As the world continues to face the Coronavirus epidemic, Rwanda has taken steps to prevent its spread, where many activities have been suspended, residents are being urged to stay home, travel between regions and borders is closed.
As a result, senior government officials have agreed to dedicate April’s salaries to Rwandans to help them with their work affected by the COVID-19 epidemic.
To help customers who will not get paid including executives and other employees who have volunteered, BPR Plc, has set up a type of loan [personal Loan] where customers who sacrificed their salaries are allowed to borrow the same amount of money equal to his salary plus an additional amount [Lump sum] if they are paid employees.
The BPR management also explains that this loan is to keep in check people who will not be paid because they sacrificed their salary for them to fulfill their family responsibilities.
BPR also states that those who sacrificed their salaries and will not be able to repay the loans they were already paying, will be given one month without paying because it is known that they will not be paid.
This personal loan is repayable for up to 12 months depending on the will of the customer. BPR explains that this new loan the customer is given to repay it at the same rate as he or she was already repaying the loan he had. Those who do not have a loan are given a normal bank interest.
Requirements for those who sacrificed their April salary and need a loan are to write to BPR Plc at info@bpr.rw stating the names and requirements of the applicant. For those who are working in companies that have a problem in paying them these days, they are asking for months to postpone the repayment of the loan.
The employer can also write to BPR Plc, requesting that it help its employees who will not be able to repay the loan because it will not pay them. They should apply via email loanrestructures@bpr.rw requesting permission to not repay the loan within three months. For those who need more information call 1,500 for free.
The Northern Province Governor, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi said these eggs were given to children on Wednesday, last week.
“Rulindo district has professional breeders that possess chickens and sell eggs and meat. These can also be found in Rusiga Sector and elsewhere, enough to allow us to reach the international market, but, due to the pandemic, we were no longer able to send these products in DRC.” Gatabazi said.
“In one of my visits to these farmers, they recorded 560,000 eggs in Gakenke, 450,000 in Rulindo, and more than 250,000 in Gicumbi,” he added.
Gatabazi noted that it was difficult to find a market for them, thus, took the matter to the national administration, where the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry decided that the eggs should be bought given to children under the age of five.
Each egg will cost Rwf 60, with the aim being that the breeders do not experience losses but also help the children in need of nutrients.
Dr. Uwituze Solange, Deputy Director-General of Animal Husbandry, RAB, said they encourage farmers to make sure that eggs can be given to children under the age of five.
She only says that the problem is most in those rearing chicken for meat-breeding and that they are trying to make sure that the meat is properly stored until the problem is over.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, as of 2018, Rwanda has received the US $12 million from egg exports.
Since June last year, the FARDC has stepped up its crackdown on militant groups, in a bid to eradicate the insecurity that has ravaged the Eastern province of the country.
These heavy attacks have killed countless militants.
In September 2019, when Sylvestre Mudacumura, the leader of the FDLR, was killed in an attack on its base in Bwito District, North Kivu Province.
The rest was worth the effort, others agree to surrender and hand them over to the military, they were tied up and handed over to Rwanda, a few are still in the jungles; since FARDC set fire on these units in an unusual way, they have begun to say Rwanda is behind all these.
“All of this survives on myths, rumors, and all kinds of things we find anywhere, including surprisingly the experts. There are experts who have been operating in this region for the last 26 years, they tell the same stories, sometimes spreading the same rumors, that is what we are now used to for the last 26 years,” he said.
There are various factions in Congo, such as the North there is FDRL, RUD Urunana, and many others. While in the South there is a P5 from the RNC of Kayumba Nyamwasa, the FLN of Rusesabagina Paul and others.
This is being reconciled with the fact of other neighboring countries, where President Kagame does not understand how people should be able to see it and tend not to see it and blame Rwanda.
“I am surprised that we have some of these experts, who do not see what is there that is supposed to be seen by anyone who is there. But instead, they see what is not there. What I mean is, how can somebody be talking about Rwandans or RDF (Rwanda Defence Forces) in that part of the region? Because they are not there, and this same person or these people don’t see the very things happening there.” he said.
