The village will house vulnerable residents and others from disaster-prone areas from different parts of Rubavu District in Western Province who were affected flooding and landslides mainly occasioned by River Sebeya overflow.
The disasters that hit different parts of the country took lives of over 130 people in Western, Northern and Southern Provinces of Rwanda.
Anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2023, the model village will accommodate 120 families from various areas in Rubavu. The village is being constructed on land previously used for a small modern village that sheltered vulnerable residents from Rubavu.
The model village is being built by Ministry of Defence/Reserve Forces while Gasabo 3D Design Ltd is supervising construction works. Meanwhile, Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) is monotoring the implementation of the project on behalf of the Government of Rwanda.
Niyonshuti Elie, an employee of Gasabo 3D Design Ltd and a construction supervisor, mentioned that the village’s construction is nearing completion.
Comprising two phases, Rugerero Model Village is almost finished, he said. The first phase consists of three multi-storey blocks that will provide housing for 120 families.
The second phase encompasses essential infrastructure, including roads, an Early Childhood Development Center (ECD), a furniture workshop, a market, an extension and renovation of Muhira Health Post, electricity and water supply, a playground, public toilets, and a vegetable and fruit farm, among other amenities.
Each housing unit within the village consists of two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a toilet. Additionally, each house has a back porch with laundry facilities, a kitchenette, and a sitting area. The front porch is shared among all residents, serving as the entrance to their respective homes.
Another housing unit will accommodate 40 families, with each family receiving a room along with a bathroom, a toilet, a kitchen, a living room, and a veranda. The residents will use the back exit of the unit to access their respective courtyards.
While private bathrooms are available in each house, public lavatories are also provided.
Furthermore, each house has its own water and electricity meters. The front of the building units is adorned with a beautiful garden featuring fruit and ornamental trees, providing a refreshing ambiance.
The village features well-constructed roads, open spaces, and water reservoirs. Additionally, an Early Childhood Development Center (ECD) with six classrooms, a head teacher’s office, a kitchen, and a conference room will be established. The school will be equipped with necessary educational resources and recreational facilities to cater to the children residing in the village.
Sports enthusiasts will find delight in the basketball and volleyball courts, which are complemented by stadium-like seating areas. Livestock sheds will also be constructed to facilitate animal husbandry, including chickens that will be distributed to village residents.
To ensure easy access, a tarmac road connecting the Kigali-Rubavu highway to the village is also under construction.
Specifically, the category of Food and non-alcoholic beverages witnessed a 25.4 percent increase compared to the previous year, but experienced a 3.8 percent decrease on a monthly basis. Similarly, ‘Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics’ saw a 21.5 percent annual increase and a 0.7 percent increase on a monthly basis. The Transport sector observed a 7.6 percent increase in prices on an annual basis, along with a 0.2 percent increase on a monthly basis.
Figures further show that the prices of “local products” increased by 15.9 percent on an annual basis, but experienced a 1.5 percent decrease compared to the previous month. Conversely, prices of “imported products” rose by 8.7 percent on an annual basis but decreased by 0.5 percent on a monthly basis.
Notably, the prices of “fresh products” displayed a significant annual change of 38.3 percent, yet underwent a monthly decrease of 4 percent. Meanwhile, the prices of “energy” increased by 5.9 percent annually and rose by 0.2 percent on a monthly basis.
When excluding fresh products and energy from the general index, the overall inflation rate remained at 8.7 percent on an annual basis, but experienced a 0.5 percent monthly decrease.
The project, funded by the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), involves the construction of a 900-millimeter diameter pipe to replace the existing 600-millimeter pipe.
The size of the pipe, which is being built by JICA in collaboration with Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) , will increase the quantity of distributed water from 40,000 cubic meters to 62,000.
Eng Umuhumuza Gisèle, the CEO of WASAC, has stated that the remaining 1% of the project involves connecting existing pipelines with newly constructed ones, cleaning them, and testing pumping stations.
Apart from the construction of new 900 mm pipe, she said, existing ones will be considered to facilitate the distribution of water from the Ntora site to various areas, including Runda in Kamonyi District.
Umuhumuza further mentioned that with all the necessary equipment in place, WASAC will be able to distribute 145,000 cubic meters of water per day.
