Upon arrival in Rwanda, Lt Gen Kainerugaba was received by among others, Brig Gen Willy Rwagasana, the Commandant of Republican Guard and the Spokesperson of Rwanda Defence Force, Col Ronald Rwivanga.
Information about his visit went viral on Friday where it was reported that Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected in Kigali for discussions with President Paul Kagame aimed mending bilateral ties.
Recently, Lt Gen Muhoozi shared a message via his Twitter handle that people fighting President Kagame are fighting his family.
“This is my uncle, Afande Paul Kagame. Those who fight him are fighting my family. They should all be careful,” he tweeted.
On 17th January 2022, Kagame has received Uganda’s Permanent Representative of Uganda to the United Nations, Ambassador Adonia Ayebare who delivered a message from his counterpart, Museveni.
Political analysts have considered the milestone as a step further towards restoring relations to normal.
During his visit on 21st January 2022, Nyusi was received by the Mozambican government officials including the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Mr. Valige Taliabo Atuando; the Administrator of Palma Dictrict, Mr. João Buchil; the Permanent Secretary of Palma Mr. Zefa Alberto, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bernardino Raphael; Brig Gen Rui Jorge Mandofa, the Task Force Commander in Palma as well as the representatives of Rwanda Security Forces.
He met the Mozambican forces (FADM) and representatives of Rwanda Security Forces in Palma town and Afungi. Nyusi thanked the forces for the good work done in fighting terrorists and urged them to continue intensifying military operations wherever they are.
He praised the joint forces for their level of cooperation and collaboration in fighting the terrorists and urged them to maintain this spirit moving forward in order to completely defeat the terrorists.
Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique on 9th July 2021, to fight rebel groups linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The group sometimes calls themselves al-Shabaab, although they do not have known links with the Somali al-Shabaab.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked ISIL launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists while many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions including Palma, Awasse, Mocímboa Da Praia, Quionga, Tete, Maputo, Nhica Do Rovuma, Quelimane, Chinda and Mumu were seized from rebels.
As at 5th September 2021, Rwandan and Mozambican troops who were joined by the military mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) had captured almost all areas of Cabo Delgado Province where the remaining work was predominantly about launching offensives to quell enemy pockets from their hideouts and help displaced citizens to return to their homes.
Rwanda initially sent 1000 troops to Cabo Delgado honoring the request of Mozambique to support efforts to quell terrorist groups.
The troops had increased to nearly 2000 by the end of the year 2021.
The motorcycle belonging to one Patrick Mushimiyimana, 30, was stolen on Wednesday, January 19, in Bugaragara Village, Gacundezi Cell also in Nyagatare.
The Eastern Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamduni Twizeyimana said that the victim reported the alleged theft of his motorcycle, on Wednesday, after he could not find it where he had parked it.
“Mushimiyimana had parked his motorcycle outside the restaurant, where he was. When he came out, he could not find his motorcycle, and he reported to the Police,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
He added: “During investigations, some residents reported that they saw Kubwimana, who is also a suspected thief, leaving the area with the said motorcycle. Kubwimana, with the help of residents, was located and arrested with the stolen motorcycle.”
CIP Twizeyimana thanked residents, who shared information leading to the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the motorcycle.
Kubwimana was handed over to RIB at Rwimiyaga station for further legal process.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
More than 160 guests from 40 member states of the Association of African Air Forces (AAAF) are expected to convene in Kigali to discuss “Strategic Airlift” on the African continent.
According to a communique by Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, the purpose of the symposium is to create a forum for Air Chiefs from across the African continent to come together to address regional and continental issues, enhance relationship and increase cooperation among African Air Forces.
The main function of the Association of African Air forces is to assemble and advocate for partnerships between Air forces on the continent.
The AACS operates with the support of the United States Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces in Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA). The annual African Air Chief Symposium enables the networking and liaison between Air forces in achieving the objectives of the Association.
Since its establishment in 2015, the Association of African Air Forces has been very instrumental in providing a forum for members to multilaterally discuss common security challenges.
If you are looking for a place to relax alone, read a book while sipping on a cup of coffee sight on a magnificent landscape, you should probably check out Inzora rooftop café.
This quiet place is located in Kacyiru inside Ikirezi bookstore. It is a perfect place for bookworms. Their menu includes vegetarian meals and gluten free options which are affordable. They offer Takeout, Seating, Free Wi-Fi and Outdoor Seating.
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On a first date, things can get a little bit awkward. It is better to go to a luxurious place where you will both have lots to talk about like GATE 10. The latter is full of interesting details that start up conversations. Located in Kimihurura, the place has an amazing interior design packed with significant meaning and other traditional features. If you love history, it is a plus. Besides, the menu is mainly Rwandan and very affordable.
