“Rwanda recognizes the importance of Kiswahili in achieving inclusive and equitable education. Our government made a decision in 2017 to designate Kiswahili as one of the official languages of the country, alongside Kinyarwanda, English, and French,” Minister of State for Education Claudette Irere told the closing the 4th World Kiswahili Language Day celebrations in Kigali, the Rwandan capital, on Monday.
“This move was not just symbolic. It was a deliberate strategy to position Rwanda within the East African Community and the broader African linguistic landscape, while also strengthening African solidarity and fraternity,” she said.
Caroline Asiimwe, executive secretary of the East African Kiswahili Commission, said Kiswahili language is fundamental to building society, nations, and the EAC region.
She emphasized the commission’s commitment to youth empowerment and digital innovation, urging young people to take ownership of Kiswahili’s digital future and use it as a tool for entrepreneurship and peace building.
“Let us build AI tools, dictionaries, and platforms in Kiswahili not only to preserve the language but to empower the next generation of African innovators,” Asiimwe said.
Co-hosted by Rwanda and the East African Kiswahili Commission, the two-day celebrations were held under the theme of “Kiswahili, Inclusive Education and Sustainable Development” to examine relevant policies, best practices, and stakeholder engagement.
The event drew more than 300 participants, including senior government officials, delegates from EAC partner states, academics, Kiswahili experts, and university students.
The celebrations featured a regional symposium, youth engagement sessions, and an exhibition.
Participants explored how Kiswahili, artificial intelligence, and inclusive education can advance a culture of peace and drive innovative initiatives.
Of the fatalities, 87 occurred in Kerr County, officials said. Camp Mystic, located along the river in Hunt, Texas, confirmed on Monday that at least 27 campers and counselors died in the flooding.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a news briefing Tuesday afternoon that at least 161 people are known to be missing after the deadly flooding, noting that searches will persist throughout the Guadalupe River system in the hope of locating anyone else. He also asked the public to contact local officials with information about friends or relatives believed to be missing.
“Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly,” Camp Mystic said in a statement. “We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls.”
At least five Camp Mystic campers are still missing, along with one counselor, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha was quoted by CBS News as saying on Tuesday. There were about 750 children at Camp Mystic when the floods hit, the sheriff said earlier.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County at Abbott’s request. On Saturday, Abbott said he visited the summer camp, describing the scene as “horrendously ravaged.”
The global average surface air temperature in June was 16.46 degrees Celsius, 0.47 degrees above the 1991-2020 average for the month and 1.3 degrees higher than the 1850-1900 pre-industrial level, C3S said in its monthly bulletin.
Europe’s average temperature for the month was 18.46 degrees, making it the fifth-warmest June on record. Western Europe, however, experienced its warmest June ever, with temperatures averaging 20.49 degrees.
“June 2025 saw an exceptional heatwave impact large parts of Western Europe, with much of the region experiencing very strong heat stress,” said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.
She warned that heatwaves are likely to become “more frequent, more intense and impact more people across Europe” in a warming world.
Beyond Europe, above-average temperatures for June were observed across the United States, northern Canada, central and eastern Asia and West Antarctica.
June’s global average sea surface temperature (SST) over latitudes from 60 degrees north to 60 degrees south was 20.72 degrees, the third-highest for the month.
An “exceptional” marine heatwave developed in the western Mediterranean, where daily SSTs peaked at 27 degrees, the highest ever recorded in the region for June, marking the largest daily SST anomaly globally for any month, C3S noted.
“The long-term trend of rising ocean temperatures is evident globally,” said Julien Nicolas, senior scientist at C3S. He noted that higher SST poses a rising threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity as oceans absorb around 90 percent of the excess heat caused by human-induced climate change.
Nicolas urged faster action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to improve climate resilience.
“Reducing emissions and adapting our cities and communities to a world with more extreme weather is critical,” he said.
The agency addressed the progress and challenges of the project during a briefing on issues raised in the Office of the Auditor General’s report for the fiscal year ending June 2024.
RISA’s Director General, Innocent Muhizi, explained that the initiatives under the Rwanda Digital Acceleration Project, which aims to advance technology, including the development of the Digital National ID system, have made significant progress.
He clarified that previous delays have been resolved and that the current phase is progressing rapidly.
“Within the next three to four months, we will begin the initial activities for data collection and entry (pre-enrolment exercise). To be clear, the project’s implementation is led by NIDA, and they will begin inputting data,” he said.
Muhizi further noted that biometric data collection for the new system will be more comprehensive than what was required for the current ID.
