The beneficiaries of the donation are from Nyabirasi and Rusebeya sectors in Rutsiro District as well as Bugeshi and Busasamana in Rubavu District.
The RDF Officials led by Regional Reserve Force Commander-(Nothern Province), Maj Gen Eric Murokore and Local leaders in the respective districts including the Mayor of Rutsiro District, Ayinkamiye Emerence and Rubavu District Vice Mayor for Economic Development, Nzabonimpa Deogratias handed over the donation to the selected families.
Mayor Ayinkamiye thanked Kagame for providing cattle to residents to uplift their welfare. She also thanked the local population for their close collaboration with Security Organs that contributed much to bring security in their respective areas hence contributing to development in their community.
Major Gen Eric Murokore encouraged the population to preserve the security gains and to maintain the collaboration with Security Organs.
He also urged the population to continue observing measures put in place by the Government to fight COVID-19 Pandemic emphasizing that it is a threat for national security and the whole world in general.
The decision is part of resolutions of the cabinet meeting held today at Village Urugwiro chaired by President Paul Kagame.
After confirming the first case of COVID-19 on 14th March 2020, Rwanda started imposing measures to prevent the spread of the virus where some businesses including bars were closed.
Later on 21st March 2020, Rwanda imposed total lockdown. The lockdown was later lifted after assessing the pandemic’s situation but containment measures continued to be observed.
Church services, weddings, gaming and sporting activities were also allowed to resume at different times but bars remained closed until the latest decision allowing them to reopen gradually.
The cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 21st September 2021 has also set curfew hours at 11 p.m in Kigali through 4 a.m while movements in other parts of the country is prohibited between 9 p.m and 4 a.m with businesses closing 8 p.m.
The curfew in Kigali City has in previous weeks started at 10 p.m.
The cabinet meeting has also resolved that public and private offices will continue with essential staff at no more than 75% capacity while others continue working from home on rotational basis.
Citizens are reminded of the critical importance of complying with health measures including physical distancing, properly wearing face masks and hand hygiene.
The new measures will take effect nationwide starting 23rd September through 13th October 2021.
Delivered mainly through EF’s online platforms and mobile apps , the program helps learners build critical language and communication skills. As a result, workers in the industry will be better prepared to deliver high-profile, global events.
A total 221 students graduated recently after attending online classes.
So far, EF is training 4900 students while more 1600 will commence courses in the near future.
The courses are offered by EF Education First in partnership with MasterCard Foundation and Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Offered courses draw emphasis on tourism as one of major sectors hugely contributing to Rwanda’s GDP.
In 2019, Rwanda earned over US$500 million up from US$300 million of 2014.
At the time, jobs created by tourism sector rose from 89,000 to 164,000.
The Acting Country Manager at EF Education First Rwanda, Oriane Ruzibiza has told IGIHE that the professional training was meant to enhance professionalism in tourism sector.
“These courses were organized for employees in the hospitality and tourism to enhance their fluency in English as one of major components, communication skills and ways of dealing with guests conveniently,” she said.
“They were also enlightened on the features making Rwanda an attractive country so that they can properly attend to and guide anyone seeking their support,” added Ruzibiza.
She explained that the courses are offered to all employees in tourism and hospitality sector serving tourists during their sojourn to Rwanda until their departure.
“We work with RwandAir staff, hotels’ employees, people working at recreational facilities and others with jobs related to tourism who are trained to portray Rwanda’s attractive beauty as they welcome guests,” noted Ruzibiza.
She urged graduates to apply acquired skills efficiently to enhance professionalism and take tourism sector to greater heights.
Graduates commended the training which laid foundation for their professional development.
“I was shy and could not speak to foreign tourists with eloquence because many of them speak English. My English proficiencies have improved significantly that I am able to interact with them easily, send messages on email and place orders,” said Fabrice Liza.
He commended RDB, EF and Mastercard Foundation for ensuring success of the training relevant to his career’s growth.
“I voice appreciation to RDB, Mastercard Foundation and EF for offered courses that sharpened my fluency apparent to everyone interacting with me. Many people who knew me before attending the training have been asking me how I made it in such a short time,” he Liza.
Kayitesi Donna working at Kigali Marriott Hotel thanked EF for the training that made her a fluent English speaker.
“I acquired relevant skills that enhanced my confidence at work. Besides, I chat with foreign guests easily without language barrier. My thanks go to everyone involved in preparations of the training anticipated to impact the tourism and hospitality sector with improved service delivery which also portrays a positive image of our country,” she said.
