The appeal was lodged with the Nyarugenge High Court, challenging the court’s verdict and sentence.
DJ Toxxyk had been prosecuted on charges of involuntary manslaughter, unlawful involvement with narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances, fleeing the scene after causing or being involved in a road accident, and refusing to take a breathalyser test.
The case stemmed from a road accident that occurred in the early hours of December 20, 2025, which resulted in the death of a police officer. During the investigation, drugs were also reportedly found at his residence.
On May 4, the Kicukiro Primary Court delivered its verdict, finding DJ Toxxyk guilty on all charges. The court sentenced him to three months of community service, suspended for six months, and imposed a fine of 1,050,000 Rwandan francs.
Following the judgment, DJ Toxxyk, who had been held in pre-trial detention at Mageragere Prison in Nyarugenge, was released.
During the trial proceedings, the Prosecutor’s Office had requested a two-year prison sentence and a fine of 1 million Rwandan francs. DJ Toxxyk admitted to involuntary manslaughter and fleeing the scene of the accident, but denied the drug-related charges. He also stated that he had apologised to the family of the deceased officer, who he said had forgiven him.
The Prosecutor’s Office has filed an appeal against the ruling issued by the Nyarugenge Primary Court in the recently concluded case involving Shema Arnaurd De Bosscher, commonly known as DJ Toxxyk.
In August 2023, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana had revealed that the program would temporarily be hosted at Nkumba Civic Training Center in Burera District which had enough accomodations, noting that it would undergo further upgrades to fully meet the required standards.
However, on May 11, 2026, MINUBUMWE confirmed that this year’s edition of Itorero Indangamirwa will take place in Gabiro from July 1 to August 10. The ministry further announced that students from universities and higher learning institutions will also join this year’s intake.
Traditionally, the program was designated for young people aged between 18 and 25. This year, however, participation will be limited to youth between the ages of 18 and 23.
Established in 2008, Itorero Indangamirwa brings together young Rwandans living abroad, students studying in international schools operating in Rwanda, and outstanding participants who excelled in the national service program known as Rugerero.
Participants receive training aimed at instilling patriotism, discipline, cultural values, and a spirit of responsibility and leadership.
They are also taught Rwanda’s history and encouraged to share ideas on how they can contribute to the country’s development while safeguarding its achievements.
In addition, security personnel provide the youth with basic defense and military orientation through practical exercises. The training includes introductory lessons on firearm handling, basic combat planning, and military tactics.
Since 2023, Itorero Indangamirwa had been relocated to the Nkumba Civic Training Center.
The two-day meeting comes as Washington struggles to contain the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has entered its third month and threatens to overshadow broader talks on trade, technology and regional security.
Trump will be accompanied by a delegation of prominent US business leaders, including Tesla chief Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook, underscoring the economic focus of the visit despite rising geopolitical tensions.
Reports suggest the trip could include the announcement of a major order for 500 Boeing 737 Max aircraft and discussions on a new bilateral trade framework.
The Iran conflict remains central to the talks. US officials have reportedly urged Beijing to use its influence over Tehran to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route partially disrupted by the war.
China, Iran’s largest oil customer, has called for stability while criticising recent US sanctions on Chinese firms accused of aiding Iranian oil exports.
Trump dismissed suggestions that Washington needed Beijing’s help in dealing with Iran, telling reporters before departing the White House: “We’ll win it one way or the other, peacefully or otherwise.” He also described Xi as “relatively good” during the crisis.
The summit is expected to address several sensitive issues, including Taiwan, artificial intelligence and ongoing trade disputes. Trump recently indicated he would discuss US arms sales to Taiwan with Xi, prompting concerns that Washington could soften its longstanding support for the self-governing island in exchange for Chinese cooperation on Iran.
China enters the meeting from a position of relative strength, analysts say, with the US facing mounting international pressure over the Middle East conflict. Still, both sides appear keen to preserve a fragile tariff truce reached last year and avoid a further deterioration in relations.
