The government directives require everyone to be home by 10pm.
According to the RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera, the 102 people caught at Bauhaus Bar are among over 7,000 violators arrested across the country in the past 24 hours.
“Across the country, Police in partnership with local authorities arrested over 7000 people in varied violations. About 500 of them were found in bars, which were either operating without permission or working in prohibited hours, including the 102 arrested at Bauhaus bar in Nyamirambo on Saturday at about 1am,” said CP Kabera.
Erneste Kalisa alias Samusure, one of those arrested at Bauhaus bar, said that they were affected by the heavy rain prompting them to stay inside the bar drinking.
All the 102 violators were found inside the bar, which was operating behind closed doors.
Shadia Uwizeye, the manager at Bauhaus bar, admitted that they decided to close the doors to prevent being detected when it started raining.
“We were operating during prohibited hours because Police found us at about 1pm. It was a new year and we did not think that we would be caught. This will not happen again,” said Uwizeye.
The executive secretary for Nyamirambo sector, Claudine Uwera said that they got surprised when they found Bauhaus Bar operating with a big gathering inside and doors closed.
“While enforcing the government directives against Covid-19, we got surprised when we arrived at Bauhaus Bar which was operating behind closed doors with lights switched off, and we called the Police,” said Uwera.
CP Kabera said that those caught at Bauhaus bar had been warned earlier to go home before the curfew starts, but decided to undermine the directives intentionally.
He warned against such errand behaviours which contribute to further spread of Covid-19 infections.
All the violators were taken to Kigali stadium where they were educated on the health measures, tested for Covid-19 at own cost and handed administrative fines, accordingly.
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CP Kabera, however, said that despite such violations, the festive period was calm with no serious security incidents.
On the new year and eve of the new year, he added that four serious accidents were registered across the country.
RITF has grown by leaps and bounds becoming a strategic platform through which major businesses from around the world have penetrated the Rwandan market. This is made possible through organizing Business to Business meetings as well as Business to Government meetings.
The event mainly showcases products in various sectors such as ICT, banking and finance, agribusiness, arts and crafts, infrastructure, Automotive and general trading.
The recent trade fair which took place from 9th to 30th December 2021 at Gikondo Expo Ground in Kicukiro District of Kigali City, attracted new participants including the East African Business Council (EABC) headquartered in Tanzania.
Speaking to IGIHE; the Executive Director of the East African Business Council (EABC), John Bosco Kalisa has shed light on reasons that attracted the council’s participation and anticipated outcomes.
Kalisa revealed that he has had plans to promote the council’s visibility through participation in different exhibitions held in EAC, which he hopes are being attained gradually.
Kalisa was appointed the Executive Director in June this year. Following his appointment, the council has participated in three regional exhibitions including the ones held in Tanzania and Rwanda.
“The participation helps me to make a step further towards fulfilling my pledge for citizens of the East African community. We also plan to attend more exhibitions in other EAC member states,” he said.
Kalisa went on to explain that creating room for increased investments in one of EAC partner states EAC is part of the council’s mandate.
The participation in exhibitions is also considered an opportunity to lure investors where it has started yielding good results. For instance, Kalisa explained, it has received different businesspeople interested to become EABC members that some of them have started filling forms preceding their admissions.
“Many people miscomprehend EABC as the bloc for large businesses only which is not true. Small businesses are not excluded. Every willing trader is permitted to join. This is the kind of mobilization we have been carrying out at this expo,” he said.
Kalisa further disclosed that the campaign in partnership with host countries has been fruitful evidenced through attracted new countries.
“EABC has conducted mobilization in partnership with Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation. You have seen that this expo has attracted Mozambique, the democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Tanzania. Such sensitization is usually a result of joint efforts between EABC and the host country,” he underscored.
EABC was established in 1997 with the mandate of representing and promoting the interests of the EAC business community, provide value-added services that enhance trade and competitiveness, and to participate actively and positively influence legal and regulatory formulation to improve the business environment.
It also seeks to reduce trade barriers in the region.
Commenting on his projections, Kalisa said that he has very challenging projections to take the council to greater heights and expressed optimism to have them achieved within his five-year tenure.
“If God grants me more days of life, I intend to raise the intra trade within EAC from 15% to 40%. It is a hard task to achieve but I believe that God will give me strength to make it happen,” he stressed.
In his End of Year Message to security organs, the Head of State urged them to renew their pledge to the Rwandan flag, and to continue to work diligently to fully deserve the trust placed in them by the people and allies.
“As we begin a new year, I urge you to strive to preserve the values we stand for and to uphold the resolute spirit that defines us as Rwandans and as a people,” President Kagame said.
