During the joint operation conducted recently, officials seized from the plant, about 23,400 litres of illicit brew called Gikundiro.
The seized psychotropic substances were disposed of at Nduba landfill in Gasabo District.
While speaking to the media on Wednesday, December 6, the RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that the owner of the plant, who is still in hiding, was operating without a license.
“Residents were concerned about the plant, which they suspected that it was operating illegally and producing harmful drinks, prompting them to call the police and local leaders,” ACP Rutikanga said.
The proprietor of the illegal distillery, he added, is still on the run.
He warned against such criminal acts, which pose danger to the healthy of consumers.
Dr. Eric Nyirimigabo, Head of Food and Drugs Inspection and Safety Monitoring department at Rwanda FDA, said that no distillery is allowed to operate without a license.
“Before a soft or alcoholic beverage plant starts to operate, we first inspect the facility to ensure that it fulfils all the safety and hygiene requirements; that is the first license,” Nyirimigabo said.
He added: “The owner is then required to produce samples for laboratory tests, which informs whether or not the proprietor should be given the second license to operate. You also have to register your products first and acquire a standards mark. In this case, the owner of the distillery in Ndera did not have any of these.”
All alcoholic drinks produced without complying with standards and other laws in Rwanda are classified as ‘simple narcotic drugs’ under article 5 of the Ministerial Order No.001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization.
Under article 263 of the law determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, anyone convicted for dealing in “simple narcotic drugs” faces between seven and ten years in prison and a fine of between Rwf5 million and Rwf10 million.
Uber Luxe Safaris is among other travel companies that represented Rwanda at the ILTM held in Cannes from December 4th to 7th, 2023.
Speaking to IGIHE, Miller expressed heartfelt appreciation for the indispensable support rendered by Visit Rwanda, acknowledging that as a private sector entity, their participation in such a prestigious show would be unattainable without this crucial backing
He also reflected on the evolving landscape of Rwanda’s recognition within the travel trade community and noted a significant shift, remarking that, “For the first time in about eight years, there’s a genuine knowledge of Rwanda.”
As he said, this newfound awareness has propelled Rwanda onto the international travel radar, with industry professionals now asking more in-depth questions about the country’s unique offerings.
Miller emphasized the growing recognition of Rwanda’s gorilla tourism and the diminishing queries about price disparities between Rwanda and Uganda.
The travel trade community is now not only acknowledging these distinctions but also delving into the profound human story of Rwanda, from the shadows of genocide against the Tutsi to the vibrant tapestry of modern Rwanda.
The ILTM Cannes event holds a special place in the calendar, occurring just before Christmas and attracting high-profile attendees at both the buyer and exhibitor levels. Miller described the unique environment, where industry leaders gather not only for networking and business discussions but also to celebrate the collective achievements of the year.
Reflecting on the expenses associated with participating in such a prestigious show, Miller underscored the vital role of Visit Rwanda’s support, expressing, “We simply wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t be able to justify it. So it’s thanks to the Visit Rwanda support that we can do that.”
As Rwanda continues its trajectory of growth and strength, Miller highlighted the exclusive nature of ILTM as a Business-to-Business (B2B) platform. Here, serious travel trade professionals convene, presenting a rare opportunity for Uber Luxe Safaris to engage with established luxury sellers and tour operators on a global scale.
The efficacy of ILTM’s matching system for appointments was evident, with a high percentage of meetings being highly relevant, particularly concerning the African market. Miller praised ILTM Cannes for attracting buyers who understand and sell luxury globally.
Uber Luxe Safaris, functioning as a destination management company (DMC), strategically positions itself not merely as a facilitator for the Rwanda trip but as an ambassador for Rwanda as a destination. Miller stressed the importance of presenting Rwanda as a compelling option in quotes alongside other renowned destinations like Australia, Argentina, Costa Rica, and Sri Lanka.
Highlighting the intangible element that sets Rwanda apart, Miller emphasized the critical role of human connection and the captivating human story of Rwanda. He noted Rwanda’s unique approach, offering an immersive itinerary that goes beyond traditional observation, allowing guests to deeply engage with the culture and human narrative.
From a DMC perspective, Uber Luxe Safaris adopts a soft sell approach, understanding that building trust with buyers is a long-term endeavor.