In addition to the pipeline, WASAC has constructed a new water distribution station in Nzove, installed machinery for water distribution, renovated the Ntora reservoir, upgraded pipes supplying water to different parts of Kigali and beyond, and built a new water reservoir with a capacity of 200 cubic meters.
Minako Shiotsuka, the JICA Chief Representative to Rwanda, highlighted their collaboration with WASAC to enhance the capacity of local employees in pipeline maintenance.
Abimana Fidèle, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, expressed that the pipeline will significantly increase water supply to different parts of the country, particularly in Kigali City.
Abimana further acknowledged that the current small pipes limited the efficient distribution of the large quantity of water produced. Among others, he stated, the upgraded pipeline will help provide a consistent water supply to Gasanze, Bumbogo, Bweramvura, Remera, Kimironko, and other areas, contributing to the achievement of universal access to water.
During the process of connecting the new pipes to the existing ones and transitioning from the 600 mm to the 900 mm pipe, there may be a temporary reduction in the quantity of supplied water.
This work, scheduled to begin on June 8, 2023, is expected to last for two weeks. However, Abimana assured that water availability will not be completely disrupted during this period.
In addition to the Nzove-Ntora network rehabilitation and construction project, JICA is assisting WASAC in problem-solving through the ‘KAIZEN’ approach, promoting positive and sustainable change. This initiative enables WASAC employees to maintain infrastructure, improve services, and reduce losses by utilizing available resources effectively.
The project, aimed at increasing the amount of clean water supplied in Kigali, is estimated to cost approximately Rwf26.7 billion. Another project involves the expansion of water reservoirs and pipes along a 568-kilometer network in Kigali City.
The Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima, emphasized Japan’s commitment to providing sufficient and clean water to Rwandans through development cooperation, financial assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.
WASAC currently uses four treatment plants to distribute water to different parts of Kigali City.
These plants include Nzove, Kanzenze which supplies 30,000 cubic meters, Kimisagara, which supplies 20,000 cubic meters, and Karenge which distributes between 10,000 and 11,000 cubic meters to Kigali on a daily basis.
The lawsuit was filed at the Gasabo Intermediate Court on Thursday 8th June 2023.
IBUKA is represented by lawyer Bayingana Janvier, who also serves as a commissioner at the organization. The court was scheduled to begin proceedings with a request to withhold Kabuga’s properties as a guarantee for compensation once a ruling is made in favor of IBUKA.
Bayingana informed the court that IBUKA had written to the chief clerk at IRMCT. However, they had not received any feedback at the time of appearance in court.
When asked about contacting IRMCT, Bayingana stated that they were informed the clerk had a busy schedule. As they contacted IRMCT office in Kigali, they realized that their request falls under the responsibilities of the chief clerk. Consequently, Bayingana requested the Gasabo Intermediate Court to set another date for the case.
According to a letter seen by IGIHE, compensation cannot correspond to the value of the victims or the worth of the damaged and looted properties due to Kabuga’s involvement. However, IBUKA has demanded compensation worth Rwf50,658,800,000,000 on behalf of the represented Genocide survivors for endured suffering due to effects of his actions.
The individuals seeking compensation include Genocide survivors represented by IBUKA from various areas such as Bisesero, Mugina, Kimironko, Muhima, Musave, Nyamirambo, Mudende, Commune Rouge in Rubavu, and Vunga.
Kabuga was arrested in France in 2020 and has since been detained in the Netherlands. He is accused of financing Genocide against the Tutsi and co-founding Radio Television Libre des Milles Collines (RTLM), a media outlet that propagated hatred and encouraged the killing of Tutsis.
Before the Genocide, Kabuga was an influential businessman and a member of the ruling political party, MRND.
Kabuga, believed to be in his late 80s, has been on trial at The Hague branch of the United Nations mechanism responsible for the operations of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda since September of the previous year.
The ceremony took place at Urugwiro Village on Wednesday 7th June 2023.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kagame reminded them to serve the nation and Rwandans with dedication in their respective responsibilities.
“Wherever one works, they must focus on their duties, perform them well, with the understanding of the importance of those responsibilities and how they will contribute to the livelihoods of Rwandans,” he stated.
The Head of State also underscored that collaboration among leaders is paramount to deliver on expectations.
