The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed online on September 16 by GX Foundation CEO Professor Chan Yingyang and Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, formally launching the “National Malaria, Dengue Fever, and other Vector-Borne Disease Control in Rwanda” programme.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by GX Foundation Chairman Leung Chun-ying and Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi.
Under the agreement, GX Foundation will provide 36,000 rapid test kits for malaria and dengue, 18,000 bed nets and 6,500 mosquito lamps. The foundation will also supply more than 320,000 sticky fly traps and public education materials to support prevention and awareness efforts.
The three-year programme makes Rwanda the foundation’s 13th project country.
The partnership comes as Rwanda continues efforts to strengthen prevention, early detection and community-level responses to vector-borne diseases, including malaria and dengue. Dengue is a viral infection spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes.
The collaboration also coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and China, with the two countries continuing to expand cooperation in areas including public health.
The agreement follows discussions held in Kigali in January 2026 between Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva and a GX Foundation delegation led by Leung Chun-ying.
At the time, the two sides discussed potential areas of cooperation in Rwanda’s health sector, including healthcare delivery, prevention of avoidable diseases, capacity building and community-based interventions.
GX Foundation, a Hong Kong-based charitable organisation established in 2018, works on medical and public health programmes in underserved communities. Its areas of focus include vector-borne disease control, environmental health, emergency health risk management and prevention of avoidable conditions.
The foundation’s programmes also emphasise training, knowledge transfer and partnerships with governments and health institutions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed online on September 16 by GX Foundation CEO Professor Chan Yingyang and Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, formally launching the “National Malaria, Dengue Fever, and other Vector-Borne Disease Control in Rwanda” programme.
A large analysis of 87 clinical trials found that consuming around four to six servings of whole grains a day may provide meaningful improvements in cardiovascular health.
The research, led by Dr. Helda Tutunchi of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in Iran, brought together evidence from more than 6,500 participants in studies conducted across Asia, Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and Brazil.
Researchers examined how different levels of whole-grain consumption affected factors associated with cardiovascular disease.
The findings showed that people who consumed more whole grains generally experienced improvements in several areas. These included lower body weight, smaller waist circumference and reduced blood pressure.
The researchers also found improvements in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose. Some markers of inflammation, including interleukin-6, also decreased.
According to the analysis, benefits could already be seen when people consumed about 30 to 40 grams of whole grains per day.
However, the strongest overall effects were generally associated with approximately 60 to 100 grams per day, equivalent to around four to six servings.
Foods such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread and brown rice can contribute to this intake.
Researchers explain that whole grains may support heart health by producing several small improvements at the same time rather than dramatically changing one particular risk factor.
Their effects on cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight and inflammation could collectively contribute to better cardiovascular health over time.
Whole grains are different from refined grains because they retain the bran, germ and endosperm of the grain.
These parts contain important nutrients and dietary fibre that can be lost during refining.
However, the researchers caution that the findings should be interpreted carefully.
Most of the clinical trials lasted only about eight weeks, meaning it is not yet clear whether the observed benefits continue over many years.
The studies also measured cardiovascular risk factors rather than directly recording heart attacks, strokes or other cardiovascular events.
The research provides further evidence that replacing refined grain foods with minimally processed whole grains may be a simple way to improve several markers associated with heart health.
Longer-term research will still be needed to determine whether these improvements ultimately lead to fewer cases of cardiovascular disease.
New research suggests that eating whole grains regularly may help support heart health by improving blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, body weight and inflammation.
Shema appeared before the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on September 17, 2026, to appeal a decision by the Nyarugenge Primary Court ordering his 30-day pre-trial detention.
His lawyer, Niyomugabo Christophe, told the court that Shema had signed an agreement with the Prosecution. The prosecutor confirmed the agreement, saying it remained to be submitted to the court.
The judge adjourned the hearing to September 23, 2026. Shema was arrested on August 11, 2026, and is charged with issuing uncovered cheques worth $600,000 (about Rwf883.5 million) and obtaining another person’s property through fraud.
