The changes were announced in a statement released by the Rwanda Correctional Service, which indicated that those promoted include senior officers, junior officers, non-commissioned officers, and warders.
Among senior officers, 46 officers who previously held the rank of Superintendent were promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent.
For junior officers, 37 officers holding the rank of Chief Inspector were promoted to Superintendent, while 18 Inspectors were elevated to Chief Inspector. In addition, 10 Assistant Inspectors were promoted to the rank of Inspector.
Among non-commissioned officers and warders, 188 Senior Sergeants were promoted to Chief Sergeant, 67 Sergeants were promoted to Senior Sergeant, 48 Corporals advanced to Sergeant, and 328 Warders were promoted to the rank of Corporal.
The statement also noted that the President placed several RCS officers into retirement, including Assistant Commissioner Moses Ntawiheba, Senior Superintendent Christine Aloys Gakuba, and Superintendent Josephine Nyiranteziryayo. Another 22 officers, including non-commissioned officers, were also retired.
The statement further revealed that 296 RCS personnel were dismissed from the institution. Those dismissed include six senior officers, 13 junior officers, and 277 non-commissioned officers and warders.
President Paul Kagame has promoted 742 personnel from the Rwanda Correctional Service.
The proposal was presented during a meeting between a visiting Africa CDC delegation and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe, according to an official statement.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed Museveni on the current status of the Ebola outbreak and assured him that the situation was being appropriately managed.
Jean Kaseya, director-general of Africa CDC, emphasized the need to establish the continental support team in Kampala to enhance coordination and monitoring efforts in responding to Ebola.
“Ebola only becomes deadly when there is a lack of attention. Otherwise, it is very manageable,” said Museveni, who welcomed the proposal and pledged Uganda’s full support.
A Ugandan doctor vaccinates the contact of a patient who tested positive for the Ebola virus on February 3, 2025. (File/ REUTERS/Abubaker Lubowa)
Speaking during a Basketball Africa League (BAL) Investor Day fireside chat in Kigali, Kagame said sports should be understood as a broad ecosystem that goes far beyond competition on the court.
He said sports “attracts people,” creates a sense of belonging, and generates value that extends into multiple sectors of the economy.
“People feel good about it. They are part of it,” he said, adding that sport draws talent and investment while generating wider benefits for society.
President Kagame described sports as part of a wider development and investment strategy that includes talent development, infrastructure, consumer experience, entertainment, and tourism. He said the sector becomes more valuable when it is built deliberately and supported through long-term investment.
“It’s also the consumer experience. It attracts even people who originally were not so attracted to any sport,” he said, noting that surrounding activities such as entertainment and events help expand its reach and impact.
He pointed to Rwanda’s experience hosting major sporting events, including BAL games, as contributing to increased tourism and international visibility. According to Kagame, the country has seen more visitors coming for conferences, competitions, and large-scale events linked to sports programming.
This deliberate alignment of sports and major events has translated into strong economic gains. According to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) 2025 Annual Report, Rwanda’s tourism sector generated $685 million (about Rwf 1 trillion) in revenue, up 6% year-on-year, driven by 1.49 million visitors. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) segment contributed $94.7 million, supported by 165 international and regional events, including major sporting fixtures such as BAL games.
Kagame said these outcomes reflect a deliberate strategy and long-term mindset toward investment.
“It comes to choices you make, it comes to mindset as well,” he said, adding that sports investments should be allowed to “prove themselves” over time.
He also referenced Rwanda’s long-standing sports partnerships with global clubs, including the “Visit Rwanda” sponsorships with major football teams such as Arsenal, as part of a broader effort to position the country globally through sport. He noted that such initiatives have sometimes attracted political criticism, but said the approach is driven by strategic choices and a focus on visibility, investment, and long-term returns.
A central theme of his remarks was the importance of scale through cooperation across Africa and beyond.
“When countries come together, when leagues come together, when people come together, the benefits are multiplied by a much bigger factor,” Kagame said. “You don’t want to have such a good thing isolated in one region or one country.”
He argued that fragmented sports markets limit growth, while integrated collaboration creates a larger and more efficient market that strengthens returns for investors, governments, and communities.
The Head of State also emphasised that Rwanda’s approach to sports investment has been built on partnerships, noting that the country did not act alone in developing its sports ecosystem and international collaborations.
He said the model is intended to demonstrate what is possible when countries take calculated risks and invest in emerging sectors, adding that results, not persuasion, are what ultimately influence others to follow similar paths.
The remarks came as Kigali hosts the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2026 playoffs and finals, which tip off today, May 22, and run through May 31, 2026, bringing together teams, fans, and stakeholders from across the continent.