Marizamunda replaced Maj Gen Albert Murasira who had held the position since October 2018.
Prior to this new appointment, Marizamunda served as the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) from 2021, following his transfer from the Rwanda National Police (RNP) where he worked as the Deputy Inspector General in Charge of Operations.
Marizamunda had previously served as a soldier in RDF before being transferred to RNP in 2014.
He held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at the time.
Meanwhile, Lt Gen Muganga, the new CDS, previously served as the Army Chief of Staff (ACOS).
He replaced Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, who held the position since 2019.
Among others, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, former Head of Military Intelligence, has been appointed Army Chief of Staff while Colonel Francis Regis Gatarayiha, who previously served as his deputy, has been named Acting Head of Military Intelligence in the RDF.
Two notable promotions include Felly Bahizi Rutagerura and Yahya Mugabo Kamunuga, who have been elevated from the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) to Commissioner of Police (CP).
CP Felly Bahizi Rutagerura currently serves as the Chief of Operations for the Police component under the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), while CP Yahya Mugabo Kamunuga previously held the position of Police FC Chairman.
Additionally, seven police officers have been promoted from the rank of Chief Superintendent (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police. These individuals are Francis Muheto, who serves as the Commander of Police in the Northern Province, Augustin Kuradupagase, Tom Gasana, Silas Karekezi, Celestin Kazungu, Augustin Ntaganira, and Jean Pierre Rutajoga.
Among others, 20 police officers have been promoted from Assistant Inspector of Police to Inspector of Police, one from AIP to CIP, 120 from CIP to Superintendent, 46 from Senior Superintendent to CSP, and 329 were elevated to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP).
The statement also indicated the approval of a ministerial order with significant number of promotions for Non-Commissioned officers and other ranks. Specifically, 1,607 police personnel were promoted from Sergeant to Senior Sergeant, 392 were promoted to Chief Sergeant, 869 from Corporal to Sergeant, 724 from Police Constable to Corporal,
Generally, these promotions encompass 523 junior and senior police officers, while 3,592 are non-commissioned officers.
Maj Gen Muganga served as the Acting Reserve Force Chief of Staff (RFCOS) from November 2018 prior to his latest appointment as the Commander of Mechanized Division in April 2019.
Besides, Brig Gen Mutiganda previously served as the Acting Director General of the external security department at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) before he was re-deployed to RDF Headquarters in 2018.
The statement released by RDF also shows that President Kagame has authorized the dismissal of 116 other ranks and approved the rescission of service contracts of 112 other ranks.
“The dismissal and rescission of service contracts take immediate effect,” adds the statement dated 7th June 2023.
The Article 7 of the Law Nº 38/2015 of 30/07/2015 determining the downsizing, dismissal ,discharge and demobilization of RDF personnel; stipulates that a member of Rwanda Defence Forces may be dismissed due to gross misconduct.
It reads that gross misconduct leading to dismissal has to be approved by the competent authority.
Among others, officers are dismissed by a Presidential Order while Non Commissioned Officers and troops are dismissed by an Order of the Minister.
As for rescission of service contract, the article 105 of the Presidential Order Nº 044/01 of 14/02/2020 indicates that the Minister rescinds, when considered necessary, the service contract entered into with a soldier.
It further states that the soldier whose service contract is rescinded is entitled to a rescission of the contract package equivalent to a quarter (1/4) of the end of contract package.
The dismissals and contract recessions came less than 24hrs after President Kagame made major changes in the military, defence and intelligence ranks.
The dismissals are announced following a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday and reshuffle in RDF top brass that saw Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga named Chief of Defence Staff replacing Gen Jean Bosco Kazura.
Other changes saw Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi appointed as RDF Army Chief of Staff (ACOS) while Juvenal Marizamunda, the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) has been named Minister of Defence replacing Maj Gen Albert Murasira.
Among others, Colonel Francis Regis Gatarayiha has been named Acting Head of Military Intelligence in the RDF replacing Maj Gen Nyakarundi.
The Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH), is one programmes that show promise in helping overcome these challenges and propel the continent to greater heights.
ABH Prize Competition, sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy, is a philanthropic initiative aimed at supporting and inspiring the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors. The goal is to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future of the continent.
