She specifically called for cases to be tried at the locations where the crimes occurred, where feasible.
Mukantaganzwa made these remarks during the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed judges on December 18, 2024.
The judges sworn in include the President and Vice President of the Commercial Court, as well as the Presidents and Vice Presidents of Intermediate Courts.
In her address, Mukantaganzwa stressed the importance of expediting trials, particularly those involving murder and genocide ideology.
“First, you should expedite trials for defendants charged with murder and genocide ideology, and, where possible, these cases should be tried at the location where the crimes were committed,” she said.
She also emphasized the need for swift trials of corruption-related crimes, adding, “For Rwanda to reach its full potential, we must tackle the issue of individuals accumulating wealth from public resources, believing they will never face justice.”
Further, Mukantaganzwa advocated for adopting judicial practices like mediation, plea bargaining, and reliance on precedents to enhance efficiency.
She also called for greater attention to the directives issued by higher courts in previous rulings, ensuring consistency in the justice system for similar cases.
Among those sworn in were four judges appointed to intermediate courts in Gicumbi, Musanze, Rubavu, and Rusizi, and two to the Commercial Court.
Trump told Fox News he was “totally against” a proposed government funding bill, putting the stopgap measure, which would keep the government open until mid-March, in danger.
Congress has until Friday night to prevent a funding gap, as lawmakers passed a continuing resolution in September to extend government funding through December 20.
The new package, unveiled on Tuesday, mainly allows the government to maintain its current spending levels for the next three months, providing lawmakers with additional time to negotiate new spending bills.
It also includes 100 billion U.S. dollars in disaster relief for recovery from major hurricanes and the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge, a one-year extension of the farm bill with an extra 10 billion dollars in aid for farmers.
With some hardliners opposing the stopgap measure and a slim House majority, Republicans will once again need Democrats’ support to approve government funding.
“We should pass a streamlined spending bill that doesn’t give the Democrats everything they want,” Vice President-elect and Senator JD Vance said in a joint statement with Trump.
“The only way to do that is with a temporary funding bill without Democrat giveaways combined with an increase in the debt ceiling,” said the statement, pressuring the Democrats to cooperate on a debt ceiling increase now.
The latest statement drew criticism from Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
“House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government. And hurt the working class Americans they claim to support. You break the bipartisan agreement, you own the consequences that follow,” he said on social media platform X.
Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, Emmanuel Hamez, announced the milestone during a press briefing at the company headquarters in Remera on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The company has already registered 1.5 million smartphones enjoying voice over 4G services, with 30% of Voice 3G traffic now switched to the new technology.
The VoLTE service, launched on November 19, offers customers HD-quality voice calls, faster call setups, and the ability to browse data while on a call, without additional charges.
Hamez noted that 4G technology has revolutionized the traditional voice call model by converting voice calls into data, making them more affordable.
“The concept of minutes or duration is no longer valid. Now, voice calls, like sending a photo, consume data, not minutes or seconds. For instance, a one-hour non-stop call equates to 15 megabytes of data. This is a significant shift in the charging model. We’re no longer selling minutes, but data,” the MD explained.
The company expects to reach two million subscribers early next year.
Currently, Airtel Rwanda is working with phone manufacturers like Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno to ensure broader compatibility with the new technology. Hamez expressed optimism about ongoing discussions and expects more smartphones to be supported in the coming months.
To enhance network accessibility, the company has invested $63 million in infrastructure, adding 200 new transmission stations to its network, bringing the total number of stations to over 1,000. This expansion now covers 95% of the Rwandan population.
Airtel Rwanda is the first telco to introduce VoLTE technology in Rwanda. The move aims to improve customer experience and increase market share, which currently stands at 38.1% with 5.5 million subscribers.
With the growing adoption of 4G voice calls, the company plans to phase out 3G technology by the end of 2025 and 2G by the end of 2026, aligning with the government’s National Broadband policy.
The cost of smartphones remains a key challenge during the transition, but Hamez noted that the company would continue to work with other partners to increase access to affordable smartphones in rural and underserved populations.
