These include ACP Anthony Kulamba who once served as the Head of Interpol National Central Bureau-Kigali and Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Kulamba who also served as the Spokesperson of RNP is currently the Director of Transport division at Rwanda Utility and Regulatory Authority (RURA).
Other officers sent to retirement include ACP Révérien Rugwizangoga who served as the Northern Region Police Commander and commanded Rwandan police forces deployed to peacekeeping mission in Haiti.
The Official Gazette released today also shows that the president has retired ACP Seminega Jean Baptiste who has been servicing as the Commanding Officer of the Police Fire and Rescue Brigade.
ACP Murenzi Sebakondo, the deputy Commissioner for Community Policing in RNP is also among retired officers.
In general, 112 senior officers and junior officers have been retired from their service in RNP.
In RCS, CIP Jackson Ndayambaje has been dismissed while six officers including CSP Zuba Camille who once served as the head of Nyarugenge Prison located in Mageragere have been granted retirement.
Others include CSP Mubihame Alphonse, SUPT Kajabo Semariza Denis, CIP Nizeyimana Bernard, CIP Harorimana Evariste and AIP Bagenzi Jean Baptiste.
Among others, 80 non-commissioned officers of RNP and 151 of RCS have been retired.
As part of the strategic partnership, the extensive interline agreement will give customers access to the networks of both airlines, providing a seamless travel experience and enhanced customer service the frequent flyers programmes.
Customers can pick and choose from over 160 destinations in the combined networks of both airlines, which are perfectly connected via their home main hubs.
This latest cooperation comes hot on the heels of the airlines’ recent loyalty partnerships announcement, giving RwandAir Dream Miles and Qatar Airways Privilege Club loyalty members access to each other’s destinations with the opportunity to ‘earn and burn’ points across their reciprocal route networks.
Yvonne Makolo, RwandAir CEO, said: “We’re really excited to be opening up more of the world to our customers through the new interline agreement with Qatar Airways.
“Delivering excellent customer experience is key for us and we know that any traveler flying with Qatar Airways or RwandAir, as part of the agreement, will continue to receive the same unrivalled level of service they’re used to from both airlines.”
Mr. Akbar Al-Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive that the partnership cements ‘our commitment to giving travellers the widest choice of destinations, while providing a seamless, high quality travel experience, which is the goal of both Qatar Airways and RwandAir’.
“Africa is a hugely important market for us and this latest partnership will help support the recovery of international air travel and offer unrivalled connectivity to and from a number of new African destinations,” he said.
RwandAir operates services throughout Africa and to long-haul destinations including London Heathrow, from its Kigali based hub. It was also the first African airline to be awarded the top Diamond status rating for COVID-prevention measures – the highest attainable level from APEX Health Safety, powered by SimpliFlying.
The airline’s customers will also be able to connect through Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha, the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating, to access Qatar Airways’ destinations on every continent, from Paris to Washington, Delhi to Hong Kong and many more.
With more frequencies being added to key hubs, Qatar Airways offers unrivalled connectivity to passengers, making it easy for them to change their travel dates or destination if required.
Qatar Airways serves Kigali from Doha five times per week via Entebbe, utilizing its sustainable and fuel efficient Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft. The airline’s customers can transit via Kigali to a diverse range of African destinations including Bujumbura, Brazzaville and Libreville.
Qatar Airways was recently named Airline of the Year 2021 by Airline Ratings, also clinching Best Middle East Airline, Best Catering, and Best Business Class awards and became the first global airline in the world to achieve the prestigious 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating by international air transport rating organization, Skytrax. For full details of all the safety measures that have been implemented onboard and in HIA, please visit qatarairways.com/safety.
This follows the success of Hamad International Airport (HIA) as the first airport in the Middle East and Asia to be awarded a Skytrax 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating.
These include Bwiyorere cell located in Mpanga sector in Kirehe and three more cells form Gatsibo district for achieving 100% in Mutuelle de Santé subscriptions.
Other recognized cells include Mpanga in Mpanga sector (96.25%) Kagese cell of Nasho sector (96%) in Kirehe district and Nyabwishongwezi cell from Nyagatare.
Some of them have received laptops while others got certificates of recognition.
The Executive Secretary of Bwiyorere, François Xavier Habakubaho has explained that close collaboration with colleagues was the enabler to achieve the target.
“We have 20 saving and lending groups in our cell solely created for Mutuelle de Santé contributions. Residents contribute on weekly basis depending on the number of family members. For instance, one individual contributing Rwf100 has Rwf5200 in savings towards the beginning of the next fiscal year. A family of three can also contribute Rwf200 per week to cater for Mutuelle de Santé,” he said.
