The nation’s largest opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), gained 43.95 percent of the total votes cast, said the CNE.
According to the final results, the MPLA won 124 of the 220 National Assembly seats. The UNITA finished second with 90 seats in parliament.
In accordance with the Angolan constitution, the top candidate of a political party that wins the most votes is elected as president.
The new students will be pursuing Bachelor’s of Arts (BA) degree in Project Management.
Speaking at the admission day event held on Friday 26th August 2022, the Vice Chancellor of Kepler College, Prof Baylie Damtie Yeshita said that courses to be offered under this program will equip students with knowledge, skills and attitude that are highly needed at the labour market.
“Kepler College shall focus on offering academic programs at the intersection of technology and management inline with the labor market needs in Rwanda and the region.The main defining and unique feature of Kepler College’s pedagogy is learn by doing; students are presented with case studies and projects to demonstrate mastery of key competencies. Assessment at Kepler College aims at measuring students’ ability to solve a variety of work-like problems and projects instead of rote memorization,” he said.
Yeshita disclosed that all programs of the college offer industrial attachment opportunities to students and actively working with employers is a key strategy of the College for ensuring the relevance of an academic program.
He also highlighted that employment outcome is the main measure of success at Kepler College; the goal being 90% of the graduates get jobs within six months after graduation.
Kevin Marius Ikuzwe, one of new students enrolled this year expressed delight to be admitted at Kepler College noting that he was lured by Kepler’s credibility for quality education.
Shalina Agasaro Gakuba also revealed that the support Kepler extended to alumni after graduation attracted her to join Kepler College.
In April 2022, Kepler College was accredited as a fully-fledged higher education institution in Rwanda to start by offering bachelors of arts degree in project management. The College plans to open three more additional undergraduate programs over the next five years.
It is said that the Rwandans were arrested on 22nd August 2022 after illegally crossing into DRC as they collected firewood.
These include four women aged 24,26, 30 and 65 respectively as well as two male children aged below eight years.
On Thursday last week, the Mayor of Rubavu District along with other security officials summoned a meeting with residents during which they advised them against crossing the plain separating both countries for their security.
“You should forget the plain because crossing through the illegal entry point leaves the country in troubles following up what happened to nationals in a foreign country. You have to make possible efforts to turn your backs on the plain and run your activities here in Rwanda,” said the Commander of 63rd Battalion in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Major Gatete.
Major Gatete further reminded residents that Rwanda has enemies in DRC forests which they should consider to cross through authorized borders.
The Mayor of Rubavu District, Ildephonse Kambogo urged residents to abide by laws and avoid crossing through illegal entry points.
The citizens are detained in Goma accused of being spies.
It is said that Congolese soldiers are demanding huge amounts of money to release the six Rwandan nationals.
It has been quite some time since the tension between Rwanda and DRC escalated after the resurgence of rebel group which is fighting Congolese Army.
DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebel group but the latter repeatedly refuted the allegations and accused the neighbouring country of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a terrorist group comprised of remnant masterminds behind the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
President Kagame arrived in Nyamasheke on Saturday following his previous visits to Ruhango and Nyamagabe districts which began on 25th August 2022. He is expected to conclude his four-day visit on Sunday in Karongi District.
Unlike other parts of the country visited by the Head of State, Nyamasheke residents welcomed Kagame with unique elegance as mothers in traditional attires turned up at Kagano playground with milk chunks, traditional calabashes and pointed traditional baskets symbolizing wealth and milk sufficiency, thanks to positive transformations attained under his visionary leadership.
It was an opportune moment to commend residents for their contribution to national development, remind them of their role to consolidate gains and hear their problems.
Some of concerns raised by residents include the issue of houses located in high risk zones. The Mayor of Nyamasheke District, Appolonie Mukamasabo said that having a model village would help the district to resettle residents decently.
As he addressed thousands of residents and leaders present at the event, President Kagame promised quick access to pending infrastructures where it is possible. He also revealed that possible delays in doing so would be linked to ongoing efforts to raise funds.
The Head of State stressed that resettling residents in model villages comes with several advantages noting that the government is set to scale up efforts aimed at solving such issues.
“Regarding the raised issue of residents in disaster prone areas which in some instances adversely affect residents and lead to deaths, the government already has plans to relocate citizens from risky zones to decent locations and help them stay there safely. It has happened in different parts [of the country]. There is no reason for Nyamasheke to miss out,” he said.
During his visit, the President also interacted with residents, who praised his visionary leadership. The Head of State also gave a clear guidance on how best their problems could be solved and urged leaders to hear citizens’ concerns habitually and solve them.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures of the visit }}->https://igihe.com/amakuru/u-rwanda/article/live-perezida-kagame-yakomereje-urugendo-rwe-i-nyamasheke-bitwaje-ibisabo]
Among others, the bank has reported Rwf19.6 billion in net revenue (before impairment provisions), up by 20% year-on-year, driven significantly by an increase in net interest income of 17%.
