In a public notice issued on July 30, 2026, RDB, the national regulator of lottery and gambling activities, announced that the suspension takes immediate effect and covers all of the company’s outlets, agents, digital platforms and other gambling-related operations across Rwanda.
The regulator ordered the company to cease all operations immediately and remove all advertising and promotional materials associated with its services.
According to RDB, the enforcement action follows findings that Baron Sports Gaming Ltd had been repeatedly offering casino-style games outside the scope of its approved licence, in violation of the law governing gaming activities.
“The company is required to cease all operations immediately and remove all associated advertising and promotional materials,” the notice states.
RDB also advised members of the public not to participate in any games or activities offered by Forzza until further notice, warning that any continued operation by the company during the suspension period is unlawful and will be subject to further enforcement action.
The regulator used the announcement to remind all licensed lottery and gambling operators to operate strictly within the scope and conditions of their respective licences.
It warned that any unlicensed or unauthorised gambling activity is unlawful and could result in regulatory sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of a licence.
RDB said the move reflects its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Rwanda’s gambling sector, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and protecting consumers and the wider public.
The action against Forzza is the latest in a series of regulatory measures by the Rwanda Development Board aimed at enforcing compliance in the country’s gambling sector. In October 2025, RDB terminated the licence of Inzozi Lotto, the operator of Rwanda’s National Lottery, citing the company’s failure to meet its contractual and regulatory obligations.
Earlier, in August 2025, RDB also suspended the Category D Sportsbook gaming licence of Kings Bet Ltd, accusing the company of persistently breaching the law governing gaming activities and failing to comply with directives issued by the regulator.
The regulator ordered the company to cease all operations immediately and remove all advertising and promotional materials associated with its services.
The appointments were announced in a communiqué released by the Office of the Prime Minister on July 30, 2026.
Brig Gen Munyengango takes up the ATL leadership after serving as Commander of the Logistics Brigade in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
A career military officer with more than 35 years of service, he has held several senior positions, including RDF Joint Staff J5 for Strategy, Plans and Policy and Defence and Military Spokesperson. He has also served in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Sudan and South Sudan.
Brig Gen Munyengango holds a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National Defence University in the United States and a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from the University of Ghana.
Jules Muheto Ndenga, appointed CEO of Airport City, is an engineer with extensive experience in infrastructure development and aviation-related projects.
Ndenga previously served as CEO of Aviation Travel and Logistics Holding Ltd, where he oversaw the group’s operations and strategic projects, including the development of the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera.
He holds a Master of Science degree in Construction Management from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom and has previously worked in infrastructure planning, transport development and project management roles.
Airport City is a planned development around the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera, designed to provide supporting services such as hotels, logistics facilities, commercial spaces and other amenities for passengers, investors and businesses operating around the airport.
The project is expected to complement the airport’s operations and contribute to the growth of Bugesera as a new hub for investment, trade and transport.
Brig Gen Innocent Munyengango has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Aviation Travel and Logistics Holding Ltd (ATL).Jules Muheto Ndenga has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Airport City, a planned development around the new Kigali International Airport in Bugesera.
The delegation was led by Representative Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and included Representatives Troy Carter, Morgan Griffith, Russ Fulcher, Jay Obernolte, Cliff Bentz, Craig Goldman, and Julie Fedorchak.
According to the Office of the President, discussions centred on Rwanda’s transformation journey and ways to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including health, energy, and investment.
The meeting reflects the continued engagement between Rwanda and the United States as both countries seek to strengthen ties through partnerships that support economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
The visit builds on high-level exchanges between Rwanda and the United States in recent years. In August 2025, President Kagame hosted another bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation, with discussions focusing on regional security, education, and health, underscoring the broad scope of cooperation between the two countries.
The delegation was led by Representative Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.According to the Office of the President, discussions centred on Rwanda’s transformation journey and ways to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including health, energy, and investment.
Mukabalisa, who previously served as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, died on Thursday morning at King Faisal Hospital, where she had been receiving medical treatment.
