A python is large heavy-bodied non-venomous snake killing prey by constriction and asphyxiation.
The snake was first knocked by a local identified as Théophile Mbarushimana, the Head Teacher of Groupe Scolaire Mucucu who was riding a motorbike on Monday 28th June 2021 whereafter herdsmen intervened to kill the python.
“I was riding slowly but the snake was crawling fast from nearest bushes that I did not spot it. I was scared after knocking such a gigantic snake but herdsmen around immediately killed it. They slit open the belly and found a devoured goat inside,” he told IGIHE.
Residents have revealed that the 5-meter snake has been living nearby a pond known as ‘Ku Cyamusenyeri’.
Innocent Ndagijimana, one of tourist guides in Akagera National Park has told IGIHE that the gigantic snake is a ‘python’.
“It is a python. Such species live in warm environment where they can found small animals. After devouring preys, they often move to drink water from nearby lakes, rivers and ponds,” he revealed.
Ndagijimana explained that the park is home to a large number of pythons often spotted drinking water from Lake Ihema.
He said that it takes the snake at least 5 days to digest and move after swallowing a prey.
Kayonza is among districts in the surroundings of Akagera National Park.
The executive secretary of Murundi sector, Jackline Mutesi has told IGIHE that farmers in the area have been missing small livestock and failed to track whereabouts.
She highlighted that they might have been devoured by such snakes or other wild animals from the park.
The four ambassadors include Amir Mohammad Khan of Pakistan, Jesús Agustín Manzanilla Puppo of Venezuela, Valentin Zellweger of Switzerland and Sasirit Tangulrat of Thailand.
Amir Mohammad Khan of Pakistan will be based in Rwanda while Jesús Agustín Manzanilla Puppo of Venezuela, Valentin Zellweger of Switzerland and Sasirit Tangulrat of Thailand will represent their countries to Rwanda with residence in Nairobi, Kenya.
After presenting credentials, new envoys expressed readiness to foster bilateral ties, promote trade, investment and technology among others.
Valentin Zellweger representing Switzerland to Rwanda revealed that talks with Kagame revolved around promoting bilateral relations that has existed for 60 years.
“We have discussed areas of mutual interests as both countries are landlocked and characterized by hilly topographies. We have agreed to expend much efforts to strengthen existing relations. Economic development is among other discussed areas of priority,” he said.
Zellweger explained that new cooperation will take heed on promoting technology, helping Rwanda to become a hub for conferences among others.
Rwanda and Thailand have been enjoying cordial relations for the past 34 years.
The Ambassador of Thailand to Rwanda, Sasirit Tangulrat said that cooperation between both countries will prioritize technology, tourism and health sector.
“We will celebrate 35 years of bilateral relations between Rwanda and Thailand next year. We might organize a celebration depending on the situation of COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.
Amb. Sasirit Tangulrat explained that promoting technology is of great relevance particularly during COVID-19 where both countries can learn from each other.
Jesús Agustín Manzanilla Puppo representing Venezuela to Rwanda expressed delight to be in the country of thousand hills and commended Rwanda’s economic progress and efforts to promote access to healthcare.
He revealed that presenting credentials to Kagame is the beginning of a fruitful journey to strengthen bilateral ties that existed for 40 years.
Kagame also received the ambassador of Djibouti, Mohamed Idriss Farah who completed his eight-year tour of duty in Rwanda.
Nyiragongo’s eruption on 22nd May 2021 destroyed several infrastructures, took lives over 32 and left many people displaced.
The eruption saw Congolese nationals fleeing to Rwanda where they were warmly welcomed until they returned home.
Few days later, Kagame appealed for global support to manage the crisis on the border with DRC.
The volcanic eruption is reported to have destroyed 1000 houses, water and electricity supply systems that some parts of Goma left in blackout are pulling electricity from Rwanda.
Since then, water scarcity has been persistent in Goma where some residents fetch safe water from 20 kilometers.
On his visit, Kagame and Tshisekedi toured Kibati road among other infrastructures damaged by volcanic eruption.
The visit saw numerous bilateral agreements signed between both countries whereafter heads of state held a press conference on areas of mutual interest.
The first agreement signed concerns the promotion and protection of investments, while the second one relates to the avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion between the two countries. The third agreement is a memorandum on gold mining cooperation.
Addressing his remarks, President Kagame explained that signed agreements form the basis of cooperation to build a solid relationship between the two countries.
Before heading to DRC, Kagame received his counterpart of DRC on the previous day where they toured infrastructures damaged by Nyiragongo eruption on Rwanda’s side.
Kagame stressed that the visits provided a good opportunity to have broad and productive exchanges that will benefit both two countries.