Kagame closed his remarks by stressing collective ambition in development.
“Let’s go up together,” he said.
Speaking during a Basketball Africa League (BAL) Investor Day fireside chat in Kigali, Kagame said sports should be understood as a broad ecosystem that goes far beyond competition on the court.President Kagame said sports “attracts people,” creates a sense of belonging, and generates value that extends into multiple sectors of the economy.The summit was held ahead of the BAL kickoff in Kigali.
DJ Toxxyk had been facing charges including involuntary manslaughter, drug-related offenses involving narcotic substances, fleeing after causing an accident, and refusing to undergo an alcohol test.
The charges stem from a road accident that occurred in Nyarugenge District in the early hours of December 20, 2025. The accident claimed the life of a police officer, while cannabis was later discovered at DJ Toxxyk’s residence during investigations.
The judge explained that the court had initially considered sentencing him to four years and six months in prison together with a fine of Rwf1.05 million.
However, the sentence was significantly reduced after the court considered that DJ Toxxyk admitted to all charges, asked for forgiveness, and had no previous criminal record. The court therefore reduced the sentence to one year and six months in prison along with the same fine of Rwf1.05 million.
Earlier, on May 4, 2026, the Primary Court of Kicukiro had convicted DJ Toxxyk on all charges and sentenced him to three months of community service, suspended for six months, in addition to the same fine.
That ruling allowed DJ Toxxyk to be released from Nyarugenge Prison in Mageragere, but the prosecution was dissatisfied with the decision and filed an appeal.
During the appeal hearing held on May 15, prosecutors argued that the Primary Court had failed to consider the seriousness and consequences of the offenses committed by DJ Toxxyk. They said the sentence ignored the objectives of punishment as provided by law.
The prosecution maintained that the penalties imposed by the lower court did not fulfill the intended purpose of punishment, which includes educating the offender and serving as a warning to others.
Prosecutors also argued that the court did not properly apply Article 49 of the law, which requires judges to determine penalties based on the gravity of the offense, its consequences, and the circumstances under which it was committed.
They emphasized that the crimes had serious consequences, including the death of a police officer who was on duty at the time, and argued that community service and a fine alone were too lenient.
Appearing before Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, DJ Toxxyk told the court that he regretted all the offenses he committed and believed that the initial ruling was proportionate.
In its appeal, the prosecution had requested the intermediate court to sentence DJ Toxxyk to five years in prison and impose a fine of Rwf2.21 million.
DJ Toxxyk has been sentenced to one year and six months in prison.
The ministry confirmed that there are currently no Ebola cases in Rwanda, but said the measures are part of ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness, early detection, and rapid response capacity to prevent any possible importation of the disease.
As part of the updated precautions, Rwanda has reinforced health screening and surveillance at all land points of entry along the border with the DRC. Additional entry control measures are also being implemented at Kigali International Airport for all inbound travellers.
Recent measures taken by the government this week include heightened surveillance at key transit points in Rubavu and Rusizi districts. These measures cover major crossing points such as the high-traffic Petite Barrière, Grande Barrière, and Kabuhanga posts adjacent to Goma, as well as Rusizi I and Rusizi II crossings bordering Bukavu.
Under the new rules, effective immediately, all foreign nationals who have travelled to or transited through the DRC within the last 30 days prior to their intended travel to Rwanda will be denied entry into the country.
Rwandan nationals and foreign residents holding valid proof of residency in Rwanda will still be allowed entry. However, those who have visited or transited through the DRC within the same 30-day period will be subject to mandatory quarantine in line with established public health protocols.
The Ministry of Health noted that it has already engaged with international partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) Rwanda, briefing diplomatic missions and international organisations on the country’s preparedness measures and current health security protocols.
Authorities emphasised that despite the enhanced controls, all activities in Rwanda continue as normal, including conferences, tourism, business operations, events, and domestic travel.
“Rwanda remains open, safe and prepared,” the ministry stated, urging visitors, residents, and event participants to continue their activities while observing standard hygiene practices and following official health guidance.
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with other government institutions and international partners, said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and strengthen response measures to safeguard public health.
Members of the public have been encouraged to seek health information or report symptoms through the Rwanda Biomedical Centre hotline 114.
Ebola cases surge in DRC
The outbreak, initially reported in Ituri Province, has now affected North Kivu and South Kivu, while two confirmed cases have also been reported in the neighbouring country of Uganda.
According to the figures released Thursday by DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba, 626 suspected cases and 159 probable deaths have been recorded since the country declared its 17th outbreak on May 15.
