The national mourning has been announced in a statement released by Office of Prime Minister signed by Premier, Dr. Edouard Ngirente.
“ In solidarity with the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania during this time of grief following the passing of His Excellency Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli , President of the United Republic of Tanzania;
His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, has declared a period of national mourning during which the National Flag and the Flag of East African Community will fly at half-mast on all Rwandan territory including diplomatic missions abroad. The period of mourning will last until the burial of the Late President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” reads the statement in part.
“We remain in solidarity with the people and Government of the United Republic of Tanzania as well as with the family of his Excellency President Magufuli ,” adds the statement.
Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has died aged 61, the country’s vice-president has announced.
He died on Wednesday 17th March 2021 from heart complications at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Samia Suluhu Hassan said in an address on state television.
Magufuli had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours have been circulating about his health.
Opposition politicians said last week that he had contracted Covid-19, but this has not been confirmed.
Dr. Kayumba is among prominent academicians in Rwanda in the areas of journalism and Communication as well as an accomplished researcher.
He was a passionate teacher with deep understanding and experience which inspired his students.
He holds a PhD in Peace and Development Research from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, MA in Conflict studies from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK, a BA in Mass Communication and journalism, an Associate Degree in Journalism and a Diploma in Senior Media and Communications Management from Stockholm University.
He has often run well articulated and admired opinions in The East African and his media house, The Chronicles.
Apart from his brilliance as an admired senior lecturer, Dr. Kayumba’s behavior have been questioned following the circulation of a video that went viral showing him drunk and confronting security officers.
A video footage released on social media in 2018, shows Dr. Kayumba drunk confronting police officers appearing in their uniforms until he requested them to present the service cards.
Later on, he was reported attempting to storm Kigali International Airport being ill-drunk. It was reported that, Dr. Kayumba confronted security officials at the airport threatening to destroy the airport.
This led to his arrest in 2019 and handed one year jail term in July 2020 for ‘causing disturbance’ at the airport including uttering words that he would “shutdown the airport”.
He was later released after completing his jail term.
{{Sexual assault accusation}}
It has been few days since Dr. Kayumba announced the formation of his political party dubbed ‘The Rwandese Platform for Democracy (RPD)’ saying the forum seeks to ‘advance, and contribute to the development of a freer, democratic, just, secure and sustainably peaceful and developed Rwanda’.
The formation of his forum and cited political ambitions triggered mixed reactions that one of Twitter users called Kamaraba Salva narrated Dr. Kayumba’s sexual assault story on behalf of her colleague saying it was triggered by Kayumba’s claims of values he wants to advance yet his personality does not reflect any of what he claims he wants to offer.
“Rwandese Platform for Democracy? My personal experience with Christopher Kayumba is that what he is advancing is a mockery of who he really is. ‘A freer, democratic, just, secure, peaceful, and developed Rwanda’ are what Christopher Kayumba’s forum promises to ‘advance’; these are all contrary to his actions. He promotes neither a just nor a secure environment for others,” Kamaraba tweeted.
She went on to explain that her friend was assaulted by the man whose case, she said, was also reported to university staff.
“In 2017, when I was in my 3rd year at the University of Rwanda, I applied for an internship at Rwanda Broadcasting Agency. Christopher Kayumba was my lecturer then & while I waited for the response from RBA, I received a random call from him on a Monday morning. He said someone from Rwanda Broadcasting Agency reached out to him asking if he would recommend me for the internship. He further said, I had potential in the media industry and that I should immediately go to see him for advice as well as to get the recommendation letter,” Kamaraba tweeted.
She explained that her friend honored the appointment and went to meet with Dr. Kayumba where he experienced sexual assault.
“Filled with hope, I agreed to meet him. He directed me to Remera-Gihogere. Later, I found out it was his home. I didn’t think much of it since I, as well as other students of Journalism at the University of Rwanda held him in high regard.
When I arrived at his house, he seemed drunk. I decided to leave but he got physical. He pulled & pushed me on the couch trying to force me to sleep with him. I refused, he got verbally abusive & threatened to destroy my future & any chance I had of being a journalist in Rwanda,” reads the tweet.