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“On behalf of the Government, People of Rwanda, and on my own behalf, I wish the officers and other ranks of the RDF, as well as all members of other Security Organs and your families, a Happy Holiday Season and a Productive New Year.
I also wish to convey to you my appreciation for your
dedication and commitment in fulfilling your various missions of defending and protecting the People of Rwanda in the year 2021, a period which was characterized by a wide range of challenges at home and abroad.
Despite those challenges, which include the Covid-19 pandemic, you continue to meet and even exceed the expectations with unwavering diligence, selflessness and professionalism. Our nation is proud of you.
I take this opportunity to express specific appreciation to those serving abroad, both through bilateral arrangements or in peacekeeping missions. Being far from your loved ones, especially during the festive season, is a special way of expressing your commitment to sacrifice for peace and stability on our continent and beyond. The whole nation is grateful for your service.
As we begin a new year, I urge you to strive to preserve the values we stand for and to uphold the resolute spirit that defines us as Rwandans and as a people.
I want you to renew your pledge to the Rwandan flag, and to continue to work diligently to fully deserve the trust placed in you by our people and by our allies.
Once again, a very happy New Year 2022 to you and your families.”
The ceremony held on Wednesday 29th December 2021, was also attended by the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije and other dignitaries from Egypt who partnered with Rwanda for implementation of the project.
In 2018, the Ministry of Health in partnership with Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub, a former cardiothoracic surgeon in the United Kingdom launched discussions paving the way for establishment of the heart centre in Rwanda.
Magdi is a renowned Egyptian who founded two heart care centres including Aswan Heart Centre and Magdi Yacoub Heart Centre.
Discussions with Rwanda led to the establishment of The Heart Care and Research Foundation-Rwanda in 2018.
After laying the foundation stone, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame thanked partners for their contribution that made possible the exciting milestone to establish the centre in Rwanda.
“I want to take this opportunity, to warmly thank the Heart Care and Research Foundation, for this ambitious and vital enterprise. I also want to thank Professor Magdi, for the relentless efforts, that started with a journey three years ago, and have led to today’s celebration, despite challenges and unavoidable delays, related to the pandemic,” she said.
Mrs. Jeannette Kagame also expressed her appreciation to the Government and people of the Arab Republic of Egypt for their dedication to this project; particularly the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister Sameh Shoukry for his involvement which evidenced a true sign of the friendship between both countries.
She underscored that the end of the year is often an opportunity for many to look back at what have been accomplished and determine new resolutions to improve the lives.
“So ending the year with the start of a construction project, of the necessity and scale of MY Heart Centre, is truly befitting. It is a perfect bridge into the healthy future we want to embrace as a people; a future where the fatality of Non-Communicable Diseases, such as heart conditions, and unequal access to quality healthcare, are no longer unbeatable threats,” Mrs. Jeannette Kagame said.
She further highlighted that My Heart Centre “will address heart disease, a health crisis which often kills in silence. The steps we are taking today are opening newer and brighter horizons”.
My Heart Centre is a cardiovascular care and research facility, which will also serve as a training and research hub for young nurses, doctors and scientists from the region to adhere to international standards.
It will be constructed in three phases on 4.4 hectares. The first phase is expected to be completed within 18 months at a cost of US$20 million.
The artistic impression of the heart centre was designed by a firm based in the United Kingdom dubbed Fluxarchitects.
The dose was previously administered to fully vaccinated recipients after six months.
The State Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Tharcisse Mpunga has told IGIHE that the third dose might strengthen immunity amidst the high rise of new COVID-19 cases.
“The decision was taken following fast spread of the virus among vaccinated people,” he said.
“Receiving the booster dose will increase immunity against Omicron,” Dr. Mpunga added.
Research shows that the third booster dose may strengthen immunity against Omicron variant of COVID-19.
Dr. Mpunga has also revealed that the immunity of people who received the first dose of AstaZeneca dose is very low.
“It has been observed AstraZenena offers low immunity against Omicron compared to other variants of COVID-19. That is why we are administering Pfizer and Moderna booster doses,” he noted.
Dr. Mpunga has encouraged all Rwandans who meet requirements to get a booster shot at nearest health center.
Rwanda continues to scale up vaccination efforts where 130,155 have so far received the third dose of COIVD-19 vaccine as at 28th December 2021.
Among others; a total of 7,629,877 people have received the first dose while 5, 435,180 are fully vaccinated.
The convicts, all men were convicted of Genocide related crimes and had either completed their sentences or were acquitted.
According to a statement released on December 27, 2021, Niger’s Interior Ministry ordered them to leave the country within seven days.
The ex-convicts are Protais Zigiranyirazo, Francois Nzuwonemeye, Innocent Sagahutu, Alphonse Nteziryayo, Tharcisse Muvunyi, André Ntagerura, Anatole Nsengiyumva and Prosper Mugiraneza.