Over a 10-year period, ABH plans to recognize 100 African entrepreneurs and provide them with grant funding, training programs, and support for ecosystem development.
Each year, the ABH Prize Competition and show feature 10 finalists who pitch their businesses to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.
Since its inception in 2019, Rwanda has been actively participating in ABH, and the country has greatly benefited from the program. Four entrepreneurs from Rwanda have emerged among the top 10 winners in 2019, 2021, and 2022, respectively. In total, Rwanda has received over US$385,000 (equivalent to over 406 million Rwandan Francs) in grant funding.
To provide seamless support to the program’s beneficiaries, ABH established its first physical African office in Rwanda in October 2022. The office, located at the Norrsken House in Kigali, aims to streamline operations and enhance the impact of the program in the region.
During an exclusive interview with IGIHE on the sidelines of GITEX Africa Summit held in Morocco from May 31st to June 2nd, 2023; Michael Mang, the Project Director of ABH shed light on the prospects for the local office, its impact, and why Rwanda was selected as a host among other related topics.
{{Excerpts:}}
{{1. Africa Business Heroes recently established its first physical office on the African continent in Kigali. Why did you choose Rwanda as a host? }}
Choosing Rwanda as the location for our representative office was based on several factors. Firstly, Rwanda offers a stable business environment and presents numerous potential business opportunities.
Secondly, we have a valuable partnership with the African Leadership University (ALU), and by establishing an office in Rwanda, we can work closely with them as a team.
Lastly, Rwanda is known as a hub for entrepreneurship, making it an ideal base for us to connect with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
We strategically chose to be based at Norrsken House in Kigali, which houses one of the largest entrepreneur incubators and co-working spaces on the continent, further enhancing our access to the ecosystem.
{{2. Since the office’s opening, what has been the contribution of the local office in Rwanda?}}
The local office in Rwanda has been really helpful. We decided to open an office here to engage with the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and be accessible to entrepreneurs who seek our support.
Additionally, we had the opportunity to hire local talents who have brought significant value to our program. As a result, we have witnessed tremendous growth in terms of results and progress.
{{3. What kind of support do you extend to entrepreneurs in Rwanda and the region?}}
We offer support to entrepreneurs in various ways. As our program expands and we gain more experience, we have developed a keen understanding of their pain points.
We provide assistance with various aspects, such as filling out application forms, navigating the competition process, and addressing any support they require.
To facilitate effective communication, we have a dedicated customer service team in Rwanda that can assist entrepreneurs in both French and English. Our aim is to ensure a positive experience for them and help them gain better insights into their own businesses.
Moreover, entrepreneurs benefit from receiving advice from our judges and connecting with a larger entrepreneurial community.
{{4. Do you consider increasing the existing financial assistance you provide?}}
We appreciate your question but this is something we need to further evaluate. Currently, we observe that participants in our competitions are motivated not solely by monetary rewards.
While financial support is a part of the incentive and value they perceive, they also value the media exposure and connections they can establish.
Entrepreneurship can often be a lonely journey, but connecting with fellow entrepreneurs who share similar experiences is invaluable for business growth.
Therefore, when considering support, we will take a holistic approach to identify the types of assistance we can provide beyond financial resources.
{{5. What can we expect from the ABH local office in the next five years?}}
Over the next five years, we envision a stable and continuously growing team focused on three key areas.
Firstly, we aim to further enhance our competition, creating a captivating show that reaches an even broader audience.
Secondly, we seek to foster an engaged and beneficial community for our members.
Lastly, we aspire to witness the growth of individuals, the team, and the businesses we support as they come together for collective success.
{{6. How do you support entrepreneurs to embrace technology?}}
As you may be aware, our competition is highly inclusive and attracts a diverse range of grassroots entrepreneurs, whom we deeply value and recognize.
By looking at the achievements of the past heroes, including the top 10 and top 20 from the last four years, you can witness the remarkable diversity and wide variety of their projects.
Technology plays a crucial role in empowering entrepreneurs to seize market opportunities and deliver superior products and services to their target audiences.
Therefore, we actively encourage entrepreneurs to embrace technology, as it is instrumental in propelling their businesses to great heights.
However, we also believe in promoting a balanced approach by encouraging entrepreneurs to explore traditional methods and grassroots initiatives that can positively transform people’s lives and make a lasting impact.