Kamaraba went on narrating how her friend later managed to escape Dr. Kayumba who aggressively attacked her.
“Moreover, he gloated over the fact that he had power & he was willing to fail me at school. He went on reminding me that even if I reported him, no one would believe me due to the influence he has in the media industry & how he was one of the trusted lecturers at the University of Rwanda. After what felt like an eternity of emotional & psychological torture, I managed to grab my bag & ran off. He was not in the physical state to run after me but he asked his houseboy to stop me, claiming that I had stolen from him,” she said.
“Trying to convince the houseboy that I had not stolen anything, I poured down everything that was in my bag to show the houseboy that I wasn’t hiding anything and I quickly put them back & freed myself from the horror,” added Kamaraba.
As she explained, insults and drunk phone calls did not stop that the victim went to school and reported the incident to the Ag. Dean of the School of Journalism & Communication, Mr. Njuguna Joseph saying it was a difficult situation since she did not have any proof to present.
“I went to the University of Rwanda hopeful that I would be empowered & equipped to live out my dreams but instead, I was discouraged. Over the years I tried to disregard & forget the incident but such memories never go away. Sad reality is that it is happening. Many young girls end up falling victims in the hands of predator men who abuse their authority like Christopher Kayumba. Enough is enough!”
Kamaraba said her friend decided to leak such details because it would be helpful to other girls that might face similar situation.
“I have the courage to step forward now b’se it would hurt more to see young girls have their future robbed from them by people who are supposed to know better. Physical abuse may be seen, but psychological &emotional abuse are harder to be noticed & they are just as destructive,” she tweeted.
Kamaraba has also said that the victim reported sexual assault case to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB
{{University knows the case}}
The former Ag. Dean of the School of Journalism & Communication, Mr. Njuguna Joseph has confirmed to IGIHE that the case was reported to him.
“It is true. She came to my office telling me that there is a lecturer who attempted to assault her. I promised her to speak to that person (Kayumba Christophe) but he used to spend long time without coming at school,” he said.
Njuguna explained that he didn’t ask Kayumba anything about the alleged assault because he was no longer reporting to school that he didn’t even take his calls.
“We didn’t hold conversations because I didn’t meet with him. He didn’t take phone calls, but I discussed it with my employers and asked them to engage with him. However, I am not aware if they did so. I verbally interacted with employers. I didn’t write a letter because I wanted to meet him but he did neither take my call nor come to school ,”said Njuguna.
The next time he met Kayumba, Njuguna explained, they only discussed other issues related to his immoral behavior he had been exhibiting at the university.
“When I got last chance to meet him, we discussed about other relevant issues regarding his behavior because he had indiscipline records at the university,” he noted.
IGIHE tried twice to reach out to Kayumba but did not take calls and never replied to our short message by press time.
The Acting Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has told IGIHE that investigation is underway.
“The case was filed at the beginning of March. RIB is carrying out investigation and gathering evidences,” he said.
Dr. Murangira has however explained that Dr. Kayumba has not yet been summoned.
“The basic step during investigation is to gather evidences, seek information from witnesses and summon the accused later,” noted Dr. Murangira.
Chez Venant in Kigali city was located nearby the city’s main round, nearby Rubangura and MIC buildings.
IGIHE has learnt that Kabandana died in the night of 17th March 2021 succumbing to a natural cause.
His children have through Instagram accounts expressed grief for the passing of their father.
“I love Dad. You have been honest throughout your entire life. You were an exemplar to everyone. You have been a good parent everyone would wish because you were an honest and brave man. You paid sacrifice, and has been a kind person beyond imagination. You have always stood against the evil,” said her daughter Ariane Kabandana.
Chez Venant was a great landmark in the city of Kigali that helped many new comers in Kigali city to find their position.
“We are saddened by the loss of my brother and friend, President Magufuli. His contribution to his country & to our region will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his family and the people of Tanzania. The people of Rwanda stand with Tanzania during this difficult time,” he said via Twitter handle.
Tanzania’s President John Magufuli has died aged 61, the country’s vice-president has announced.
He died on Wednesday from heart complications at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Samia Suluhu Hassan said in an address on state television.
