In a heartfelt plea, Abba asked fans, promoters, and well-wishers to rally around his father, who is battling substance abuse and related health complications.
Abba’s emotional appeal comes as Chameleone remains hospitalized at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala. Doctors have diagnosed him with acute pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas often linked to alcohol consumption.
While his management has maintained silence on his condition, Abba has stepped forward to highlight the gravity of the situation.
Speaking candidly, Abba acknowledged his father’s flaws but emphasized the need for compassion and accountability. “My father is a flawed human being, like all of us, but he is also someone who has brought joy to many through his music. This is not about enabling his struggles but about helping him overcome them,” he said.
He urged fans and promoters to consider the toll of Chameleone’s declining health. “It’s heartbreaking to see him being booked for performances despite his visible struggles. This isn’t just about money; it’s about his life and well-being,” Abba stated.
Chameleone, a household name in Uganda and beyond, has been instrumental in shaping the country’s music industry. His vibrant career spans decades, earning him a loyal fan base and international acclaim. However, this health crisis marks a turning point, highlighting the urgent need for support from his fans and the broader community.
Abba’s appeal also draws attention to the broader issue of substance abuse in Uganda. According to the Uganda Youth Development Link, 15% of young people aged 13-24 are involved in substance abuse, while the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance reports one of the highest per capita alcohol consumption rates in Africa.
Public health experts have emphasized the importance of addressing addiction and its impact on individuals and families. Abba’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of these challenges, urging collective action to support not only Chameleone but others facing similar struggles.
Meanwhile, plans are underway to airlift the critically ill musician abroad for advanced medical care as doctors at Nakasero Hospital work tirelessly to stabilize his condition. Fans across the globe continue to send messages of love and prayers, hoping for his recovery.
“This plea is a call for unity, compassion, and action, reminding us all of the importance of standing by those who have brought joy and inspiration to our lives,” said one of his fans identified as Kulubya on social media.
Hategekimana served as a Gendarme in Nyanza during the Genocide and was accused of orchestrating deadly attacks against Tutsi civilians at Nyamure Hill, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and roadblocks in Nyanza.
He was also implicated in the murder of Narcisse Nyagasaza, the then Mayor of Ntyazo Commune, for attempting to help Tutsi escape to Burundi via the Akanyaru River.
In November 2024, Hategekimana launched an appeal, denying all charges and claiming that testimonies against him were fabricated. However, witnesses maintained their accounts, describing his direct involvement in the atrocities.
The Paris court dismissed his claims and reaffirmed the life sentence, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and his leadership role in promoting genocidal ideology.
Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, Rwanda’s Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, welcomed the verdict, stating, “Justice has been served at the Paris Assize Appeals Court.
Adjutant Philippe Hategekimana, alias Biguma, is unequivocally convicted of being a key perpetrator of the Genocide in Nyanza and its surrounding areas. Those he murdered have received justice.”
Jean Noé Mwizerwa, President of the Rwandan Community in France (CRF), highlighted the historical significance of the ruling, noting that it ended over 30 years of impunity. “This verdict closes a chapter of impunity for Hategekimana, who sought refuge in France under a false identity and obtained citizenship over three decades ago,” he said.
Hategekimana, who acquired French citizenship in 2005, was arrested in Cameroon in 2018 and extradited to France. His trial began in September 2021.
According to the Collective of Civil Parties for Rwanda (CPCR), the court’s decision is a testament to ongoing efforts to bring genocide perpetrators hiding abroad to justice.
Richard Gisagara, a lawyer representing the victims, affirmed, “Philippe Hategekimana, alias Biguma, has been found guilty of genocide and crimes against humanity in his appeal. His life imprisonment sentence has been upheld. Justice has prevailed! My thoughts are with those who perished in Nyanza, Ntyazo, Nyabubare, ISAR Songa, and beyond.”
He said this ruling reinforces the importance of holding individuals accountable for crimes of Genocide, ensuring justice for victims and survivors while deterring future atrocities.
Barcelona midfielder Bonmatí was voted The Best FIFA Women’s Player for the second time in a row after the 26-year-old followed up her World Cup-winning year with another trophy-laden 12 months for club and country.
