He was appearing on the national broadcaster on Thursday to shed light on status of COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Government is making possible efforts to get vaccines. In the meantime, people are encouraged to continue adhering to instituted containment measures,” he said.
Dr. Ngamije explained that Rwanda awaits 3,500,000 vaccines to be acquired through existing partnership with Pfizer-BioNTech.
He said that delivery of these vaccines which started last week continues until December 2021.
“We have started receiving some of these vaccine doses but we are undergoing discussions to have remaining doses delivered sooner as per existing agreements,” he revealed.
“We also have agreements to receive over 2,100,000 vaccines from Johnson & Johnson, vaccine producer. We are waiting for confirmation of delivery dates but all expected doses won’t arrive before December,” added Dr. Ngamije.
Rwanda is planning to spend over Rwf4 billion to import oxygen plants to increase local production in response to the recent spike in coronavirus infections leading to hospitalisation.
Previously, Rwanda had seven oxygen plants with the capacity to produce 230 (50 liters each) cylinders per day and 7000 cylinders of oxygen per month.
Rwanda has so far vaccinated 392,003 people and targets to cover 60% of its population by June 2022.
He made the revelation on Thursday evening appearing on national broadcaster.
“Conducted sample tests prove empirical symptoms that Delta variant of COVID-19 has emerged in Rwanda. Even health workers following up patients closely reveal that newly infected people are showing severe symptoms than the ones experienced before. Some of the patients are reporting with severe headache, general fatigue and difficulties in breathing. They are all vital signs of the Delta variant,” said Dr. Ngamije.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first case of Delta variant was confirmed in India. The Coronavirus variant is said to be highly contagious than other variants including ‘Alpha’ that was detected for the first time in the United Kingdom, ‘Beta’ found in South Africa and ‘Gamma’ confirmed in Brasilia.
Health reports show that Delta variant is currently the most contagious version of the coronavirus worldwide as it spreads about 225% faster than the original version of the virus.
On 29th May 2021, Rwanda recorded 14 new cases and zero death. At the time, the country had registered 26,892 total infections and 352 COVID-19 related deaths since the pandemic emerged on 14th March 2020.
As new infections decreased, the country lifted some restrictions allowing wedding receptions and reopening of other activities.
On 7th June, Rwanda experienced a wave of new infections hitting 62 in one day and subsequently increased to 127 on 11th June and 622 on 21st June 2021.
Since then, new infections continued to rise on daily basis hitting over 700 and 900 cases.
The wave saw the country registering 18.147 new cases and 155 deaths in 39 days.
Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) started the liberation struggle on 1st October 1990, considered the foundation for Rwanda’s transformational journey.
With dedication to common cause to reinstate dignity for Rwandans deprived of their rights, RPA soldiers including men and women endured tough days and nights and selflessly kept soldiering on until the liberation of Rwanda on 1st July 2021.
In the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the Liberation war, Rwandans made good choices guided by the philosophy of working together, promoting accountability and thinking big towards a shared vision to make Rwanda a peaceful, united, prosperous and self-reliant nation.
Even though the country won the battle, Rwandans still have a journey ahead to eradicate poverty, strive for self-reliance and consolidate gains.
As the country continues to put in place different measures to spur social-economic transformations along the resilience journey, Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) formerly RPA has not been left behind supporting the cause.
Beyond protecting national integrity and sovereignty, RDF has been for the past 27 years walking with Rwandans along the development journey implementing a number of development projects across the country through strong collaboration with different institutions.
Some of most recent projects include infrastructures built across the country ranging from health centers, schools, bridges, roads and providing decent shelters for vulnerable residents completed at over Rwf75 billion in the fiscal year 2020/21, as per figures from the Ministry of Defense (MoD).
During implementation of these projects to advance national development and uplift citizens’ wellbeing, RDF partnered with different Government institutions including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of ICT, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rwanda Environment Management Authority among others.
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Nyabikenke is among areas of Muhanga district where residents struggle to access health services. To find a durable solution, the Government of Rwanda started building a hospital at district level in 2013.
Later on, the contractor abandoned the project in 2014. Construction activities were put to a standstill until 2018 when the project was handed over Reserve Forces.
Currently, the hospital has reached final phases and expected to be inaugurated in the near future.
Upon completion, the hospital will give relief to Nyabikenke residents who used to seek services from Ruli and Kabgayi hospitals respectively in Gakenke and Muhanga districts.
Nyabikenke Hospital will be completed at Rwf9 billion.
In 2020/21 fiscal year, RDF also built two health centers in Karongi and Rusizi districts completed at a cost of Rwf715, 534,598.
Three more health posts worth Rwf232, 612,287 were also constructed in the districts of Gicumbi, Gasabo and Gakenke in the same year.
Other projects completed by RDF in 2020/21 include maternity wards in Nyarugenge and Rulindo worth Rwf185, 871,954 and a pediatric clinic worth Rwf17, 432,189 in Kamonyi district.
