The bodies have been found in the morning of Wednesday 23rd February 2022 floating nearby Lake Ruhondo shores on the side of Gashaki sector in Musanze district.
The executive secretary of Gashaki sector, Munyetwali Jean Damascene has said that the two bodies are to be taken for post mortem.
“We have found the bodies of women that had drowned in Lake Ruhondo. We are working with Rwanda Investigation Bureau to take them to a health facility for postmortem,” he said.
“Finding their bodies might have been delayed because the lake is more than 40-meter deep and contains mud,” Munyentwali added.
The bodies are found five days after the incident happened.
The two women drowned as they went to Gahunga market coming from Kinoni sector in Burera district.
Arriving at the harbour, the usual engine powered boat was not operating that the women were facilitated to cross with a pirogue conducted by a 11-year old child. The canoe was blown by wind and capsized shortly before reaching the destination.
Three people onboard and the sailor survived while the two women drowned immediately.
The incident took place on Tuesday 22nd February 2022. One of residents whose house caught fire is Evariste Ndizeye residing in Irebero village, Nyagatovu cell of Mukarange sector. All items inside were burnt to ashes.
The executive secretary of Mukarange sector, Longin Gatanazi has told IGIHE that no one died during the incident except properties and Rwf574,000 loan that the man’s wife had received from a saving group.
“The incident resulted from poor electrical installation as per information provided by the house’s owner. All items inside the house including mattresses and beds among others destroyed. However, no one lost life,” he said.
Gatanazi revealed that Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade rushed to contain the fire before spreading out to neighboring houses.
Neighbors provided emergency assistance and temporary shelter as the family awaits construction of a new house.
Another house that caught fire belongs to Joseph Bizimana residing in Rurambi cell in Nyamirama sector. The trader selling motorbike spare parts lost items worth Rwf4 million.
Local leaders have confirmed that investigation is underway to establish cause of these incidents.
“My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joe Ritchie. Joe was a friend, who played a big part in the economic transformation of our nation. His fighting spirit and straightforwardness will be greatly missed,” he tweeted.
Joseph (Joe) Ritchie, co-chaired the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) and served as the founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rwanda Development Board (RDB)
His death follows the loss of another friend of Rwanda, Dr. Paul Farmer who died on Monday 21st February 2022.
In 2017, Joe Ritchie was among nine individuals decorated with the Igihango National Order of Outstanding Friendship medals in recognition of their exemplary service to the nation in various capacities.
The two friends of Rwanda whose death was announced in 24 hours were decorated with the medals on the same day.
Joe Ritchie was born in the United States of America in 1947. He is survived by her wife, Sharon Ritchie and 10 children.
The meeting held at the RNP General Headquarters in Kacyiru, was co-chaired by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza and his visiting counterpart of Malawi, DIGP Merlyne Yoramu.
The Malawian delegation arrived in Rwanda on Monday for a five-day visit with focus on administrative matters, counterterrorism, and canine management.
While speaking during the bilateral meeting, DIGP Ujeneza reiterated the productive engagements between the two police institutions.
“Rwanda National Police and Malawi Police Service have been enjoying cordial relationships for some time and continue to share experiences and expertise in ensuring the safety and security of our people. Together, we have so far achieved various tangible marks,” DIGP Ujeneza said.
Rwanda National Police and Malawi Police Service formalized their cooperation through a pact signed in March 2019 to partner in various disciplines of policing including training, joint operations, tracking and exchange of criminals, combating terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crimes, and information sharing on security related matters, among others.
Since 2016, seven Police officers from Malawi have attended the Police Senior and Junior Command and Staff courses as well as Police Tactical and Command course at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District.
Equally, four RNP senior officers are currently attending the Command and Leadership course in Malawi while the two institutions have also exchanged expertise in canine breeding and capabilities.
DIGP Ujeneza pledged RNP’s commitment to strengthening the cooperation further and open to sharing experiences and expertise in the field of general police administration counterterrorism, dog management, which are top on the agenda of the visit.
“RNP has a department of counter-terrorism… and a Canine Brigade Unit which supports some operations including counter-terror and anti-drug operations,” she said.
On her part, DIGP Yoramu said that Rwanda and Malawi Police have a long standing and successful relations.
“Our two national Police organizations have shared innovations in different departments of policing and learning from you on counterterrorism matters is another important step for us to further build a strong department as terrorism today is a global concern. Our officer in charge of Canine section will share our experience with his counterpart,” DIGP Yoramu said.
The stadium was built by a Turkish company dubbed Summa. The latter also extecuted other mega projects including the construction of Kigali Arena, Dakar Arena among other handball courts.
Kagame is among dignitaries invited to attend the inauguration of Senegal Stadium, a 50,000 seater multipurpose Olympic complex.
The stadium will bear the name of former President Abdoulaye Wade who accepted the decision taken by President Macky Sall.
Other Heads of State who attended the ceremony include Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. Erdogan’s visit reinforces his country’s willingness to expand investment in Africa.