In October last year, Airtel Africa collaborated with the Rwandan government to introduce the country’s most affordable 4G smartphone as part of the ConnectRwanda initiative.
Priced at 20,000 Rwandan Francs, the budget smartphone comes with a monthly plan of 1,000 Rwandan Francs that includes 1GB of data and unlimited calls daily.
He had been accused of involvement in attacks against Tutsis on the hills of Nyamure, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and roadblocks set up in Nyanza.
From the beginning of the trial, Hategekimana had been charged with his role in the death of Narcisse Nyagasaza, the former Mayor of Ntyazo Commune, accusing him of attempting to smuggle Tutsis into Burundi through the Akanyaru River, though Hategekimana had vehemently denied these allegations.
IGIHE spoke with lawyers representing survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Paris, who expressed their satisfaction with the verdict handed down to Hategekimana.
Lawyer André-Martin Karongozi said that the case had concluded as they had hoped.
“We wanted the court to make a decision like the one made by the first instance court, sentencing him to life imprisonment. This man has been sentenced to life imprisonment, and nothing more is fitting for the gravity of the crime he committed. This is the harshest sentence here. The death penalty no longer exists,” he noted.
Lawyer Richard Gisagara, who also represented the Rwandan community in France, emphasized that anyone familiar with the magnitude of the genocide trials would be pleased with the court’s decision.
He highlighted that the last months of 2024 had been marked by the delivery of justice for genocide survivors, noting that since October 2024, the Biguma case had become the third trial in a series.
He also referenced other cases, such as that of Dr. Eugene Rwamucyo, who was sentenced to 27 years for genocide crimes, and Charles Onana, who was convicted for genocide denial and revisionism—the first such conviction by a French court.
“This is encouraging,” Gisagara said. “It is a significant step here in France to fight against the culture of impunity for those accused of genocide crimes, including denial and revisionism.”
Lawyer Gisagara acknowledged that while progress was being made, they must remain vigilant and continue to push for those responsible for the genocide to face justice.
Alain Gauthier, founder of the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), and his wife Daphrose, whose organization advocates for the prosecution of those involved in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi hiding in France, also welcomed the sentence.
Gauthier said, “The decision did not surprise us. It is what we expected. We followed this case from start to finish, attending each hearing and writing reports about how the trial proceeded. I don’t understand why Biguma would not be handed a life sentence.”
He further commented on Rwamucyo case, saying that they were up against someone deeply entrenched in genocide ideology, but they were pleased with the outcome, as he was convicted.
Gauthier also expressed satisfaction with the case against Dr. Sosthène Munyemana, who played a key role in the genocide in Tumba (Huye) and the former Butare Prefecture, noting that justice had been delivered after a long wait, with proceedings that started in 1995.
“Although the legal process took nearly 20 years, justice has been delivered in these final months of 2024,” he said. “We’ve won. We’ve won all eight cases that were tried in this court since 2014.”
Gauthier thanked the genocide survivors for their continued trust in the justice process and reassured them that they would keep fighting for justice.
Lawyer François Epoma, representing civil claimants in the case, also reflected on the difficult six weeks of the Biguma trial.
“It was a tough period, with heated debates about the genocide crimes he committed,” Epoma said. “However, despite the challenges, it ended well. Justice has been served, and Biguma has been sentenced to life imprisonment, which is what we expected.”
Epoma highlighted that prosecuting individuals responsible for the genocide sent a clear message that those who partake in such crimes would face the law.
Lawyer Sylvain Tapi, a lawyer based in Brussels and Abidjan, also commented on Biguma’s case, stating that he had lied throughout the trial but was ultimately convicted based on evidence and testimonies.
“Philippe Hategekimana did nothing in this trial except lie, and in the end, he was found guilty thanks to the evidence and the testimonies of those who accused him,” Tapi said. “I am pleased that the survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi have received justice.”
Teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan treated the fans who thronged the host country’s coast region to some exhilarating displays of sporting artistry.
The games were officially opened by Kenya’s President, William Ruto in the presence speakers from the region’s various parliaments, ambassadors and sponsors including Mchezo Limited Managing Director Ntoudi Mouyelo at a colorful procession that snaked the city and terminated at the Mama Ngina Drive tourist site.