Magufuli had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours have been circulating about his health.
Opposition politicians said last week that he had contracted Covid-19, but this has not been confirmed.
Magufuli was one of Africa’s most prominent coronavirus sceptics, and called for prayers and herbal-infused steam therapy to counter the virus.
“It is with deep regret that I inform you that today… we lost our brave leader, the president of the Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli,” Vice-President Hassan said in the announcement.
She said there would be 14 days of national mourning and flags would fly at half-mast.
According to Tanzania’s constitution, Ms Hassan will be sworn in as the new president and should serve the remainder of Magufuli’s five-year team which he began last year.
Magufuli was last seen in public on 27 February, but Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa insisted last week that the president was “healthy and working hard”.
He blamed the rumours of the president’s ill-health on “hateful” Tanzanians living abroad.
But opposition leader Tundu Lissu told the BBC that his sources had told him Magufuli was being treated in hospital for coronavirus in Kenya.
{{John Magufuli at a glance}}
-* Born in Chato, north-west Tanzania, in 1959
-* Studied chemistry and maths at the University of Dar es Salaam
He died on Wednesday from heart complications at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Samia Suluhu Hassan said in an address on state television.
Magufuli had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours have been circulating about his health.
Opposition politicians said last week that he had contracted Covid-19, but this has not been confirmed.
Magufuli was one of Africa’s most prominent coronavirus sceptics, and called for prayers and herbal-infused steam therapy to counter the virus.
“It is with deep regret that I inform you that today… we lost our brave leader, the president of the Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli,” Vice-President Hassan said in the announcement.
She said there would be 14 days of national mourning and flags would fly at half mast.
According to Tanzania’s constitution, Ms Hassan will be sworn in as the new president and should serve the remainder of Magufuli’s five-year team which he began last year.
Magufuli was last seen in public on 27 February, but Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa insisted last week that the president was “healthy and working hard”.
He blamed the rumours of the president’s ill-health on “hateful” Tanzanians living abroad.
But opposition leader Tundu Lissu told the BBC that his sources had told him Magufuli was being treated in hospital for coronavirus in Kenya.
{{John Magufuli at a glance}}
-# Born in Chato, north-west Tanzania, in 1959
-# Studied chemistry and maths at the University of Dar es Salaam
-# Worked as a chemistry and maths teacher
-# First elected as an MP in 1995
-# Became a cabinet minister in 2000
-# First elected president in 2015
Magufuli declared Tanzania “Covid-19 free” last June. He mocked the efficacy of masks, expressed doubts about testing, and teased neighbouring countries which imposed health measures to curb the virus.
Tanzania has not published details of its coronavirus cases since May, and the government has refused to purchase vaccines.
On Monday, police said they had arrested four people on suspicion of spreading rumours on social media that the president was ill.
“To spread rumours that he’s sick smacks of hate,” Mr Majaliwa said at the time.
{{A legacy set for debate}}
{{Analysis by Dickens Olewe, BBC News}}
John Magufuli cultivated an image of a rambunctious action man, a departure from his predecessors’ demure and stately styles.
His interventionist leadership won him fans beyond Tanzania, especially in the East African region where he once inspired the #WhatWouldMagufuliDo Twitter hashtag that was shared by supporters of his no-nonsense approach to fighting corruption.
There will be vigorous debate about his legacy and whether his successor should stay the course or change direction.
But this discussion cannot be divorced from the current trend on the continent, where support for democracy remains strong but most people are increasingly disillusioned by the failure to deliver the promised dividends.
So while a significant number of Africans would prefer an action-driven leader like Magufuli, they equally want leaders who govern honestly and a government that respects them and does not hide information about their president’s health.
Magufuli’s death has been attributed to a long-standing heart condition, but many will still suspect that he succumbed to Covid-19.
It is an irony that the pandemic he so strenuously denied has outlasted him, turning his once heralded presidency into a cautionary tale for the region and the continent.
Magufuli was declared president on his 56th birthday in October 2015. He was elected for a second term following a disputed poll last year.
He was hailed for his anti-corruption stance during his time in office, but he was also accused of cracking down on dissent and curtailing certain freedom.