Following the announcement of her passing, colleagues who served alongside her in Parliament reflected on her leadership, humility, and commitment to serving the country.
Parliamentarian Musa Fazil Harerimana, who worked closely with Mukabalisa during her time as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies while he served as Deputy Speaker, described her as a symbol of effective leadership and gender equality.
Speaking to IGIHE, Harerimana said Mukabalisa demonstrated that women are equally capable of leading institutions and bringing people together to make important decisions.
“Many things can be said about her, but one of the first things I would highlight is that she was a true example of gender equality. The way she led people and guided them in making decisions demonstrated that women are fully capable of effective leadership. There was no difference between a man who leads well and a woman who leads well,” he said.
Harerimana also praised Mukabalisa’s patience and ability to unite people with different political views, describing such qualities as essential for effective leadership.
“She was a very patient person. Leading people with different opinions and political perspectives, bringing them together and helping them find common ground requires patience. That quality was something you could clearly see in her,” he said.
He added that Mukabalisa was a determined leader who worked tirelessly to achieve goals she believed were beneficial, while respecting the views of others.
“Whenever she believed something was right, she would do everything possible to achieve it without disregarding anyone. She would explain her ideas clearly and continue engaging with people until they understood and accepted them. This also reflected her love for the country. Despite the painful history Rwanda went through, she deeply loved Rwanda,” Harerimana said.
He further described her as a humble leader who valued different opinions, listened carefully, and always sought solutions that brought people together.
Senator Uwera Pelagie also expressed her admiration for Mukabalisa, describing her as an inspiration and a person she greatly respected.
“Accepting this loss has been very difficult because I loved her. She was a wonderful mother figure, a person of wisdom and intelligence. Her achievements speak for themselves, and I wish her eternal rest,” Uwera said.
MP Mukabalisa Germaine also described the late senator as a mother figure, saying her passing was a painful loss.
“To me, she was like a mother,” she said.
Senator Dr Frank Habineza, leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and spokesperson of the Political Parties Forum in Rwanda, also paid tribute to Mukabalisa, with whom he worked for six years in the Chamber of Deputies before continuing their collaboration in the Senate.
Dr Habineza described her as a caring mentor, an adviser, and a leader with exceptional problem-solving abilities.
“I saw her as a mother figure with whom we could discuss issues and seek advice. What started as seeing her as my leader eventually developed into seeing her as a sister. She was someone who understood how to work with people and carry out her responsibilities effectively,” he said.
He added that Mukabalisa’s leadership experience enabled her to bring together people with different perspectives and find solutions to complex challenges.
“She had great wisdom and experience. She could lead people with different opinions and find ways to unite them. Challenges that appeared difficult became manageable, and problems found solutions. She was a highly skilled leader and a great adviser. Whenever we discussed issues and followed her guidance, her advice always proved valuable,” he said.
Dr Habineza worked alongside Mukabalisa on the Senate’s Economic Affairs Committee, where they also shared the same office.
Mukabalisa was born in Nyamata, Bugesera District, in July 1960. Before entering politics, she worked as a law lecturer at the University of Kigali (ULK).
She also served with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for 16 years.
Mukabalisa entered Parliament in October 2003 until 2008. From 2011 to 2013, she served as a Senator.
In 2013, she returned to the Chamber of Deputies and was elected Speaker, a position she held until 2024 after completing two terms as provided by law.
On September 19, 2024, Mukabalisa was elected as a Senator representing the coalition of legally recognized political parties in Rwanda.
She also served as President of the Liberal Party (PL), which was founded on July 14, 1991.
Mukabalisa Donatille served as Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies for 11 years.Mukabalisa Donatille has been eulogized as a mother figure and a trusted adviser to colleagues Mukabalisa Donatille has passed away after an illness.Senator Mukabalisa Donatille served as Chairperson of the Liberal Party (PL).
The message of condolence was issued after news of Mukabalisa’s death emerged on Thursday morning, July 30, 2026.
She died at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali, where she had been receiving medical treatment.