{{7. What message do you have for Rwandans and the regional population?}}
Rwanda holds a significant advantage as a hub on the continent, particularly in East Africa. The government’s substantial support for entrepreneurship is commendable.
We encourage Rwandan entrepreneurs to actively participate in events, explore networking opportunities, and apply for competitions like ours.
It is also essential for them to reach out beyond their own region, both within Africa and internationally, to learn from others and gain exposure to different market dynamics.
While Rwanda offers an excellent market, there is vast potential to explore and tap into larger markets by embracing new experiences.
Marizamunda takes over from Maj Gen Albert Murasira, who held the position since October 2018.
Prior to this new appointment, Marizamunda served as the Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) from 2021, following his transfer from the Rwanda National Police (RNP) where he worked as the Deputy Inspector General in Charge of Operations.
Marizamunda had previously served as a soldier in RDF before being transferred to RNP in 2014. He held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at the time.
Meanwhile, Lt Gen Muganga, the new CDS, previously served as the Army Chief of Staff (ACOS).
He replaces Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, who held the position since 2019.
Among others, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, former Head of Military Intelligence, has been appointed Army Chief of Staff while Colonel Francis Regis Gatarayiha, who previously served as his deputy, has been named Acting Head of Military Intelligence in the RDF.
Several other notable appointments include Maj Gen Alex Kagame, who has been named Joint Task Force Commander in Mozambique, replacing Maj Gen Eugene Nkubito, who has been assigned as the Commander of the 3rd Division operating in Rwanda’s Western Province.
Colonel Theodomir Bahizi has been appointed as the Battle Group Commander in Mozambique.
Lt Col Augustin Migabo has been promoted to Colonel and appointed as Deputy Commander of the Special Force Command.
Meanwhile, Brig Gen Evariste Murenzi appointed as the new Commissioner General of the RCS.
Another key change includes the appointment of Jean Bosco Ntibitura as the Director General of the Internal Security Service (NISS), a position previously held by the current Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana.
Koné was participating in a panel discussion centered around the theme ‘Uniting Towards One African Market,’ at the GITEX Africa Summit held in Morocco on 31st May 2023 .
He was joined by Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science and Technology Innovations in Uganda; Ghita Mezzour, the Moroccan Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform and Tahina Razafindramalo, the Minister of Digital Transformation among others.
Koné emphasized that cross-border integration should be accompanied by robust digital infrastructure to maintain sovereignty, as a lack thereof may be perceived as non-sovereign in some instances.
“Digital integration is becoming a prerequisite; we do not have a choice but to integrate our market,” he stated. Koné further explained that expanding the market beyond national boundaries enables small and medium enterprises and startups to target consumers in other African nations.
Highlighting the progress made, Koné cited infrastructure and connectivity developments, along with initiatives like the Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA), which saw ten countries, including Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia, signing a declaration to adopt digital identification.
When discussing the reasons behind Africa’s lag in digital infrastructure, Koné identified gaps that need to be addressed and called on governments to collaborate with the private sector.
“To move forward, we need a mindset change, as the development of any country relies on the private sector. We need a conducive environment to attract private sector investments,” he noted.
Tahina Razafindramalo emphasized that unlocking Africa’s digital economy is vital for sustainable economic growth and job creation.
He commended African leaders for the progress made, particularly through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area under the African Union’s Agenda 63, which is expected to boost trade.
Other panelists recommended stabilizing continental payment systems and streamlining logistics to facilitate smoother trade.
Ghita Mezzour, the Moroccan Minister Delegate for Digital Transition, pointed out the need to address the digital skills gap among the human capital. She stressed the importance of working together to create a harmonized environment that attracts both Africans and international partners to ensure the success of the digital market initiative.
Officially opened by Aziz Akhannouch, the inaugural Gitex Africa Summit, held in the Red City of Marrakech, brought together over 900 tech companies, government entities, startups, and participants from more than 100 countries.
The event runs from 31st May to 2nd June, where tech companies are showcasing innovations in various areas including health, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.
With more than 100 participating government entities from 80 countries, GITEX Africa 2023 will also be the catalyst of multiple investment pledges and pubic private partnership announcements spearheading the acceleration of Africa’s digital transformation initiatives.