The situation continues to evolve rapidly following WHO’s emergency declaration on May 16, 2026. Given that this outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific targeted treatment, containment efforts and epidemiological tracking rely heavily on distinguishing laboratory-confirmed cases from the significantly larger pool of suspected cases under investigation.
Rwanda continues to closely monitor the Ebola outbreak reported in the DRC. There are no Ebola cases in Rwanda, and precautionary measures are in place to reinforce prevention and early detection. New entry control measures are in effect for travellers from the DRC. pic.twitter.com/FdU57AYFYu— Ministry of Health | Rwanda (@RwandaHealth) May 22, 2026
The Embassy led the preparation and coordination of the flagship diplomatic and cultural event.
The celebration brought together more than 500 guests, including South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, African ambassadors, senior government officials, members of the National Assembly, CEOs, business leaders, academics, media representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Africa in Korea.
Rwanda’s leadership role in the organization of the event underscored its active diplomatic engagement within the African Group in Seoul, particularly in advancing cooperation between Africa and South Korea across political, economic, and cultural fields.
Beyond diplomacy, Africa Day 2026 placed strong emphasis on cultural exchange and innovation, showcasing the deepening ties between the two regions through fashion, music, art, and creative industries.
Organisers highlighted the emergence of “A-Culture” alongside the global influence of “K-Culture,” reflecting increasing cultural collaboration.
One of the key highlights of the event was a cultural fashion showcase featuring traditional Rwandan attire alongside Hanbok designs inspired by the colours of the Rwandan flag. The display symbolised growing friendship and cultural connection between Rwanda and South Korea.
The event also reflected broader efforts to strengthen Africa–Korea relations through shared priorities such as innovation, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchange.
Mr. Lie Sangbong, renowned Korean fashion designer and Mr. Samuel Chung Chairman of KCA, pictured wearing Mushanana after previously attending the Kwita Izina naming ceremony in Rwanda. Cho Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, delivering remarks during the Africa Day 2026 Korea celebration in Seoul.Mr. Jung Won-ju, Chairman of Daewoo E&C and Korea Herald, was honored with the Africa Contribution Award in recognition of his contributions to strengthening Africa–Korea cooperation and partnership.Lee Hun-seung, Chair of the National Assembly Forum for Africa of the Republic of Korea, delivering remarks during the Africa Day 2026 Korea celebration in Seoul.The evening featured live cultural performances highlighting African rhythm, dance, and artistic tradition as part of the Africa Day 2026 Korea celebration. Dr. Chafik Rachadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Republic of Korea and Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, delivering remarks during the Africa Day 2026 Korea celebration in Seoul.Mr. Choi Jin-Young, CEO of Herald Media Group, delivering Welcome remarks during the Africa Day 2026 Korea celebration in Seoul.
The ministry says national milk production has increased sharply over the past two decades, rising from about 332,000 litres per day in 2005 to approximately 2.9 million litres in 2025.
The figures were highlighted on May 21, 2026 during the second celebration of “Cow Day,” an event initiated by Rubavu District to showcase the importance of cattle in improving livelihoods and driving local development.
Jean Claude Ndorimana is the Director General, Animal Resources Development for MINAGRI, praised the initiative and said there is a need to elevate the celebration to the national level.
He noted that cattle play a wide-ranging role in society, contributing not only to nutrition through milk but also to economic development through income generation, improved crop production via manure, and even social cohesion through practices such as bride price and livestock sharing.
“The benefits of cattle are well known. They provide milk that improves health and helps prevent child stunting, generate income, and produce manure that improves agricultural productivity. They also strengthen family and social ties,” he said.
Ndorimana attributed the rise in milk production largely to improvements in livestock farming, particularly the Girinka programme, which has transformed dairy production across the country.
He also urged farmers to take up livestock insurance, noting that the government subsidises 40% of the cost, while farmers contribute the remaining 60%.
Rubavu District Mayor Prosper Mulindwa said cattle play a central role in the district’s economy and culture, describing them as symbols of nutrition, unity, and agricultural productivity.
“A cow is like a factory. It is not an exaggeration to say so. That is why it deserves a special day, and it should reach everyone, as envisioned by the President who launched the Girinka programme,” he said. He added that modern dairy cattle in the district can produce 35 litres of milk or more per day.
Mulindwa also said Cow Day celebrations in Rubavu will be aligned with the number of cows ready to be passed on under the Girinka programme, to strengthen the system of cattle redistribution.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources further said Cow Day should be aligned with national development programmes, including the Rwanda Dairy Development Project Phase II (RDDP2), which aims to boost milk production in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and is implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB).