“I am thankful to President Tshisekedi for providing this opportunity for me and my delegation, and the Rwandans not only to express our solidarity and a sense of strong partnership that exists between our two countries but also in the context of giving you president, people of DRC and particularly of Goma, our condolences for those who lost their lives during the recent volcanic eruption, stand with those who were displaced and affected in any other way,” he said.
“I also want to thank the president for allowing this closeness of our people that already exists and has existed for many years to be given a new impetus,” added Kagame.
Both heads of state have met at La Cornice border in Rubavu district.
Tshisekedi arrived in Rwanda around 1p.m coming from Goma town.
After welcome by a guard of honour, President Kagame drove Tshisekedi to visit infrastructures damaged by earthquakes that followed Nyiragongo volcanic eruption on 22nd May 2021.
The eruption saw Congolese nationals fleeing to Rwanda where they were warmly welcomed until they returned home.
Apart from displaced citizens, tremors occasioned by the natural disaster destroyed different infrastructures including roads, health facilities and residents’ houses.
As of today, Rubavu district and partners including Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) and the Ministry of Infrastructure among others are raising funds to renovate damaged roads.
Kagame and his counterpart are also expected to hold bilateral talks at Serena Hotel in Rubavu.
The diplomat who held the position two months ago has come to Rwanda for a working visit.
With over 140 million population, countries located in the Horn of Africa include Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Somaliland.
The Horn of Africa is reported to have thousands of citizens stranded in Libya where they are allegedly sold in ‘modern-day slave markets’ after failing to connect to Europe.
Rwanda has been registering sharp increase of new COVID-19 cases where 4085 people caught the virus in one week.
For the past seven days, the country has recorded highest number of cases since the pandemic emerged. These include 622 new infections on 21st, 861 on 22nd and 964 new cases on 23rd June 2021 while 15 succumbed to COVID-19 in three days.
The Ministry of Health has revealed to IGIHE that 96% of patients are receiving home-based care while the remaining are getting treatment at established COVID-19 treatment centers in Kanyinya and Nyarugenge.
Currently, the country reports 6129 active cases and 12 patients who are critically ill.
Minister Ngamije has attributed the surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths to complacency against instituted containment measures and called for heightened vigilance to fight the pandemic.
“The number of new COVID-19 infections and patients admitted at treatment centers has increased for the past days. Some of reasons for the surge include complacency and disregarding preventive directives,” he revealed.
“We must heighten vigilance and fully adhere to health guidelines before the situations goes beyond control as it happened in other countries,” added Minister Ngamije.
He reminded the public that coronavirus is transmitted through air and spreads easily in congested indoor settings with no proper aeration.
Minister Ngamije urged business people and other employees from different institutions to avoid work in congested places or run activities in outdoor settings to reduce vulnerability to Coronavirus infections.
“Let us commit to work outside where necessary and open windows to let in fresh air particularly at schools, workplace among other places like health facilities, banks, and administrative offices. Moreover, public bus windows should remain open,” he said.
Minister Ngamije highlighted that it is a collective responsibility to contain the spread of COVID-19 to normalize the situation.
Rwanda confirmed the first case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 33 260 people have been tested positive of whom 26 734 recovered, 6 129 are active cases, 12 are critically ill while 397 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 391,058 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation programme on 5th March 2021.
The country plans to vaccinate at least 60% of the population by June 2022.
The Director General of RBC, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana made the revelation yesterday appearing in a talk show aired on TV1.
“We have registered three recipients of COVID-19 vaccine who succumbed to the virus but it is not surprising because they had other chronic diseases. For instance, one of them had chronic cancer while another one suffered from heart disease,” he said.
Dr. Nsanzimana explained that the vaccine strengthens immune system but doesn’t prevent recipients from succumbing to COVID-19.
“We cannot attribute their deaths to COVID-19 because they had been already seriously weakened by other chronic diseases,” he noted.
Dr. Nsanzimana urged the general public to continue adhering to instituted health guidelines because COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t prevent someone from being infected or spreading the virus.
“We have recorded 400 recipients of COVID-19 vaccine who caught the virus. They were not critically ill but the majority of them were awaiting the second dose. People should avoid complacency because receiving the vaccine doesn’t strengthen the immune system 100 percent,” he advised.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 33 260 people have been tested positive of whom 26 734 recovered, 6 129 are active cases, 12 are critically ill while 397 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 391,058 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 new guidelines for selected hospitality establishments in the City of Kigali were issued on 17th June 2021 to contain the upsurge in COVID-19 cases.
The previous list which featured 4 five-star hotels and 11 restaurants was revised yesterday.
Frequently visited hospitality establishments added to the new list include 29 restaurants and four-star hotels (9).