Erdogan went to Senegal after visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo. The next destination on his itinerary is Guinea-Bissau.
George Weah, the President of Liberia, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau and Adama Barrow of Gambia , FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe were also present.
In 2019, The International Growth Center (IGC) conducted a study on the housing needs of Kigali alone, and it was estimated that there is a need for more than 310,000 new houses by 2032 with majority of those houses being in the affordable housing category.
To fill the current housing gap, the Government of Rwanda (GoR) initiated the Rwanda Housing Finance Project to allow Rwandans to access affordable mortgages for a long tenor.
The World Bank has funded this project to the tune of US$150 million through BRD to support Rwanda’s affordable housing agenda and provide affordable mortgage loans.
The prospective beneficiaries of this project are divided into two categories.
The first includes first time homeowners who earn less than Rwf1,200,000 per month and are looking to purchase a home with a value not exceeding Rwf40,000,000. This category will benefit from a mortgage loan at an interest rate not exceeding 11%.
The second includes first time homeowners who earn between Rwf1,200,000-1,500,000 per month and are looking to purchase a home with a value ranging from Rwf40,000,000 to 60,000,000. This category will benefit from a mortgage loan at an interest rate not exceeding 13%.
The project fund is accessible to borrowers through participating financial institution (PFIs). As of today, six financial institutions namely: Bank of Kigali (BK), ZIGAMA CSS, Bank of Africa (BoA), KCB Rwanda, NCBA Bank and BPR have access to the funds. However, BRD is actively pursuing partnerships with other banks to ensure that the facility is convenient for all.
The RHFP has a digital platform (iwanjye.brd.rw) that will link applicants, financial institutions, and affordable housing developers. Once an application is submitted, the system will verify the conformity of the applicant against eligibility criteria set by the Government of Rwanda to benefit from an affordable housing scheme.
Thereafter, eligible applicants will be notified to proceed and choose their future home in any location of their choice but compliant with the location master plan and consequent mortgage loan processing.
BRD has called upon potential beneficiaries wishing to benefit from the affordable housing scheme to register at iwanjye.brd.rw/
Individuals or real estate developers intending to build or sell affordable housing units can contact BRD at rhfp@brd.rw for further information and collaboration.
It was announced during the International Condoms Day celebration held on Friday 18th February 2022. It was organized by AHF Rwanda in collaboration with Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC).
The event also featured a concert of various artistes who joined efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections through condoms.
As AHF revealed, more than three million condoms were distributed for free last year, while more than 250,000 have been delivered since the beginning of 2022.
Speaking at the event; Nteziryayo Narcisse, Prevention Programs Manager at AHF Rwanda said that HIV still exists, yet there is no cure and vaccine. He urged Rwandans to always remember the use condoms as one of best ways to prevent infections.
“We have made possible efforts to fight the epidemic. That is why the prevalence of HIV stands at 3% in Rwanda while other countries are above 10%,” he said.
Nteziryayo said the condom is a reliable way to prevent new infections, unplanned pregnancies, and other sexually transmitted infections.
“Condoms are cheaper and available in Rwanda everywhere. It is available in AHF-designed houses in partnership with RBC, and is available at health centers, the private sector, boutiques, and various other condominiums.”
Dr. Basile Ikuzo, the Director of Prevention Unit at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), said it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent AIDS.
“We urge the people of Rwanda and the world at large that HIV is still there, that it is a threat to us. We need everyone’s contribution to support the cause,” he said.
Each year, 1.5 million people are infected with HIV, which is a huge number that everyone needs reconsider.
“It’s a good reminder that when used properly, condoms are a great way to prevent the virus from spreading and to help people who are infected with the virus to stay clean”, Dr. Ikuzo added.
Few kilometers before reaching the finishing line, Restrepo broke into a sprint and arrived first clocking 3 hours, 54 minutes and 10 seconds. He registered the same time with other riders of his peloton including Tesfazion Natnael who won Tour du Rwanda in 2019.
Restrepo, 27, has also taken the yellow jersey from Alexandre Geniez who retained it on first and second stage of the tournament.
Participating for the sixth time, Restrepo breaks the record as the first rider to win six stages.
The top performing Rwanda is Seth Hakizimana riding for Team Rwanda who was the 23rd to cross the line.
The week-long tournament will continue on Wednesday 23rd February 2022 with the fourth stage covering 124.3 kilometers from Kigali to Gicumbi.
The 14th edition of Tour du Rwanda will cover a total distance of 937.1 kilometers.
The race has attracted 19 teams competing in eight stages across Rwanda.
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It is reported that he has died in the United States of America (USA).
Joe Ritchie who was granted Rwandan nationality headed RDB from 2007 until 2009.
In 2017, Joe Ritchie was among among nine individuals decorated with the Igihango National Order of Outstanding Friendship medals in recognition of their exemplary service to the nation in various capacities.
His death follows the loss of another friend of Rwanda, Dr. Paul Farmer who died on Monday 21st February 2022.
The two friends of Rwanda whose death is announced in 24 hours were decorated with the medals on the same day.
