Musinguzi was handed his motel by the Ministry of Justice on wednesday, 6th, August, 2023, barely a month since he brought his complaint to President Paul Kagame’s attention.
Musinguzi purchased ‘Best Inn Motel’ from Col. Mabano on March, 11th, 2023. However, the retired colonel had restrained handing over ownership to him despite the former making full payment.
During a ‘question and answer’ session with Kagame at the the 10-year anniversary of YouthConnekt themed “10 Years of Impact” at Intare Conference Arena in Kigali, late last month, Musinguzi raised his complaint to the president who asked for immediate action into the issue.
Musinguzi was then contacted by different authorities to investigate the issue and in less than three weeks, he has been handed rightful ownership of the Kicukiro based motel.
Speaking to IGIHE, Musinguzi extended great thanks to President Kagame, the Ministry of Justice, Rwanda Defense Force (RDF), Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), government and private institutions, and all individuals who have assisted him in getting justice.
The 29 -year old said he was getting straight to work to compensate for the time lost, and promised to work even harder so that he doesn’t disappoint those who have assisted him.
Musinguzi is the CEO of Sinan Frank General Supply Limited based in Kanombe. The business deals in juice supply, outlet stocks with Bralirwa, disco hire, car rentals and logistics.
He is also a student at University of Kigali in Rwanda, where he is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Executive Administration.
Kagame made the remarks on 4th, August, 2023 while speaking at the ‘Africa Climate Summit’ happening at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC) in Kenya.
In his speech, Kagame applauded the International community for working closely with Rwanda towards ‘the strategy of positioning itself as an attractive destination for international climate financing and investment’.
He underscored that there is still room for improvement and called for implementation of the Paris Agreement.
“I welcome the discussions held at the Paris summit for renewing the Global financial pact, the bridge town initiative spearheaded by the Prime Minister of Barbados-Mia Mottley also deserves consideration and serious attention,” he stated.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change that was adopted by 196 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris, France on 12th, December, 2015 but entered into force on 4th, November, 2016.
In 2022, during the UN Climate Change Conference(COP 27), Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados unveiled ‘The Bridgetown Initiative’ that calls for “changes and new mechanisms that would provide inclusive, resilient finance to address the climate and development crisis”.
The Bridgetown initiative is calling for 5 main things namely; a change in how money is loaned to and repaid by a country hit by a disaster aiming to prevent countries from spiraling into a debt crisis and call on the World’s Development Banks like World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to mobilise an additional $1 trillion to developing nations for climate resilience.
Other areas of focus include a call for a new mechanism to be set up to fund climate mitigation and rebuilding in the wake of a disaster, widening of the eligibility for lending below market rates for climate-vulnerable countries investing in resilience in climate-vulnerable countries and calls for a new loss and damage fund that pays out when a major climate disaster hits.
Stressing that, despite contributing the smallest share of Global GreenHouse Gas Emission (GHGE), Africa carries the burden of rising temperatures, Kagame urged for continued efforts towards mitigating climate change effects.
“We can’t just continue talking about it without doing what is required to fix the problem. This is unfair, but in the long run, playing the blame game is not the answer.
A more pragmatic approach is for Africa to be a key player in the search for global climate solutions. Africa stands united and should remain so, in this position,” he stated.
The Africa Climate Summit is a three -day summit championed by Dr. William Ruto and co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and African Union Commission.
During the summit, policy makers, practitioners, business and civil society members will have a platform to showcase Global solutions, innovations and projects aimed at mitigating climate change challenges.
In a solemn and dignified ceremony held at the Rwanda Defence Force headquarters, Kimihurura, the RDF leadership bid farewell to retiring generals and senior officers marking the end of their distinguished military careers.
General (Rtd) James Kabarebe who spoke on behalf of the retirees said that current posture of the RDF today provides hope to every retiring officer that everything will continue in the right direction.
He particularly thanked the Commander-in-Chief President Paul Kagame for the visionary leadership that contributed to the liberation of the country and building the nation.
On behalf of the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of RDF, the Minister of Defence, Juvénal Marizamunda thanked the Generals and Senior Officers for their contribution to building Rwanda and for their contribution towards liberation struggle and their role in stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi.
He emphasised that those still in service will always need the mentorship and advice from the retirees to continue developing the nation.
The send-off ceremony, a tradition in the Rwanda Defence Force, was a heartfelt tribute to these remarkable leaders who had dedicated their lives to safeguarding the nation’s security.