They are widely considered among the masterminds of the genocide.
After the conclusion of their cases, they remained in Arusha, Tanzania where the UN court was based.
Their expulsion by Niamey came after an inquiry by the Rwandan government to the UN Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) seeking clarification about circumstances under which the eight were transferred to the West African country of Niger.
While addressing a UN Security Council meeting in New York in early December, Valentine Rugwabiza, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said that her country had not been informed by either the MICT or the host nation about the transfer of the genocidaires in question.
She pointed out that there was evidence that some of these individuals, after their acquittal by the former ICTR, have been engaging in subversive activities that contributed to the insecurity and instability of the Great Lakes Region for the past few decades.
The eight men had for long been stuck in Arusha, the former seat of the ICTR, after many countries had refused to take them in, including those hosting their families.
Previously, Rwanda said they may come back home to Rwanda if they so wish.
The support was extended to beneficiaries during ‘Police Month’ organized annually to mark its anniversary.
The 2021 Police Month held under the theme “21 years of partnership in policing towards sustainable safety and better livelihood for the community,” was concluded on Tuesday 28th December 2021 where RNP handed over different projects to the disadvantaged beneficiaries across the country.
The projects include 30 houses for the disadvantaged families, 4,578 households lit with solar power system while 11 cooperatives in fishing, beekeeping, piggery and poultry were also given financial support.
RNP in partnership with City of Kigali also awarded a pick-up vehicle to Bumbogo Sector of Gasabo District for its outstanding efforts to raise awareness to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Others include 1,600 families across the country that were given medical insurance, 13 modern cattle spray races were also constructed in Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza; and four families in Gishari, Rwamagana District were given heifers.
In the Western Province, the official closing of the Police Month held in Rubavu was presided over by Governor Francois Habitegeko, who was accompanied by the Deputy IGP in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.
At least six cooperatives in fishing, hog farming and poultry in Rubavu were given a financial support of over Frw40 million. The cooperatives were formed by former smugglers and those who were formerly engaged in other illegal activities.
A total of 1379 households were also powered with solar energy in the Western region where seven families were also given houses.
Governor Habitegeko lauded the impact of Police Month in further transforming lives and crime prevention in the region.
“We continue to see the impact community policing and this is one of the many activities that the Police engages in to ensure progressive and crime-free communities,” said Governor Habitegeko.
He appealed to residents to fight against cross border crimes and work with Police and other security organs against any sort of insecurity.
DIGP Ujeneza said that the outreach activities strengthen beneficiaries’ efforts to improve the well-being of Rwandans as well as fighting criminality.
“Rwandans and beneficiaries in particular, are our first partners. This is an example that you can stop whatever illegal activities you are doing and engage in developmental acts. As beneficiaries, continue to mobilize others to refrain from criminal acts like smuggling and drug dealing,” DIGP Ujeneza said.
In City of Kigali, Mayor Pudence Rubingisa, while handing over the vehicle, said that the conclusion of the Police Month should not be perceived as the end of the fight against the pandemic and lawlessness.
Present was also DIGP in charge of Operations, Felix Namuhoranye.
“The Police Month brought innovative ideaa against Covid-19, fighting and preventing crimes while supporting community development. We thank our Police for these progressive foundations, which we should carry on even as Police Month comes to an end,” Mayor Rubingisa said.
Meanwhile, in the Northern Province, Governor Dancilla Nyirarugero, while addressing residents of Burera District, thanked RNP for the initiative and called upon citizens for joining their efforts in fighting criminal acts.
“The Police Month has offered basic necessities like shelter, medical insurance and strengthened cooperatives in this district, like in other parts of the country. These impact on socio-economic development and it is also a challenge of what you as the residents should be doing to fight whatever that can destroy such development activities,” Nyirarugero told the residents.
Five beekeeping cooperatives in the Nothern Province were given 150 beehives, including 40 in Burera District alone. 732 households were also lit with solar power system in the province.
In the Eastern Province, Governor CG Emmanuel K. Gasana said that the Police Month and the RNP community development engagements in such period of the pandemic, define the country’s governance system that focuses mainly on the wellbeing of the citizens.
RNP powered 1, 458 households with solar energy in the Eastern Province and 1000 residents given healthcare insurance.
“These outreach activities are invaluable… they strengthen the community policing initiatives and other networks the institution set to support the government development programmes. Such home-grown solutions are the foundation and national pillars to sustainable human security,” said CG Gasana.
In the Southern Province, the event was held in Muhanga District where Governor Alice Kayitesi handed over different projects and urged the residents to partner with the police and other security organs to ensure community safety.
“The partnership between the Police and people in the Southern Province continue to transform lives and today were witnessing another milestone towards sustainable security and development,” said Governor Kayitesi.