“I am grateful to receive this award. As I always say, this is a team effort. It was a great year, very difficult to repeat. I am grateful to the people who help me to be better every day, from the club, to my teammates, who always help me to be better,” said Bonmatí, who won a domestic treble and the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the Catalan giants in 2024.
Vinícius Júnior scored Real Madrid’s second goal in the final, one of 24 strikes in 39 competitive club appearances in the 2023-24 season, as the Spanish club claimed a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League title in June.
He was also part of the Brazil squad that reached the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América quarter-finals in the USA and added the La Liga title, the Supercopa de España and the UEFA Super Cup to the European crown en route to succeeding FIFA World Cup 2022™ winner Lionel Messi as The Best FIFA Men’s Player.
“I don’t even know where to begin. It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here. I was a kid who only played football barefoot on the streets of São Gonçalo, close to poverty and crime. Getting here is something very important to me,” Vinícius said.
“I’m doing it for many children who think that everything is impossible and who think they can’t get here,” added the 24-year-old after receiving the award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a gala dinner to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar, ahead of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 final, where Real Madrid will encounter Mexican side CF Pachuca.
Like the two main individual honours, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, The Best FIFA Women’s Coach, The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper and The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper awards were decided by a vote equally weighted between fans, the current captains and coaches of all women’s/men’s national teams and media representatives.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, who was runner-up two editions ago, was presented with The Best FIFA Men’s Coach award. Ancelotti started as a professional player in 1976.
Meanwhile Emma Hayes was named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2024. Hayes led the US women’s national team to Olympic gold at Paris 2024 just weeks after crowning her 12-year stint at Chelsea with the English domestic league title.
Aston Villa and Argentina keeper Emiliano Martínez came out on top in the vote for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, winning the award for the second time, following his triumph in the 2022 edition, largely on the back of his major role in his country’s run to 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América glory.
Placing third in 2020, Alyssa Naeher was crowned The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper. Her saves, notably in the semi-final shoot-out win against Germany, helped to propel the United States women’s national team to Olympic gold.
The Chicago Red Stars player also stood out as her country won the inaugural 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup and her club reached the US National Women’s Soccer League play-offs.
Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award, which honour the best goals scored in women’s and men’s football, respectively, was split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.
Brazil’s Marta won the inaugural award bearing her name for the last of her 119 international strikes while Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho won the FIFA Puskás Award for his sensational overhead kick against Everton in the Premier League in November 2023.
The winner of the FIFA Fan Award, based entirely on the votes of registered users of FIFA.com is Guilherme Gandra Moura. A devoted fan of Vasco da Gama, the young Brazilian suffers from a rare genetic condition known as epidermolysis bullosa.
He was placed into a coma after falling ill with pneumonia, waking 16 days later, and the touching video of his reunion with his mother went viral. He was helped in his recovery by Vasco da Gama’s then-star player Gabriel Pec. He met the team and was chosen as mascot for a match in August 2023 after having left hospital.
Internacional’s Thiago Maia earned the FIFA Fair Play Award, which was decided upon by an expert panel, for his efforts to help people suffering in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil after it was hit by devastating floods in late April and early May 2024.
For the first time, fans participated in the vote for The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11, choosing from a list of 77 nominees for each line-up, with their choices weighted equally with those of an expert panel.
{{The Best FIFA Men’s 11 2024:}} Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina), Rúben Dias (Manchester City/Portugal), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/Spain), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/Germany), William Saliba (Arsenal/France), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England), Rodri (Manchester City/Spain), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid/Germany), Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain), Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid/Brazil)
While delivering the sentencing on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, Eldoret High Court Judge Justice Reuben Nyakundi said Biwott expressed cruelty for shooting her spouse 12 times.
The judge said there was no evidence that the accused person was in self-defense since nothing proved that her spouse had provoked her.
Nyakundi said the police officer abused her firearm, knowing fully well that it was not in order as per the law.
He said her act has tormented the deceased’s family, especially his aging mother who is now depressed and psychologically disturbed.
“Lilian, you had all what it takes to avoid the death of your husband, father to your children who are now orphaned but you choose to travel the wrong route,” said the judge.
