The statement released last night shows that new cases were found in Kigali: 84, Musanze: 20, Rubavu: 11, Nyabihu: 4, Gakenke:3, Kayonza: 3, Kirehe: 3, Rwamagana:1, Gatsibo:1, and Nyagatare:1.
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 6659 people were tested positive out of 667 894 sample tests of whom 5955 have recovered, 648 are active cases while 56 have succumbed to the virus.
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.
Following the ceremony, Dr Nsanzabaganwa has via twitter account expressed delight for the introduction and commitment for collaboration.
“It was a great honor to engage the African Ambassadors to the AU who play a huge role in AU matters. Looking forward to collaborating with them once elected. Thank you,” she said.
The candidature of Dr Nsanzabaganwa, who is the current Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda was announced for the first time on Thursday 3rd December 2020 during a ceremony in which the Minister of Foreign Affairs and regional cooperation, Dr Vincent Biruta hosted members of the African Diplomatic Corps for dinner.
Following the event, Dr Nsanzabaganwa thanked the Government of Rwanda, President Paul Kagame for seconding her candidate for African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson position.
If elected, she committed to ‘drive efficiency and accountability as well as financial sustainability, and to personally represent the moral authority and integrity the AU stands for’.
The position is currently held by a Ghanaian, Quartey Thomas Kwesi who took office in 2017. Like the Chairperson of the African Union, the deputy holds the right for four-year term renewable once. Their term will terminate next year.
The current AU Commission chairperson, Faki Mahamat stands many chances to remain the only candidate for the position. He will, however, be required to win two thirds of votes by head of states from member states to stay in office.
It will be the first elections after approving AU steering reforms led by President Paul Kagame.
The reforms incorporate clauses that gender balance should be respected in the leadership of African Union Commission, which means, Mahamat should be deputized by a woman if reelected.
To this end, majority candidates for the Deputy Chairman of the AU Commission are women (5 out of 8) including Dr Nsanzabaganwa.
The Deputy Chairperson of the AUC assists the Chairperson in the execution of his or her functions to ensure the smooth running of the Commission and is in charge of administration and finance.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa, 49, introduced as Rwanda’s candidate to deputize Mahamat has longstanding experience qualifying her fit for the position.
She holds honorary doctorate received from Stellenbosch University in South Africa for her contribution to Rwanda’s development.
Dr Nsanzabaganwa is the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda since May 2011. Prior to that, she served as Minister of Trade and Industry (2008-2011) and Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (2003-2008).
She is a holder of a PhD in Economics, and a Doctorate of Commerce Honoris Causa, both obtained from Stellenbosch University, South Africa. She is an influential voice in financial inclusion in Rwanda and on international scene as well as a passionate actor in women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion.
Among others, she is also a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion’s Gender Inclusive Finance Committee, an alumna of Women’s World Banking African Advisory Council, and Founding Member and Chairperson of New Faces New Voices Rwanda. She is a wife and mother.
The deceased include a girl aged 14 and 61-year old man from Kigali.
The statement released last night also shows that 100 new cases have been found out of 3813 sample tests while 66 have recovered.
New cases were found in Kigali: 52, Rubavu: 21, Huye: 9, Ruhango: 7, Rusizi: 4, Muhanga: 4, Gakenke: 2 and Rwamagana: 1.’
Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 case on 14th March 2020.
Since then, 6528 people cases have been tested positive out of 665,450 sample tests of whom 5892 have recovered, 580 are active cases while 56 have succumbed to the virus.
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.
Dr Richard Sezibera is among four special envoys and champions announced yesterday who will promote the Commonwealth’s values and principles around the world.
According to statement released by Patricia Scotland on Friday, the four roles will be responsible for portfolio areas covering key issues designed to support and assist the Commonwealth’s 54 countries and 2.5 billion people.
Other appointees including former director of the Prince of Wales’s International Sustainability Unit, Justin Munday, as the Special Envoy on Climate Change, Environment and Socio-Economic Affairs.
Prof Praja Trevedi, former economic adviser to the Government of India, has been named the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for SDG Implementation while British Paralympic athlete, Anne Wafula Strike has been named the Secretary-General’s Champion for Equality in Sports is, Anne Wafula Strike.