At the end of May last year, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Angola signed an agreement establishing a coalition of the three countries to address issues including insecurity caused by armed groups.
President Kagame said the intelligence that Rwanda had received and shared it with those concerned was indicative of the presence of Burundian militants in South Kivu.
“Our intelligent collection tells us, we have forces from Burundi, government forces operating in that region. we have a number of rebel groups you can’t count easily in that situation. They involve Barundi, people from here, those connected with the FDLR that kept breaking in different pieces,” he said.
“I don’t know if people are confusing genuinely or deliberately, the Rwandans that are said to be there and have been there for a long time, are these offsprings of the FDLR, not RDF; these are two different things. there is not a single soldier of RDF that has gone to that territory, not a single one,” he added.
President Kagame went on to add that the DRC government knows well that no Rwandan soldier was on its territory.
The head of the State said the DRC government had agreed to work with its neighbors to resolve this issue that has last for years. Not only do some people see it as a bad thing, but they also spread rumors that the Rwandan Armed Forces are deployed on Congolese land.
“According to some people, it is not a good thing that the government of DRC would be working with countries, neighboring countries to deal with this matter because for some reason it is their problem; they want to preserve it so that it stays maybe for another 25 years, I don’t know. That’s why they are putting pressure on them by creating these lies,”
President Kagame noted that the information that Rwanda’s intelligence service gets, shared with the United Nations and the DRC government, was beginning to make decisions based on it.
“They started acting on some of the information we gave them, because they were also able to verify and see what was growing in North Kivu, it started operating against these groups of FDLR,” he said.
After the DRC started an operation against these groups based on information provided by Rwanda, some people started claiming that the RDF had gone there, but ignored the problems the FDLR had caused to the Congolese people.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to Qatar, Francois Nkulikiyimfura, confirmed that the pledge made by the Qatar ruler was loaded on the Qatar Airways plane on Tuesday night and scheduled to reach Kigali the following morning. These were received by the Rwandan Health Minister, Dr. Daniel Ngamije.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije said that the medical supplies Rwanda received from Qatar were a considerable boost to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The consignment includes personal protective equipment (PPEs) such as face masks, gloves, overalls for frontline workers, hospital boots, among others.
“These equipments will complement a great number of medical equipment that our government has bought since the Coronavirus pandemic struck,” Ngamije said.
Ngamije also highlighted the bilateral relationship that both governments enjoy.
“Our relationship is strong. Seeing that Qatar is able to provide such donations at a time like this, is a sign that our relationship is at a good standing.”
The Emir had directed his government to quickly deliver medical equipment to Rwanda and other countries to support the country’s efforts to fight the #COVIDー19 pandemic.
Among other countries expected to receive the delivery from the Gulf nation are Algeria, Tunisia and Nepal.
Considering the number of COVID-19 patients in the country, and the equipment in stock so far, the health minister said, “We are sure that this can take us for more three months”
Rwanda has so far confirmed 212 coronavirus cases of which 95 have fully recovered. The country has not reported any death thus far.
Qatar Government through Qatar Airways acquired a stake in the upcoming international airport in Bugesera district and confirmed earlier this year that it was in the advanced stages of negotiations to acquire a 49 percent stake in RwandAir.
Nyamvumba’s removal from office was attributed to an ongoing investigation on matters of accountability. Nyamvumba will be reporting to the Rwanda Defense Forces until further decisions are taken.
Previously, Nyamvumba was serving as the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force before a shakeup in the top military brass in November 2019 whereby General Jean Bosco Kazura replaced him.
Gen. Nyamvumba is the 5th Minister to be removed from Cabinet duty this year; prior to him were of Dr. Diane Gashumba (Former Minister of Health), Evode Uwizeyimana (Former Minister of State in charge of Constitutional and Legal Affairs), Isaac Munyakazi (Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education) and Olivier Nduhungirehe, (former Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in charge of East African Community).