His critics agree that Magufuli contributed to Tanzania’s development. He invested in large infrastructure projects such as a standard-gauge railway to connect the country with its neighbours, major highways, and a bus system in the commercial hub of Dar es Salaam.
He also increased electricity production, reducing the need for power rationing.
But it is his approach to Covid-19 that many analysts say will define his legacy. There has been little testing in the country and no plans made for a vaccination programme, leaving the country as an outlier.
In Tanzania, locals have reacted with grief and disbelief to the news of Magufuli’s death.
One, Joseph Petro, told the BBC he thought Magufuli was a “caring” leader, adding “he was helping people in one way or another”.
“I am really pained. I am personally pained,” he said.
Another, Illuminata Abel, offered similar sentiments: “He was not my relative, but he was someone who listened to people’s problems, and he was down to earth.”
The airplane loaded with AstraZeneca/Oxford SII vaccines distributed through Covax arrived in Kigali on 3rd March 2021.
Later in the evening, the aircraft of KLM airline landed in Rwanda carrying Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. Few days later, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Vincent Biruta received the donation of 50,000 COVID-19 vaccines from India.
At the time, it was announced that Rwanda would receive vaccines every week but no delivery has arrived again.
Speaking to CNBC recently, the Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana has said that Rwanda targets to vaccinate 70% of the population by next year most importantly covering 20% of people who need to get the vaccine as soon as possible which is close to 3 million doses required prioritizing high risk groups.
On the arrival of next vaccines, he explained that they are pushing and monitoring to get next batches of vaccines in due course.
“We have different people who are helping us to get the doses quickly before the time for second dose for those who received the first but also for others who have not yet received any dose,” he said.
“We hope it is not taking long. It could be this month. We have some expected dates from our partners and we are working with many through the Covax system. We have some expected dates but previously, we have been saying it is coming this date, and then we had delays. That is why, I am saying we are not sure when but what we are sure of is that the vaccines are coming soon,” added Dr. Nsanzimana.
The decision follows public concerns that the newly imposed taxes were higher.
The new tax went into effect from July last year as stipulated by the law on immovable property of 2018.
Minister Ndagijimana has told RBA that an assessment will be conducted next year to review previously implemented changes. Outcomes of the assessment will be considered to determine new tax on immovable property.
The Minister also explained that the extra amount will be considered during the next tax cycle for people who had paid taxes using revised rates.
Among others, he revealed that the deadline for payment of the land tax has been extended until April 30, 2021.
The land tax has brought mixed reactions particularly among Kigali city dwellers since July 2020 when they were required to pay between Rwf 0-300 per square meter up from 0-80.
It raised concerns among residents affected by COVID-19 pandemic with fears that their land would be auctioned due to failure to clear higher taxes.
A resident of Kigali city had raised the concern to President Paul Kagame, who also tasked Minister Ndagijimana to provide clarifications. The latter assured that citizens’ worries were understood and being reviewed.
Kagame said that tax should be corresponding to citizens’ means but highlighted that it is not possible to find solutions suiting each individual.
The new tax law on immovable property indicated that people would only be taxed for additionally owned houses beyond the residential one.
The tax for non-residential house rose from 0.1 % to 1% of the asset’s total value.
Japan’s ambassador in Rwanda, Masahiro Imai signed funding agreements yesterday with organizations implementing these projects.
These include the Association Rwandaise pour le Développement Endogène (ARDE Kubaho) conducting advocacy for access to safe water, Community Road Empowerment (CORE), Japan’s non-profit organization aimed at renovating feeder roads in different districts.
The project to distribute safe water will be implemented in Rega cell, Bigogwe sector of Nyabihu district within three years at a cost of US$81,788 (approximately Rwf 81 million).
The grant signed will support the construction of a water system of 4.37 kilometers of water pipe, two water kiosks, a water tank, six valve chambers and two public taps at the area. These activities will benefit over 7900 residents.
Besides, CORE project will also last three years of implementation in 16 districts.
The grant signed yesterday will enable one-year implementation in the districts of Huye, Kamonyi, Muhanga, Karongi, Gisagara and Nyanza.