Courses are offered for free. Interested people can access more details via provided website link:https://www.ef.com/rwanda
{{About EF Education First (www.ef.com)}}
Established in 1965 in Sweden with the mission to “open the world through education”, EF is the world’s leading international education company. With a network of more than 52,000 teachers, researchers, and staff in over 600 offices and schools in more than 50 countries, EF is a trusted partner of the leading companies of the world and governments on all continents. EF engages in public-private partnerships globally to create significant positive impact on human capital development as well as the competitiveness of entire industries and countries.
{{About the Mastercard Foundation}}
The Mastercard Foundation works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. It is one of the largest, private foundations in the world with a mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. The Foundation was created by Mastercard in 2006 as an independent organization with its own Board of Directors and management. For more information on the Foundation, please visit: www.mastercardfdn.org
{{About Rwanda Development Board ( www.rdb.rw)}}
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) is a government agency in Rwanda with a vision to transform Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation. Its mission is to fast-track economic development in Rwanda by enabling private sector growth.
The flag carrier had suspended flights to India in May 2021 due to increase in COVID-19 cases across the country.
Following the resumption, RwandAir will operate two weekly flights on Monday and Friday.
As part of ongoing expansion efforts, RwandAir recently announced plans to add two new destinations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) including Goma and Lubumbashi.
Operating from Kigali, RwandAir is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest state-of-the-art fleets on the African continent.
With a reputation for delivering a premium service to all its customers, RwandAir operates 12 aircraft with an average age under six years. The airline currently offers services to 25 destinations across 21 countries throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
AOG is a Rwanda-based Social enterprise co-founded by 13 young social entrepreneurs in 2011.
The organization was founded by colleagues at Kigali Health Institute drawing an inspiration from their lecturers who used to support students with vulnerable backgrounds to find shelter and meet other basis needs.
It is registered with the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) as a National Non-governmental Organization (NGO) since 2014. From 2015, AOG has been focusing its programs on social enterprise development in Rwanda which helps to tackle youth unemployment and contribute to solving key social challenges in local communities.
AOG also puts emphasis on women empowerment to make them real drivers of positive change.
They have gradually expanded and introduced incubation programs for young entrepreneurs who are equipped with relevant skills to conceptualize and implement vivid business ideas.
Beneficiaries are also helped to get offices, advisory services at low cost and facilitate linkages with partners.
Since establishment in 2011, AOG Rwanda has trained 183 entrepreneurs who created 1500 jobs while their activities impacted over 150,000 people.
It currently runs operations in Kigali City and Bugesera District with plans to expand footprints to all districts across the country.
During the event held in Bugesera district to mark ten-year anniversary, the CEO and co-founder of AOG Rwanda, Jean d’Amour Mutoni said the organization is proud of achieved milestones.
“We are proud of achieved milestones where the idea initiated by 13 individuals start a social enterprise has become a great initiative with sustainable and holistic programs with beneficial to the entire society,” he said.
Mutoni explained that the launch of Bugesera Innovation Hub is of great significance highlighting that it aligns with the organization’s ambitions to have beneficiaries among top magnates in the country by 2030.
“This goal will be achieved through establishment of innovation hubs in all districts to incubate the youth coming to learn how to do business, interact with colleagues, receive advisory services, rent offices at low price, which will subsequently instill self-confidence to make great things,” he said.
Mutoni also urged the youth to keep immersing their knowledge, unleash fear and remain disciplined to maintain excellence.
Aimable Twahirwa, the Director of Cultural Promotion at the Ministry of Youth and Culture commended activities of the organization.
“We have been very excited to see such number of youth initiating the program to create jobs and improve livelihoods. It complements government’s efforts,” he said.
Twahirwa requested the youth to take advantage of opportunities available in the country and distance themselves from drug abuse to strive for a better future.
The Director of Good Governance in Bugesera district, Magella Sebatware emphaiszed that the innovation hub will promote talent development among the youth.
“The hub launched in our district presents new opportunities and complements existing efforts to promote talent and skills development among the youth,” he noted.
Beneficiaries also speak with a voice of satisfaction considering the great support received to implement their projects.
Nina Nyirampeta is a Chili farmer who exports her produce through her company dubbed Ineza Chilli.
She had had no innovative business idea until she received training from AOG which sharpened her entrepreneurial skills.