The retirees were awarded certificates in recognition for their service rendered to Rwanda Defence Force.
This includes individuals whose contractual duties have concluded and others who are departing the military due to medical reasons. The announcement regarding these retirements was made on Wednesday, August 30, through an official statement released by RDF.
Among the notable retirees are four-star generals including James Kabarebe and Fred Ibingira.
Additionally, two three-star generals, Charles Kayonga and Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, are included in the list. Both Kabarebe and Kayonga have previously held the position of Chief of Defence Staff within the RDF, while the other two have served as service chiefs in the past.
James Kabarebe, who has also served as the Minister of Defence, presently holds the role of Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security. Meanwhile, Frank Mushyo Kamanzi currently serves as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Russia.
The roster of retirees also encompasses five Major Generals: Martin Nzaramba, Eric Murokore, Augustin Turagara, Charles Karamba, and Albert Murasira. Additionally, there are three Brigadier Generals: Chris Murari, Didace Ndahiro, and Emmanuel Ndahiro. Noteworthy among them, Albert Murasira is the Minister of Emergency Management, and Charles Karamba currently serves as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union.
Eric Murokore has held the position of Regional Reserve Force Commander-Northern, while Augustin Turagara was formerly the Commandant of the RDF General Headquarters-Kanombe.
In conjunction with the retirements, the statement from the RDF also communicates that President Kagame has approved the retirement of 83 senior officers, six junior officers, and 86 senior noncommissioned officers.
Furthermore, this approval covers 678 individuals whose contracts have concluded and 160 individuals who are leaving due to medical discharges.
The appointments and promotions have been announced through a statement released by RDF.
Those promoted to the rank of Colonel include Joseph Mwesigye, Simba Kinesha, Egide Ndayizeye, William Ryarasa, Sam Rwasanyi, Issa Senono, Thadee Nzeyimana, Alphonse Safari, Fidele Butare and Emmanuel Nyirihirwe.
Among others, Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha has been named the first Division Commander in RDF. He once served as RDF troops commander in Southern Province.
Maj Gen Eugene Nkubito has been appointed as the commander of the Third Division. He previously served as the Joint Task Force Commander of Rwanda Security Force (RSF) deployed to fight terrorists in Mozambique.
Other changes saw Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi named commander of the Second Division. He also once worked as Task Force Battle Group Commander of the initial Rwandan troops deployed to Mozambique.
Brig Gen Vincent Gatama has been named commander of the fourth division. He once served as the Commander of the East African Standby Force.
Meanwhile, Brig Gen Frank Mutembe who recently worked as Battle Group Commander in Mozambique, has been named RDF Task Force Division Commander while Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba has been appointed as the Commander of RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama.
The statement released by RDF shows that the promotions and appointments take immediate effect.
This commitment was made during his discussions with Rwandan entrepreneurs present at the 58th edition of the Maputo International Fair (FACIM).
This event, which commenced on August 28, 2023, and will conclude on September 3, 2023, in Marracuene, Maputo, was officially opened by the Mozambican President, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi.
Rwanda was represented at the official opening ceremony by High Commissioner to Mozambique, Claude Nikobisanzwe. Nyusi, accompanied by various dignitaries, took the time to visit stands showcasing Rwandan products. He also engaged with Rwandan investors participating in the fair.
In total, 21 Rwandan entrepreneurs were present, operating in various sectors such as agri-food processing, coffee, fashion, technological services, beauty products, and meat processing. The Rwandan presence at FACIM aims to introduce and promote Rwandan products in the Mozambican market, thereby creating bilateral trade opportunities.
It’s worth noting that this is Rwanda’s second participation in this fair, with the first one taking place the previous year in August. Nyusi expressed his satisfaction with the Rwandan participation and reiterated his commitment to facilitating the processes for Rwandan companies wishing to establish a presence in Mozambique.
This year’s FACIM welcomed participants from 25 countries, including Rwanda, and featured 300 foreign companies as well as 1,950 local enterprises.
Central to this partnership is the shared commitment to nurturing youth football talent among boys and girls in Rwanda. An integral aspect of the agreement entails showcasing the Visit Rwanda branding on LED boards during matchdays at Bayern Munich’s impressive 75,000-seater Allianz Arena. Furthermore, a series of curated activities will be rolled out to spotlight Rwanda’s tourism potential and attract investment opportunities.
Speaking to RBA on Sunday, Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, elucidated the multifaceted nature of the partnership, which can be delineated into two key domains. “This encompasses the promotion of Rwanda’s tourism through Visit Rwanda, as well as the pivotal emphasis on sports development,” she remarked.