He said cases of gender based violence and femicide have been on the rise in the country and thereby there is need for harsher punishment. “The premeditated way that the act was committed was gruesome” noted Nyakundi.
In line with the upcoming election of the next AUC chairperson for the 2025-2028 period, which is slated to take place in February 2025 during the AU Summit, the three candidates, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Madagascar’s former Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Randriamandrato, took part in a live debate recently.
During the televised debate broadcast live, the three candidates elaborated on their vision and strategies for implementing the Agenda 2063, the AU’s 50-year continental development blueprint, and driving Africa’s transformative vision for a prosperous, united, and peaceful Africa.
In his address, Youssouf underscored that strengthening the AU’s Peace and Security Council into a more proactive organ, operationalizing the African Standby Force, mobilizing resources to ensure stable financing of the union, boosting intra-African trade, and promoting the free movement of goods and people across Africa are among his major priorities if elected.
“The place of Africa on the international stage will be one of my priorities. The Africa that we want is the Africa of peace, integration and prosperity. If I’m given the chance of being the chairperson of the commission, I will do my best to make sure that our continent shines on the international stage,” Youssouf said.
The three candidates stressed their resolve to advance the transformative role of the AU in addressing Africa’s existing and emerging development and security challenges.
According to the AU, the February 2025 election process will be based on the principle of inter-regional rotation of the commission’s senior leadership positions. The Eastern Africa region will submit candidates for the role of chairperson, while the Northern Africa region will submit candidates for the role of deputy chairperson.
The remaining three regions (Central, Southern and Western Africa regions) will submit at least two candidates for the six portfolios of commissioners.
Odinga, on his part, underscored his conviction to strive for the realization of the founding fathers’ vision for a united Africa in the creation of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the AU, in 1963.
Describing himself as an ardent “Pan-Africanist and optimist,” Odinga promised to advance the continent’s progress through the promotion of quality education, health, value-addition, intra-African trade, and infrastructure development, among others.
“Africa is moving forward, but there is work to do, and I have what it takes to get us where we want to go. What remains now is action, and what I want to promise to the African people is that I’m going to lead from the front to ensure that we achieve the vision of the founding fathers of our continent,” he said.
Outlining his priorities, Randriamandrato highlighted the need to harness Africa’s robust potential to drive holistic economic development. He affirmed his commitment to augmenting the 55-member continental organization’s role in facilitating continental socioeconomic development if elected.
“We have our own house, the African Union, and there is an Africa, which is dynamic and moving forward. I am here before you today because I think it is indispensable, and it is a must to have the quality, competence and conviction (to lead the AU). I think that I have those qualities,” he said.
In February 2024, a Panel of Eminent Africans, composed of five personalities — one per region — was appointed to oversee the pre-selection of candidates for the eight positions.
According to the AU, the televised debate allows African citizens and other stakeholders to put forward questions to the candidates on how to propel the continent’s growth and ensure that Africa achieves its goals for integrated and sustainable development and becomes a major player in the global arena.
Experts have underscored the crucial need to advance the transformative role of the AU in addressing Africa’s existing and emerging development and security challenges.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, current AUC chairperson, who African leaders elected to lead the Pan-African bloc in January 2017 during the 28th AU Summit, is fast approaching an end to his second-term tenure at the helm of the AU Commission.
The Head of State was speaking at the inauguration of the World Health Organization (WHO) Academy on Tuesday, 17 December 2024 at the WHO Academy campus in Lyon, France.
This hybrid event brought together WHO Member States and local, national, and international partners to highlight the importance of lifelong learning in the health sector and provide an opportunity to experience the Campus facilities in action.
In his remarks, President Kagame expressed gratitude to the WHO and its Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, for this significant milestone, emphasizing the importance of the WHO Academy in enhancing global health education.
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical gaps in health systems worldwide, particularly in Africa.
President Kagame acknowledged that the ongoing health challenges make it necessary to focus on advancing science, technology, and learning opportunities for health professionals.
“The COVID pandemic showed us the importance of training Africa’s health workforce. New health challenges have continued to arise since then,” he remarked, underlining the growing need for skilled healthcare workers to respond to emerging threats.
He went on to highlight Rwanda’s ambitious goal of quadrupling its health workforce in the next four years, noting that the WHO Academy will be key in achieving this target.