The Governor of Eastern Province, Emmanuel Gasana has commended top performing cells and requested others to follow the suit in two weeks.
“The campaign mobilizing residents to subscribe for Mutuelle de Santé and pay contributions to Ejo Heza saving scheme is much needed to ensure residents’ good health and wellbeing. We are taking advantage of this harvesting time to remind residents of the relevance to subscribe for Mutuelle de Santé because the national policy requires us to make sure that residents have access to health care services,” he said.
Gasana explained that Eastern Province has so far reached 74.5% in Mutuelle de Santé subscriptions while other grassroots leaders pledged to meet the target in two weeks.
Elizabeth Mukanyangezi, 50, was found in possession of 105 pieces of assorted lotions worth over Rwf315,000.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the suspect was arrested following to a tip-off from local residents.
“Police had information that dealers in illegal cosmetics, after sneaking them into Rwanda from the Democratic Republic of Congo, sell them in the markets in small quantities,” CIP Karekezi said.
“On Monday, at about 3pm, Police officers conducted a target operation following information from residents that Mukanyangezi was headed to Gisenyi market to sell the banned cosmetics. She was arrested red-handed as she attempted to enter the market with the cosmetics concealed in a sack,” he added.
After her arrest, Mukanyangezi revealed that she gets the cosmetics from DRC and sneaks them into Rwanda through porous borders.
She further said that in order to avoid being detected or to beat security after sneaking them into Rwanda, she would transport them in small quantities to supply her retailing customers in shops and Gisenyi markets.
The outlawed creams and oil brands contain chemicals such as mercury and hydroquinone, which can cause liver damage, reduce resistance to bacterial and fungal infections, and increase anxiety, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Medics suggest that the two toxic chemicals; hydroquinone and mercury react with ultraviolet rays and lead to more pigmentation and premature aging.
The more these products are used the less melanin the body produces, and this leads to an increased risk for skin cancer.
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 Frw5 million or one of these penalties.
The statement released last night also shows that 775 people have caught the virus while 53 are critically ill.
The majority of new cases were found in Kigali City and the districts of Nyaruguru, Rusizi, Huye, Muhanga, Nyamagabe and Kamonyi.
A total of 476,140 people have received two COVID-19 vaccine shots 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.
Today, the advance party of the contingent composed of 300 peacekeepers led by Lt Col Patrick Rugomboka were airlifted from Kigali International Airport to Bangui.
The peacekeepers were seen off by the 1 Division Commander, Brig Gen Eugene Nkubito on behalf of the RDF leadership.
They were briefed by the Army Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga, on Monday 02 August 2021 at Gako. He urged them to maintain discipline and observe RDF values. He told them that their colleagues had already done a good job in the mission area and that this contigent should strive to perform even better.
Upon arrival at Bangui Airport, Rwandan peacekeepers were welcomed by the MINUSCA Force Commander, Lt Gen Sadiki Traoré accompanied by the Chief of General Staff of Central African Republic Armed Forces, Maj Gen Zephlin Mamadou.
MINUSCA Force Commander expressed his gratitude to the Rwandan peacekeepers for their unwavering commitment to protecting civilians and maintaining peace and security in CAR.
The troops are deployed following a request by the United Nations to reinforce its peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic.
The main task of this battalion will be to secure the main supply route one (MSR1) connecting Bangui to the border with Cameroon.
With current deployment, Rwanda will have 3 Battalions plus a Level II Hospital deployed under MINUSCA.
The gunfire was heard in the night of Monday 2nd August 2021.
Speaking to IGIHE; the Spokesperson of Rwanda Correctional Service, SSP Pelly Uwera Gakwaya has revealed that no one was injured during the process.
“We would like to reassure residents that there was no intruder threatening security except shooting into the air to stop escaping inmates,” he said.
Uwera warned inmates against similar attempts lest they receive tougher penalties.
“The foiled inmates are subject to further investigations to make new files pinning them. There are some instances when inmates can be pardoned but the three have deprived themselves of such favor,” he noted.
IGIHE has learnt that two of the three inmates were undergoing trial where the court had requested life sentence over theft crimes.
It is said that the suspects stormed different petrol stations, strangled workers, robbed money and Kerosene.
The third inmate was undergoing trial over allegedly murdering another man’s wife in Kamonyi district.