The case stems from a contract worth more than €1 million between Africa Medical Supplier Plc, a company owned by Shema that deals in medical equipment, and ABZL International General Trading LLC. The agreement, signed on January 23, 2024, was linked to World Bank procurement for the supply of medical equipment to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under the agreement, Africa Medical Supplier was required to pay ABZL within 60 days. The prosecution told the court that the company failed to meet the payment deadline and repeatedly delayed ABZL before eventually promising to settle the outstanding amount by email.
On August 5, 2025, Shema allegedly issued ABZL two cheques worth $400,000 and $200,000. The prosecution said the cheques were dishonoured because the company’s account did not have sufficient funds between August 1 and 10, 2025.
Shema denied the charges, saying ABZL was a financial services company based in the United Arab Emirates with which he had maintained business relations since 2017. He said their previous contracts had been successfully completed.
He told the court that Africa Medical Supplier had paid $400,000 in May 2024 and another $400,000 in December 2024, but that the second payment could not be completed because of an issue with ABZL’s account. He said the contract required ABZL to provide an alternative account in such circumstances.
Shema also said a dispute between ABZL shareholders led one of them to take the cheques, add payment instructions and request that the money be paid into a US bank account. He questioned why cheques originally intended for payment in Dubai would be redirected to the United States.
Shema maintained that he would not flee if released and told the court that he owns assets worth more than Rwf5 billion that could be used as security.
His defence counsel challenged the validity and handling of the cheques, arguing that the bank had cancelled them on July 16, 2025, before the alleged offence date of August 5. The lawyer also pointed to a change in the payment destination from the UAE to a US bank account on June 25, 2025.
The defence asked the court to grant Shema bail, arguing that the dispute arose from a commercial contract rather than a personal criminal matter.
In its September 2 ruling, the Nyarugenge Primary Court said that if Shema believed there had been fraud involving the payment arrangements, he should have reported it so the person responsible could be investigated.
Shema appealed the 30-day pre-trial detention order, arguing that he should be allowed to await further proceedings outside prison.
FERWAFA president Shema Fabrice has reached an agreement with the Prosecution.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry told IGIHE that the case files of the 46 suspects had been submitted to the Prosecution.
“After arresting the first 81 suspects, who are now facing legal proceedings, another 46 were arrested and their case files have been submitted to the Prosecution. Investigations are still ongoing in other districts,” he said.
The latest arrests include one suspect from Kirehe District, 11 from Kayonza, six from Rwamagana, 16 from Nyabihu, two from Musanze, three from Gicumbi, four from Nyamagabe and three from Huye.
The case files from Kirehe, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Nyabihu, Musanze, Nyamagabe and Huye were submitted to the Prosecution on September 14, 2026, while those from Gicumbi were submitted on September 15.
Preliminary investigations found that some Primary Six teachers posed as cooks to gain access to national examination venues.
In one case, a teacher entered the examination venue carrying cooking supplies and was allowed into the kitchen, where an examination paper was brought to him. He then completed it before the answers were reportedly used to help students cheat.
The suspects face charges of abuse of office for personal benefit, a corruption-related offence, and breach of professional confidentiality.
Under Article 15 of the law on combating corruption, a person convicted of abuse of office faces seven to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rwf5 million to Rwf10 million. A conviction for breach of professional confidentiality under Article 150 of the law determining offences and penalties carries one to two years in prison.
Dr. Murangira thanked members of the public for providing information that has helped authorities identify people suspected of involvement in examination malpractice.
The 46 latest arrests bring the total number of suspects to 127, up from the initial 81 arrests. File photo
During the visit, Wadagni toured parts of the memorial and was briefed on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s reconstruction journey.
On the same evening, Wadagni and President Paul Kagame joined Kigali residents for a walk along the Nyarutarama Green Carpet, a green corridor designed to provide safe and accessible spaces for walking, running and other outdoor sports activities.