The summit itinerary includes private meetings, a state banquet and a visit to Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven. Security across the Chinese capital has been significantly tightened ahead of Trump’s arrival.
The veto power is a special right held exclusively by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). Under this system, a single negative vote from any of these five nations can block the adoption of any “substantive” resolution, regardless of how much international support it receives from the rest of the world.
Speaking during a ministerial-level strategic dialogue on UN Security Council reform on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Nduhungirehe said the use or threat of veto has frequently been used to pressure member states and prevent serious consideration of humanitarian interventions.
“For a long time, the use of veto rights or the threat of its use has repeatedly been employed to pressure member states or block serious consideration of humanitarian interventions, thereby paralysing the Council’s primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,” he said.
He warned that this has contributed to delays or obstruction in addressing urgent humanitarian situations, undermining the Council’s core mandate.
Nduhungirehe reiterated Rwanda’s alignment with the Common African Position, which calls for equitable representation of Africa on the UN Security Council, including permanent seats with full rights and privileges.
However, he stressed that reform efforts must go beyond representation to also address how the Council operates.
“Structural reform must go hand in hand with reforms to the Council’s working methods, including improvements in transparency and accountability,” he said.
The summit, which closes today, is being co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron, with President Paul Kagame among the heads of state in attendance.
The two-day gathering has attracted more than 4,000 participants, including over 25 African heads of state and government, according to organisers.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, has raised concern over the use of veto powers at the United Nations Security Council, saying the practice has often blocked humanitarian action and weakened the body’s ability to respond to global crises.Nduhungirehe raised the concerns during a ministerial-level strategic dialogue on UN Security Council reform on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.
Uwimbabazi received the “J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence,” an award given every year to only 10 employees across Marriott International’s worldwide operations who demonstrate exceptional service and leadership in the hospitality industry.
The award ceremony took place at Marriott International’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. on May 11, 2026.
Employees considered for the award are nominated by the hotels where they work based on their performance and achievements. Marriott International evaluates candidates on customer care, teamwork, leadership and professionalism.
Uwimbabazi works as the Director of Rooms Operations at Kigali Marriott Hotel. She became the first employee from East Africa to receive the award.
Her leadership and ability to provide efficient and high-quality services to guests from different backgrounds were among the reasons she was recognised.
After receiving the award, Uwimbabazi thanked those who had trusted her and expressed pride in representing Rwanda on the international stage. She noted that becoming the first Rwandan woman and the first employee from East Africa to receive the award was not simply a personal achievement, but also a responsibility.
She added that the recognition belonged to every African working in the hospitality industry, especially women.
Uwimbabazi also highlighted that the values and confidence she gained as a Rwandan inspired her to love her work and helped her achieve international recognition.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, thanked Uwimbabazi for making Rwanda proud, noting that she deserved the recognition of her commitment to excellence.
Deborah Marriott Harrison, a member of the Board of Directors of Marriott International also congratulated Uwimbabazi. Uwimbabazi was accompanied by her husband, Ribani Eric.Bill Marriott, the Executive Chairman of Marriott International and son of the company’s founder J. Willard Marriott, congratulated Uwimbabazi. Sandeep Walia is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Marriott International in the Middle East & Africa congratulated Uwimbabazi.
The memorial site holds the remains of more than 59,000 victims, including over 30,000 people who were killed within a very short period after seeking refuge at the Nyarubuye Catholic Church, in the hope that it would be a safe place.
During the guided tour, EAX staff were presented with detailed accounts of the extreme cruelty that characterized the killings.
Survivors and guides described acts such as opening victims’ chests, placing blood in containers to mockingly test whether it could turn into milk, and spreading pepper on bodies to check for signs of life. Children were also violently killed, including being smashed against walls, alongside other forms of brutality.