“The WHO Academy will be instrumental in helping us achieve this objective and we intend to make full use of it,” he said, signaling Rwanda’s strong commitment to harnessing the Academy’s resources for the benefit of its health sector.
The Government of Rwanda has set a target to expand the healthcare workforce through the 4×4 program, aiming to increase the number of healthcare workers from over 25,000 in July 2024 to more than 58,000 by 2028.
This initiative will improve the doctor-patient ratio, with one doctor serving 1,000 patients, compared to the current ratio where one doctor is responsible for a significantly larger population.
President Kagame also emphasized the importance of international partnerships to build sustainable health systems.
“We owe it to our people to deliver consistent, affordable, high-quality healthcare,” he said, adding that Rwanda is eager to benefit from knowledge transfer in fields like biotechnology.
The WHO Academy aims to help Member States address critical gaps in health workforce training by leveraging new technologies and applying the latest advancements in adult learning.
The Academy will offer high-quality courses to health and care workers, decision-makers and the WHO workforce, both online and in-person.
Located in the bio-district of Gerland in Lyon and funded by France, the WHO Academy Campus is an eco-friendly facility designed to foster innovation and collaboration.
It features a world-class simulation centre and will serve as a hub for learners, trainers, academics, and researchers from around the globe.
Starting from December 23-24, 2024, and December 30-31, 2024, passengers will board buses at designated locations in addition to the Nyabugogo Terminal.
Travelers using the Southern Corridor from districts such as Kamonyi, Muhanga, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Nyamasheke, Karongi, Ngororero, Gisagara, Rusizi, Rutsiro, and Nyaruguru will board buses at Nyamirambo’s Pele Stadium.
Passengers traveling along the Eastern Corridor to Rwamagana, Kayonza, Gatsibo, Nyagatare, Ngoma, and Kirehe will board buses at the Kabuga Terminal.
For those using the Northern Corridor from Gicumbi or traveling to Nyagatare via Gicumbi, Rulindo, Musanze, Rubavu, Burera, Gakenke, and Nyabihu, buses will depart from the Nyabugogo Terminal.
RURA further stated that passengers heading to Bugesera will board at Nyanza in Kicukiro. Travelers are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to avoid delays.
Staff from the City of Kigali and relevant agencies will be on hand to assist passengers throughout the holiday period. RURA also urged travelers to remain patient with any challenges that may arise during this busy season.
The suspects were among eight individuals paraded before the media on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at RIB headquarters in Kimihurura.
Addressing the press, RIB Spokesperson Dr. Thierry Murangira revealed that the arrests followed investigations into three other land fraud suspects earlier this month.
Among those accused is a 54-year-old man and a woman posing as his wife. The land in question belongs to the man and his legal wife, who currently resides abroad. Unable to sell the property alone, the man allegedly conspired with another woman to forge his wife’s national ID by replacing her photograph with that of the impersonator.
The fraudulent scheme was exposed when the prospective buyer became suspicious and reported the matter to RIB. By that time, the buyer had already paid part of the purchase amount. The agreed price was RWF 24 million, of which RWF 9.8 million has been recovered.
The two suspects face charges of using forged documents, fraudulently managing marital property, and obtaining someone else’s property through deception.
Dr. Murangira urged notaries to be more cautious, citing the prevalence of similar fraud cases.
“There are many schemes, as seen here, where Kayirebwa falsely claimed to be Kayiranga’s wife, bypassing the legal spouse to sell the land. Notaries must thoroughly verify all documents, particularly those provided by sellers,” he said.
He further cautioned buyers to conduct proper due diligence before finalizing land transactions.
“Money is hard to earn and should not be wasted. Buyers must ensure they are investing in legitimate and beneficial property,” Dr. Murangira emphasized.
The operation also saw the arrest of a woman accused of stealing $4,000 (approximately Frw5.6 million) and 3,300 Indian Rupees (Frw54,000) from her foreign employer. After the theft, she reportedly gave $2,900 to a man she lives with while keeping the remainder for herself.
Investigations revealed that the employer had left his wallet unsecured, allowing the woman to access the funds. Following the theft, the man reportedly advised her to flee to Ngoma District, where she was later apprehended. RIB recovered all the stolen money.