Once again Uganda, who have won the overall title in the last two editions of the games maintained their championship slot, having clinched the most gold medals in various field and track events.
They were closely followed by Kenya while Tanzania was third. Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan took the fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively.
One of the most interesting facets of the games was the accolade of the active athletes bestowed to non-other than the EALA delegation Chairman Kanini Kega who took part in most of the events including volleyball and golf.
Kega represented the Mchezo-sponsored EALA volleyball team, athletics, football among other disciplines and was feted for his never-say-never attitude towards sports.
Athletics was one of the sports that produced thrills and spills, by and large, the 100m men’ s and women. The winner in the women’s 100m race was Acom Joan Alobo of Uganda. Alobo is in the 11th Parliament of Uganda as the Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament.
She beat Omanyo Catherine of Kenya and Sichalwe Condesta of Tanzania to a scintillating podium dash.
The men’s 100m race was won by Odoi Bernard Onen of Uganda who beat Ochan Patrick – Uganda and Vincent Musyoka (Kenya) to the podium.
Another sport that enthralled regional fans was Tug of War in which Female MPs from Kenya came third behind gold medalists Uganda and Tanzania. In the Male category flamboyant MPs from Uganda took gold followed by Tanzania and Kenya.
Football men’s accolades went to Uganda (gold), Tanzania (silver), Burundi (bronze) whilst Rwanda took the accolade of the Most Disciplined Team.
Wheelchair Darts was also a crowd pleaser. In the ladies’ category Museo Rose of Kenya took the top honors ahead of Uganda’s Kanushu Laura.
In the Men’s Wheelchair Darts, it was a Kenyan 1-2 finish led by Koskei Bishop and Tim Wanyonyi whilst Bahati Alex of EALA came third.
Speaking on behalf of Mchezo Managing Director Ntoudi Mouyelo on Tuesday December 17, 2024, Mercy Mugao extended heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Kenya, and especially Mombasa County, for successfully hosting this prestigious event.
“Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed incredible talent and unwavering passion across various disciplines. In sports, there are moments of victory and opportunities to learn and grow,” Mugao said.
“To all the winners, congratulations! For those who didn’t secure victory this time, I trust valuable lessons were gained to fuel future success,” she added. Mugao also commended the Government of Kenya for hosting a seamlessly organized event.
“At Mchezo, we are deeply committed to advancing the sports industry in East Africa and beyond through strategic partnerships that drive growth, innovation, and impact. Our focus is threefold: Invest, Innovate, and Inclusion. These games are more than just competitions—they are a catalyst for regional cohesion, trade, and economic development,” she explained.
{{Other Award winners included;}}
In Golf Dickson Kateshumbwa (longest drive Man), Mary Maingi (ongest drive female), Thomas Tayebwa (nearest to the pin Man), Caleb Mule (best man overall), Mary Maingi (Best female overall).
Ugandan female team was the overall winner while for the male team, Kenya was the overall winning team.
In Basketball, Uganda’s Mwine Mpaka emerged MVP for Men while Esther Matiko was the MVP for ladies. In Netball, Sarah Kayagi Netalisile emerged the MVP as Uganda ecame the overall champion in netball.
In Football, Amollo Paul Otiende was the most outstanding player while women volleyball, Jesca Kishoa was the MVP Muhakwa Valens was the MVP in the men’s category. Kanini Kega was recognized as the most active player in the competitions.
In a series of posts on the X platform, General Muhoozi claimed he would “capture Khartoum” with the support of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, prompting Sudan to issue an official demand for a public apology.
In a strongly-worded statement, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the remarks as “reckless and irresponsible.” The ministry described the comments as an unprecedented violation of diplomatic norms, international law, and the principles of mutual respect between sovereign nations.
“The threat of war, the violation of state sovereignty, and the defiance of the United Nations Charter and African Union regulations are too dangerous to be treated lightly or used as tools for personal publicity,” the statement emphasized.
The Sudanese government, which has faced instability due to ongoing civil war, urged the African Union and other international bodies to denounce Muhoozi’s statements, which it said undermine regional stability and insult African nations.