Following the training in 2019, Nyirampeta developed a vivid business idea which she implemented and has since then provided jobs to 84.
“I graduated from university in 2015 and did not get employed. I submitted my application soon as I learnt that AOG is training startups. I was qualified to join the training dubbed Ingenzi Social Enterprise Program. Before joining, I was aware that we would receive training and seed capital. However, I was worried of possible losses over ineffective management. Fortunately, I was acquainted with all necessary skills within 12 weeks which I capitalized to start a promising business. It has started yielding big that I am among thankful chili exporters,” she said.
The contest organized by Fairtrade Africa, is taking place in different African countries with a view to promote and market the continent’s coffee nationally and internationally.
Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is the umbrella network organisation representing Fairtrade certified producers and workers in Africa. It has four regional networks – Eastern and Central Africa; Southern Africa; Western Africa; and the Middle East and North Africa.
The contest is scheduled to take place in countries including Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda.
The contest held in Kigali on 17th September 2021 brought together 28 coffee producers where ‘Abateraninkunga ba Sholi’ won the two first positions out of the top ten awarded producers.
The winners were crowned ‘Specialty Coffee Ambassadors’ and will be sponsored to attend big specialty coffee events to gain marketing and business skills, and create market connections.
In addition to that, their coffee samples are distributed in Europe and North America among other consumer locations.
Getahun Gebrekidan Getahun Gebrekidan, the regional programs manager in charge of coffee and tea at Fairtrade Africa said that the contest was organized to boost the capacity of coffee producers to compete internationally.
“This contest came to boost quality standards among coffee producers because we intend to select the best coffee in Africa. It means that everyone will earmark much effort to produce coffee of high quality. Besides, they will participate in renowned coffee competitions helping them to market their produce globally,” he said.
Winners expressed delight with the recognition highlighting that it encourages them to maintain hard work.
Aimable Nshimiye, an accountant at Abaterankunga ba Sholi attributed the performance to a stern process involved in coffee production.
“We work closely with farmers and train them on best techniques to handle the produce from plantations. We delegated agronomists to monitor coffee farming activities to ensure the supply of desired quality coffee. Our plant also has drying facilities helping us to maintain standards,” he said.
Nshimiye explained that winning the contest will open new horizons for Rwanda’s coffee at the global market.
Winners will also compete with selected best producers from other countries where the contest is taking place and participate in different international exhibitions like CAFÉ SHOW Korea, AFCA, SCA, WOC and SCAJ.
Rwanda has 355 771 coffee farmers of whom 68% are women.
Kombe la Dhahabu contest also encourages value addition and fair income distribution by producing and commercializing quality coffees, the producers guarantee sustainable production processes.
Rusesabagina was arrested in August last year. He has been undergoing trial along with 20 co-accused terror suspects including Callixte Nsabimana alias Sankara, the former spokesperson for the terror group.
The suspects faced charges including the formation of an irregular armed group, membership of a terrorist group, financing terrorism, murder as an act of terrorism, arson as an act of terrorism, attempted murder as an act of terrorism, and assault and battery as an act of terrorism.
The crimes were committed since 2018 when the aforementioned terror group plotted attacks to Rwanda which claimed lives of nine innocent residents in the Southern Province.
They left many others gravely injured, and caused significant material and economic damage in South-West Rwanda.
Rusesabagina who has been undergoing trial for almost a year; was handed 25-year sentence on Monday 20th September 2021 by the High Court Chamber for International Crimes.
Rusesabagina was found guilty of charges against him except illegal formation of an armed group.
Following the verdict, countries including the United States of America (USA) and Belgium criticized Rwanda’s judicial system claiming that Rusesabagina’s trial was not fair.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium , Sophie Wilmes released a statement explaining that Belgium had raised concerns on his trial several times.
“Despite repeated proceedings from Belgium on this issue … Mr Rusesabagina did not benefit from a fair and impartial trial, especially with regard to the right to defense. The presumption of innocence was also not respected. These factors effectively question trials and judgments,” Wilmes said in a statement.
Wilmes further stated that she will meet with Rwandan counterparts this week as a bystander to the UN General Assembly in New York adding that ‘Belgium is in close contact with Mr. Rusesabagina’.
In response, the Government of Rwanda has said that the statement of Sophie Wilmès reflects ‘the contempt shown by the Government of the Kingdom of Belgium towards the Rwandan judicial system since the start of the trial, despite the significant contribution of relevant Belgian institutions to the investigation of this case’.