“Previously, when applying for a national ID, only two fingerprints were taken. Now, all ten fingers will be recorded, along with an iris scan. This means that, whereas today you are required to present your national ID to open a bank account, in the future you’ll be able to do so digitally and securely—even if you are not physically present,” he explained.
Once the digital ID system becomes operational, individuals will be able to access services remotely.
“In other words, even without being physically present, you’ll be able to complete financial transactions. By using your fingerprint, iris scan, or other biometric methods, we will introduce a smartphone application that allows you to verify your identity simply by saying, ‘This is me,’ and the system will confirm it. This isn’t possible today because our current ID lacks such features,” he added.
Josephine Mukesha, Director General of the National Identification Agency (NIDA), speaking in an interview with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, announced that data collection for the Digital National ID system will begin in July 2025.
“With the new digital ID, we will no longer issue IDs starting at age 16. Instead, everyone will be assigned an ID from birth. We will collect photographs and biometric data from young children. The key difference is that the new ID will exist in three versions. Those who wish can still use the current physical ID, but it will contain less personal information. Today’s IDs display age and other data that don’t necessarily need to be shared with everyone,” she said.
The digital ID will include names and photos, along with a QR code containing additional data that can be accessed based on the viewer’s authorisation level.
She cited the example of entering a venue with an age restriction:
“If a place requires someone to be 18 or older, the digital ID can confirm that without revealing your name or other personal details. Having a digital ID allows you to choose what information to share based on the service you’re accessing.”
The digital ID will also be available on mobile phones, allowing holders to display only relevant information depending on the situation. Alternatively, someone may request the ID number and verify biometric data for authentication.
Any action involving the data on a person’s digital ID will require their approval. Individuals will have the right to authorise which organisations or persons can access their data, and to object to any misuse.
Mukesha added, “What we are currently doing is building the systems that will enable this process. Before launching, we want everyone to verify that the data we already have is accurate. Sometimes, people discover errors—such as a misspelt parent’s name—when applying for services or documents. We want individuals to confirm their information before receiving their digital ID.”
Data verification activities are expected to begin in July 2025.
“We want to stay up to date by ensuring everyone is registered, including children and entire families. Remember, for anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian must give consent. We plan to make this process convenient by allowing family members to verify data together,” she said.
Mukesha also emphasised the need to reach communities directly in order to accelerate the process and ensure no one is left behind.
RISA’s Director General, Innocent Muhizi, reiterated that the Digital National ID project is progressing steadily and is now approaching the critical stage of data integration.
RISA noted that its technology projects have now reached a phase of acceleration, following initial delays during the early stages of implementation.
Landing at Kigali International Airport on Tuesday morning, Teacher Mpamire was warmly received by the event’s organising team, who are behind the fast-rising Gen-Z Comedy series, now a staple on Kigali’s entertainment calendar with two editions each month.
Mpamire was all smiles as he waved the Rwandan flag handed to him upon arrival, a gesture he said made him feel right at home.
“I love Rwanda. From the moment I started performing here, the people have always shown me so much love—and I love them back. Every time I’m here, it feels like home. Rwanda is truly my second country after Uganda,” he shared.
This marks Teacher Mpamire’s second appearance at Gen-Z Comedy, and this time, the show is themed around #Kwibohora31, commemorating Rwanda’s 31st Liberation Anniversary.
He will be sharing the stage with a stellar lineup of Rwandan comedians, including Umushumba, Pirate, Rumi, Kadudu, Joseph, and Dudu—promising a night packed with laughter and energy.
Gen-Z Comedy has quickly earned a loyal following for its fresh take on stand-up, spotlighting both rising and established acts who reflect the voice and humour of the younger generation.
Since 2021, the Rwanda Youth Tour has brought together Rwandan youth living abroad for a two-week immersive experience that connects them with their roots while encouraging engagement in national development.
This year’s delegation includes participants, mostly students, from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Uganda, Senegal, Belgium, and Canada. For some, it is their first time visiting Rwanda, having either been born abroad or left at a young age.
The programme began with a guided tour of Nyandungu Eco Park in Kigali, following an official welcome by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MINAFFET) and the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East at MINAFFET, commended the participants’ enthusiasm and sense of belonging.
“These are passionate young Rwandans who love their country and its history, and who are eager to contribute to its future. Rwanda is proud to welcome them home—to show them where the country stands today, where it has come from, and to educate them about the Genocide against the Tutsi. This journey helps them understand Rwanda’s transformation and the role they can play in its continued progress,” he said.
Rwanyagatare also noted that since the inception of the Rwanda Youth Tour five years ago, diaspora youth have increasingly contributed to the country’s development through academic pursuits, professional expertise, and investment initiatives.