Although the posts were deleted shortly after being published, their impact was significant. Sudanese social media users continued to express widespread anger, urging authorities to pursue accountability measures against Uganda.
Similarly, the army chief’s remarks about the crashing “white machineries” in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have provoked tensions with the Congolese government. This led to the summoning of Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Matata Twaha Magara, by DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, on Wednesday.
The son of President Yoweri Museveni had declared: “This is my final warning to all white mercenaries operating in eastern DRC. Starting January 2, 2025, we will launch operations against all white mercenaries in our zones. In the name of Jesus Christ, the God of all Bachwezi, no mercenary will remain in the DRC next year.”
The remarks were interpreted as a direct reference to foreign operatives from groups like Agemira and RALF, which have reportedly supported the Congolese national army (FARDC) against the M23 rebellion since 2022.
General Muhoozi has a history of making controversial statements. He previously threatened to invade Kenya while serving as commander of the land forces, a remark that led to his dismissal from that post before he was appointed commander of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces.
This decision came after Judge Andrew Bashaija confirmed that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to warrant a full trial.
The case revolves around allegations that Arinaitwe exploited a young woman under the guise of offering her employment. In mid-2023, the victim, who had been promised a housemaid position, traveled from Mbarara to Kampala after receiving transport money.
Upon arrival, she was taken to Arinaitwe’s residence in Nalumunye, Rubaga Division, where she worked as a housemaid. However, the victim claims she was later subjected to sexual exploitation.
“The evidence shows the accused arranged and paid for the victim’s transportation, received her at his home, and provided accommodation,” noted Justice Bashaija during the ruling. “As a law enforcement officer, the accused used his position of power to manipulate and exploit the victim.”
The court heard harrowing details from the victim, who alleged that Arinaitwe forced her into unprotected sex at gunpoint and subjected her to invasive acts to exert control over her. Medical examinations corroborated her claims, revealing physical injuries consistent with sexual assault.
In his defense, Arinaitwe did not deny the victim’s presence at his residence or certain interactions but refuted the allegations of coercion. However, the judge pointed out that the evidence, including the victim’s testimony and forensic findings, established substantial grounds for trial.
This case has reignited debates about accountability within Uganda’s law enforcement. Critics argue that cases involving public officials often highlight systemic abuses of power.
“The fact that this crime was allegedly committed by a law enforcement officer is deeply troubling,” said Henry Muguzi, Executive Director of the Alliance for Campaign Finance Monitoring. “It shows the urgent need for reforms to address abuse within public institutions.”
The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act categorizes trafficking by public officials as aggravated, carrying severe penalties upon conviction. Legal experts believe this case will serve as a litmus test for the judiciary’s commitment to justice.
The meeting, initiated on December 18, 2024, by DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, followed a series of controversial posts by Gen. Muhoozi on social media platform X.
In one now-deleted post, Gen. Muhoozi declared: “This is my final warning to all white mercenaries operating in eastern DRC. Starting January 2, 2025, we will launch operations against all white mercenaries in our zones. In the name of Jesus Christ, the God of all Bachwezi, no mercenary will remain in the DRC next year.”
The remarks were interpreted as a direct reference to foreign operatives from groups like Agemira and RALF, which have reportedly supported the Congolese national army (FARDC) against the M23 rebellion since 2022.
However, the DRC has maintained that these individuals are military trainers, not mercenaries, helping to modernize FARDC operations in key areas such as Goma and Sake.
The DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, saying: “On December 18, Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner summoned Uganda’s Chargé d’Affaires to the DRC, Mr. Matata Twaha Magara, to explain comments made by Uganda’s Commander of Land Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, concerning President Tshisekedi.”
Gen. Muhoozi had also praised Rwandan President Paul Kagame, describing him as a peacemaker advocating for stability in eastern DRC. He hinted at plans to visit Kinshasa for the first time in 22 years, stating: “I shall visit my big brother, President Tshisekedi, soon to ask for peace.”