Wadagni is in Rwanda for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kagame received Wadagni at Village Urugwiro, where the two leaders held talks on expanding bilateral cooperation.
Rwanda and Benin cooperate in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, technology, urban planning, public service delivery, transport and security.
In 2023, Rwanda and Benin signed 10 cooperation agreements and other instruments during Kagame’s visit to Benin, including agreements related to taxation.
Wadagni, 50, became President of Benin in May 2026, succeeding Patrice Talon after two terms in office.
He previously served as Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance for 10 years and visited Rwanda in 2023 as Talon’s special envoy.
Benin President Romuald Wadagni pays tribute to victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.Benin President Romuald Wadagni toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial where he learnt about history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.President Wadagni visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial during his two-day official visit to Rwanda.President Romuald Wadagni joins President Paul Kagame and Kigali residents for a walk along the Nyarutarama Green Carpet.President Wadagni and President Kagame take a walk along Kigali’s Nyarutarama Green Carpet.
Ingabire is accused of forming or joining a criminal organisation, causing unrest or disturbances, undermining the established government, and disseminating false information or propaganda intended to turn foreign countries against Rwanda, among other charges.
She was detained on June 19, 2025, after the court was not satisfied with her explanations regarding her alleged involvement in training sessions attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members. She had been summoned to their trial to provide information.
The prosecution told the court that the training sessions were intended to overthrow the government by encouraging people to oppose it. Ingabire, however, said the training had not been organised by DALFA-Umurinzi and that she was not aware of it.
The preliminary hearing was scheduled to begin in June 2026, but Ingabire raised several concerns, including restrictions on her communication with her family, which she said was important because her family would help facilitate the payment of her lawyers.
Ingabire told the court that she was not ready to stand trial because she was struggling physically, emotionally and spiritually as a result of the difficulties she had experienced. She also said she needed to meet her co-accused before she could properly prepare her defence.
She requested three months to prepare her case. The court instructed her to have her defence submissions ready by the end of July and informed the parties that the preliminary hearing would resume in September 2026.
The proceedings were then adjourned for nearly three months, partly because of the judiciary’s annual recess, which ended in September.
Ingabire returned to court on September 8, 2026, where she challenged the panel of judges hearing her case. Her objection would have required the proceedings to be postponed while another panel was constituted.
The President of the High Court found that Ingabire’s request was intended to delay the proceedings and fined her Rwf500,000.
The case is scheduled to resume on September 18, 2026.
Victoire Ingabire was detained on June 19, 2025, after the court was not satisfied with her explanations about her alleged involvement in training attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members.
The boat was handed over on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. It can carry up to 51 passengers in seated positions and up to five tonnes of cargo.
Alfred Habimana, the Vice Mayor of Rusizi District in charge of economic development, said the boat is valued at nearly Rwf500 million.
He said the new boat is intended to address challenges residents have faced when travelling to and from the island.
“Today, we handed over to Nkombo Island residents a boat provided by the President of the Republic. It is intended to address the difficulties they used to face. Even when it rains or the sun is shining, they will now be able to travel because the boat is covered and in good condition,” Habimana said.
He said the boat was procured through a tender issued by the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), adding that its services would be provided at an affordable cost.
The fare previously paid by residents travelling to Kamembe town has been reduced by Rwf500.
Habimana urged residents to take care of the new boat and other infrastructure provided to them.
“We ask residents to protect the facilities they have received, including this boat and other infrastructure that will be provided to them,” he said.
The boat is expected to improve mobility for Nkombo residents, facilitate trade and enable traders to transport goods to the island more safely.
One Nkombo resident said they previously relied on wooden boats, which made travel particularly difficult during the rainy season.
“It was not easy because we used wooden boats. During the rainy season, traders would go to buy goods, but their merchandise would get wet, or they would be unable to transport it back to the island. This boat is therefore a solution,” the resident said.