The national carrier has through a statement revealed that affected customers will be refunded.
“Affected passengers will be re-routed, refunded or allowed to change their tickets to a later date at no extra cost,” reads part of the statement.
Like other airlines, RwandAir has had to temporarily suspend flights to some destinations at different times during the challenging times of COVID-19, to prevent the spread of the virus.
Kagame made the remarks today as he delivered the State of the Nation Address.
It is usually delivered during the annual National Dialogue Council ‘Umushyikirano’ which was recently canceled for the second time.
The President said that the country managed challenges related to security, health and economy in 2021.
To protect Rwandans against emerging health threats, Kagame said that the country has so far vaccinated 80% of its population who received at least one dose of COVID-19.
He thanked all those who have been involved in the critical exercise, including partners who have provided vaccines and other support.
The Head of State revealed that Rwanda’s economy experienced strong growth which the country expected to sustain.
Among others, Kagame thanked farmers for their contribution to sufficient food reserves, urged recently elected local leaders on efficient service delivery and warned security threat architects noting that whoever intends to destabilize Rwandans’ security will be held accountable.
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We have come to the end of the second year of living with COVID-19 pandemic.
Our country has had to learn fast, and adjust to the new challenges of this health threat as it evolves,. However , we have made a good progress and the state of our nation remains strong.
I want to thank all Rwandans for your hard work, and commitment to the development and wellbeing of each other and of our country, particularly, during these challenging times.
This year, Rwanda has had to manage many challenges, including in the health, economic and security sectors.
One important way that we have sought to protect Rwandans, is through comprehensive nationwide vaccination against COVID-19.
So far, 80% of our population aged 12 years and above, have received at least one vaccine dose.
We thank all those who have been involved in this critical exercise, including our partners who have provided vaccines and other support.
Going forward, we must be more self-reliant, and better prepared for future shocks.
This is why we are partnering with the African Union and the European Union as well as other companies like BioNTech, to manufacture vaccines and other pharmaceuticals in Rwanda starting next year.
As a result of prudent decisions made this year, Rwanda’s economy experienced strong growth which we expected to sustain.
The Economic Recovery Fund, totalling Rwf100 billion Rwandan Francs so far has allowed the most affected businesses including the tourism, and hospitality sector to stay open, and keep Rwandans employed.
We have mobilized additional funds for the second phase of this program which will support existing investments, and new ones.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our tax payers, who continued to contribute to Rwanda’s economic development, despite the pandemic. COVID-19 has reinforced the linkage between technology and economic growth.
Rwanda’s early investments in digitization, have proven to be an asset preventing our society from being crippled by this pandemic and future ones.
We encourage all Rwandans, especially our young people, to continue to innovate and create solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
After many disruptions, Rwandan schools reopened. And stayed opened for a significant part of this year.
Students were able to sit for national exams during the lockdown, and move on to the next phase of their education.
Local Government elections took place after being postponed.
We now expect a lot form the elected officials, the most important being service delivery to citizens
The agriculture sector continues to be key, contributing 25% to the national economy in 2021.
Rwanda remains food secure, with sufficient reserves.
I would like to thank our farmers for their resilience in these times , despite the many challenges in travel and gathering,
Rwanda was able to host important events this year, including the inaugural Basketball Africa League , amongst other meetings.
A significant factor in Rwanda’s continued economic progress, is our strong collaboration with partner institutions and countries , Regional and continental integration, remains at the forefront of our agenda.
We are strengthening existing bilateral ties, with countries in our region and beyond as well as exploring new, mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.
This includes partnerships to address security challenge, including in Central African Republic and Mozambique.
Rwanda is able to pursue these forms of cooperation because the security and stability of our country, is assured and remains a top priority,
Part of this, is ensuring that anyone who threatens the safety and security of Rwandans, is brought to justice and held accountable.
Let us continue working together, and build on what we have already achieved.
I wish you, and your loved ones, a peaceful, healthy and happy end of year.
His colleagues have said that Munyemana, hailing from Nyamagabe district, recently went to Nyanza district for a partial job and started feeling bellyaches as he returned to school.
Colleagues advised Munyemana to go for medical check-up but told them that he hoped to get well without medical attention.
In the morning of Saturday, he got critically ill that his colleagues rushed to bring a motorcycle to ride him to a nearby health facility but found him dead upon arrival.
The executive secretary of Gahini sector, Joseph Rukeribuga has told IGIHE that his body has been taken to Gahini Hospital for postmortem.
“His colleagues have told us that the deceased felt unwell the previous day and proposed to take him to a health facility but told them that he hoped to get well in the following morning. His sickness was not reported before. We were only informed about his demise,” he said.