These posts come amid heightened tensions after the DRC rejected a proposal from Rwanda and Angola to negotiate with the M23 armed group for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Gen. Muhoozi has been a vocal supporter of M23, asserting their mission to protect civilians and criticizing the FARDC’s reliance on external actors.
Despite his conciliatory tone in some posts, Muhoozi’s remarks have added strain to an already fragile relationship between Uganda and the DRC. Regional observers warn that such incidents could further complicate efforts to address security challenges in eastern DRC.
The DRC government has demanded official clarification from Uganda, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement to manage the situation.
Experts are increasingly concerned about the potential for this virus to cause a broader pandemic, especially as it continues to affect not only birds but also mammals, including dairy cows.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has declared a state of emergency in response to the spread of bird flu among dairy herds, which has been ongoing since March 2024.
While the overall risk to the public remains low, Newsom emphasized the importance of proactive measures to prevent further spread. The virus, primarily affecting poultry farms, has already led to the culling of over 100 million birds. California’s declaration is the first of its kind in the US, although Colorado had issued a more targeted alert earlier in the year.
The current outbreak began in poultry farms but has recently spread to dairy cows, with cases now confirmed in at least 16 states. The virus is of particular concern because it has previously led to high mortality rates among humans globally, with the World Health Organization reporting a 53% death rate in confirmed cases since 2003.
Though human-to-human transmission has not been confirmed, the virus’s increasing presence in mammals is fueling fears of wider spread. A case in Louisiana, which involved exposure to sick and dead backyard birds, has added urgency to the situation.
The CDC confirmed that the Louisiana patient has the D1.1 genotype of the virus, which has been detected in both wild birds and some human cases, although the full extent of its reach remains unclear.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with the CDC reassuring the public that the risk to the general population remains low. However, concerns about the virus’s adaptability are growing, especially with the potential for new avenues of transmission, such as through raw milk.
The USDA has already issued new regulations requiring raw milk samples to be tested and reported if they contain traces of the H5N1 virus.
As the number of human cases increases, so too does the scrutiny of public health measures. While no deaths have been reported from the current outbreak, the severe condition of the Louisiana patient serves as a stark reminder of the virus’s potential for causing harm.
Public health experts are urging increased vigilance as the virus evolves and spreads, stressing the need for swift action to mitigate its impact on both human and animal populations.
In October 2021, Air France started flying to Zanzibar twice a week via Nairobi. The carrier later in June, 2023 launched direct flights from Paris to Dar es Salaam.
KIA Director, Rehema Myeya, made the announcement on during the launch of Aviation Safety Week at the airport on December 17, 2024
Air France will operate three flights a week between KIA and Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, using its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900WXB.
“We are delighted to welcome Air France back after a 28-year absence. This year, we’ve received their first flight since their services were suspended in 1996,” said Myeya, emphasizing the importance of improved aviation security as a key factor in attracting such international airlines.
The resumption of Air France services is a testament to the enhanced security measures at KIA, which continue to be a focal point for the airport’s management.
“We are delighted to welcome Air France back after a 28-year absence. This year, we’ve received their first flight since their services were suspended in 1996,” said Myeya, emphasizing the importance of improved aviation security as a key factor in attracting such international airlines.
She asserted that the resumption of Air France services is a testament to the enhanced security measures at KIA, which continue to be a focal point for the airport’s management, highlighting that maintaining safety standards is a shared responsibility for all those involved in airport operations.
Myeya also pointed out that the tourism sector has been a major contributor to KIA’s growth, with the airport now receiving over a million tourists every year.
“Kilimanjaro has greatly benefitted from tourism, and KIA remains a safe and reliable gateway for visitors from around the world,” she said.
Flight Guidance Services at the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) Director, Florah Alphonce, assured that security at KIA remains a top priority.
“This week, we’re promoting safety culture at our airports. It is essential that all stakeholders understand what is needed to maintain safety and continue attracting airlines to our country. When airports are safe, airlines trust us, and we’ve seen more carriers choosing to fly to Kilimanjaro. This growth is directly linked to the excellent aviation safety standards we maintain,” said Alphonce.
The return of Air France marks a major milestone in Tanzania’s attempt to become a key destination for international tourists and hub for regional aviation.