“It is with heavy heart and great sorrow that the Senate of Rwanda announces the passing of Honourable Donatille Mukabalisa who died today , July 30, 2026, at the King Faisal Hospital in Kigali. Our thoughts are with the family of late Senator Donatille Mukabalisa,” reads a statement released by the Senate adding that details regarding the memorial service and funeral will be communicated later.
Mukabalisa was born in Nyamata, Bugesera District, in July 1960.
During her political career, she was elected as a Member of Parliament in October 2003, a position she held until 2008. She later served as a Senator from 2011 to 2013.
In 2013, Mukabalisa returned to the Chamber of Deputies, where she was later elected Speaker, a position she held until 2024 following new parliamentary elections. She did not seek re-election after completing two terms in the lower chamber.
Mukabalisa also served as the President of the Liberal Party (PL), a political party founded on July 14, 1991.
Mukabalisa died on Thursday succumbing to natural cause.
Rwanda has signed the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, becoming the ninth nation to back the continental treaty.
The convention was signed on Tuesday, July 28, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, during the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Announcing the development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Rwanda backed the convention because it aligns with the country’s vision and national gender policy.
“The convention provides a comprehensive continental legal framework to prevent and respond to all forms of violence against women and girls. Rwanda supports the convention as it aligns with Rwanda’s vision and National Gender Policy,” the ministry said.
Rwanda becomes the ninth nation to back the continental treaty.
The African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is the first legally binding AU treaty dedicated exclusively to addressing violence against women and girls across the continent.
It establishes common standards for member states to prevent violence, protect survivors, prosecute perpetrators and strengthen national systems for responding to gender-based violence.
Under the convention, signatory countries commit to adopting or strengthening legislation that criminalises all forms of violence against women and girls, including physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, whether committed in public or private settings.
The treaty also requires member states to improve survivors’ access to justice and essential support services, including healthcare, psychosocial care, legal assistance and safe shelters, while enhancing investigations and prosecution of offenders.
In addition, the convention calls on governments to strengthen data collection and research to inform evidence-based policies, invest in public education and awareness campaigns, tackle harmful social and cultural practices that perpetuate violence, and allocate adequate resources to prevention and response programmes.
The AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is the first legally binding AU treaty dedicated exclusively to addressing violence against women and girls across the continent.
For Rwanda, the convention will enter into force after it is ratified through the country’s national legal procedures.
Nduhungirehe signed the treaty while attending the 49th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council in Addis Ababa, which brought together foreign ministers from AU member states to discuss key continental priorities and prepare decisions for consideration by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
The two-day session also focused on sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems as part of the implementation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 development framework.
The comedian, actor, writer and entertainment consultant is in Rwanda to headline Friday’s Thank God It’s Funny Showcase at Kigali Universe alongside host Babu Joe.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Forever reflected on the unconventional career path that has taken him from engineering classrooms in Nigeria to comedy stages across 20 countries.
Despite graduating as a mechanical engineer and ranking among the best students in his class, Forever said he realised before completing university that his future lay elsewhere.
“I’ve always written funny stories and plays since I was a kid,” he said.
The comedian, actor, writer and entertainment consultant is in Rwanda to headline Friday’s Thank God It’s Funny Showcase at Kigali Universe alongside host Babu Joe.
He recalled watching Night of a Thousand Laughs in 2005 and discovering that stand-up comedians were essentially doing what he had always loved: telling funny stories.
“I tried it, it worked, and I kept going. By my final year, I already knew I wasn’t going to practise engineering. I was happier making people laugh.”
For Forever, the satisfaction of hearing from people whose lives had been brightened by his jokes outweighed the appeal of pursuing a conventional engineering career.
“People would call me randomly, saying they remembered a joke and were laughing at home. That joy kept me going,” he said.
Family initially resisted
Like many African parents who view professions such as engineering, medicine and law as the safest paths to success, Forever’s family initially struggled to accept his decision.
“It wasn’t easy, especially with my mum. It took about three to four years for her to accept it,” he revealed.