Dr. Murangira discouraged keeping large sums of cash at home, warning that it creates unnecessary risks.
“Banks are the safest place to store money. Keeping large amounts of cash at home invites temptation and theft,” he said.
The suspects face charges of theft and concealing property obtained through crime.
Additionally, RIB paraded four individuals suspected of involvement in phone theft. The bureau recovered 280 stolen phones worth Frw62.5 million. The phones have since been returned to their rightful owners, while investigations to apprehend additional suspects remain ongoing.
By the start of the 2025/2026 school year, 21% of schools will be newly connected to the internet, with efforts underway to increase that number further.
Technology has become a critical tool in transforming education across Rwanda, from primary schools to universities. Digital tools, including audiovisual books, are increasingly being used to enhance teaching materials and streamline educational processes.
However, school leaders in areas without electricity or internet connectivity face challenges in delivering lessons and submitting digital reports.
At the close of the 2022/2023 school year, Rwanda had a total of 4,923 schools, comprising 1,568 public schools, 2,065 government-subsidized schools, and 1,290 private schools.
Notably, over 80% of these schools were connected to the electricity grid.
However, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana revealed late last week that more than 500 schools in remote areas still lack electricity, although efforts to connect them to the grid are ongoing.
Nsengimana shared, “Many of these schools are located far from the electricity grid, and we are exploring alternative ways to connect them.”
Currently, about 62% of schools have internet access, but this figure is set to increase significantly.
“Many schools now have electricity, and 62% are connected to the internet. An additional 21% will gain internet access in the first semester of the upcoming 2025/2026 school year, and the process is ongoing,” Nsengimana noted.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, speaking at the International Teachers’ Day celebration, acknowledged the ongoing challenges related to electricity and internet access in some schools.
He emphasized the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure that every school has access to these vital resources.
Statistics from the Ministry of Education show that internet access is already high in certain sectors.
In Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools, 83.1% have internet, while internet penetration in general secondary and vocational education schools stands at 75.3%.
In primary schools, 56.5% have internet access, with further improvements expected in the coming years.
Rwanda is among the countries focusing on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and since 2019, it has signed an agreement with Russia to establish a Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) in Rwanda.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of a ministerial roundtable on Financing Africa’s Nuclear Energy Future in Kigali on December 16, 2024, Dr. Gasore emphasized that many developed countries have successfully embraced nuclear energy.
He reiterated that while discussions with Russia continue, nuclear energy projects require careful consideration and long-term planning.
“The project has progressed, and we are in discussions, but nuclear energy requires a thoughtful approach. It’s our first time venturing into this area, so we must proceed cautiously. The projects are moving forward, and when the time is right, we will make a decision to begin implementation,” Dr. Gasore stated.
He noted that before Rwanda embarks on building a nuclear power plant, it is crucial to consult with other countries that already have nuclear facilities. This will help Rwanda learn from their experiences, understand the challenges they faced, and determine the best approach for its own projects.
Dr. Gasore further explained that nuclear energy projects are long-term endeavors.
“It’s not something for the immediate future, but rather a medium to long-term project, often taking over five years. Once a plant is built, it typically operates for about 60 years.
“Therefore, implementation takes between five and ten years. It’s a careful process because, as we know, nuclear accidents, though rare, can have severe consequences. Additionally, there are strict international regulations that must be adhered to, making it impractical to rush the process,” he added.
In August, Russian Ambassador to Rwanda, Alexander Polyakov, announced that experts from Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear energy agency, would visit Rwanda to provide detailed insights on how the projects outlined in the agreements would be executed.
Nuclear power plants are operational in 32 countries, providing more than 10% of the world’s electricity. For example, South Africa produces 8.154 gigawatt hours (GWh) of nuclear electricity per hour, South Korea generates 171.640 GWh, and the United States produces 779.186 GWh.
Nuclear energy has various uses, including electricity generation, medical treatments (especially for serious diseases like cancer, where radiation is used for treatment), security applications (such as in scanning devices), and even in the development of weapons.
To generate electricity from nuclear energy, uranium ore is utilized, which is also used in the production of nuclear weapons.