It is expected that road-renovation activities will cost UD$334.744 (over Rwf 339 million) to cover 1600 kilometers by end of this year.
Speaking to IGIHE,Amb. Masahiro said they are glad to support the two projects expected to uplift residents’ livelihoods.
“We are excited to support the two projects set to yield big in transforming livelihoods especially for residents in rural areas. I thank in no smaller part independent organizations for their contribution to development particularly transforming citizens’ welfare,” he underscored.
The President and Legal Representative of ARDE Kubaho, Paul Murenzi thanked Japan for relentless support to the provision of safe water.
“We extend sincere appreciation to Japan embassy for walking with us for the past eight years to distribute safe water to citizens. It is an outstanding gesture giving relief to residents because they need safe water as a basic need. For this time, Bigogwe residents are cheerful for anticipated access to safe water,” he revealed.
Yuko Yokomizo, the CORE project manager extolled the embassy’s great giving relief for residents’ prosperity.
“It is a great honor that the embassy supports rural development projects which in return benefit residents. For instance, our project previously backed the development of over 5900 young people,” he said.
Through existing partnership with ARDE Kubaho, Japan embassy has provided safe water in Muhanga and Kamonyi districts. It has also renovated feeder roads in Rusizi, Nyamasheke, Rulindo and Gakenke districts in partnership with CORE.
MINALOC has revealed that inter-district lockdown is ongoing in these districts except people with clear reasons with go ahead from relevant authorities.
On the other hand, cars transporting goods and foods are allowed to enter these districts. Public buses transiting through Nyanza, Bugesera and Gisagara are not allowed to stop in the aforementioned districts.
MINALOC has also said that physical meetings are prohibited in these districts; movements are restricted from 7pm until 4am while all businesses will close by 6pm.
Residents in these three districts have been reminded that there are no further changes to new cabinet decisions except these specific measures set for them.
MINALOC has explained that these measures will last two weeks that may be extended.
Police Spokesperson in Southern Province, SP Kanamugire Théobald has told IGIHE that they will cooperate will relevant authorities to reinforce adherence to new measures.
“We want residents to respect all guidelines instituted to defeat the pandemic. Violators will be punished as we intend to work with relevant authorities to carry our inspections and reinforce compliance,” he said.
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 generally urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
During an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Nyirarugero explained more about her life and how she welcomed the appointment.
Nyirarugero is a mother of four who speaks with a warm heart mixing introducing Biblical verses in discussions. She is a Christian in the Anglican Church.
Nyirarugero studied at Rungu Primary School located in Gacaca sector, Musanze district and later pursued secondary studies at Lycée Notre-Dame de Cîteaux in Kigali. She later graduated in Economics at INES-Ruhengeri.
Nyirarugero pursued Master’s degree in Makerere, Uganda and later obtained Master’s degree in quality education related courses from Germany in 2019.
The mother aged 54 has revealed that she was surprised for the appointment as he had never dreamt of holding senior leadership positions.
“I surprised and delighted me to see the President of the Republic bestowing trust upon me and assigning me to the position,” she said.
Nyirarugero used to have feelings that she could become the rector of a university once she obtains a Doctorate (PhD) because she served in the education sector since 2009.
“Because I was passionate about education, I had a wish to obtain a PhD that I can be the rector of a particular university,” noted Nyirarugero.
As you speak to her, it won’t take long to realize that Nyirarugero is always optimistic, self-less and courageous which helped her throughout her career in the education sector.
“I am keen on working and have a feeling to attain great things. This gives me courage to work hard and collaborate with others to achieve goals,” she explained.
Commenting on her new appointment, Nyirarugero thanked the President of the Republic and promised to work hard to deliver on promises.
“First of all, I voice my appreciation to President Paul Kagame for bestowing trust upon me assigning me the Governor of Northern Province. I will work hard to deliver to the best of my ability in collaboration with residents of this Province,” said Nyirarugero.
Since 2009, Nyirarugero has been working in the education sector. She started her career at INES-Ruhengeri and later worked at Muhabura Polytechnic where she was a lecturer and head of the department of Economics.
She was born in Muhoza sector, Musanze district of Northern Province where she was raised.