“Parents invest so much, and they expect you to follow the doctor-engineer-lawyer path. But when they saw I was making progress and getting results, they became supportive.”
Today, he says, his family fully embraces his career.
Like many African parents who view professions such as engineering, medicine and law as the safest paths to success, Forever’s family initially struggled to accept his decision.
Why Kigali stood out
While in Rwanda primarily for Friday’s performance, Forever said Kigali exceeded every expectation he had before arriving.
He described stepping out of the airport and immediately noticing the calm atmosphere.
“It was a shock. I came out of the airport, and it was so quiet. In Lagos, the moment you land, there’s chaos and activity everywhere. Here it was calm,” he said.
“The city is easygoing, smooth sailing. It actually reminds me of Abuja — quiet, calm, cool and collected.”
The comedian also praised Kigali’s organisation, cleanliness and sense of security, saying experiencing them firsthand was very different from simply reading about them.
“I read that Rwanda is Africa’s cleanest city with top-notch security, but seeing it is different,” he said.
“The city is very neat. People are walking freely at 11 p.m. or midnight. Boda bodas are still moving at one or two in the morning. That level of order, cleanliness and security in Africa is impressive.”
Forever believes Nigerians could learn from Rwanda’s coordination and orderliness.
“Nigerians can learn to mind their business,” he joked.
“In Rwanda, people mind their business. In Nigeria, minding your business is everybody’s business.”
He added that combining Rwanda’s coordination with Nigeria’s entrepreneurial spirit would be a powerful combination.
“What Rwanda can learn from us is our spirit — that always-on-the-move, always-pushing energy.”
Nigerian comedian Forever during an exclusive interview with IGIHE.
Lessons from comedy
Having shared stages with some of Africa’s biggest comedians, including Basketmouth, Forever said the greatest lesson he has learned is never to lose the drive to improve.
“Hunger. The hunger must never die,” he said.
“Basketmouth has been at the top for almost three decades, and he’s still writing new material, still touring, still hungry. That’s what keeps you at the top.”
Although he once joked that “nobody gets into comedy by passion,” Forever explained that passion developed after discovering his natural talent.
“I got in because of talent. I was already good at it, and the more I did it, the better I became. Then passion grew.”
He added that seeing audiences light up when they recognise him remains the biggest reward.
“When someone sees me on the street, and their face just lights up — that’s priceless. I don’t want to trade that.”
Looking beyond Friday’s show
Forever said he is looking forward to meeting more of Rwanda’s comedy community and expects Friday’s audience to bring as much energy as he plans to deliver.
“The comedian brings energy but also feeds off the audience. I can’t wait,” he said.
He also revealed that he hopes this will not be his last performance in Rwanda.
Forever dreams of one day filling the 10,000-seat BK Arena.
Calling Kigali “like my second home,” Forever said he plans to return as part of his African tour and dreams of one day filling the 10,000-seat BK Arena.
“First impressions matter, and I love it here,” he said.
“One day Forever will fill BK Arena. I’ll be back next year with my African tour. Kigali is like my second home now.”
Watch the full interview below as Forever reflects on choosing comedy over engineering, his admiration for Kigali, and his plans to return to Rwanda.
Makolo made the remarks on July 30, 2026, in response to comments by the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Minister of Communication and Media and Government Spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya.
Muyaya had announced that, as part of implementing the Washington Agreement, the FDLR had signed an agreement on disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and relocation to a secure, monitored site.
In a post on X, Muyaya described the move as a major breakthrough in resolving the FDLR issue, despite the Washington Agreement making no provision for such a process.
Responding to the remarks, Makolo wrote: “The Washington Agreement calls for the neutralisation of the FDLR—not a negotiated protocol with a genocidal militia that the DRC government continues to arm and collaborate with.”
She added that declarations of voluntary disarmament are meaningless while the group remains integrated into the Congolese army and continues to fight on the frontlines.
“Voluntary ‘disarmament’ announcements while the FDLR remains embedded in the Congolese army & active on the frontlines change nothing. Implementation means verifiable dismantlement, not theatre.”
