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.
Marking 31 years since Rwanda’s Liberation, this year’s convention served as both a moment of remembrance and a platform for vision. Attendees from across the United States and beyond gathered to reflect on Rwanda’s transformation, and to explore how they, too, could continue to contribute to building what comes next.
Bank of Kigali used the convention platform to launch BK Capital USD Fixed Income Fund, a solution tailored specifically for the Rwandan diaspora and international investors. Offering annual returns of 5–6%, the fund presents a secure, transparent path to invest in Rwanda’s future while meeting global financial standards. Investors can invest from $2,000, withdraw at any time, borrow against it, or even use it as collateral. The fund is certified by Rwanda’s Capital Market Authority.
Bank of Kigali also showcased its diaspora mortgage offerings, designed to make property ownership in Rwanda faster and more accessible. Whether building a family home in Kigali or purchasing an apartment in Rubavu, BK provides financing and expert advisory services to make ownership back home a reality.
For diaspora clients, BK’s foreign currency accounts, available in RWF, USD, GBP, EUR, CHF, and CAD, come with zero maintenance fees, and free incoming international transfers. Customers can open and manage their accounts entirely online, through the BK Mobile App or Internet Banking, from anywhere in the world.
“Our goal is simple: to empower the diaspora with real tools to invest meaningfully back home,” said Desire Rumanyika, Chief Digital and Retail Officer at Bank of Kigali. “Bank of Kigali is more than a bridge, it’s your trusted partner in turning belief into action, and action into impact, as we work together to realize Rwanda’s Vision 2050.”
BK Foundation was also present at the convention to engage the Rwandan diaspora on the work being done across its three core pillars: Education, Empowerment, and Environmental Conservation. By supporting BK Foundation, members of the diaspora can actively contribute to its philanthropic mission and play a part in social transformation in Rwanda.
Bank of Kigali continues to develop solutions that align with the aspirations of Rwandans, both at home and abroad. The bank emphasizes that the time to act is now. Through the Shora I Rwanda with Bank of Kigali initiative, the lender invites individuals to be part of a legacy that will endure for generations.
In a televised interview with state-run IRIB TV, Ohadi said the number could further rise given the seriously injured and the unidentified bodies.
Israel launched a series of major airstrikes on June 13 targeting nuclear and military sites across Iran, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, and injuring many others, according to Iranian authorities.
Iran retaliated with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory, causing casualties and damage.
A ceasefire between the two countries was reached on June 24, ending 12 days of fighting.
In a joint statement on Monday, July 7, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) and National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) announced that the exams will be conducted in 1,595 centres across the country and will run until July 18, 2025.
This year’s cohort comprises 149,134 Ordinary Level (O-Level) candidates and 106,364 Advanced Level (A-Level) candidates.
For the O-Level examinations, 82,412 girls and 66,722 boys are registered to sit their exams in 715 centres nationwide.
At the A-Level, 101,081 are school-based candidates, including 55,435 girls and 45,646 boys, while 5,283 are private candidates (3,382 girls and 1,901 boys). The exams will be conducted in 880 centres.
MINEDUC and NESA reaffirmed commitment to inclusive education, revealing that 459 O-Level and 323 A-Level candidates with disabilities will receive tailored support.
“This includes Braille and large-print exam papers, assistive devices, the use of scribes, and extended time allowance during examinations,” the statement reads.
NESA, which is coordinating the exams, is a public institution under the Ministry of Education tasked with conducting assessments and ensuring school quality.
“I’m saddened to watch Elon Musk go completely ‘off the rails,’ essentially becoming a TRAIN WRECK over the past five weeks,” Trump posted on social media Sunday night.
He was referring to Musk’s threats to form a third political party to rival Democrats and Republicans.
The president called that idea “ridiculous,” adding that it would cause confusion.
The feud between the two billionaires began in early June after Musk blasted Trump’s landmark One Big Beautiful Bill, a gargantuan tax and spending package that Trump signed into law on Friday, the Independence Day.
Musk lambasted the legislation, saying it could add trillions of U.S. dollars to the national debt.
“Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom,” Musk said on social media.
In response, Trump posted on social media that third parties “have never succeeded in the United States,” adding that “the one thing (they) are good for is the creation of Complete and Total DISRUPTION & CHAOS.”
Musk’s announcement caused shares of his company Tesla to take a dive. On Monday, the stock saw its largest single-day loss since June 5.
Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College in the northeastern state of New Hampshire, told Xinhua: “Right now, Republicans have narrow margins in both chambers of Congress. If Musk were to fund primary challengers or independent general election candidates… that could cost Republicans in next year’s midterms.”
“Building a real party, rather than a vanity project, would involve finding and running credible candidates up and down the ballot, for unglamorous offices like school board and city council,” Galdieri said.
Clay Ramsay, a researcher at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, told Xinhua: “Things like this have been tried not very long ago… The problem is that a political party needs a core idea.”
“This venture would have to attract people younger than 45 who are already politicians on some level, and who have real political talent,” Ramsay said.
“If Musk were to just concentrate on knocking out specific Republican senators and members, that would be a slightly better plan than starting a new political party,” Ramsay added.
Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua: “There are lots of people who would like choices between the two major parties. Each has moved to the extremes and does not represent the broad swathe of America.”
“He needs to find someone to lead the party who could appeal to more people,” West said.