RNP started using drones a fortnight ago in its public awareness and enforcement, to supplement other measures such as use of social media platforms and other media channels as well as Police vehicles mounted with public sound systems.
According to local leaders, Kigali dwellers and traders, drones have impacted on how people behave and exercise safer practices today in relation to preventing the spread of the virus.
“We used to go jogging every evening as a family, we didn’t know that it was also prohibited, but we heard the message on the drone which was hovering over our home,” said Charles Iyaremye from Kibagabaga.
Another resident from Nyirabwana in Kimironko, Clement Nyiridandi said that he heard about applying for movement clearance online, from the drone.
“It was previously a challenge to ensure that the message reaches some congested residential parts of Kimironko like Nyirabwana Village in Kibagabaga cell. Unnecessary movements and unsafe practices in shops, outdoor sports activities especially people jogging in the evening in Kibagabaga were common,” said Jean Sauveur Kalisa, the executive secretary for Kimironko sector.
He added: “Our vehicle mounted with public sound system couldn’t reach these areas because of roads. With the coming of drones, which are directed to such congested places, today we can say that these drones have made big impact; we rarely see these unnecessary movements out of homes, shops have also prevented customers from entering as they are served from outside where they stand in respect of social distancing; movements in groups involving people from the same family are also rare.”
The drones which have in-built mega sound speakers trek in the remote parts of Kigali, residential areas, markets and trading centres spreading the message on coronavirus.
According to RNP, messages are delivered depending on the situation in a specific area, where they are deployed.
“Drones main perform two duties; public awareness and enforcement. With in-built camera and sound speaker, a Police officer can communicate to people seen loitering on streets, in outdoor sports activities and those seen in unnecessary movements, to vacate and go back home immediately and where necessary officers are deployed to enforce the directives and arrested made, where necessary,” said RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera.
Some bars located in remote parts of Kigali, whose owners had breached the directives, were identified by drones. In this period, all bars are closed.
“Our vehicles mounted with sound speakers had failed to reach these remote and inaccessible places because of roads, which used to be congested and with unnecessary movements, these prohibited practices have tremendously gone down,” he added.
He, however, urged the public not to leave their home to view the drones; avoid gather in large groups where drones are delivering the messages.
“Stay home; protect your life, your family and others. Apply for movement clearance online and use it for the intended purpose, avoiding gatherings, wear face masks and observe social distancing. These contribute to saving lives and facilitate national efforts against the pandemic.”
The contribution was received by the Honorable Minister of State in charge of Treasury, Richard Tusabe.
While handing over the contribution, Evelyn Kamagaju Rutagwenda, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Equity Bank Rwanda PLC, said that part of the grant was Rwf 500 million provided by the bank, board members and staff, while another Rwf 500 million was donated by the family of Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group Holdings.
“We believe that the testing kits will boost the government’s commendable efforts to promptly diagnose COVID-19 cases and take the necessary measures to reduce the spread,” she said.
The Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings, Dr. Mwangi thanked Rwanda’s continued efforts to fight the epidemic, stressing that the cooperation with the government and various private sectors will lead to a swift response in the fight against COVID-19.
“Kindly accept my family contribution of 500 Million Rwanda Francs to boost Equity Bank Rwanda’s contribution towards the national initiative that the government of Rwanda has put in place in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Mwangi said.
“The key to Africa’s success in tackling the global epidemic is the cooperation of the people and the government through its commitment to adherence to the programs and regulations set by the Government and the Ministries of Health,” he added.
Equity Bank Rwanda Plc’s CEO, Hannington Namara, said “Equity Bank Rwanda Plc empathizes with people who have unfortunately been infected with COVID-19 and with them a quick recovery. We are optimistic that our country will go back to normalcy much sooner.”
Equity Bank Rwanda continues to adhere to all the necessary preventive measures in place. During these difficult times, the bank continues to help its customers and non-customers stay at home and get the banking services they need 24/7 hours through their digital channels.
