“We are Banyarwanda not Bavandimwe as being mooted by Mr. Frank Gashumba and some State Agents. We have suspended him (Gashumba) from our affairs and also petitioned the president over this matter,” Simon Kaiyitana Chairman-Umubano Task Force & Member of Buganda Lukiiko told the press on October 29, 2024.
He revealed that Gashumba has been suspended with immediate effect and requested to stop peddling his personal interests using Abavandimwe disguising as Banyarwanda.
According to plan, there are scheduled meetings between Banyarwanda community and the leaderships of all Kingdoms and cultural institutions in the country during the ongoing countrywide consultations expected to end on December 01, 2024.
The cultural institutions to be consulted include Buganda Kingdom, Tooro Kingdom, Bunyoro Kingdom, Busoga Kingdom, Rwenzururu Kingdom, Rwoti Cultural Institution and others to solicit views and support for a proposed amendment bill regarding right to citizenship, identification and certification of Ugandans.
Kayitana also said that his group will meet the European Union Representative in Uganda, the British and United Nations and United States Ambassadors, and other members of the donor community over the same matter.
Hon. Dr. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, the Legal Advisor to UMUBANO Task Force said that the Uganda Government and President of the Republic of Uganda has been put to notice that over six million Kinyarwanda-speaking people in Uganda are now stateless because of the wrongful constitutional provision under Article 10.
He explained that the proposed law seeks an amendment of the first section of the article to delete and replace the year 1926 with 1962 as well as introduce the “Jus soli” principle of international Law on citizenship by birth for all persons born in Uganda while maintaining the Jus Snguinis principle already applied under the law.
Other amendments include introduction of freedom of access to citizenship rights through proper management, certification, identification, recognition and equal opportunities for both roving and borderline ethnic groups as well as amendment of the immigration law “mutatis mutandis”.
Mbidde highlighted that the above process has been reduced into a fully-fledged memorandum that shall be handed over to Government for ultimate consideration.
After engaging all Banyarwanda across the country, the task formed will hold a major public hearing at Kololo Independence Grounds on the final day of the consultations.
Yiming’s net worth rose to $49.3 billion—a 43% increase from 2023—making him the wealthiest individual on the Hurun China Rich List.
The 41-year-old’s fortune has grown largely due to TikTok’s rising influence, fueling ByteDance’s financial growth, with global revenue reaching $110 billion in 2023.
TikTok continues to expand despite U.S. concerns over its Chinese ties. The U.S. has indicated plans to ban TikTok by January 2025 unless ByteDance sells it.
Yiming founded ByteDance in 2014, launching TikTok two years later. Now available in over 150 countries, TikTok has offices in cities like Beijing, Los Angeles, and Tokyo.
While Yiming stepped down as CEO of ByteDance in 2021, he retains a 20% stake in the company.
In the latest rankings, Yiming surpassed Zhong Shanshan of Nongfu Spring, whose wealth has declined to $47.9 billion.
Tech conglomerate Tencent founder Pony Ma ranks third with a net worth of $44.4 billion, as the gaming firm saw rising revenues.
Other Chinese billionaires who have appeared in previous lists, including the 2024 Forbes list, are Colin Huang ($38.9 billion), William Ding ($33.5 billion), Ma Huateng ($30.2 billion), He Xiangjian ($25.1 billion), Jack Ma ($24.5 billion), Eric Li ($16.8 billion), Qin Yinglin ($15.5).
Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, announced a new visa restriction policy targeted at Ghanaian leaders on Monday, October 28, 2024.
“This policy will take effect in advance of Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled to take place on December 7, 2024,” Blinken stated.
Blinken clarified that the visa restriction policy would apply only to specific individuals who undermine democracy and is not directed at the Ghanaian people or the Government of Ghana.
“Ghana has achieved three decades of democratic elections and the peaceful transfer of power between parties – a record to be proud of and a model to cherish. The United States’ readiness to impose visa restrictions if circumstances warrant is an example of our support for the aspirations of all Ghanaians for a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people,” he added.