Speaking on the announcements, the Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “I am deeply honoured that these Special Envoys and Champions of such exceptional talent, quality and experience have generously agreed to help us promote the values and principles of the Commonwealth so that we can better deliver the Sustainable Development Goals and assist the 2.5 billion people in the Commonwealth in need of our support.”
Richard Sezibera is a Rwandan medical doctor, diplomat and politician, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 18 October 2018 until November 4, 2019.
Previously, he was the fourth Secretary-General of the East African Community. He was appointed to that position by the East African Community Heads of State on 19 April 2011 for a five-year term.
On a professional level, Sezibera is a member of the Rwanda Medical Association and a Fellow of the Institute for advanced studies in the humanities at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
He served as Vice President of the World Health General Assembly and chairperson of the World Health Organization regional committee on Africa and commissioner on the UN Secretary-General’s Commission on accountability for women and children’s health.
He is a member of the GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccine) board, first as minister of health in Rwanda, and then a second and third time as an individual. Dr Sezibera serves as the chairperson of the board’s programme and policy committee.
He once served as Rwanda’s ambassador to the United States of America, Argentine, Mexico and Brasilia. Before his political career, he was a soldier who went for military training in the United States of America.
Dr Sezibera is a father of 5 who was born on 5th June 1964.
Leah Joy Prout made a post on social media yesterday revealing what happened to her during her stay at the hospital saying her story could help others.
“I am normally, a very private person, but I believe sharing my story might help even one of you. Last Wednesday evening I was sexually assaulted during an examination at King Faisal Hospital. I met with resistance from the staff to receive the perpetrator’s name. By Friday; I was able to get the name. That morning I submitted a detailed complainant about the assault,” she said in a tweet.
“On Monday, I heard from customer care who told me that they would investigate if the incident happened. I only told two friends in the country about the incident and family. One of those friends said that she had been groped at king Faisal Hospital more than a decade ago. If they dare to do this to such an outspoken person, I can’t imagine what they are doing to more vulnerable women and girls,” added Prout.
Following the complaint, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) replied that investigation has started.
“RIB has started investigation into the alleged sexual assault by KFH staff and appropriate action will be taken accordingly,” reads the tweet.
A statement signed by the Deputy CEO of the hospital, Dr Edgar Kalimba also shows that the case was handed over to competent institutions.
“We are deeply disturbed by the allegations by Ms. Leah Joy Prout on social media that she was sexually assaulted by one of our staff during her hospital stay. As we strive to become a center of excellence, we value our patients and visitors’ rights and always strive to respect them,” reads the statement in part.
“ We therefore take these allegations seriously; we carried out an internal investigation and we have handed over the case to relevant competent authorities,” adds the statement.
{The Rwanda National Police (RNP) Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) has arrested three people in Rubavu District suspected to be major drug dealers.}
The trio; Laurent Ntakamaro, 59, Clenie Nyiransabimana, 36, and Aline Icyimanizanye, 30, were arrested on December 9, in Gisenyi and Rubavu sectors with combined 5504 pellets of cannabis.
They were at the time in the process to traffic the narcotics to City of Kigali, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said.
“Ntakamaro and Nyiransabimana were arrested in Isangano Village, Bugoyi Cell in Gisenyi with 504 pellets while Icyimanizanye was arrested in Murambi Village, Buhaza Cell in Rubavu Sector with 5,000 rolls of cannabis. These drug dealers were reported by residents,” CIP Karekezi said.
He added: “Residents had earlier told ANU that Ntakamaro is a drug dealer and would receive a new consignment that day.
ANU got further information on the spot where Ntakamaro would meet his supplier before he would also supply other dealers in Kigali. That’s how Nyiransabimana was also arrested as she brought the 504 pellets to Ntakamaro concealed in a bag of irish potatoes.”
Ntakamaro and Nyiransabimana are suspected to have been working together to traffic and distribute narcotic drugs in Rubavu and Kigali.
Icyimanizanye was also arrested with 5000 pellets as he was going to supply other drug dealers, following information provided by residents.
The suspects were handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for further legal action.
The Ministerial Order No. 001/MoH/2019 of 04/03/2019 establishing the list of narcotic drugs and their categorization classifies cannabis as a “very severe drug.”