Nkombo residents had previously received another modern boat in October 2020. It was also provided in response to calls to improve transport for people living on the island and had a capacity of 30 passengers and three tonnes of cargo.
The boat later developed technical problems and stopped operating, prompting the authorities to initiate a new project to provide a replacement.
The new covered boat is expected to improve travel for Nkombo residents, particularly during the rainy season.The new boat can carry up to 51 passengers and five tonnes of cargo, easing transport for Nkombo Island residents.Residents of Nkombo Island have received a new boat valued at nearly Rwf500 million to facilitate passenger and cargo transport.
Ingabire Joselyne, Senior State Attorney in charge of International Justice and Judicial Cooperation at the Ministry of Justice, disclosed the figures in Rubavu on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, during a campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking.
“Recent figures on human trafficking show that 297 people had been repatriated between July 2025 and June 2026. This remains a serious and concerning crime globally, as many people are lured through technology,” Ingabire said.
She added that 11 cases involving 12 people accused of human trafficking had been tried, demonstrating that the crime also occurs in Rwanda.
Speaking to IGIHE, Ingabire said the 297 people had been trafficked to four countries including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Oman. Most of those repatriated were young people.
She said repatriated victims receive different forms of support, including medical care for six months before they are reintegrated into their families.
Residents also said human trafficking remains a growing concern, including in neighbouring countries.
Rwanda has ratified several international agreements aimed at combating human trafficking and continues to implement their provisions, although challenges remain.
Measures include prosecuting people involved in trafficking, preventing the crime through awareness campaigns, protecting victims and strengthening cooperation in the fight against human trafficking.
In the past three years, 54 people in Rwanda have been convicted and sentenced for human trafficking offences. They include 12 convicted in 2025, 18 in 2024 and 24 in 2023.
The campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking was held in Rubavu on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.Ingabire Joselyne, Senior State Attorney in charge of International Justice and Judicial Cooperation at the Ministry of Justice, disclosed the figures on Tuesday.
At 27, Teckno has established himself as one of Rwanda’s recognised male models, building a career that has taken him from university pageants to major fashion events in Rwanda and international stages.
Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and raised in Rwanda, Teckno completed his studies in Uganda, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from East African University in Kansanga, graduating at the top of his class.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Techno said his modelling journey gained momentum when he was crowned Mr University 2018–2019.
The title came with opportunities including free tuition, a stipend, an office and television appearances on Ugandan stations such as NTV and NBS to promote the university.
It also opened doors to modelling opportunities through Black Models Kenya, allowing him to participate in fashion events across the region.
After returning to Rwanda in August 2019, Teckno continued pursuing modelling. In 2023, he won Rwanda Global Top Model and became Rwanda Top Model for 2023–2024.
The achievement took him to Dubai on an all-expenses-paid trip, where he experienced a different level of compensation for modelling work.
He says he received $500 for an hour on stage, which made him reflect on the difference between international and local modelling markets.
“I was so shocked to see the money they are paying us. When I compared it with the money I’m getting from my country, I was like, ‘No good,’” Teckno told IGIHE.
Rwandan model Jean Teckno has built a modelling career that has taken him from university pageants to international fashion stages
His career has since been marked by several awards. He won the Karisimbi Award for Best Male Model of the Year in 2023, 2024 and 2025. In 2025, he was also named Best Stylish of the Year, while he won Best Male Summer Model of the Year from Supra Company for 2024–2025.
Teckno has worked with major fashion and entertainment events including Kigali Fashion Week, Karisimbi Awards, Supra Awards, Rwanda Global Top Model, Agaciro Fashion Gala, Kigali Festival, Video Vixen Awards and Rimba Fashion Show.
He has also appeared in music videos featuring artists such as Eazy, Marina, Bushali, Kevin Kade, Ishi Kevin and Phil Peter. His credits include “Basi Sori,” “Eden,” “Jugumira,” and “Vanilla.”
His international experience extends to Dubai, Nigeria, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Tanzania.