In the reported period, operating expenses increased by 16% year-on-year to Rwf 11.3 billion, as the lender continued to improve productivity across all our products and services.
In the first half of 2022, loans and advances to customers increased by 7% to Rwf 237 billion from Rwf222 billion.
The growth was supported by new deals booked across all segments. Else, total financial investments increased to Rwf113 billion, up by 24% from Rwf91.5 billion reported at the end of December 2021, in line with the Bank’s strategy to efficiently deploy capital.
Deposits held for customers and financial institutions were also up by 8% to Rwf352 billion (Rwf 327 billion- December 2021), total borrowings position for the period was Rwf60.2 billion while the liquidity coverage ratio was 170% as of the end of June 2022.
Commenting on the performance; the CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda Plc, Robin Bairstow said: “I&M Bank Rwanda has performed well in the first half of the year, delivering returns on equity well over 13%, built on the solid momentum and ongoing execution of our ‘iMara’ strategy. The Bank’s robust performance was driven by the growth in the loan portfolio and customer deposits, which led to solid growth in the net interest income and non-funded income.”
Bairstow attributed the lender’s growth to a strategic shift to focus more on customer centricity and digital transformation.
He said that the bank’s digital adoption remains high with 75% of all customer-initiated transactions going through the lender’s digital channels.
Bairstow has also highlighted that the registered several positive developments where its efforts have not gone unnoticed.
In the first half of the year, the lender received key industry awards including Best Bank in Rwanda by Capital Finance International (CFI.co), the Gold Gender Equality Seal offered by the Gender Monitoring Office, and the UN for our best practices and policies and diversification agenda.
As economic activity rebounds in Rwanda, Mr Bairstow said, I&M Bank Rwanda remains committed to both its customers and employees as a responsible Bank.
“Looking ahead, we take notice of the macroeconomic headwinds that are affecting businesses and individuals alike. The Bank will continue to be part of the solution as we continue to support our customers and the community we serve,” he added.
{{About I&M Bank Rwanda Plc }}
Incorporated in 1963, I&M Bank (Rwanda) Plc is the oldest Bank in Rwanda. It is today one of the leading players in the industry with a strong footprint across the country.
I&M Bank Rwanda offers the full range of personal, business, institutional and corporate banking products throughout its locations. The Bank has been listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange since March 2017.
The Bank is also a subsidiary of I&M Group Plc, a leading regional financial services group in Eastern Africa with a presence in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as well as a joint venture in Mauritius. I&M Group has a long history in banking and has established a wide network of correspondent banks across the globe and enjoys a strong relationship with leading international Development Financial Institutions.
The Head of State made the call on Friday 26th August 2022 as he visited Nyamagabe District as part of his four-day citizen outreach visits to Southern and Western provinces which began on Thursday.
During the visit, President Kagame interacted with thousands of residents at Nyagisenyi Stadium who voiced appreciation for achieved progress and raised concerns on issues affecting them in different areas including infrastructure.
Before interacting with the residents, the Head of State visited Rachel Nyiramandwa, an old woman aged 110, a beneficiary of socio-economic initiatives, including a renovated home and the Girinka programme through which she now has cows that allow her to supply milk to her neighborhood.
As he delivered remarks, President Kagame urged residents to take part in development activities and drew emphasis on poverty along Gitwe-Kaduha corridor.
He stressed that Nyamagabe must have its development aligned with other parts of the country to contribute to national progress collectively.
After his speech, citizens were given floor and raised different problems, some of which have remained unsolved for long.
The Head of State requested leaders to develop a habit of reaching out to citizens to hear their problems and find a solution because some of them are within their capacities.
Generally, President Kagame said that a progress has been made but called for heightened efforts to do more through collaboration and complementarity.
The Head of State also promised action on leaders not responding swiftly to citizens’ concerns.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures}}->https://igihe.com/amakuru/u-rwanda/article/live-i-nyagisenyi-bakereye-kwakira-perezida-kagame-amafoto]
President Kagame held the visit in Nyamagabe District on the second-day of his citizen outreach in Southern and Western provinces.
President Kagame arrived at the home of Nyiramandwa on Friday 26th August 2022. It is located in Ngiryi Cell of Gasaka Sector in Nyamagabe District.
The old woman was heard at different times attesting that the head of state transformed her livelihoods and commended him for his generosity.
Nyiramadwa first met the President in 2010. Since then, the old woman met with Kagame at different times during citizen outreach visits.
Nyiramandwa recently told IGIHE that President Kagame transformed her life through cows donation and a decent shelter allowing her to retire in dignity.
The incident occurred in Remera Village, Gacaca Cell of Rubengera Sector on Thursday 25th August 2022 around 4:30 p.m.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) René Irere, the spokesperson of Rwanda National Police (RNP) Traffic and Road Safety department has told IGIHE that the truck carried construction materials from Kigali to Karongi District.
The truck fell down as the driver crossed the second road bend in Remera Village. The cabin was seriously damaged that the driver and conductor died on spot.