The law determining offences and penalties in general in Rwanda, especially in its article 263, provides an imprisonment of between 20 years and life, for anyone convicted for very severe narcotic drugs and a fine of up to Frw30 million.
This was revealed yesterday during launch of the 7th edition of ‘Rwanda Governance Scorecard (RGS).
Each of the eight pillars on which the research was entrenched showed an improvement compared to the previous year but indicated gaps to be filled.
The CEO of RGB, Dr Usta Kaitesi explained that research findings indicated constant improvements for some pillars like security and justice and slowdown in some areas.
“There are great improvements in the areas of security, justice, fighting against corruption, transparency and accountability that should not slip back. Areas that need special attention for improvement are related to service delivery, eradicating poverty, streamlining systems aimed at eliminating stunting and concerting efforts to drive Rwandans into technology whereby we have committed at 100% digital services among public institutions in the National Strategy for Transformation 1,” she said.
The Minister in the Office of the Presidency, Judith Uwizeye who graced the event highlighted that Rwandans are the primary beneficiaries of Rwanda Governance Scorecard and assured commitment for the implementation of recommendations.
“We have the interest of generating data that tells us the truth that anybody else cannot tell us. Transformational Governance is a key pillar of National Strategy for Transformation (NST1). Thus, the Government of Rwanda is committed to implement the recommendations of this edition of Rwanda Governance Scorecard for the good of our citizens,” she said.
Other areas of priority that need improvement include, social protection, poverty reduction and climate change resilience, improving quality education to attain knowledge based economy, boosting Made in Rwanda products to compete at the international market and tackling balance of trade deficit.
RGS is an independent annual publication of the RGB that seeks to gauge the state of governance in Rwanda, comprehensively assesses governance in using both primary and secondary data sources.
It is mainly designed to generate credible and reliable data on governance issues, serves as practical tool that drives policy reform in the domain of governance through the identification of areas for improvement and generates actionable recommendations and to contribute to current and authentic knowledge formation about Rwanda.
The launch of the 7th scorecard held yesterday was attended by various officials from private, public institutions, civil society organizations, higher learning institutions and research centers.
The research carried out was entrenched on eight pillars namely; :(1) Rule of Law, (2) Political Rights and Civil liberties, (3) Participation and Inclusiveness, (4) Safety and Security,(5) Investing in Human and Social Development, (6)Control of corruption, Transparency and Accountability, (7) Quality of service delivery,(8) Economic and corporate governance.
The pillar of Security came on top scoring 95,44% in 2020 from 94,29% of 2019, the Rule of Law performed at 87,86% from 84,70 % of last year, Political Rights and Civil liberties scored 85,76 % from 85,17 % while Participation and Inclusiveness got 81,96% from 73 % of last year.
The pillar of Investing in Human and Social Development scored 73,32% from 68,53%, Control of corruption, Transparency and Accountability got 86,28% from 84,28%, Quality of service delivery scored 78,31 % from 70,54 % while Economic and corporate governance scored 78,14% from 76,43% of last year.
On Thursday, 10th December, ONOMO celebrated the opening of iJURU with a private VIP reception hosted that included a live performance by Universal Music Africa artist Andy Bumuntu, sounds by DJ Bissosso, a fashion show with designs by Touch of Rwanda.
iJURU provides an open-air trendy and chic oasis fit for private events, intimate gatherings, weddings, and other celebrations. The menu offers a variety of international fusion cuisine accompanied by an array of expertly-blended cocktails that showcase the flavors of Africa and beyond.
The name, iJURU translates to heaven in Kinyarwanda and was selected from a social media contest. ONOMO Hotel prides itself in integrating the local culture into the design and feel of each of its properties. In order to ensure that Rwandan culture was reflected in every aspect of iJURU, ONOMO Hotel launched a social media contest for Kinyarwanda names that would be fitting for the new exciting space. Didier Kananura, the lucky winner submitted the name iJURU which adequately captured the elevated view and feeling of the terrace.
In addition to the unveiling of iJURU, ONOMO Hotel is celebrating the launch of their new partnership with Universal Music Africa (UMA). The partnership is their latest addition to ONOMO AFRICA’S FINEST, an initiative established to promote and support the finest talent Africa has to offer in art, music, cuisine and fashion. The Africa’s Finest Live Concert Series will showcase African talent and artistry with live music performances by UMA artists at its properties across the continent.