In partnership with other institutions, RDF also built 705 for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi worth Rwf8, 995, 733,407 in 25 districts across the country and handed over 59 houses to families of retired soldiers disabled during the Liberation Struggle completed at Rwf947, 613,913.
In Nyagatare district, RDF constructed 33-kilometer long water supply system at Rwf803, 340,612 to address water shortage.
In the education sector, RDF built eight Vocation Training Schools and one Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) worth Rwf11, 959,579,397 in the districts of Burera, Gicumbi, Nyagatare, Rulindo and Huye.
Among others, RDF rehabilitated, built four bridges in Bugesera and Nyabihu districts at Rwf402, 087,820 and constructed 187.965-kilometer roads completed at Rwf11, 784,788,025.
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In 2020/21, RDF constructed two Integrated Development Program (IDP) Model Villages respectively in Kinigi sector, Musanze district and Kinihira at Rwf27, 294,379,418.
They were an addition to other model villages including Kaduha, Mukuyu and Mugina in the respective districts of Nyamagabe, Gasabo district and Kamonyi.
These model villages built for vulnerable residents have basic infrastructures including health centers, schools, roads and electricity among others.
Resettled residents also benefit from other projects including livestock farming, poultry to prevent malnutrition and spur their economic growth.
The Government of Rwanda has been inaugurating model villages since 2016 in context of liberation anniversary.
So far, 82 model villages have been constructed across the country. Five of them including Rweru, Kazirankara-Nyundo, Horezo-Kanyenyeri, Karama and Gishuro were officially inaugurated by President Paul Kagame.
The deceased include seven women aged 91(from Ngororero district), 73, 58 (Rubavu), 61, 36, 19 (Kigali), 58 (Musanze) and three men aged 73, 62, 44 (Rubavu), 71 (Ngororero), 69, 35 (Musanze), 59 (Nyagatare) 52, 47 from Kigali city.
The statement released last night shows that 760 have caught the virus while 816 recovered becoming the highest number of recoveries in one day.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 45 039 people have been tested positive of whom 29 207 recovered, 15 325 are active cases, 67 are critically ill while 507 have succumbed to the virus.
The majority of new cases were found in Kigali: 330, Musanze: 65, Kamonyi: 52, Gicumbi: 38 and Rubavu: 37.
A total of 392,003 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday 6th July 2021 at the Royal Palace in Manama, the capital city.
Speaking after the ceremony, Amb. Hategeka appreciated existing good relations between the two friendly countries and reiterated his commitment to strengthen bilateral cooperation across fields of common interest.
“I am deeply honored to present my credentials to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as Rwanda’s non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain. I look forward to taking our relations to greater heights,” he said.
“I conveyed to his majesty the warm greetings of my President H.E Paul Kagame and his interest to enhance bilateral ties between our two countries and our peoples,” added Amb. Hategeka.
He also took the opportunity to wish his Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa continued good health and well-being and to his country; peace, continued progress and prosperity.
Rwanda and the Kingdom of Bahrain enjoy good relations. Both countries established diplomatic ties on 2nd March 1998. Potential areas of collaboration include Trade and Investment, Tourism, Financial services, Energy, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
With residence in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Emmanuel Hategeka is also Rwanda’s envoy to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the International Renewable Energy.
António Tete was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2020.
Rwanda and Angola enjoy existing relations and cooperation in different areas.
In October 2020, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) together with the Agency for Private Investment and Promotion of Exports of Angola (AIPEX) began discussions to showcase investment opportunities existing between both countries in the areas of technology, health, mining, tourism, agriculture, transport and manufacturing.
At the time, RDB and AIPEX signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Investment and Export Promotion.
Speaking after signing the MoU the agreement; Antonio Henriques Silva, the Chairman of AIPEX thanked Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and RDB for working closely with AIPEX to ensure that Angolan and Rwandan business communities benefit from the opportunities both countries offer.
In 2019, Rwanda and Angola signed MoU on Telecommunications and Space Cooperation.
President Kagame last visited Angola in April this 2021 where he attended the second regional meeting on the political and security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR).
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Mini Summit on Central Africa chaired by President João Lourenço was also attended by the President of Congo Brazaville, Sassou Nguesso; CAR President, Faustin-Archange Touadéra and Major General Ibrahim Jaber representing Sudan.
Ahead of the summit, Kagame held talks with President João Lourenço.
João Lourenço of Angola also visited Rwanda last on 21st February 2020 attending the fourth quadripartite summit on Uganda-Rwanda relations held at Gatuna border.
He was along with President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Félix Tshisekedi as mediators between both countries.
At the time, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda praised the dedication and entire availability of João Lourenço and Tshisekedi in the search for a peaceful solution in the framework of reconciliation process between the two sister countries.