The Mayor of Karongi District, Vestine Mukarutesi has said that Police and residents rushed the rescue these people onboard but their efforts remained futile as the front part was seriously damaged.
Their bodies have been taken to the mortuary of Kibuye Hospital.
The citizen outreach visit which began on Thursday 25th will be concluded on 28th August 2022.
On the first day, the Head of State visited Ruhango District and interacted with residents at Kibingo ground where they have been given floor to raise concerns.
A motorcyclist identified as Pierre Bizimana has told the Head of State that commercial motorcyclists face serious issues affecting their business including hiked insurance premium.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana has explained that there are efforts underway to solve the issue durably. He revealed that Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) and the ministry he leads are working together to find a solution in two months.
Reacting to the issue, President Kagame promised a follow up to have the issue solved.
“I will also give it attention that it will have been solved,” he said.
On 13th March 2022, motorcyclists staged protests to demand action on issues affecting their business including high cost associated with using fare meters and hiked insurance premium.
These include poor cooperatives’ management and irrelevant contributions that do not generate returns, hiked insurance premium, difficulties in motorcycle ownership transfer and losses incurred by fare meter tariffs among others.
The insurance premium which taxi moto operators complained about, increased three folds.
For the past three years, motorbike insurance premium rose from Rwf45,000 to Rwf153,200 for a motorcycle that was manufactured five years ago or less.
The premium increased to more than Rwf180, 000 for those that were made more than 10 years ago.
Protesting motorcyclists demanded that the prices be revised and reduced to a reasonable amount.
Following the demonstrations, the Ministry of Infrastructure in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in transport sector in Kigali City released resolutions reassuring motorcyclists on issues affecting their business in the same month.
These include the cancellation of mandatory contributions to their cooperatives and transport fare increment for the first two kilometers for those using meters.
At the time, the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Nsabimana said that the resolutions made public on Friday 25th February 2022 were reached after assessing raised concerns.
Among others, motorcyclists’ cooperatives in Kigali were reduced from 41 to 5 where they had to operate differently from the previous ones. Else, some services that motorcyclists would receive from cooperatives were transferred to RURA.
Motorcyclists’ contributions to cooperatives were also annulled, operators paying tax in four months were exempted from late payment charges and penalties while fees paid to RURA were reduced.
However, Minister Nsabimana revealed that the issue of hiked insurance premium was being reviewed.
Insurers attribute the hike in motorbike insurance cost to heavy bills paid in compensations for injuries or deaths caused by taxi moto accidents.
Many insurance companies in the country do not provide insurance package for motorbikes due to incurred losses.
Rwanda registers over 44,000 motorcyclists across the country of whom more than 25,000 operate in Kigali City.
On the first day, President Kagame visited Ruhango where he spoke with over 50,000 residents of the Southern Province at Kibingo ground who were also given floor to voice their concerns and appreciation for attained transformations through government’s support.
During his four-day visit, the Head of State will interact with hundreds of thousands of residents of Ruhango and Nyamagabe Districts in Southern Province, as well as Nyamasheke District in Western Province.
The President will also hold discussions with Southern and Western Province opinion leaders in Huye and Rusizi districts respectively.
President Kagame will also visit Rachel Nyiramandwa, a 110-year old resident of Nyamagabe District who first met the President in 2010. Through the government’s socio-economic programs including Gira Inka and the building of her home, Nyiramandwa’s life was transformed allowing her to retire in dignity.
The visit to be held between 25th and 28th August 2022, comes as the country experiences a steady recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic including the return of safe large gatherings.
The President will conclude his visit in Karongi District where he will tour the Rugabano Tea Factory which has a capacity to process 1,000,000 kilograms of tea per year.
The factory aims to increase Rwanda’s total tea export volume by 3 percent within 10 years and provide local residents with a lucrative income that will improve their livelihoods as well as boost the regional economy.
It currently employs close to 2,000 workers and benefits over 4,000 community members through cooperatives.
{{About the Provinces}}
Southern Province has a population of over 2,700,000 and is made up of eight districts; Muhanga, Kamonyi, Ruhango, Nyamagabe, Nyanza, Nyaruguru, Huye, and Gisagara.
Access to electricity in the region had drastically increased to 72%, including an increase from 17% to 86% in the last five years. 96% of residents in Ruhango are enrolled in CBHI and the number of classrooms has grown by 74% in the last five years.
Western Province has a population of over 2.9 million and is made up of seven districts; Rubavu, Rutsiro, Ngorero, Nyabihu, Karongi, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi. Its main economic activities include agriculture/agribusiness, fish farming and fishing, as well as livestock.
The province is also home of vibrant cross border trading, with a large percentage of over US$600 million exports passing through this region. Electricity access has also increased to 73%.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures}} ->https://igihe.com/amakuru/u-rwanda/article/live-ibihumbi-by-abaturage-bo-mu-ruhango-bakereye-kwakira-perezida-kagame]