Tanzania’s President Suluhu, 61, arrived in Rwanda on Monday 2nd August 2021 for two-day working visit.
He was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta upon arrival before meeting with her counterpart of Rwanda at Village Urugwiro where they held bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of four agreements in the areas of information and communication technology, immigration, education and regulation of medical products.
Suluhu also visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where she paid tribute to over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi laid there.
In the evening, Kagame hosted her counterpart to the State Banquet at Kigali Convention Center.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in the areas of politics, infrastructure, economy and security.
Tanzania is considered a major development partner where over 70% of Rwanda’s imports and exports are transited through.
To date, the SEZ has generated US$800 million in exports and created approximately 13,000 jobs.
Some of toured factories as both heads of state visited KSEZ include Mara Phones which manufactures three smartphone models and Volkswagen Rwanda assembling six different models.
In the morning, Kagame and Suluhu also visited Inyange Industries located in Masaka Sector.
The food and beverage manufacturing facility is one of 4 Inyange factories producing a range of water, fruit and dairy related products across the country.
Tanzania’s President Suluhu, 61, arrived in Rwanda on Monday 2nd August 2021 for two-day working visit.
He was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta upon arrival before meeting with her counterpart of Rwanda at Village Urugwiro where they held bilateral talks and witnessed the signing of four agreements in the areas of information and communication technology, immigration, education and regulation of medical products.
Suluhu also visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where she paid tribute to over 250,000 victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi laid there.
In the evening, Kagame hosted her counterpart to the State Banquet at Kigali Convention Center.
Rwanda and Tanzania enjoy cordial relations and cooperation in the areas of politics, infrastructure, economy and security.
Tanzania is considered a major development partner where over 70% of Rwanda’s imports and exports are transited through.
MTN Rwanda cemented their strong market position, which stands at 62.9% market share through a 20% growth in its customer base, a 25% growth in active data subscribers and a 10% growth in Mobile Money users.
The trends seen in the second quarter of the year with regards to voice, Mobile Money, and Enterprise Business revenues showed steady growth that the Company anticipates will continue in the second half of the year.
Commenting on the results; Mark Nkurunziza, MTN Rwanda Chief Finance Officer attributed the results to a number of revenue generating services.
“These results seen so far are attributed to a number of revenue generating services such as voice and data that registered an increase of 16% and 25% respectively. Enterprise business grew by 18%. Fintech also played a major role, ringing in the highest year on year growth of 80%, derived from a lower 2020 base following the zero rating of P2P fees from March 2020 to June 2020,” he said.
“The volume of Mobile Money transactions also grew over the period, supported by a reduction in transaction fees of up to 60% year on year. The overall financial position of the Company remains solid with the total assets increasing from Rwf288.7 billion to Rwf 295.1 billion representing a 2.2% growth,” added Nkurunziza.
Throughout this period, MTN Rwanda also played an active role in continuing to support the Ministry of Health’s efforts in stemming the spread of COVID-19. The Company’s most recent initiative is a communication campaign, #OneMorePush, which aims to re-emphasize, the importance of all COVID-19 preventive measures within our communities – especially the proper wearing of face masks.
“Our response to the pandemic and its impact has been focused on four broad areas namely social, commercial, network, as well as funding and liquidity considerations. We are pleased not only with the strong company performance we have seen in the first half of the year, but the role MTN Rwanda has been able to play in the communities we serve by easing up some of the burdens brought on by the pandemic,” stated Mitwa Ng’ambi, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer.
With customers continuing to work from home, MTN Rwanda invested in commercial initiatives such as waiving installation and router fees for all first-time Home Connectivity customers. Furthermore, a number of e-commerce sites have been zero-rated to support businesses while ensuring that customers receive supplies safely at home. To support cashless payments that are key in stopping the spread of Covid-19, all MoMo Pay transactions remained free of charge to all customers.
“As we embark on the second half of year, the focus remains on execution of Ambition 2025 to maintain the robust growth achieved thus far. This will consist of managing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, scaling our platform businesses to sustain growth, and continuing to significantly invest in the capacity and resilience of our network, as a priority, to manage the continued growth in traffic. We have invested a total of USD 18.5 million in the network and platforms in the first half of 2021, with the intention of ending the year with total investment of USD 27.7 million,” concuded Ng’ambi.
{{About MTN Rwandacell }}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our network and are the country’s No 1 network.
MTN Rwanda offers various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers with MTN Irekure. The company is also the front runner in mobile financial services in Rwanda with Mobile Money, MoMoPay and MoKash Loans and Savings.