One survivor, Léoncie Mukandayambaje, who lived through the massacre at Nyarubuye Church, gave testimony of how her baby was killed in front of her after being cut with a machete.
She herself survived after being rescued by the Rwandan Patriotic Army, despite suffering severe injuries.
Commitment to remembrance and education
Paradie Ritha Nimusabe, an employee of East Africa Exchange Ltd, said the visit was particularly meaningful for young people born after the genocide.
She stated that the experience strengthened her resolve to fight genocide denial and ensure such atrocities are never repeated, noting that the cruelty witnessed at Nyarubuye should never happen again.
Similarly, Jean Marie Vianney Nizeyimana said the visit helped him understand how the genocide was carefully planned and how ordinary civilians in Nyarubuye were killed simply for being Tutsi. He added that he intends to pass on these lessons to his children so they grow up valuing unity, love, and historical awareness.
Aimé Gilbert Tuyisenge also reflected on the visit, saying he had heard about Nyarubuye before but had never visited. He described being shocked by testimonies of sexual violence and humiliation suffered by women and girls during the genocide. He emphasized the importance of teaching younger generations Rwanda’s history so that they can learn from it and actively confront denial.
The Chief Executive Officer of EAX, Clement Kayitakire, said the company deliberately organized the visit to Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial to help employees learn the history firsthand and pass it on to younger generations.
He stressed the importance of youth engagement in telling the truth about history, especially at a time when misinformation and genocide denial are spreading on social media.
“It is our responsibility, especially for young people, to tell the truth about this history. On social media today, there are people who distort and deny the Genocide against the Tutsi. That is why we must learn this painful history and be able to respond with facts,” he said. The Mayor of Kirehe District, Rangira Bruno, praised EAX for taking its staff to learn about the history of Nyarubuye. He urged them to take up the responsibility of fighting genocide denial and educating younger generations.
He recalled the extreme brutality of the killings, noting that victims included men, women, children, and the elderly, and that perpetrators went as far as mutilating bodies and desecrating remains in an attempt to maximize suffering. He also acknowledged the role of the Rwandan Patriotic Front in stopping the genocide and restoring peace.
Kirehe District Mayor Bruno Rangira commended EAX for taking its staff to learn about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Nyarubuye.EAX Chief Executive Officer Clement Kayitakire said the company wants young people to play a role in fighting Genocide denial and revisionism.EAX Chief Executive Officer Clement Kayitakire lays a wreath at Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial.Florentine Nyirakamana from the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement explained the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Nyarubuye to EAX staff.IBUKA President in Kirehe District, Bonaventure Nduwimana, appreciated EAX for taking its employees to learn about the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi at Nyarubuye.Leoncie Mukandayambaje shared an emotional testimony about how she survived the Genocide against the Tutsi.EAX staff were briefed on the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Nyarubuye.EAX employees pledged to continue fighting Genocide denial and revisionism.
The Global Forest Goals Report 2026 found that only seven of the 26 targets have been broadly achieved, while 17 are partially on track and two remain off target.
Drawing on voluntary national reports from 48 countries that account for 51 percent of global forest coverage, along with the latest international data, the report offers the most current assessment of progress under the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030 and its six Global Forest Goals.
The report noted that global forest area shrank by more than 40 million hectares between 2015 and 2025. It also highlighted a major shortfall in financing for sustainable forest management.
Despite these setbacks, many countries have introduced policy reforms, expanded forest restoration programs, strengthened governance and increased international cooperation on forest protection.
Progress, however, remains uneven across regions. The report cited improvements in protected forest areas, long-term management planning and forest monitoring systems, but warned that deforestation, climate change, wildfires, pests and illegal activities continue to threaten forests worldwide.
The report outlines pathways for accelerating action, including halting deforestation, restoring degraded lands, expanding protected and sustainably managed forests, strengthening forest-related governance, closing the financing gap for sustainable forest management and advancing innovative financing mechanisms.