The nine hotels include; Residence Prima 2000 Apartment, Phoenix Apartments, Lemigo Hotel, Mille Collines Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson, Ubumwe Grande Hotel, Gorilla Golf Hotel, High Ground Villa Apartments and Grand Legacy Hotel .
Restaurants on the new list are; Java Restaurant, Riders Lounge, Pili Pili Restaurant, Sole Luna Restaurant, Brioche, Blackstone Restaurant, Bourbon Coffee, Select Boutique Restaurant, Bwok Restaurant, Choma’d Bar and Grill, Y&T Cocktail bar, Fuschia Remera, 360 Degrees Pizza, Camellia, Dolce and Century Park (Tung Chinese, Billy’s Bistro and Chillax Lounge), Heaven Holdings (Heaven & Fusion Restaurants), Hadassah Restaurant, Cactus, Zen, Chez Lando Restaurant, Chez Robert, The Fork, Khana Khazana, Coco bean Restaurant, Lavana, Sakae Japanese & Korean Restaurant and Mumbai Spice Kitchen.
Previously listed hotels include Kigali Marriott Hotel, Radisson Blu & Kigali Convention Center Hotel, Kigali Serena Hotel and The Retreat Hotel.
Restaurants are; The Retreat Restaurant, Choose Kigali Restaurant, Meza Malonga Restaurant, Brachetto Restaurant, Soy Restaurant, Nyurah Restaurant, Inka Steak House, The Hut Restaurant, Epicurien Restaurant, Poivre Noir Restaurant, Repub Lounge and Kury Kingdom Restaurant.
According to a joint statement signed yesterday by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Ministry of Health, newly selected hospitality establishments are required to comply with these health guidelines effective from 25th June 2021.
As of newly established measures, all staff in selected hotels and restaurants and all clients visiting these establishments are required to present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen rapid test).
Tests must be taken within 7 days for visiting clients and 14 days for staff while testing can be done at designated sites at own cost.
As per new guidelines, accredited private clinics with partner hotels may arrange on-site testing in an appropriate room available at the hotel.
Only trained medical personnel staff from accredited clinics will be allowed to conduct the tests and results that must be uploaded into the national health management information system.
All clients are required to present the results at the hotel, restaurant entrance to a designated staff who must scan the QR code on the clients’ certificate and access the RBC app to confirm authenticity. Clients may also be requested to present their identity cards for verification of test results.
All residents in hotels are required to submit a negative test result before checking in the hotel.
Issued guidelines indicate that selected hotels and restaurants will report status on staff testing to RDB and RBC every two weeks. They are also required to give notice of the exact number of people that can be hosted in various outlets and meeting rooms equivalent to 30% occupancy while clients who do not have a valid test result will be denied access to the hotel or restaurant.
The statement also reads that outdoor dining and events are encouraged where feasible as they present less risk for the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. Participants are however encouraged to continue adhering to COVID-19 preventive measures.
Other hotels and restaurants not mentioned on the list will be subject to randomized sample testing undertaken by RBC for both their clients and staff.
US Ambassador to Rwanda Peter H. Vrooman led the handover of almost 100 video laryngoscopes and more than 8,000 pulse oximeters, tools which will provide urgent support to medical practitioners and community health workers around the country as Rwanda fights a new wave of COVID-19 cases.
“The partnership in public health between the United States and Rwanda is helping to save lives every day as we work together to fight COVID-19 and other critical public health challenges,” he said.
The 96 new video laryngoscopes, valued at approximately Rwf500,000 each, will help Rwandan medical professionals stay safe while ensuring COVID-19 patients get the oxygen they need to survive. Each video laryngoscope kit includes both adult and youth models to ensure maximum versatility.
The 8,300 new pulse oximeters, valued at almost Rwf13,000 each, will be distributed widely to help community health workers use oxygen levels to identify people that need advanced medical care.
The new medical equipment is funded by the US Department of Defense and comes through the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the United States Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster Assistance, and Civic Aid (US OHDACA) program, a unique humanitarian assistance package that builds Rwanda’s effectiveness to prepare and respond to COVID-19. The donation was coordinated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (U.S. CDC), which has played a leading role in supporting Rwanda’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to COVID-19.
The donation is part of the more than Rwf 17 billion that the United States has invested in Rwanda’s COVID-19 response since March 2020. This support includes the construction of hand-washing stations across Rwanda; support for public communications; staff and vehicles to support contact tracing; laboratory diagnostic equipment and supplies; support for training of frontline workers; medical equipment including ventilators, patient monitors, hospital beds, intensive care units, mobile X-ray machines, video laryngoscopes, and pulse oximeters; and infection prevention and control supplies such as biohazard bags, alcohol, soap, and personal protective equipment.
