This milestone demonstrates another step in achieving the objective of developing forces with special force skills provided for by RDF leadership guidance.
The newly trained group demonstrated effective skills in special operations tactics, river and water crossing, military topography, combat engineering, airborne operations, shooting as well as hand to hand combat skills.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
In his remarks, the RDF ACOS commended the graduates for their milestone achievement, commitment and discipline. He also appreciated the leadership of the training centre for their effort in forming the officers and men to meet RDF expectations.
He urged them to use the special skills acquired to protect the sovereignty of Rwanda and protect its people and keep the readiness, observe high discipline, ethics and core values of RDF as a legacy from their predecessors.
The overall best officer, Lt Robert Mugabe said that his success during the training was due to teamwork and emphasised he will use the acquired knowledge to fulfil future military career assignments.
Among others, 12 percent of the entire workforce was in the tourism sector directly and indirectly while more than US$60 million was earned from Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
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.
As at 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 have registered 62% and 32% in economic growth respectively.
Appearing in televised discussions on the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism and hospitality sector, the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi has explained that the figures reflect how the sector is on the right path of recovery.
“If you compare with 2019 figures as the best year we have had ever, we are still not where we want to be but I think we are beginning to see signs that we are progressing well. The future is promising, Visit Rwanda continues to be a strong brand, on dairies of a lot of people who want to come and visit and continue to showcase the country to the world,” she said.
The General Manager of Onomo Hotel, Emile Nizey has observed that the economic growth was higher than expected in 2021.
As part of efforts to revive the tourism sector adversely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, Rwanda slashed gorilla trekking fees by between 86% for Rwandans and 67% for foreigner living in Rwanda.
Before the discount, gorilla trekking fees was US$1500 set in 2018 up from US$750.
Today, Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park costs foreign nationals $500, Rwandan citizens and foreign residents pay $200 while international visitors on chartered flights pay $1,500.
{{Why Rwanda removed three-day quarantine for specific visitors}}
The new guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 Omicron variant which is believed to spread faster obliges all arriving passengers to undergo three-day quarantine at designated hotels. The CEO of RDB, Akamanzi has however explained that the directive doesn’t concern everyone.
“When we announced our new regulations recently, we exempted tourists that are visiting national parks from three-day quarantine. It is not all tourists. I think it clear that it only concerns tourists visiting national parks.That is not all international tourists. There are many tourists coming to Rwanda for business dealings, conferences and visiting families. All those are categorized as tourists,” she said.
“The one that we are exempting from the quarantine is only a small segment of tourists visiting national parks. And why did we do that? This whole exercise of managing the economy in the pandemic context has required a very difficult, complex but continuous balancing effect.
You are balancing managing the health, making sure that you are really curbing down the spread of the pandemic but also want to encourage in a safe way as much economic activity as you can because we need the economy to run, we need lives but also livelihoods, “added Akamanzi.
Akamanzi explained that tourists visiting national parks have the least health risks which she attributed to different reasons.
“First of all, they are very few. Out of 500,000 people that visited Rwanda last year and 1.6 million visitors in 2019, only less than 20,000 visited gorillas. It is a very small number. If you look at those who visited national parks in Nyungwe and Akagera , it is about 6,000 in total ,” she revealed.
With Omicron variant, Akamanzi said that it is expected to be a small number.
Moreover, she explained that many of them are fully vaccinated or have even received the booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“Secondly, the survey that we have done shows that many of them are not just fully vaccinated but they also received the booster shot. You will find the demographic of the people that are coming to see our national parks, is usually middle to a little bit elder categories. These are people that will make sure they are fully vaccinated before their travel and have even the booster shots. So, the risk of contracting of spreading is a lot lower,” she revealed.
Akamanzi explained that the third reason is to revive the economy considering the fact that the small number attracts huge revenues than other travelers.
On average, Akamanzi underscored that a business tourist spends about US$200, a conference tourist spends about US$300 per day while a tourist visiting gorillas spends US$1300 a day which might reach US$6000 in one trip.
“You can achieve the economic input with few people and less health risks with this category of people compared to bigger numbers,” she said.
Despite the removal of the quarantine for the segment of visitors, COVID-19 test is mandatory where are required to go for PCR test on the first, third and seventh day of their stay in Rwanda.
The deportees arrived on Wednesday 22nd December 2021 around 3p.m through Kagitumba border in Nyagatare district.
Rwanda has received over 50 nationals evicted from Uganda since the beginning of December 2021.
These include 35 deported on 6th December, additional to more 42 Rwandans who arrived towards the end of November.