According to a 2025 MINAGRI report, Rwanda had an estimated 1,727,913 cattle nationwide.
34 households in Rubavu District received cows under the Girinka programme.In Rubavu, a cow can cost up to Rwf3 million. Farmers with cows producing 35 litres of milk per day received equipment to support livestock farmingJean Claude Ndorimana is the Director General, Animal Resources Development for MINAGRI giving milk to children. Cattle continue to contribute to the development of RwandansMayor Mulindwa awarded a farmer who cultivated quality fodder, which increases milk production on a three-hectare farm.The event also featured livestock farming equipment related exhibition. Mayor Mulindwa said that livestock farming in Rubavu District continues to develop day by dayVarious leaders attended Cow Day celebrations in RubavuThe ‘Cow Day’ has been celebrated in Rubavu for second time.
The pilot phase began on Monday, May 18, 2026, on the route connecting Kanombe to central Kigali, passing through Kigali International Airport, Chez Lando, Gishushu, KABC, Park Inn, Urban by CityBlue, BPR, and Serena Hotel.
The service introduces dedicated 100% electric buses designed specifically for airport passengers, particularly travelers moving between the airport and major hotels across Kigali.
According to Ecofleet’s Communications and Public Relations Officer, Havugimana Aldo, the buses will operate in line with flight schedules to ensure timely transfers for passengers.
The buses are fully electric.
This means that passengers departing from hotels to the airport will be picked up based on their flight departure times and transported directly to Kigali International Airport.
He noted that the pilot phase is intended to assess the service’s ability to reliably align with flight schedules once fully operational.
Regarding fares, Ecofleet stated that pricing is still under review and will be determined after the completion of the pilot phase.
The company also highlighted that designated stops and signage have been installed along the route to guide passengers accessing the airport service. The buses will be reserved exclusively for airport passengers, both arriving and departing.
“These buses will pick up passengers at the airport and designated stops along the route. They are exclusively for airport users and will have special fares. Other passengers travelling along the same corridor will continue using regular city buses on the Kanombe–Remera–Kabuga routes,” Havugimana said.
Ecofleet stated that pricing is still under review and will be determined after the completion of the pilot phase.
He further clarified that the buses will not operate like conventional city transport with frequent stops at terminals, but will instead follow a controlled route focused on airport connectivity.
Ecofleet added that the service is intended to complement existing airport transport options rather than replace them, giving travellers additional and more affordable choices compared to private taxi services.
Rwanda, which has positioned itself as a regional hub for tourism and international conferences, expects the new service to improve visitor mobility while promoting environmentally friendly transport solutions.
The pilot initiative comes as Rwanda hosts several major international events, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2026 Playoffs and Finals, scheduled for May 22–31, 2026.
The pilot phase began on Monday, May 18, 2026, on the route connecting Kanombe to central Kigali, passing through Kigali International Airport, Chez Lando, Gishushu, KABC, Park Inn, Urban by CityBlue, BPR, and Serena Hotel.
The tournament brings together eight elite clubs, promising another intense chapter of elite basketball on the continent.
Defending champions absent again
For the second time in BAL history, the playoffs will be played without the reigning champions. Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli, who lifted the trophy in the previous edition, failed to qualify for this year’s finals.
The only previous occurrence of this came in 2023, when US Monastir, the 2022 champions, shockingly crashed out during the group phase and failed to return to defend their title.
Teams chasing a historic second title
Over its history, the BAL has produced a unique string of different champions. As the 2026 bracket stands, only two clubs in this year’s field have previously won the prestigious title: Petro de Luanda (the 2024 champions) and Egypt’s Al Ahly SC (the 2023 winners). Both are looking to become the first club in league history to win two BAL championships.
The rest of the field is heavily comprised of ambitious newcomers and hungry contenders looking to make their first championship game, including Rwanda’s RSSB Tigers, Tanzania’s Dar City, Tunisia’s Club Africain, and Senegal’s ASC Ville de Dakar. They are joined by other experienced continental powerhouses like Morocco’s FUS Rabat and Libya’s Al Ahly Ly (the 2024 runners-up).
Ivorian guard Souleyman Diabate stands out as the only player in this year’s finals who has already won the BAL twice. He lifted the trophy in the inaugural 2021 season with Zamalek and again in 2022 with US Monastir. Now a veteran leader, Diabate brings a wealth of international experience from professional leagues across Europe and Asia, and will suit up for ASC Ville de Dakar in this year’s tournament.