Sandrine Umutoni, State Minister for Youth and Arts Development, underscored the importance of correcting misconceptions among diaspora youth.
“Many arrive believing they know Rwanda’s history, but often lack the full picture, such as what triggered the Genocide against the Tutsi, how it was stopped, and how peace and unity were restored. Those who return more than once begin to grasp the foundational values of our nation: reconciliation, resilience, and inclusivity,” she said.
During the event, four participants shared their initial impressions and hopes for the tour, which focuses on exploring Rwanda’s history, culture, and development journey.
Among them, Linnah Mukandori expressed her heartfelt connection to Rwanda, saying:
“I have missed my country so much. I missed speaking Kinyarwanda and hearing others speak it. I missed everything about Rwanda, and that is why this trip means so much to me.”
Some of them, like Emech from Belgium, look forward to sharing their experiences with their friends when back home.
“I want to discover the country and share my experiences on why they should visit Rwanda,” he remarked.
Watch this video to learn more about the tour and the students’ experiences.
The event drew more than 700 guests, including members of the Rwandan diaspora, Ugandan government officials, the diplomatic corps, students, and friends of Rwanda.
In his keynote address, Amb. Rutabana described July 4, 1994, as “the true liberation” of Rwanda, a moment that marked the rebirth of a nation that had nearly collapsed under the weight of the Genocide against the Tutsi, division, and failed post-independence leadership.
“Rwanda got her Independence from colonialism, on the 1st of July 1962. However, the post- colonial governments did not bring any fundamental change to the lives of the people. In fact, they added more impetus to the plight of divisive and sectarian policies of colonial masters,” he said, citing the discriminatory regimes of Presidents Kayibanda and Habyarimana.
He recounted how years of marginalisation and exile, particularly of Tutsis, created the conditions for an inevitable revolution.
“In 1987, the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) was formed with the aim of liberating the motherland,” he said, tracing the movement’s military campaign that began in 1990 and culminated in the Rwandese Patriotic Army (RPA) capturing Kigali on July 4, 1994—effectively ending the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Amb. Rutabana praised the leadership of President Paul Kagame for transforming Rwanda from a nation on the brink of collapse into one of stability, reconciliation, and development.
“The journey has been long and difficult but thanks to the able and transformational leadership of H.E. Paul Kagame, which charted a clear and shared vision, with inclusive policies and equal opportunities to all, considerable achievements have been made,” he said, highlighting that life expectancy has risen to nearly 70 years, school attendance is improving, and Rwanda is now the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions globally.
He also paid tribute to Uganda for its historical support during Rwanda’s most difficult years. “We did not walk this long journey alone. We have had the valuable support of many partners, including Uganda,” he said, echoing President Kagame’s remarks during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, acknowledging Uganda’s role in carrying “the burden of Rwanda’s internal problems for so many years.”
Amb. Rutabana also noted improved bilateral relations between Rwanda and Uganda, underscoring recent high-level engagements between the two countries’ military and government officials. He cited the 11th session of the Uganda-Rwanda Joint Permanent Commission in 2023 as a milestone that laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in areas including diplomacy, migration, justice, and cross-border trade.
The Guest of Honour, Amb. Dr. Mohamed A. Kisuule, commended Rwanda’s resilience and transformation.
The evening concluded with a toast to Presidents Yoweri Museveni and Kagame, as well as a cake-cutting ceremony symbolising continued unity and friendship between Rwanda and Uganda.
Musical and cultural performances by the Makerere University choir, a Rwandan traditional dance troupe, and Milly’s Band added colour to the event, while guests were encouraged to “Visit Rwanda” and explore its natural beauty and growing tourism industry.
The figures were disclosed during a press briefing held on July 8, where RRA shared the performance of tax collection in the fiscal year that ended in June 2025.
According to RRA Commissioner General Ronald Niwenshuti, this represents a 16.7% increase compared to the previous year (2023/2024), when Frw 2.619.2 trillion was collected.
The amount collected in 2024/2025 accounts for 52.9% of the total national budget for that year.
Several key factors contributed to this performance. One was the continued push to promote the use of Electronic Billing Machines (EBMs). The number of EBMs distributed increased from 117,631 in 2023/2024 to 147,700 in 2024/2025.
Among new traders who received EBMs, 44,000 were registered for Value Added Tax (VAT), up from 32,529 in the previous year. RRA also benefited from its voluntary tax declaration program, which brought in Frw 18.1 billion from 5,328 participants.