The recent deportation follows series of circumstances under which Uganda has been expelling Rwandans after enduring torture in its detention facilities accusing them of being spies yet they had traveled to the country to run businesses or visit relatives among other reasons.
Rwanda, Uganda relations worsened since 2017. Rwanda has been expressing concerns over Rwandans who travel to Uganda for business purposes but are abducted, imprisoned and tortured accused of being spies.
Rwanda also accuses Uganda of hosting dissidents posing threat to national security.
In March 2019, the Government of Rwanda officially advised citizens not to travel to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
In August 2019, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame signed memorandum of understanding ‘Luanda Agreement’ in a bid to solve conflicts between both countries.
Despite efforts to sign the agreement between both heads of state witnessed by mediators including the President of Angola, Joao Lourenço and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the situation is still worsening as Uganda continues with arbitrary detention of Rwandans who are subjected to torture in its facilities.
The purpose of this event was to appreciate the work well done by Rwandan Security Forces (RSF) and SADC forces (SAMMIM) to help Mozambicans to fight against terrorists in Cabo Delgado.
The Chief of General Staff Admiral (CGS) Joaquim Mangrasse, who was the Guest of Honor delivered a message of solidarity to the joint forces.
“We are here to celebrate the achievements made by the joint forces, Rwanda Security Forces and also the SAMIM, because we the Mozambicans value the work done and we thank you all,” he said.
Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi who spoke on behalf of Rwanda Security Forces thanked the guest of honor for the invitation. He assured the CGS of his continued collaboration with the joint forces and other allies and partners in the journey to restore peace and stability in Cabo Delgado.
The participants were entertained by the Mozambican Military Band and a variety of Mozambican artists from Pemba as well as those from Maputo including Luisa Zélia Sebastiana da Graça Madade popularly known as “LILOCA”
The warning follows the arrest of 16 people in the night of Tuesday, December 21, who were visiting a Covid-19 positive person in Kicukiro District.
All the violators were subjected to Covid-19 test and three of them turned positive.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that these are intentional acts that lead to the spread of Covid-19, which will not be tolerated.
“There are some people, who are still undermining the national Covid-19 prevention directives and continue to put the life of others in danger. It is a shame to see such a big number of people mostly young, from different places, some who are Covid-19 positive but decide to hold a gathering,” CP Kabera said.
He thanked members of the public, who continue to support the enforcement against such violations through information sharing.
CP Kabera urged the public to strictly adhere to Covid-19 directives to avoid any associated consequences.
Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, Division Manager, Rwanda Health Communications Centre said that individual responsiveness is key to preventing the spread of the virus.
“The country can not get Police officers to protect every home or households with Covid-19 cases. Safety is an individual responsibility and that includes abiding by all the health guides including not visiting those in isolation or quarantine,” Niyingabire said.
Uwiringiyimana was arrested by traffic officers on duty in Kayove Village, Nyakarera Cell, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said.
“Traffic police officers, who were on their daily duties, stopped Uwiringiyimana to check his traffic related documents only to realize that the motorcycle insurance paper was forged, leading to his arrest over forgery,” CIP Karekezi said.
Uwiringiyimana allegedly scanned the insurance which expired on October 22, 2021 and changed the expiry period to April 22, 2022.
Uwiringiyimana disclosed that he had help from another person whom he did not mention, to forge the insurance permit.
“Sometimes people forget that such forgeries can be easily noticed, with the available technology and this will be dire to you,” CIP Karekezi said.
Any person who, with fraudulent intention, produces a false written document, causes to write false statements or produces a conflicting declaration, is considered to commit the offence of forgery.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years but not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
Ruvebana held the position from 2012 to 2017 when he was replaced by Olivier Kayumba.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry has confirmed to IGIHE that the suspect accused of raping girls is detained at Kicukiro RIB Post.
One of lawyers familiar with the case has told IGIHE that his files might have been transferred to the Prosecution but the Spokesperson of National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) revealed that he has no track of it.
It is said that Ruvebana was arrested on 11th December 2021.
IGIHE has learnt from credible sources that Ruvebana was involved in different rape incidences and defilement, which he is suspected to have committed many years ago where he used to seduce girls with different gifts including clothes to win their hearts.
A witness has told IGIHE that Ruvebana also raped girls when he worked at Rwanda’s embassy in Switzerland in 2006. The witness revealed that victims did not narrate their ordeal lest it would tarnish their image.
According to sources, all the victims were raped between 2003 and 2006.
How confident are you about your finances? How will you survive the main spending period of the year? Financial confidence is and remains in its nature a feeling of empowerment that comes from knowing you’re in control of your life.