It has introduced various options including removing any costs associated with withdrawing money from the account and opening a new account without requiring anyone to go to the bank or approach an agent.
Equity Group shares operations in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and the DRC, and invests in activities including banking, insurance, auditing, infrastructure, and more.
Cancer patients used to go to Butaro Hospital in Burera District for treatment. This, however, is no longer possible due to Coronavirus prevention measures.
In partnership with Partners in Health, a Zipline company that has Drones for medical and blood transport, cancer patients are easily getting their medicine they taken them from the nearby hospital.
Zipline’s co-ordinator and the Ministry of Health and other partners, Tuyishimire Jean d’Amour, told IGIHE that they had been taking pills and other drugs for cancer patients for three weeks so far.
“There are hospitals that we are already working with and they are close to where the patients are. What we are doing is that the medicine is available at our headquarters in Kayonza or Muhanga, depending on the patient’s location, and then we talk to the hospital where the patient may be living nearby,” she said.
Tuyishimire said they have information about the patient’s location whether the region, the sector, then look at the nearest hospital and talk to them about the patient’s arrival because it is emergency medicine, he or she arrives at the hospital they call Zipline they send it and the patients get drugs immediately.
“Medications are being sent to patients through nearby hospitals,” she said.
Zipline has so far sent medication to 27 patients at various hospitals including those in Kibuye, Kibungo, and elsewhere. This process continues until the homestay process is completed.
Tuyishimire goes on to say that the program has many benefits including making it easier and easier for patients to get medication, depending on how long they have been on treatment.
“As a patient from Ngarama in Gatsibo to Butaro, it is not a close place. Patients have been calling us for days and telling us that sometimes they could go and sleep and come back the next day”.
Cancer patients who are on medication when they are prevented can be affected. “Nowadays if we didn’t use Drones there would be a lot of patients who would be in a bad situation because of not getting those drugs,” Tuyishimire said.
In addition to using Drones to help cancer patients, some of the rest are being sent by ambulance to take them from their homes for treatment in Butaro.
A system has also been set up at Kanombe Military Hospital to treat cancer patients from Eastern Province and Kigali City. To reach them, with the help of Partners in Health, vehicles have been set up to take them from their homes, while the rest of the provinces are being treated in Butaro.
So far Partners in Health has been very supportive of the program as seven vehicles have been donated, in collaboration with the Rwanda National Police and the Ministry of Health.
The management of Butaro Hospital recently said that they have over 400 cancer patients going for treatment.
The 100 families donated to the charity are worth 3 million Frw, which is normally addressed to the wider Cricket Association, including the players of the game, where each family received a grant worth 30,000 Frw.
RCA Director of Operations, Byiringiro Emmanuel said: “It is an activity we started by first looking at poor families in these days because we usually monitor their livelihoods and the cooperation of their parents. Many parents are starting to get our message across. We selected 100 families from different places, where our players play,”
“The most important thing is that we are committed and we work together. We have to try our best, we have the resource and can afford to give and make a difference.”
Since the lockdown started on March 21, 2020, the Government of Rwanda has begun to assist vulnerable families, with the assistance of various organizations or individuals.
The funds will be channeled through the Rwanda Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning COVID-19 Donation Fund to support Rwandans during this crisis.
“Collectively, we are experiencing one of the most challenging times in world history. Now more than ever we must stand together and provide support to those that urgently need it.” KCB Bank Rwanda MD George Odhiambo said.
“Despite the spread of this pandemic, we have seen unprecedented commitment and resolve from Government officials, particularly health workers who have ensured all necessary measures are taken for our safety. As KCB Bank, our participation in community aid is unwavering. This financial contribution is only a token of our support to Rwanda’s effort to eradicate COVID-19.” said Mr. Odhiambo.
KCB Bank Rwanda PLC is additionally providing several solutions for businesses to cushion the undoubted economic impact of this crisis. Customers have been provided with loan moratoriums of up to 3 months, as well as various short-term credit options.