The report was released at the opening of the 21st session of the UN Forum on Forests at UN Headquarters, where member states and partners are gathering to advance implementation of the Global Forest Goals.
The report noted that global forest area shrank by more than 40 million hectares between 2015 and 2025.
Museveni, 81, was declared the winner of the presidential poll by the Electoral Commission in January, securing a seventh term in office. Official results showed that he obtained about 72 percent of the vote, while his closest challenger, Bobi Wine, garnered around 25 percent.
Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony unfolded under heavy security and strict protocol, bringing together regional heads of state, senior government officials, diplomats, and dignitaries from across Africa.
Security was visibly heightened across Kampala ahead of the event, with security agencies deploying personnel to manage crowds, secure key routes, and ensure a smooth and orderly inauguration process.
Grand ceremonial display at Kololo
The ceremony featured elaborate military and constitutional rituals at Kololo Independence Grounds. President Museveni arrived under heavy security escort, with supporters lining the venue to witness the occasion.
He received the final salute of his outgoing term as Commander-in-Chief, followed by the national anthem, marking the formal commencement of the inauguration proceedings. Museveni later inspected a ceremonial parade and briefly interacted with visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries, underscoring the diplomatic significance of the event.
The presidential standard was later lowered, symbolically marking the end of his previous term and temporarily rendering the presidency vacant in line with constitutional procedure.
Prayer, electoral declaration, and oath of office
Religious leaders led national prayers, with Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu offering blessings for wisdom, justice, and good health for the President and First Lady Janet Museveni.
Vice President Jessica Alupo presided over the constitutional segment of the ceremony before Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama officially declared Museveni the winner of the election.
“From the declared results, Museveni emerged winner after satisfying the legal requirement that a candidate must obtain more than 50 percent of valid votes cast,” Byabakama said.
Museveni then took the oath of allegiance and the presidential oath before Flavian Zeija, accompanied by his daughter Natasha Karugire. Military honours were rendered as he stepped forward, drawing applause from attendees.
Following the swearing-in, President Museveni signed official instruments and received key national symbols, including the Constitution, the national flag, the presidential standard, the coat of arms, and the public seal.
A presidential salute was fired, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute as the presidential standard was raised again, signalling the formal start of his new term in office.
Museveni later inspected the military parade as the newly inaugurated President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.
Regional significance and policy direction
Museveni has consistently emphasised priorities such as infrastructure expansion, economic transformation, and regional integration. In his renewed mandate, he pledged to continue advancing Uganda’s development agenda while strengthening regional cooperation and promoting economic growth and stability.
The ceremony comes as East African nations increasingly focus on improving trade links, enhancing security cooperation, and expanding regional connectivity initiatives aimed at boosting economic integration.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been sworn in for a new presidential term following a vibrant and tightly orchestrated inauguration ceremony.Following the swearing-in, President Museveni signed official instruments and received key national symbols, including the Constitution, the national flag, the presidential standard, the coat of arms, and the public seal.President Museveni holding the Constitution.President Museveni receives the national flag of Uganda.President Museveni receives the coat of arms.
The ruling was delivered on May 11, 2026, with the court stating that there are substantial grounds to suspect him of assault causing bodily harm and insulting or obstructing judicial authorities.
Gatete was arrested on April 24, 2026, following a complaint filed by Vuganeza Pascal, who alleged that Gatete owed him Rwf800,000 from the sale of a refrigerator after failing to meet the agreed payment deadline.
According to the complaint, Vuganeza was allegedly assaulted when he attempted to recover the debt, leading to charges related to assault and bodily harm.
Investigators from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) summoned Gatete three times without success. Prosecutors further allege that during his arrest, he tore up an arrest warrant (“mandat d’amener”) presented to him by law enforcement officers, resulting in an additional charge of insulting or obstructing judicial authorities.
During the hearing, Gatete denied personally assaulting the complainant, claiming that any physical confrontation involved his employees rather than himself. He also argued that the arrest warrant was accidentally torn while officers were handcuffing him.