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Massage, waxing, facial? SARAY SPA is a good option. In this luxurious Spa, you can pamper yourself after a busy week in Kigali. Located in Kigali Marriot Hotel, the staff is friendly and professional. The treatments are wonderful accompanied by relaxing music. It is somewhat pricey but worth every penny.
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For lovers of wine, check out BRACHETTO. Located in Kacyiru, Brachetto is a modern Italian Restaurant which uses fresh, quality products combined with a touch of creativity. An incredibly diverse wine list from Italy, France and South Africa. Brachetto is a good place to go out with your friends on Saturday night but you should keep in mind that brachetto is not easy on the wallet.
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If you are looking to have a free and fun creative weekend, INEMA ART CENTER is the place to go. Located in Kacyiru, the facility is filled with creative things to do like painting, gallery visiting and also a yoga class and dance performance, you should also stay for the happy hour. It is a place to go with your friends, girlfriend or spouse where you can do spontaneous activities together.
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For an affordable fun place to take your Kids this weekend, you should take a trip to Masaka at the SPIDERMAN GAME CENTER and yes it is a thing! Kids are very into Spiderman these days. Spiderman game center will surely make your kids happy and as they say, ‘Happy Parents Happy Kids’.
{{KIGALI GOLF RESORT AND VILLAS}}
If you love golf or would like to start playing, start this weekend at KIGALI GOLF RESORT AND VILLAS. Kigali Golf Course in Nyarutarama is a beautiful 18-hole Gary Player Design Course. It is a great way to spend your weekend with some physical action. It is ecologically responsible for environmentalists and affordable with subscription options.
The weekend is starting. Make a budget, hit up your friends, go out and have fun within available means. Weekends in Kigali should be enjoyed to the fullest.
With ongoing vaccination efforts in Rwanda and across the world, there is optimism for the situation to normalize.
Before 2020, Rubavu district was considered Rwanda’s tourism and entertainment hub where people from different age brackets would turn up over the weekend for leisure on the shores of Lake Kivu, hydrothermal spring in Nyamyumba among other sceneries.
As the entertainment activities are now put to halt, the area is currently abuzz with whispering birds, the vroom of lawnmowers and water waves.
However, the situation did not discourage investors with optimism that COVID-19 will once be defeated to resume activities without disruptions.
It is against this backdrop that some investors are building hotels among other recreational facilities at the shores of Lake Kivu expected to give boost to tourism activities in Rubavu district once completed.
Some of hospitality establishments under construction in Rubavu town include a three storey building, nearby Kivu Serena Hotel and Rubavu district offices.
The name of the facility has not yet been disclosed but IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that the hotel nearing completion belongs to the family of Pastor Bizimungu, the former President of Rwanda.
Bizimungu led Rwanda from July 1994 until he resigned in 2000. Following his release from jail in 2007, never appeared in the political sphere but dedicated much of his time on businesses.
The project’s model shows that the building belongs to Séraphine Utamuliza, the wife of Pastor Bizimungu but the latter is said the be the focal person following up the project.
Construction activities began in 2018 while the first phase is expected to be completed in March 2022.
IGIHE has learnt that the latter will be among luxurious hospitality establishments in Rubavu district with 80 rooms becoming the first with such capacity in the town.
Located in approximately 200 meters from Lake Kivu shores, the hotel will also have a spacious multipurpose hall and a rooftop swimming pool.
It is said that the hotel’s completion stalled due to COVID-19 related restrictions that occasioned the delay in supply of some construction materials. If everything goes well, the two phases are to be completed this year.
The Mayor of Rubavu district, Ildephonse Kambogo has told IGIHE that such infrastructures developed at the shores of Lake Kivu are meant to lure more tourists to visit the area.
“There are different hotels under construction. We are lucky that Rubavu is a district with high agricultural yields and favorite touristic destination for neighbors and other foreigners. It is especially evidenced over the weekend where people come to the lake’s shores for relaxation,” he said.
Tourism is a main contributor to Rwanda’s economy.
The year 2019 was the best ever for Rwanda’s tourism sector with US$500 million in revenues. In the same year, visitors increased to 1.6 million while tourism contributed 3% to Rwanda’s GDP and created many more jobs.
As COVID-19 emerged in 2020, the tourism was among most hit hard sectors where revenues dropped to about US$121 million while revenues from MICE shrank to US$4 million. However, the year 2021 gives optimism for the situation to return to normal.
From January until November 2021, Rwanda earned US$134 million from tourism, translating into 19% growth compared to last year.
In November 2021, arrivals at the airport also increased by 36% in 2021 compared to last year. MICE also increased by 50% this year.
Restaurants and hotels have not been left behind economic recovery where they also registered 62% and 32% in economic growth respectively.
They include Jean Claude Murwanashyaka,30, and Olivier Bunani, 37, who were arrested in Buhande Village, Gasiza Cell, Bushoki Sector with 1,000 pellets of cannabis. One only identified as Musabyimana was also apprehended in Gatimba Village, Bugaragara Cell, Shyorongi Sector in possession of 300 pellets.