Miller shared, “It’s a soft trust relationship that is built. And when the timing’s right, they will give you a go, and they’ll move over.” This long-term vision ensures that relationships established over the years can endure for decades, provided that exceptional experiences are consistently delivered.
Apart from Uber Luxe Safari, other travel operators that represented Rwanda, include Primate Safaris, Makario Safaris, Jambo Tours, Luxury Africa Tours, Africa Journeys, Volcanoes Safari, Wilderness Safari, Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris, and Akagera Aviation.
The 22nd edition of ILTM featured 2,100 exhibitors, 330 brands, 21,000 buyers from 83 countries, and over 82,000 pre-programmed appointments.
The event served as a unique opportunity to connect with potential business partners and explore new experiences within the realm of luxury travel.
Among the freshly elected leaders is Mulindwa Prosper, who takes on the role of mayor in Rubavu District. With prior experience as the Acting Mayor of Rutsiro District and a former Vice Mayor of Rulindo District, Prosper brings a wealth of expertise to his new position.
Soline Mukamana secures the mayoral position in Burera District with a decisive victory, earning 200 votes, while her opponent, Mujawamariya Margueritte, receives 101 votes.
Valentine Mukase emerges as the newly elected Mayor of Karongi District, having previously served as the Vice Mayor for Social Affairs. Mukase garners 213 votes, defeating her opponent, Pascasie Umuhoza, who receives 76 votes. Umuhoza transitions to the role of Vice Mayor in charge of Welfare, succeeding Mukase.
Richard Kagabo Rwamunono assumes the position of Rwamagana District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development.
In Gakenke District, Mukandayisenga Vestine takes on the role of mayor, bringing her prior experience as an auditor at DUHAMIC ADRI to the district.
Narcisse Mupenzi is elected as the mayor of Nyamasheke District, leveraging his background as the former Head of the Access to Justice Services Department in the Ministry of Justice.
Dr. Muyoboke Karimunda Aime, the Rector of ILPD, emphasized the vital role played by the Uganda Law Development Center in ILPD’s evolution. Their collaboration, dating back to 2008, has seen a fruitful exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Dr. Muyoboke envisions these discussions as a melting pot of ideas, creating a space for sharing experiences and mutual learning to elevate legal education. He hinted at the possibility of adopting a system similar to Uganda’s bar association exams, streamlining the process for law students in Rwanda.
“As these discussions unfold, each party showcases its strengths, fostering an environment where everyone learns and collectively advances,” Dr. Muyoboke remarked.
Frank Ofembi, the Director of Uganda Law Development Center, commended ILPD’s impressive infrastructure and student-centric approach. He applauded ILPD’s organizational prowess and underscored the reciprocal commitment to knowledge sharing and teacher exchanges, aiming to elevate the quality of education in both institutions.
ILPD’s management doesn’t plan to stop at Uganda; their sights are set on reinforcing collaborations with peer institutions in the region.
This international outlook reflects ILPD’s unwavering dedication to enriching legal education and making a positive impact on the legal profession, not just in Rwanda but globally.
The 5th World Media Summit has attracted more than 450 representatives of nearly 200 institutions from over 100 countries and regions, including media outlets, think tanks and international organizations.
From Beijing to Guangzhou and Kunming, media executives have exchanged views on boosting global confidence and cooperation, aiming to forge a vision for the media’s role in shaping a better world.
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Media leaders attending the summit have noted that the world is undergoing accelerated changes unseen in a century, and that uncertainties and unforeseen factors are on the rise.
Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, said in a keynote speech at the summit’s opening ceremony in Guangzhou that media organizations shoulder important responsibility in helping boost global confidence and promote common development.
“Confidence is more valuable than gold when facing difficulties,” Fu said, calling on attendees to use the media to convey positive energy, amplify voices that promote the development of human society, and encourage countries to join hands in addressing the challenges facing humanity.
Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa’s Independent Media, said that the media’s role extends beyond conveying facts, and that it should catalyze social-economic change and development.
“If we have one task only as a social responsibility, that task is to ensure that media must be a change agent in the world today, to promote a common humanity and a shared future and shared prosperity,” he added.
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The attendees have also agreed that the media sector is currently faced with challenges that entail collaboration with one other in the pursuit of development.