However, the court found that witness testimonies placed Gatete at the scene and concluded that the evidence gathered during investigations constituted strong grounds for suspicion.
The court further ruled that provisional detention was necessary, citing concerns that Gatete had previously failed to comply with investigative summonses and could interfere with witnesses or obstruct ongoing investigations if released.
On May 10, 2026, a statement posted on Gatete’s X account expressed regret over the incident and apologised for his conduct.
“I regret and apologise for falling short of the behaviour that is expected of me. I own up to all my mistakes and commit to acting differently going forward,” he wrote.
Journalist Mazimpaka Magnus later shared two letters online, one from Gatete apologising to authorities and another from Vuganeza confirming that he had received the outstanding Rwf800,000, along with an additional Rwf100,000 to cover related expenses.
In his letter addressed to the Head of RIB and the Prosecutor General, Gatete acknowledged failing to respond promptly to initial summonses, attributing the delay to bereavements within his family.
Vuganeza, meanwhile, stated that he wished for the matter to be resolved amicably and requested the withdrawal of his complaint.
Under Rwandan law, insulting or obstructing judicial officials, including investigators, prosecutors, and judges, can result in a prison sentence of between one and two years, as well as fines ranging from Rwf1 million to Rwf2 million upon conviction.
Intentional assault causing bodily harm carries a sentence of six months to one year in prison and fines ranging from Rwf100,000 to Rwf300,000 if convicted.
Gatete was arrested on April 24, 2026, following a complaint filed by Vuganeza Pascal, who alleged that Gatete owed him Rwf800,000 from the sale of a refrigerator after failing to meet the agreed payment deadline.
Held under the theme “Africa Forward: Africa-France Partnership for Innovation and Growth”, the summit, which closes on Tuesday, seeks to deepen cooperation between Africa and France in trade, investment, and technology, with a strong focus on shifting toward a more investment-driven and innovation-led partnership.
A key highlight of President Kagame’s participation will be his role as co-chair of a high-level roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies. The discussion is expected to explore Africa’s growing role in shaping global digital policy and accelerating innovation-led development, an area where Rwanda has increasingly positioned itself as a continental leader.
In addition to the AI session, President Kagame is expected to address a plenary session bringing together African and French chief executive officers, where discussions will focus on green industrialisation and energy transition. These themes form part of a broader agenda aimed at advancing sustainable economic transformation across the continent.
The Africa Forward Summit brings together more than 4,000 participants, including over 25 African Heads of State and Government, alongside more than 2,000 business leaders, innovators, and development partners. It also marks the first time such a high-level Africa-France forum is being held in an English-speaking African country.
Organisers say the summit represents a strategic shift away from traditional aid-based relations toward “bankable investments” designed to attract private capital and support commercially viable projects across African economies. Key stakeholders include governments, private sector actors, African multilateral institutions, and global financial partners such as the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
Youth engagement is also central to the summit, with around 500 young leaders expected to participate in a dedicated dialogue with Presidents Kagame, Ruto, and Macron. The discussions will focus on artificial intelligence, technology, and the role of young Africans in global decision-making.
The summit will further feature thematic roundtables on agriculture, health, rural development, and energy access, reflecting what organizers describe as a results-driven development agenda.
Rwanda is expected to feature prominently in discussions on artificial intelligence, underscoring its growing influence in digital innovation and technology-driven development on the continent. The cultural and creative industries will also be highlighted, with internationally recognized Rwandan artist Sherrie Silver among participants contributing to conversations on youth empowerment and economic transformation.
The Africa Forward Summit is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration on Future Africa-France Cooperation, outlining a new framework for partnership between Africa and France.
President Paul Kagame arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, May 11, where he joins other Heads of State and Government from across Africa for the inaugural Africa Forward Summit, a high-level gathering co-hosted by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