The District Police Commander (DPC) for Rulindo, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Pacifique Semahame Gakwisi said that the suspects were arrested as part of the ongoing Police operations targeting smugglers and drug traffickers.
“Murwanashyaka was at the time transporting the narcotics on a motorcycle ridden by Olivier Bunani, heading to City of Kigali from Musanze District, but Police intercepted them in Buhande, Rulindo District following credible information on their criminal dealings,” CIP Semahame said.
He added that Musabyamahoro was at the time traveling in a bus to Kigali from Rubavu District.
“Musabyamahoro, who had boarded a bus from Rubavu to Kigali was identified and arrested at a Police checkpoint in Shyorongi Sector. He had concealed 300 rolls of cannabis in his luggage,” the DPC said.
Musabyamahoro claimed that he was also hired by another drug dealer in Rubavu District to deliver the narcotics to a client, whom she did not disclose, in Kigali.
Similar targeted and random operations across the country continue to reap big in breaking chains of drug traffickers and local retailers.
CIP Semahame warned against such criminal practices. He further cautioned taxi-moto operators against transporting or facilitating drug dealers.
The suspects and exhibits were handed over to RIB at Bushoki and Shyorongi stations.
Article 263 of law No 68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offenses and penalties in general states that any person, who unlawfully produces, transforms, transports, stores, gives to another or who sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, commits an offence.
Upon conviction for “very severe narcotics,” the offender faces between 20 years and life imprisonment, and a fine of between Rwf20 million and Rwf30 million.
Cannabis is listed among very severe drugs in Rwanda.
The motorists were found either driving or riding while drunk. They were found intoxicated beyond the limit of 0.8 blood alcohol content.
The spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety (TRS) department, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rene Irere said that these are part of the Police operations across different roads of the country to prevent major causes of accidents.
“Driving while drunk is among the identified major causes of accidents and Police always remind motorists to avoid such deliberate traffic violations to save lives. Those who do not want to listen like these, will be arrested. The message is, do not drive when you drink,” SSP Irere said.
He advised motorists to change their behaviours and attitudes to be safe and to ensure the safety of other road users.
The purpose of their visit was to conduct a study tour of officer basic training in Rwanda.
On 18th January 2022, they visited Rwanda Defence Force Headquarters and were welcomed by the MOD Director General of Policy and Strategy, Maj Gen Ferdinand Safari and Chief J3, Col Chrysostom Ngendahimana on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
At RDF HQs the Egyptian Military Academy delegation was accompanied by their Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Brig Gen Hesham Rammah.
Maj Gen F Safari commended the existing defence cooperation between Egypt and Rwanda, welcomed and wished them good stay in Rwanda.
From 18th to 19th January 2022, the Egyptian Military Academy Delegation attended Officer Basic Training sessions at Rwanda Military Academy- Gako, where they interacted with the Academy Staff and explored the conduct of officer cadets training.
During their stay, the Egyptian officers also paid tribute to the victims of 1994 Genocide against Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial and visited the Campaign against Genocide Museum at Parliament.
Egyptian Armed Forces and RDF maintain good cooperation particularly in the field of military training.
In May last year, the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces, Lt Gen Mohamed Farid visited RDF held bilateral discussions with the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen J Bosco Kazura at RDF Headquarters, Kimihurura.
The delegation was received by the Joint Task Force Commander (JTFC) Major General Innocent Kabandana accompanied by RSF senior officers.
The JTF Commander briefed them on general security situation and RSF operations against the terrorists in Cabo Delgado Province.
Maj Gen Kabandana appreciated the existing collaboration and cooperation between RSF, SAMIM and FADM in the operations that have enabled the achievement of some good results.
He reiterated the need to plan and conduct joint offensive operations to dismantle the main terrorists’ bases in Chai Macomia and others in Pundanhiar and Nicha de Ruvuma.
In his remarks, the Chief of South African Defense Force General Rudzani Maphwanya said that the purpose of his tour in Mozambique was to visit SAMIM troops deployed in the Cabo Delgado Province and take the opportunity to visit RSF leadership who are also deployed for the same mission.
Gen Maphwanya commended cooperation between the forces in the operations namely; RSF, FADM and SAMIM and urged commanders on ground to sustain existing good collaboration in a bid to defeat the terrorist remnants in Cabo Delgado.
This would ensure the continuous return of the population to their homes and support them to revive social economic activities thus paving way to long lasting peace.
The CDF SANDF who is also the Chairman of the SADC Troika Chiefs of Defence reiterated that recent SADC Chiefs of Defence meeting recommended additional resources to SAMIM which will enhance the forces’ operational capacity.
He also noted the need for joint planning and expeditious execution of joint operations in order to defeat the terrorists reported in various areas.