Underlining the paramount importance of nurturing young football talent, she explained, “Our primary focus lies in fostering football development across diverse dimensions, with special attention to identifying and nurturing emerging football prodigies.”
Minister Munyangaju expounded upon the strategic role that Bayern Munich will play in talent scouting and subsequent training by the club’s seasoned coaches.
“Youth talent cultivation entails a comprehensive approach, encompassing activities such as organizing training camps for aspiring young footballers and handpicking a cohort of 20 players who will benefit from mentorship under a Bayern Munich coach,” she articulated.
Notably, this partnership will also extend its benefits to Rwandan coaches, equipping them with enhanced skills and knowledge.
Minister Munyangaju emphasized, “The preparation of coaches is an indispensable facet when it comes to honing the skills of young athletes and unearthing new talents. Thus, enhancing the capacities of our coaches remains an integral component of this partnership.”
A noteworthy feature of this collaboration is the active participation of Bayern Munich’s players and representatives in live training sessions with Rwandan counterparts. This interaction is envisaged to facilitate a knowledge exchange that contributes to the growth of both football cultures.
Furthermore, an ambitious venture within this partnership will see Bayern Munich collaborating closely with Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports to establish a football academy, aimed at fortifying football’s foundation in the nation.
“The establishment of the FC Bayern Academy, in coordination with Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports, will involve the deployment of two coaches from FC Bayern. This academy will identify and nurture 30 young and gifted footballers from across Rwanda,” Minister Munyangaju revealed.
The long-term impact of this alliance extends beyond the realm of sports, encompassing a comprehensive advancement of Rwanda’s sporting landscape. Notably, this collaboration mirrors the strides made by Arsenal, which has also dispatched coaches to Rwanda, and Paris Saint-Germain, having successfully established an academy in Huye District.
Rwanda’s partnership with Bayern Munich represents a pivotal juncture in the nation’s sporting and tourism narrative. This multifaceted alliance encapsulates the mutual commitment to nurturing youth talent, fortifying sports infrastructure, and spotlighting Rwanda’s tourism potential on the global stage.
As the nation continues to reap the benefits of these partnerships, the trajectory for Rwanda’s football and tourism sectors seems undeniably promising.
The partnership, unveiled during FC Bayern’s first home game of the season, will see the club work specifically with Rwanda’s Ministry of Sports to set up a football academy to strengthen the development of football in the country.
In addition, the club will display Visit Rwanda branding on matchday LED boards at the club’s 75,000-seater Allianz Arena and different activities will be organised to promote tourism and investment opportunities in Rwanda.
Commenting on the development, Jan-Christian Dreesen, Chief Executive Officer FC Bayern, said: “I am very pleased with this collaboration agreed upon until the summer of 2028. FC Bayern can become active on the African continent and gather important experiences.
The new platinum partnership is aligned with long-term goals. We will promote ‘Visit Rwanda’ and help Rwanda grow in sports with projects for youth football. These are challenging and responsible tasks. Africa is a continent of opportunities. For FC Bayern, this is the next important step in internationalization.”
Andreas Jung, Executive Board Member Marketing FC Bayern, said: “I am looking forward to this new, very exciting collaboration. We will support the Rwandan Ministry of Sports in developing youth football programs, including our FC Bayern Youth Cup. We want to spread “Visit Rwanda” as a tourism destination, and we also welcome the new partner to our business network.”
Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju, Rwandan Minister of Sports also expressed delight for the partnership. “We’re thrilled to partner with FC Bayern to support the development of youth football for boys and girls in Rwanda. We look forward to setting up the FC Bayern Academy where their expert coaches will share knowledge of the game with local coaches and players. The potential is there for Rwandans to excel in football and this partnership provides a great platform for Rwanda to strive for excellence in sports.”
Clare Akamanzi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, said the institution is pleased to welcome yet another strategic partner in FC Bayern Munich.
“It’s been five outstanding years since the Government of Rwanda announced the Visit Rwanda campaign and adding FC Bayern as another additional partner allows us to reach out to its millions of fans across the globe and tell them to visit Rwanda. Germany is among Rwanda’s top five tourism source markets and we aim to use this partnership to attract more tourists to Rwanda, showcase investment and business opportunities and encourage all to stay in Rwanda,” she noted.
Germany has good relations with Rwanda. For instance, Rhineland-Palatinate has maintained a partnership with Rwanda for 40 years.