At a meeting that gathered leaders of Xinhua News Agency, Reuters, The Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse in Beijing last Friday, the participants discussed the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and the need to combat fake news.
The executives agreed that international news agencies should work together and stay committed to providing users with objective, fair and accurate information.
“We view collaboration with fellow news agencies as paramount,” said AP Vice President YK Chan, adding that collaboration allows news agencies to tell important stories, keep their journalists safe and address pressing challenges facing the industry.
Mikhail Gusman, first deputy director-general of TASS Russian News Agency, also underscored the significance of cooperation in a world of information riddled with challenges.
“We believe that it is our primary task to enhance cooperation, seek solutions together and foster mutual trust,” Gusman said at the summit’s opening ceremony.
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Chinese modernization is proving a hot topic at the summit.
During the ongoing event, Xinhua unveiled a research report titled “The Humanomics in the New Era,” offering an overview of China’s new development format focusing on a people-centered approach and the integrated development of culture and economy in the process of advancing Chinese modernization.
“The media play a crucial role in advancing the modernization endeavors of countries worldwide,” said Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency. He expressed the hope of enhancing collaboration and deepening understanding among media organizations around the world to advance modernization of the entire human society through collaborative efforts.
The summit’s parallel session is taking place in the city of Kunming in Yunnan Province, where epic treks of a herd of wild elephants in recent years have attracted the attention of over 3,000 media outlets worldwide, with reports reaching more than 190 countries and regions.
Harmony between human and nature is a key element of Chinese modernization. The attendees have agreed that the Chinese modernization philosophy can provide development opportunities and insights for the entire world.
It is important to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection, said Brem-Nagy Marton Bonifac, a Hungarian journalist who visited Kunming during the summit.
“The story of the elephants’ adventure is really heart-warming,” he said, adding that it is the media’s duty to cover such stories to reflect modernization progress that highlights ecological advancement.
The project, located in Shandong Province and with China owning fully independent intellectual property rights, is jointly developed by China Huaneng Group, Tsinghua University and China National Nuclear Corporation.
HTGR is an advanced type of reactor that features fourth-generation nuclear power technology, and a key development direction of nuclear power, said Zhang Zuoyi, chief designer of the major program of HTGR nuclear power station and dean of the nuclear energy and new energy technology institute of Tsinghua University.
With “safety” as a key characteristic, the reactor can maintain a safe state and steer away from a meltdown or leak of radioactive materials. This capability is maintained even in the event of a complete loss of cooling capacity, without any intervention actions, Zhang added.
More than 500 companies majoring in design and development, engineering construction, equipment manufacturing, production and operation participated in the project. The localization rate of the equipment of the nuclear power plant reached more than 90 percent, said Zhang Yanxu, a person in charge of the project.
The commercial operation of the nuclear power plant is of great significance in promoting the safety, as well as the scientific, technological and innovation capabilities of China’s nuclear power development, he noted.
Construction of Shidaowan HTGR nuclear power plant started in December 2012, and generated power for the first time in December 2021.
The event, attended by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame, drew thousands of fans to BK Arena for the opening of Move Afrika Rwanda—a unique music tour across Africa featuring a performance by Kendrick Lamar, an American rapper, and songwriter.
Other artists at the event included popular Tanzanian singer Zuchu, Rwandans Bruce Melodie and Ariel Wayz, as well as British choreographer Sherrie Silver.
In his address, Kagame described the evening as a moment of joy. “What a good way of ending the year. With music, with energy, with optimism.”
Kagame emphasized the need for Africans to work together to address the continent’s challenges.
“There are many things we can address together. Working together, our continent stands strong and can address most of our challenges. We are looking forward to hosting global citizens every year, here in Kigali, through Move Afrika. I hope you feel at home, all of you, and I hope to see you again in the near future,” he stated.
Kagame noted that this year’s theme focused on health as a precious asset and commended the efforts of community health workers. “I want to dedicate this moment to community health workers, who keep us healthy and safe,” he noted.
Referring to the 2001 Abuja Declaration, Kagame highlighted the commitment of African Union member states to allocate at least 15% of their national budgets each year to improve their healthcare systems.
The President concluded his remarks by wishing concert participants Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024.
Hugh Evans, Co-Founder and CEO of Global Citizen, expressed gratitude for hosting the first Move Afrika event in Kigali, stating, “This is just the beginning. The real work starts tomorrow. Thank you for being on this journey to Move Afrika.”