The statement further reads that the victims of the terrorist acts of FLN ‘have just as much right to justice as Mr. Rusesabagina and his co-defendants’.
For this reason, the Government of Rwanda announced that scheduled bilateral talks at ministerial level will not take place.
“A scheduled bilateral meeting at ministerial level, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, will no longer take place.”
Rwanda has however revealed that it remains ready to welcome to Rwanda of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, ‘at a convenient time to the dialogue between the two countries’.
The operations started this Monday, September, 20, and targets border points and shops in different parts if the country, according to CP John Bosco Kabera, the RNP spokesperson.
He added that the operations were previously being conducted on a small scale by the RNP Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crimes (ASOC) adding that this is to reinforce the efforts.
“You have been following reports of people arrested with smuggled goods or selling outlawed products, who are paraded. Most of the times these goods and smugglers are intercepted on borderlines and that is why we are scaling up these operations across the country,” said CP Kabera.
Majority of the seized smuggled goods, he added, are food flavours, liquors and second-hand clothes and shoes.
Seized outlawed or illicit products include skin bleaching oils and creams, kanyanga (crude gin) and plastic bags.
“The operations will also target markets and shops. Previously, much efforts were put on entry points but owing to the fact that most smugglers use porous borders and in most cases destined for City of Kigali and other markets,” CP Kabera said.
He took time to call upon the public to further partner with the Police in these operations against smuggling and other outlawed products.
Taxes, he added, are meant to support the country’s development warning that tax evasion is a crime punishable by law.
Article 266 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, states that any person, who produces, sells, or prescribes harmful products; cosmetics or body hygiene substance or any other products derived from plants, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million or one of these penalties.
Manufacturing, use, importation or sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items are prohibited under article 3 of law N° 17/2019 of 10/08/2019 relating to the prohibition of manufacturing, importation, use, and sale of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items in Rwanda.
In article 10, any person, who imports plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to the dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items, and to an administrative fine equivalent to ten times the value of those plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items.
In article 11, a wholesaler of plastic carry bags and single use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf700, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags and such items.
In article 12, a retailer of plastic carry bags and single-use plastic items is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf300, 000 and dispossession of those plastic carry bags.
Under article 199 of the East African Community Management Act, which is also applicable in Rwanda, seized smuggled goods and automobile used in smuggling, are auctioned. The driver also faces a fine of US$5000.
{{Tax fraud}}
A taxpayer, who commits fraud, is subject to an administrative fine of one hundred percent (100%) of the evaded tax.
With exception to that penalty, the Tax Administration refers the case to the Prosecution service if the taxpayer voluntarily evaded such tax, like through the use of false accounts, falsified documents or any other act punishable by law.
In case of conviction, the taxpayer can be imprisoned for a period between six months and two years.
Article 87 of law N° 026/2019 of 18/09/2019 on tax procedures states that a person who, while intending tax evasion, commits one of the following acts: use of forged documents in his or her accounts; counterfeit and use of documents or materials of the tax administration used for taxation; hiding taxable goods or assets related to business; making a declaration indicating that the taxpayer has not made sales; changing the trade name by a person prosecuted in relation to tax; fraudulent registration of trade under the name of another person; hiding accounting documents from the tax administration or damaging them; use of forged accounting records; commits an offence of tax evasion.
Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two (2) years and not more than five (5) years.
The statement released last night shows that 246 people caught the virus out of 15638 sample tests, 2 recovered while 16 are critically ill.
A total of 1,399,753 people have been fully vaccinated while 1,840,527 received the first dose of COVID-19 since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 5th March 2021.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
Jean Marie Vianney Kayitana, one of the paraded drunk drivers, said that he was arrested after involving in an accident.
“I was arrested on Saturday, November 18, after involving in an accident at Rwandex. I had taken two bottles of beer and the blood acohol content was at 2 millilitres,” Kayitana said.
“Driving under influence of alcohol is a fatal decision because I was like an impaired person and I would have easily died,” he added.
RNP Deputy spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo reminded motorists to avoid driving when they consumed alcohol.
“Rwanda National Police took time to conduct countrywide awareness on safer road usage including dangers associated with drunk-driving. Police will always conduct campaigns to influence behavioral change but also penalizing those who continue to keep deaf ears and violating traffic rules and regulations,” CSP Africa said.
He urged road users and drivers in particular, to act responsibly when using the road to prevent loss of lives and property.