The Goethe Institute and Friedrich Ebert Foundation have offices in Kigali. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is engaging with Rwanda in the fields of climate, energy, internal and external peace, education, and employment. A “German Desk” in the capital city of Kigali is intended to support investments. Volkswagen and BioNTech are already in the market.
{{About Rwanda}}
Rwanda’s unique landscapes have earned it the name ‘the Land of a Thousand Hills’.
Over the past two decades, the country has experienced political and social stability supported by strong economic growth. Rwanda is recognized for the quality of its governance, a commitment to sustainability and the important role played by women in the life of the nation.
Rwanda recognizes sports as one of the pillars of social transformation and development. The country is promoting sports in all corners of society unbiased to gender, age, or physical capacity. Rwanda’s most popular sport is football, which is played in all corners of the country. Basketball, cycling and volleyball continue to grow in popularity.
{{About FC Bayern}}
FC Bayern Munich is the largest sports club in the world and one of the most successful soccer clubs in Europe. Founded on February 27, 1900, FC Bayern now has around 300,000 members and over 150 million followers on social networks.
With 33 German championships, the club is the German record champion, with 20 successes in the DFB Cup German record cup winner.
Internationally, FC Bayern has won the Champions League 6 times, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup and the World Cup 2 times each, among others. The club’s women’s soccer team and basketball team are also among the top teams nationally and internationally.
Over the decades, FC Bayern has succeeded in combining sporting and economic success. The club is now represented internationally with its own offices in New York City, Shanghai and Bangkok. The club headquarters and training grounds are located on Säbener Strasse in Munich. The club also operates its own youth training center. FC Bayern plays its home games in the club’s own Allianz Arena (75,000 spectators).
Kagame stressed the significance of using their newfound knowledge to drive Africa and Rwanda’s development forward. He likened their presence to drawing from a river of ideas for the nation’s rebuilding, cultural preservation, and defense. Kagame also highlighted Rwanda’s history as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding their accomplishments.
Among others, Kagame urged the graduates to become custodians of Rwandan culture, emphasizing the value of their individual contributions. He prompted them to ponder the reasons behind Africa’s lag in development compared to the rest of the world. While acknowledging potential employment opportunities abroad, Kagame encouraged the youth to remain connected to their homeland.
Furthermore, Kagame suggested that completing the training could open doors to the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) profession, welcoming various academic backgrounds. He emphasized that joining the RDF should be driven by passion rather than pressure. The training, which saw participation from students worldwide, showcased the continued growth of the Indangamirwa program since its inception in 2008 where 4,624 young Rwandans have taken part of it.
This institution plays a pivotal role in shaping national education policy, overseeing entities responsible for curriculum development, teaching standards, examinations, schools’ management, and various other aspects of education.
From the post-Genocide against the Tutsi leadership under Dr. Joseph Nsengimana, the inaugural minister, to the recent reassignment of Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, the longest recorded tenure was that of Prof. Romain Murenzi, who served from 2001 to 2006.
{{Below is the list of sixteen ministers who have successively led MINEDUC until the present day.}}
Throughout these 29 years, numerous substantial challenges have been confronted. Ministers grappled with reintroducing education in the aftermath of the genocide, constructing primary schools, training educators, and redesigning curricula. The primary objective was to ensure maximum enrollment of children in schools.
The period spanning from 2003 to 2010 was marked by efforts to counteract the infiltration of genocidal ideology in schools. This was coupled with a significant transition in language preference, favoring English over French. The government also initiated the Education for All program, which spanned 9 years and aimed to boost enrollment in vocational schools among young people.
Nonetheless, the last 13 years have been notably tumultuous for Mineduc, with nearly half of all ministers experiencing turnover. However, this period was far from stagnant. Starting in 2010, the government invested in extending basic education to a 12-year duration, established a national university, welcomed foreign universities to establish campuses in Rwanda, and improved the salary conditions of teachers.
Yet, according to education journalist Joseph Hakuzwumuremyi, in an interview with IGIHE, the instability of educational policy remains a significant challenge that many ministers have grappled with. He asserts that the absence of a consistent educational policy and the prevalence of commercial interests are issues that have hindered any minister from effectively steering the ship of education.
Nevertheless, it is important not to overlook the achievements that have been accomplished. The literacy rate has shown remarkable improvement: in 2000, nearly 50% of Rwandans struggled with reading and writing, whereas by 2019, the figure had risen to 89%.
Technological advancements have also been evident, with 51.6% of the population utilizing the internet, which now covers 95% of the national territory.