Created by the international advocacy organization Global Citizen, creative imprint pgLang, and the Rwanda Development Board, the inaugural Move Afrika: Rwanda show showcased the best African artists, creators, and entertainers to the world.
With every facet of the event’s production driving local economic investment, skill training, and youth entrepreneurship, the first Move Afrika concert signaled the launch of a five-year incremental tour schedule that will pioneer a world-class music touring circuit across the continent, changing the face of live entertainment in Africa.
Initially beginning with a small-scale operation, processing only 5% of its capacity, the refinery, later renamed Aldango Ltd in 2019, has a processing capability of 480 kilograms every 30 hours, equivalent to 96 tons per year. The strategic objective was to process gold locally, preventing the export of unrefined gold and maximizing returns in the international market.
To ensure the highest quality, the refinery employs advanced technology, similar to that used in South African facilities. The meticulous process involves melting the stones, separating impurities, and returning the refined gold to customers, ensuring a purity level of 999.9.
Kayobotsi Bosco, the Managing Director, emphasized the need for confidentiality due to the precious nature of gold. The identity of customers is closely guarded, even from employees. Addressing the canceled agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda for gold processing, Kayobotsi clarified that it had no impact on Gasabo Gold Refinery’s operations.
The focus is on increasing processing output to 28.8 tons per year from the current 30% capacity equivalent to 144 kilograms in 30 hours. Actively raising awareness among foreigners, the refinery aims to prevent bankruptcy due to the export of unprocessed gold. Currently employing 40 Rwandans, the company ensures their well-being with benefits such as transportation, food, and health insurance.
Environmental considerations are a priority, with automated systems in place to absorb harmful emissions and protect workers from hazardous substances. Gasabo Gold Refinery is working towards obtaining an international license, currently held solely by South Africa, by meeting all necessary requirements.
Despite global challenges, Rwanda’s gold industry is thriving, with the country selling 33,241 kgs of gold in the last four years until 2022. In the third quarter of 2023, approximately 3,000 kgs of gold were sold, generating around Rwf234 billion.
This initiative, disclosed by the UK’s Home Office, is scheduled for presentation to members of parliament on Thursday, December 7, 2023. The release of this bill follows one day after the return of the UK’s Home Secretary from Kigali, where a new treaty governing the deportation of illegal migrants was signed.
This legislative adjustment stems from concerns raised by the UK Supreme Court, which had previously criticized the initial 2022 Migration and Economic Development Partnership, deeming Rwanda a risky destination for migrants.
The new agreement and the accompanying bill aim to address the concerns raised by the Supreme Court, asserting Rwanda’s safety for migrants. The UK Home Office emphasizes that once enacted, this bill will codify in UK law the recognition of Rwanda as a safe destination.
The spokesperson for the UK Prime Minister’s Office stated that the goal is to “put an end to the arrival of small boats and address the root of the problem of illegal immigration.”
This bill is presented as a pivotal element of the government’s deterrence program, with the aim of reducing the number of immigrants arriving by sea and preventing tragic incidents of drowning.
Since the beginning of this year, the UK has witnessed the illegal entry of more than 29,000 migrants. Additionally, in the preceding year, the country received 45,000 individuals who arrived illegally, marking the highest level of migrant reception ever recorded by the country.
During the Home Secretary’s recent visit to Kigali, the importance of addressing this issue at its roots to prevent criminals from exploiting the situation was emphasized. The minister also refuted criticisms questioning the safety of Rwanda for migrants.
Global Citizen, a U.S.-based organization, mobilizes global youth to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting hosted by Rwanda underscores the nation’s commitment to sustainable development initiatives. In 2015, Rwanda was chosen to host the Africa Sustainable Development Goals Center (SDGC/A) during the official launch of the SDGs in New York.
The SDGC/A focuses on addressing the shortcomings of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which concluded in 2015. The 2030 SDG agenda aims to tackle crucial issues such as eradicating extreme poverty, combating inequality and injustice, and developing strategies to counter the effects of climate change.
The mission of the SDGC/A is to ensure that, by 2030, every African country has fully realized its commitments to the 17 pillars of sustainable development goals. This underscores Rwanda’s dedication to the global effort to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