Rubavu district vice mayor for social affairs, Pacifique Ishimwe has explained that executive secretaries who submitted resignations have been characterized by poor performance.
“Seven cell executive secretaries have submitted resignations citing failure to implement COVID-19 containment measures. On another note, they have been demonstrating incompetence and had received warnings at different times before taking the decision,” he said.
The inauguration that took place on Monday 5th July 2021 was graced by Governor of Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi along with other officials and members of the private sector from Nyanza district.
The business center workshop located in Gihisi village, Kavumu cell of Busasamana sector hosts over 400 people of different crafts expected to create more jobs.
The center is made of seven sections including garment manufacturing plant, carpentry, plumbing, market and exhibition area as well restaurant and health post.
Carpentry, plumbing are among activities that have started while machinery for the garment factory have been imported as the plant gets ready to begin operations in the near future.
The mayor of Nyanza district, Erasme Ntazinda has said that the business workshop center is expected to promote employment.
“Residents previously had a confined workshop for different crafts. The new business center workshop has ample space facilitating smooth operations and people desirous to learn new skills,” he said.
The Governor of Southern Province, Alice Kayitesi has said that the workshop will promote investment and enhance quality of equipment.
“The center is expected to create jobs, promote Made in Rwanda and trade in general,” she stressed.
Kayitesi urged business people at the workshop to properly maintain infrastructures made available and continue adhering to health guidelines to contain the transmission of COVID-19.
Akimana Hyacinthe, one of carpenters at the workshop has told IGIHE that the new infrastructure provides opportunities to yield big.
“I make cupboards, beds among other furniture made of wood. The former workshop was not smart but the new one has ample space and built in a modern way that facilitates smooth activities. With the favorable environment, I feel motivated to work hard, improve productivity and generate bigger returns,” she revealed.
The duo arrested on 4th July 2021 in Ndera, Gasabo district of Kigali City includes Nadine Rugwiro who founded the company and Laetitia Nyirabashongore suspected of connivance to swindle money from residents of Rusizi district, Western Province.
“It is true that they were arrested on 4th July 2021 in Gasabo district after spending days in hideouts. They escaped in May from Rusizi district where they committed the crime,” said RIB’s Spokesperson, Thierry B. Murangira.
IGIHE has learnt that they are suspected to have fleeced over Rwf25 million from residents promising them huge profits.
Dr. Murangira has revealed that the suspects are detained at Remera RIB Post as they await their dossier to be transferred to the Prosecution.
RIB has reminded Rwandans that anyone involved in such fraudulent acts won’t be tolerated.
The delegation comes to Rwanda after the visit of Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Vincent Biruta to South Africa early June 2021 where he chatted ways to normalize both countries’ relations with his counterpart, Dr. Naledi Pandor.
“Following Minister Vincent Biruta’s visit to Pretoria last month where he met with his counterpart, a delegation from DIRCO is in Kigali for a working visit. This is another signal that both sides are determined to strengthen bilateral relations,” MINAFFET has tweeted.
Rwanda and South Africa have been hit by diplomatic tensions where Rwanda accused South Africa to grant refuge to fugitives intending to threaten Rwanda’s security like Kayumba Nyamwasa who escaped justice and currently heading RNC terror outfit.
In March 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the problem of Rwandans being denied visas to South Africa would soon become history after holding talks with President Paul Kagame. However, up to now, Rwandans still struggle to get visa to travel to South Africa.
Rwanda has at different times explained that actions of convicted people or fugitives should not blur bilateral relations.
During discussions with Dr. Biruta who was on working visit in South Africa early June 2021, both ministers committed to restore bilateral relations to normal following discussions between President Paul Kagame and Cyril Ramaphosa held at different times.
The joint statement released following both ministers discussions reads that the two ministers met to assess the current state of bilateral relations and iron out challenges.
They recalled good bilateral relations that existed between the two countries prior to events that led to the straining of relations in 2013 and reiterated commitment to bring the situation to normalcy.
“In open and frank discussions, both ministers confirmed their determination and commitment to normalize diplomatic relations as expressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Paul Kagame, following bilateral meetings,” reads the statement in part.
The ministers agreed that full cooperation between the two countries in a number of areas and sectors will support increased socio-economic development.
It was agreed that mutual actors and measures would be taken to direct bilateral relations along a new path for the benefit of the Government and people of South Africa and Rwanda.
The ministers agreed on a roadmap that will support the normalization process, predicated on agreed timelines whereby both countries must value and respect international laws and regulations that govern relations between countries including territorial integrity and international sovereignty.
Among others, the meeting agreed on the establishment of a Joint Mechanism led by minister Pando and Biruta, to guide and manage the normalization process.
It is expected that senior officials from both countries will serve as the Technical Committee of the Mechanism. The latter will be required to engage the entire spectrum of issues affecting bilateral relations and report to ministers.