Ever heard of a certain confidence rulebook that will help you live with financial confidence during the festive season and in your daily life? These rules have been tailored to remind us all that we can have fun without the common ‘’nguriza bitanu’’. Shall we talk about some of the best?
We are often tempted to think that looking rich makes us rich because we all generally tend to judge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone. Only spend if you need to, and as George Eliot said, ‘’Don’t judge a book by its cover’’.
{{Confidence rule 6: If you’re going to owe anyone anything, make sure it’s a favor}}
A small debt produces a debtor; a large one, an enemy. Life can be hard. Finances can look bad, but the goal should be to live debt-free. We often turn to our friends and family when we go broke; ‘’lend me fifty-thousand, there is this new watch that I want to buy’’. Think twice and remember that paying back is always the hardest.
{{Confidence rule 34: Earning a lot doesn’t make you rich. Saving it does.}}
Wealth is not about what you earn, it’s about what you spend. Saving can be quite challenging, especially during the festive season. It’s important to celebrate the fruits of our efforts with family and friends, but it’s more important to think about tomorrow. What if that job stops? What if that business fails? It’s called saving for a reason. It could save you.
{{Confidence rule 48: The best thinking is future thinking}}
Invest in the future. Think about one, two or five years from now. Do you know where you want to be? Do you have a plan to get there? Remember, a sustainable future is the best long-term investment you can make.
{{Confidence rule 27: Having the right support can get you through the unthinkable}}
You don’t have to be a financial expert, you just have to partner with one. You know you can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the right people there to support you? Do you want to win? Pick a winning team.
When looking at festive season spending by household size globally, a third of those with children believe they will see a 31% increase in their spending this season compared to just 11% of single adults, as published by Kantar, a research and data analytics company.
The festive season is one of the biggest financial challenges of the year for many people. It can be easy to get carried away with going on trips and picnics, shopping for outfits, furniture, electronic devices, among others. Financial confidence during the holiday season allows one to spend responsibly, by selecting the needs above the wants.
While Sanlam has been striving to place purpose at the center of its priorities, the largest non-banking financial service provider in Africa has embarked on a journey with José Mourinho, Roma football manager, who is now using the Confidence Rulebook to make notes and share a unique takeaway and reminder to customers that it is possible to celebrate this festive season without emptying their wallets.
[Through the brand’s Facebook page->https://web.facebook.com/SanlamConfidenceCoach/?_rdc=1&_rdr] , Murinho has introduced confidence rules among other financial literacy initiatives that aim at upskilling Rwandans in financial knowledge and confidence as one of the best ways to empower them to live with confidence. The insurer’s brand positioning focuses on financial confidence, as the right tool of knowing that you are prepared for challenges that may come your way and the knowledge of your own power over your finances.
Learning to live with this kind of financial confidence, however, is a journey that the Sanlam brand is committed to its customers by equipping them with the right tools, support, and guidance to help them get from where they are to where they want to be. As we enter this festive season, Sanlam wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2022. May we all live it, financially confident.
After presenting credentials, Amb. Mukangira pledged to promote bilateral relations.
“It was a great honour to present my Letters of Credence to His Excellency
Gotabaya Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka. I commit to strengthening the bilateral relations between our countries and bringing them to greater heights,” she revealed via Twitter handle.
Recently on 10th December 2021, Amb. Mukangira presented her Letters of Credence to Bidya Devi Bhandari, the President of Nepal.
During the ceremony, the President of Nepal gave her a warm welcome, commended Rwanda’s contribution to the United Nation’s peacekeeping mission and hailed the country’s’ inclusive policies placing women in top decision making positions.
The summit was preceded by the 45th extraordinary meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers.
The summit left regional presidents giving consent for the conclusion of negotiations that will see the Democratic Republic of Congo join the East African Community (EAC).
“The summit directed the Council to expeditiously commence and conclude negotiations with the DRC for admission to the East African Community and report to the next summit,” reads part of a communique released after the meeting.
The Heads of State also directed the EAC Secretariat to make a report on proposals to amend sections of the EAC Treaty that deal with the quorum at meetings.
“The summit considered the proposal to amend rule 11 of the rules of procedure for the summit of the heads of state or government and directed the Secretariat to convene an extraordinary meeting of the sectoral council on legal and judicial affairs to deliberate and advise on this proposal for consideration by the next summit which shall consider and conclude on this matter.”
The DRC applied for admission into East African Community in June 2019.
Today’s meeting, led by EAC Chair President Uhuru Kenyatta also observed a moment of silence in honour of former Tanzania President John Magafuli, who died in March 2021.
Other Heads of State present at the summit include; Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda).
Burundi was represented by Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, Deng Kuol (also Minister of EAC Affairs) represented South Sudan.