In August last year, he attended the Presidential Advisory Council meeting which discussed various topics including the COVID-19 pandemic and current affairs.
It was chaired by President Paul Kagame. Among others, the meeting brought together Rwandan and International experts who offer strategic advice to the President and the government.
Also present at the meeting were Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, John Rwangombwa among others.
International experts who attended include Ashish Thakkar, the Founder of Mara Group which established phones manufacturing plant in Rwanda ; Dale Dawson, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Bridge2Rwanda.The latter is a foundation formed to help expand Rwanda’s global network of friends, to encourage foreign direct investment and to create opportunities for Rwandan students to study abroad.
The council also hosted Kaia Miller, Mauro De Lorenzo, Joseph Ritchie, Michel Roux, Dave King, Paul Davenport, Rod Reynolds, Pastor Rick Warren, Scott Ford and Christian Angermayer.
Dr. Farmer breathed the last on Monday 21st February 2022. The UGHE announced that the renowned American physician and philanthropist died while sleeping. He has been in Rwanda for almost one month where he lectured at UGHE.
He has been a friend of Rwanda for more than 20 years who significantly contributed to the advancement of the country’s health sector. In 2019, President Paul Kagame decorated Dr. Farmer with the Igihango National Order of Outstanding Friendship medal.
He had wished to stay in during his advanced ages, sources reveal.
As the bad news dominated the media coverage on Monday, health officials headed to Butaro where Dr. Farmer was staying to get first-hand information on circumstances of his death.
Following his demise, President Paul Kagame is among high profile personalities expressed condolences to the bereaved family noting that he will be cherished for his contribution to national development.
He said that is hard to find the words to express the sad news of the passing of Paul Farmer, a philanthropist who ‘combined many things hard to find in one person’.
The Head of State went on to explain that ‘the weight of his loss is in many ways personal, to the country of Rwanda [which he loved and to which he contributed so much during its reconstruction], to my family and to myself’.
Ange Kagame, the daughter of President Kagame has said that it hard to meet a human being as special, kind and impactful as Paul Farmer was.
Bill Clinton, the former President of the United States of America (USA) has said that he, his wife and their daughter Chelsea are devastated by the sudden passing of Dr. Paul Farmer whom they described as one of the most extraordinary people ever known.
The family has through a statement revealed that it is an honour to have worked closely with him in Haiti, Rwanda and beyond; to serve alongside him on the board of the Clinton Health Access Initiative; and to be counted among his multitude of friends around the globe.
“Paul Farmer changed the way health care is delivered in the most impoverished places on Earth. He saw every day as a new opportunity to teach, learn, give, and serve—and it was impossible to spend any time with him and not feel the same,” Bill Clinton tweeted.
Bill Gates has also shared his feelings via Twitter noting that the demise of Dr. Farmer is a huge loss.
“What a devastating loss. Paul is a hero, and I was fortunate to call him a friend. I have never known anyone who was more passionate about reducing the world’s worst inequities in health—or who did more to live by his values,” he said.
“Paul was never happier than when he was caring for patients in one of the clinics he helped create. My heart goes out to his family and friends, his colleagues, and all the people whose lives he touched, “Bill Gates added.
Bill Gates expressed optimism that his work will continue through Partners In Health, the organization he co-founded which he described as ‘a phenomenal legacy’.
Melinda Gates, the ex-wife of Bill Gates also expressed sentiments of sorrow for the passing of Dr. Farmer, her teacher whom she considered a friend and role model.
“I’m heartbroken that my teacher, mentor, & friend Paul Farmer is gone. He taught me what it means to listen—to really listen—instead of charging in with my own solution. He showed me how to channel my anger about the barriers that hold people back into relentlessness & optimism,” she tweeted.
Melinda Gates highlighted that she will miss her dear friend and ‘continue to be inspired by him, every day’.
Samantha Power who once served as US ambassador to UN has mourned Dr. Paul Farmer and eulogized him as a person who shared everything with others.
“He saw the worst, and yet did all he could to bring out the best in everyone he encountered. Indefatigable, mischievous, generous, brilliant, soulful, skeptical, idealistic, beloved. A giant,” she tweeted.
The Director General of World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also revealed via Twitter handle that he was deeply saddened and heartbroken by the death of a friend and global health champion.
“He led so many efforts for health equity and against root causes of injustices. We must never stop continuing his legacy. You will be so greatly missed my friend,” he said.
Dr. Farmer was renowned for his efforts to provide health care to low-income nations. Born in North Adams, Mass., he graduated from Duke University in 1982 and went to Harvard University, where he earned an M.D. and a Ph.D. in anthropology.
He served as a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
In 1987, Farmer founded Partners in Health in Haiti with the mission to provide high-quality care to patients from impoverished backgrounds and those living far from health-care facilities. Over the next three decades, PIH expanded to countries across Africa and Latin America, to Russia and to the Navajo Nation in the U.S.
In 2020, he won the million-d0llar Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture, an honor that goes to an individual who has made major contributions to advancing ideas that shape the world.