The hidden cost of modelling
Behind the glamour of the runway, Teckno says models face challenges that are rarely visible to the public.
In the interview, he identified low pay and unfair casting practices among the biggest problems affecting models in Rwanda.
He says models can sometimes travel from outside Kigali, spend money on transport and accommodation and attend castings only to discover that the final choices had already been made.
Jean Teckno says his experience in international markets has shown him the opportunities and challenges facing models in Rwanda
Teckno also believes models deserve greater recognition because they are central to fashion events.
“Without a model, I don’t think that any event would be an event,” he said.
He argues that the financial value of models is sometimes overlooked despite the significant investments made in fashion events, including spending on venues, production, photography and other services.
His international experiences have further highlighted these differences. He says he encountered stronger professional structures, greater respect for fashion professionals and better financial compensation in some foreign markets.
Nevertheless, he remains proud of representing Rwanda and says international opportunities have helped him gain exposure and build professional connections.
A call for change in Rwanda’s fashion industry
Teckno believes Rwanda’s modelling industry has significant potential but requires greater collaboration between models, organisers and the media.
He says fashion receives less media attention than sectors such as sports, which limits the visibility of models, designers and other fashion professionals.
He wants journalists to cover fashion events more consistently and organisers to recognise the contribution of models and other creative professionals.
He also believes models themselves must create a stronger sense of community instead of allowing competition to divide them.
“We need to love each other. Which generation are we building?” he asked.
Looking ahead, Teckno has ambitions that extend beyond becoming a successful model. He hopes to walk on major runways in fashion capitals such as Milan and Paris, launch his own fashion line and contribute to building a stronger modelling industry in Rwanda.
He also wants to mentor young models and create opportunities for people entering the industry.
“I want to see myself changing what people have failed to change. At least I put a milestone,” he told IGIHE.
For aspiring models, his advice is straightforward: remain authentic, build discipline and believe in yourself.
He also encourages parents to support their children’s talents while ensuring they receive an education. His own experience, he says, demonstrates that academic education and a creative career can complement each other.
The Rwandan model has worked with several major fashion and entertainment events in Rwanda and across the regionBeyond modelling, Jean Teckno wants to mentor young talents and contribute to building a stronger fashion industry in Rwanda
During their tête-à-tête, the two leaders reviewed existing bilateral initiatives and tasked their respective delegations with advancing strategic cooperation across key sectors.
“Following their talks, President Kagame and President Romuald Wadagni of Benin tasked their respective delegations with strengthening existing bilateral cooperation and advancing new areas of collaboration, with a focus on translating shared priorities into concrete outcomes,” stated the Office of the President.
President Kagame also hosted President Wadagni for an official lunch following their meeting.
Wadagni, 49, assumed office on May 24, 2026, succeeding Patrice Talon following his victory in the April 12 presidential election. His trip to Kigali marks his first official visit to Rwanda since taking office.
Cooperation between Rwanda and Benin has expanded significantly in recent years, underpinned by key agreements signed during President Kagame’s state visit to Benin in April 2023. Most notably, the security and defence agreement was established to help Benin secure its northern borders against the southward spillover of Sahel-based jihadist insurgencies, drawing on the Rwandan Defence Forces’ operational experience through joint training, strategic coaching, and potential security deployments.
Beyond defense, these bilateral frameworks encompass trade and investment, agriculture, digital transformation, tourism, taxation, and institutional development.
The two-day visit serves as an opportunity for both governments to evaluate ongoing progress, streamline the cross-border movement of people and goods, and map out new avenues for economic integration between East and West Africa.
During their tête-à-tête, the two leaders reviewed existing bilateral initiatives and tasked their respective delegations with advancing strategic cooperation across key sectors.Wadagni, 49, assumed office on May 24, 2026, succeeding Patrice Talon following his victory in the April 12 presidential election. His trip to Kigali marks his first official visit to Rwanda since taking office.
