newly appointed Regional Director will take office on February 1, 2025, for a five-year term, renewable once.