Unique competition format
The playoff stage introduces a high-stakes format. The quarterfinals open the tournament using a distinct two-legged aggregate tie system. Teams will face off twice, and the cumulative score across both games will determine who moves on. From the semifinals onward, the format switches back to a high-pressure, single-elimination knockout format.
Several elite teams in the final eight booked their spots by navigating the grueling, FIBA-run “Road to BAL” qualifying tournaments. Among them, teams like Dar City have shown incredible resilience, bouncing back from early-stage qualifying losses to peak exactly at the right time for the Kigali showpiece.
The tactical battles on the sidelines will be fierce, featuring highly decorated coaches with extensive continental pedigrees. Spanish tactician Sergio Valdeolmillos, who guided Petro de Luanda to continental prominence, returns with deep tactical knowledge. He is joined by veteran Moroccan coach Said El Bouzadi, leading FUS Rabat, who brings decades of experience coaching top-tier North African clubs at the highest levels.
The Basketball Africa League (BAL 2026) playoffs tip off today in Kigali, with the competition running from May 22 to 31, 2026. This marks the decisive final stage of the sixth season of Africa’s premier basketball competition, hosted once again at the state-of-the-art BK Arena in Rwanda.
Officials say the success of this plan depends heavily on Rwanda’s long-term ambition to develop nuclear energy capacity of 600 megawatts by 2030 and up to 1.5 gigawatts by 2050, which is expected to provide the stable, high-volume electricity needed to support energy-intensive sectors such as data centers, mining, and advanced manufacturing.
Global demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services is rapidly increasing, placing unprecedented pressure on electricity systems worldwide. Experts estimate that by 2030, AI could contribute up to $15 trillion to the global economy, but this growth depends on reliable energy infrastructure.
Data centers, which operate continuously to store and process information, are among the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand. In 2024, global data center consumption reached roughly 415 terawatt-hours and is projected to double by 2030.
Major technology companies including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta continue to expand infrastructure investments to meet this rising demand.
Various officials discussed the importance of nuclear energy in technology and mining operations at the recent Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit on Africa (NEISA) held in Kigali.
Industrial sectors competing for electricity
Beyond digital systems, heavy industries also place significant pressure on electricity supply. Mining and mineral processing operations require continuous and stable power, particularly in processes such as smelting, which can reach temperatures of up to 1,600°C.
Global firms such as Rio Tinto and Alcoa consume large amounts of electricity across their industrial operations, often at scales far beyond the current generation capacity of many developing economies.
Rwanda currently produces electricity in the range of hundreds of megawatts, highlighting a significant gap between existing supply and the requirements of large-scale industrial and digital expansion.
Nuclear energy positioned as long-term solution
Nuclear power is being considered as a key solution to meet this growing demand due to its ability to provide continuous, high-output, low-emission electricity.
Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear plants deliver stable baseload power suitable for industries that cannot afford interruptions, such as data centers and mineral processing facilities.
One kilogram of uranium, for example, can generate energy equivalent to thousands of tons of coal, without producing greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
Senior officials, including Minister of ICT and Innovation Paula Ingabire and Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board CEO Alice Uwase, have emphasized that Rwanda’s digital and mining ambitions are closely tied to the availability of stable electricity.
Minister Paula Ingabire said that Rwanda plans to develop a $5 billion data center.
Officials note that nuclear projects require substantial upfront investment and long payback periods, making clear financing models and guaranteed demand essential for viability.
According to Ingabire, nuclear energy becomes more attractive to investors when 60%–70% of generated electricity is secured through long-term contracts with large industrial users rather than reliance on government off-take alone.
Mining and telecommunications expansion driving demand
Rwanda’s mining sector, which employs more than 90,000 people, is increasingly focused on value-added processing of minerals such as gold, coltan, and tin. However, limited electricity supply has constrained further industrial expansion, forcing some operations to rely on costly backup generators.
At the same time, telecommunications infrastructure is expanding rapidly. By the end of 2025, Rwanda had deployed 1,781 mobile network towers and nearly 25,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure.
Government projections indicate that more than 2,500 towers will be required to achieve full national coverage, further increasing electricity demand across the sector.
The CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, Alice Uwase, noted that several large-scale mining projects require nuclear energy to sustain continued operations.
Officials argue that combining reliable nuclear energy with large-scale data infrastructure could position Rwanda as a regional hub for digital services. Even a 5-megawatt data center requires tens of millions of kilowatt-hours annually, highlighting the scale of energy required to support the sector.
Global technology firms such as Amazon, Google, and others continue to prioritize locations with stable, clean, and uninterrupted electricity supply, factors Rwanda aims to strengthen through its long-term energy strategy.
Data centers are among the most electricity-intensive infrastructure systems.