Additionally, a significant rise in imports contributed to the increased tax revenue. Imports went up by 21.9% compared to the 16.3% that had been projected. Efforts to combat smuggling also helped, yielding Frw 14.6 billion, while recovery of tax arrears brought in around Frw 278 billion.
Economic growth also played a role. The economy grew by 8.0% between July 2024 and March 2025, exceeding the projected 7.6%, which boosted tax collections further.
Looking ahead, RRA has set a tax collection target of Frw 3,628 trillion for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, which is about 53% of the projected national budget of Frw 7,032.5 trillion for the same period.
Niwenshuti noted that RRA plans to strengthen tax collection in underperforming sectors, such as manufacturing and construction.
He highlighted that in construction, many transactions go undocumented, and some traders operate informally or fail to provide proper receipts. He also pointed to cases where companies have misrepresented prices or used fake invoices.
To meet its new goals, RRA will intensify its efforts to fight smuggling, one of the main causes of tax evasion, and improve the use of digital tools.
Niwenshuti said RRA will enhance its existing technology and introduce new systems, particularly in customs tax collection.
The authority also plans to make EBM usage more efficient and easier to monitor to ensure accurate tax declarations.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and Innovation under the One Million Rwandan Coders initiative, this program leverages existing infrastructure, including smart classrooms, youth centres, and Hanga Hubs, to deliver targeted digital skills trainings to secondary school students under general education and TVET and other motivated young people nationwide looking to upskill and/or transition into tech careers..
The program is designed to bridge the digital skills gap, a critical step toward realizing Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation, which emphasizes building a digitally adept workforce and fostering job creation for the country’s youth.
By transforming underutilized holiday periods into opportunities for hands-on, project-based learning, Smart Ibiruhuko ensures equitable access to skills that will prepare participants for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.
The initiative’s scope is ambitious yet practical, leveraging partnerships with global tech leaders like; Cisco , ALX , Huawei, Oracle, Udacity and DTP (Digital Talent Program) and others to deliver a curriculum tailored to various skill levels and career aspirations.
Smart Ibiruhuko offers three distinct learning tracks, each carefully curated to fit within the two-month holiday window. The first track focuses on basic digital literacy, equipping participants with foundational skills for everyday and workplace technology use through programs like the Digital Competence Passport and UNICEF-supported INGAZI and Passport2Earning.
The second track introduces beginner-level coding and technical skills, including Python, JavaScript, data analysis, IoT technologies, and UI/UX design, laying the groundwork for future studies or careers in tech. The third track explores emerging technologies like applied AI and includes an English communication module to enhance workplace readiness and digital thinking.
What sets Smart Ibiruhuko apart is its emphasis on practical, collaborative learning. Participants engage in group projects, school competitions, and presentation coaching, fostering not only technical expertise but also critical soft skills like teamwork and communication.
By utilizing existing smart classrooms and certified learning centers, the program ensures that young Rwandans from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality training without geographic or economic barriers.
This initiative reflects Rwanda’s broader commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy, aligning with the country’s Vision 2050 aspirations.
Through Smart Ibiruhuko, Rwanda is not only equipping its youth with the tools to thrive in a digital world but also positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation and technology.
As the program unfolds across the nation, it promises to ignite a spark in the next generation, preparing them to lead Rwanda’s digital future with confidence and creativity.
On June 27, 2025, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed an agreement to restore peace in the Great Lakes region, with facilitation from the United States.
The accord calls for the dismantling of the FDLR and the removal of Rwanda’s defensive measures at the border, both to be completed within 90 days.
However, BBC Gahuza (the Kinyarwanda-language service of the BBC) published an article titled “What the FDLR Says About the Washington Deal Calling for Its Elimination,” which included a summary of an open letter from FDLR leader Lt Gen Byiringiro Victor addressed to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Minister Nduhungirehe responded sharply, stating that the BBC was providing an inappropriate platform to a group designated for dismantling by multiple international actors. He emphasized that the media must not normalize or sanitize groups responsible for past atrocities.
“It is unacceptable that this British Broadcasting Corporation continues to whitewash, sanitize, and promote the FDLR, a genocidal force that the DRC, Rwanda, the US and the larger international community have committed to neutralize,” he shared on X.
The Rwandan government has long identified the FDLR as a direct threat to national security. For years, the group has attempted to destabilize Rwanda, launching several attacks from across the border, particularly in the northwestern region.
FDLR incursions in March, May, and June 2022 were among the reasons Rwanda reinforced its border security measures. These measures, now set to be lifted under the new agreement, were implemented to prevent further cross-border threats.