Makolo reiterated that Rwanda remains committed to implementing the agreement.
“Rwanda remains focused on implementation of the agreement. Our region deserves real security & stability, not paper exercises.”
On the evening of July 28, 2026, DRC’s Minister for Regional Integration, Floribert Anzuluni, accompanied by Patrick Muyaya, announced that the FDLR had agreed to lay down its arms, arguing that the remaining step was for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures.
The announcement came after Anzuluni had spent several days touring African and European countries, discreetly promoting a proposal prepared by the FDLR and signed by its president, Victor Byiringiro.
The document, described as the FDLR’s “self-dissolution” plan, was submitted to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on May 30, 2026.
Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo has reiterated that implementing the Washington Agreement requires the FDLR’s verifiable dismantlement, not what she describes as “theatre.”
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on social media that its forces completed “a heavy wave of strikes” at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday (0200 GMT Thursday) in response to Iran’s attempted missile attacks a day earlier.
According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces struck dozens of targets belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, including military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defense sites, and maritime capabilities.
More than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently deployed to the Middle East and remain “highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready,” CENTCOM said.
Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed twice that Washington would retaliate forcefully against Iran. He also said he had been briefed that an American-owned liquefied natural gas carrier at an Egyptian port was set on fire in an apparent drone attack earlier in the day.
Iranian media earlier reported explosions in the country’s southern regions. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said that Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and locations in Bushehr province had come under attack.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the latest U.S. operation was expected to be broader in scope than previous exchanges between the two sides in recent weeks, targeting more sites across a wider geographic area, citing a U.S. official.
Trump also met with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House on Wednesday, Axios reported, citing a U.S. official and another source familiar with the meeting.
According to the report, the Saudi defense minister told U.S. Vice President JD Vance that the kingdom was capable of handling the situation with the Houthis and did not need U.S. military involvement at this stage.
The Saudis are negotiating with the Houthis, which have threatened to impose a naval blockade on Saudi ports and even conducted several attacks on Saudi ships in the Red Sea, said the report, citing anonymous sources.
The latest developments came after the United States said it had intercepted an attempted Iranian missile attack targeting U.S. forces on Tuesday and later carried out joint strikes with Saudi Arabia against Iran-backed militias in neighboring Iraq.
Iranian media earlier reported explosions in the country’s southern regions. Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency said that Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and locations in Bushehr province had come under attack.
In a statement issued on July 29, 2026, RDRC said the repatriation ‘took place in the presence of media and MONUSCO officials following a comprehensive verification process which established that the individuals did not meet the eligibility requirements for Rwanda’s demobilisation and reintegration programme’.
The commission further reaffirmed its commitment to a rigorous verification process in line with established procedures, regional frameworks, as well as collaboration with regional and international partners to promote accountability, regional cooperation, and lasting peace.
Also on July 29, 2026, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that the DRC government is recruiting civilians and encouraging them to falsely present themselves as former FDLR combatants in exchange for money.
Kanyuka claimed that after being promised payment, the Congolese nationals are enrolled in the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programme, which is overseen and implemented by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
According to AFC/M23, the alleged scheme is intended to conceal the presence of genuine FDLR fighters, a terrorist group that the DRC committed to dismantling under the peace agreement signed with Rwanda last year through mediation by the United States.
Kanyuka further accused the DRC government of continuing to integrate FDLR members into the country’s security institutions, alleging that some have been incorporated into the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Wazalendo militia.
“Kinshasa uses the FDLR as a central component of its security apparatus. Members of this group have been integrated into FARDC, the Wazalendo militia and other state security institutions,” Kanyuka alleged.
He further claimed that some FDLR members are serving in the Republican Guard (GR), the elite unit responsible for protecting senior government officials and other high-profile figures.
AFC/M23 called for an end to what it described as the recruitment of civilians to falsely identify themselves as former FDLR combatants, arguing that the practice is intended to mislead the Congolese public and the international community.
The Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) has repatriated 39 Congolese nationals to the DRC after they falsely claimed to be former FDLR combatants.