Commenting on the launch, the General Manager of ONOMO Hotel Kigali, Emile Nizey said: “iJURU represents the brand and feel of ONOMO. It brings Africa’s finest alive in the food, the event space it provides for art and performances, its stunning view of Kigali, and in the name itself. We are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to bring a new look and feel to Kigali’s dining and event venue scene.”
Located in Kigali’s upscale Kiyovu valley, ONOMO Hotel Kigali features 109 modern guest rooms, including ten suites with separate lounge areas and kitchenettes.
Equipped with superior COVID-19 safety and sanitization practices, ONOMO Hotel recently received the prestigious SafeGuard Hygiene Excellence and Safety Label certification from Bureau Veritas, the world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services. The Safeguard label certifies that ONOMO Hotel is in compliance with the global standards set forth by Bureau Veritas’ health, safety and hygiene experts for employees and guests.
With Rwanda’s borders open for travel and domestic tourism fully underway, ONOMO Hotel Kigali is open for dining-in, events, and guest stays. To encourage domestic tourism, ONOMO Hotel is offering staycation promotions for East African residents to enjoy overnight stays at a discounted rate of $150 per night. ONOMO Hotel invites guests and visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of Kigali with the laid back intimate vibes of iJURU. The rooftop restaurant and lounge is open seven days a week to the public 07:00-22:00.
The statement released last night shows that the deceased is a 71 old man from Kigali.
Among others, 37 patients have recovered. Rwanda confirmed the first COVID-19 patient on 14th March 2020.
Since then, 6428 cases have been found our of 661637 sample tests, 5826 have recovered, 548 are active cases while 54 have succumbed to the virus.
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.
Throughout 90 days of the campaign, Cogebanque will take Rwandans through deeper insights on benefits of using MasterCard products namely Debit, Credit and Prepaid cards while paying for goods and services like settling bills, making withdrawals or shopping online.
As for the campaign, clients using the cards will stand chance to win various prizes including airtime, cash, shopping vouchers, fuel vouchers, laptops, smartphones, airtime, home appliances including fridges among others.
The Head of Marketing and Product Development at Cogebanque, Antoine Iyamuremye explained that the campaign will mobilize Rwandans to leverage the bank’s reliable technology for quick services.
“The campaign comes in difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic. We have various digital products to help clients transact. Therefore, there is need to use reliable cards guaranteeing security to customers,” he said.
The campaign is designed for Cogebanque customers and potential customers using MasterCard products including Debit, Prepaid and Credit specifically helping them to access loans.
Iyamuremye explained that the cards are used globally and encouraged people to take advantage of them to go cashless.
Mastercard products enable customers to make payments easily at any time. They can also withdraw from foreign countries corresponding with prevailing exchange rates.
According to Iyamuremye, the campaign is also an opportunity to reward customers embracing digital banking services as well as celebrating them during the festive season.
“The festive season during which people need to install new home equipment is here. The campaign gives them chance to win weekly prizes where customers can win tickets, fuel vouchers or shopping vouchers to pick corresponding items of choice in supermarkets,” he noted.
The Head of Corporate Banking at Cogebanque, Songa Rwamugire encouraged Rwandans to embrace digital transactions because they are increasingly becoming universal.
“Cogebanque Mastercard Credit card grants you the capability to withdraw or get credit to be repaid within 55 days without interest. These cards are safe, reliable and internationally accredited,” he said.
At the launch of ‘Biroroshye hamwe na Cogebanque Mastercard’ campaign on Wednesday 9th December 2020, three customers who made transactions using designated MasterCards products since lockdown walked away with prizes.
The awardees were selected based on how active they have been using the cards in various transactions. These include Kayigamba Degaule Eugène, Nkomeje Eric and Rubangura Austin, the owner of UPROMEDIA Company. Each received Rwf 200,000 to be transferred to their accounts.
Cogebanque has 28 branches, over 600 agents, and 36 ATM points across the country. These are supported by Mobile banking (USSD on *505# and Mobile App “Coge mBank”), Cards (Mastercards & Smart cash) and internet banking delivery channel accessible through different media.
The Mastercards are accepted worldwide and can be used at over 36 million locations globally.