According to Blinken, the policy aims to punish individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Ghana. This includes actions such as manipulating or rigging the electoral process, using violence to intimidate, coerce, or prevent people from exercising their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly, and intimidating political party representatives, voters, civil society members, or the media. Certain family members of such individuals may also be subject to these restrictions.
“Persons who undermine democracy in Ghana — including in the lead-up to, during, and following Ghana’s 2024 elections — may be found ineligible for visas under this policy,” he added.
Ghana has held peaceful, free, fair, and transparent elections for nearly two decades. However, with just two months to the polls, Ghana’s biggest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has alleged a plot to rig the elections.
Last month, the opposition held nationwide protests demanding an audit of the voter roll, alleging thousands of unauthorized transfers and deletions of voter names.
Former President John Dramani Mahama, who lost in the 2016 and 2020 elections, is running on the opposition party ticket to succeed President Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down this year after his second and final four-year term. Mahama will face off against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party in this year’s polls.
“The perspective” is privileged to host a brave guest who is here to share her personal journey, through treatment and support and how she has found a way to manage her situation. Her testimony is not just a story of recovery but a message of hope for those who may be struggling in silence.
While it’s often believed that mental health is the responsibility of the government or health institutions, true change begins with each of us.
By fostering understanding, offering a listening ear, and supporting one another, we become the first line of defense in a society where mental well-being matters.
In this discussion, we explore the power of seeking help, how therapy and medication can transform lives, and what we can each do to uplift one another.
Watch the full interview in the video below and witness a story that encourages us all to embrace both strength and compassion.
{{IGIHE}}: Welcome to the Perspective. You are brave and thanks for accepting to openly share your story about mental health, something that people often avoid, and yet, it affects so many.
{{Uwimana}}: Thank you for having me. But, I was just laughing when you mentioned ‘brave.’ Honestly, I just see myself as me. I don’t feel particularly brave. My journey really began in 2007, though at the time, I didn’t even realize I was receiving support for my mental health.
My mother was very ill, and as her only caregiver, I took on a lot. She was often reluctant to take her medication, so one day, I went to the clinic to ask for help in convincing her. Instead, the clinic staff turned their attention to me, noticing the stress I was under.
I remember one lady there who wanted to be friends with me and it was actually her way of offering me psychological support without saying it. She would check on me regularly, asking how I was doing and making sure I had someone to talk to, especially after my mother passed away in 2008.
{{IGIHE}}: That must have been an incredibly tough time. When did you realize that you needed support for yourself, outside of what you were getting from friends?
{{Uwimana}}: The first real moment came in 2015. I had gone through a difficult breakup with the father of my daughter. It was a shock because I was financially dependent on him, and suddenly, I found myself facing the reality of single motherhood without a job or stable income.
I even remember feeling urges to drink alcohol—something that’s not part of who I am. It was like my mind was in chaos, and I realized that I was losing control. I was fortunate enough to have connections with a few psychologists, and I reached out to one of them.
Talking to them was a turning point, and their questions helped me reflect on my own strength and resources.
{{IGIHE}}: Seeking help like that can be overwhelming. Many people struggle with the idea. How did you feel taking that first step?
{{Uwimana}}: It was challenging but very eye-opening. People often think of mental health treatment as medication, but in 2015, I didn’t take any. Instead, it was about conversations and finding answers within myself.
The psychologist asked me questions that helped me reflect, like when I felt ashamed or lost after the breakup, she reminded me that I hadn’t actually ‘lost’ anything. She reframed things, showing me that I still had value, dignity, and my own life to build. That insight gave me back my strength and helped me move forward with hope.
{{IGIHE}}: Mental health issues often carry stigma. How have you coped with the stigma, and what advice would you give to people who might be going through something similar?
{{Uwimana}}: There is definitely stigma, especially in our society where people feel they need to handle everything on their own. But I’ve learned that silence can be dangerous. By staying true to myself and being open about my experiences, I hope to encourage others to seek help.
I now create mental health awareness content on platforms like YouTube. I want people to know that they don’t have to face these challenges alone and that vulnerability is not a weakness.
{{IGIHE}}: It’s wonderful that you’re leading by example. How do you think family and friends can be supportive in a campaign like yours?
{{Uwimana}}: It really comes down to understanding and listening without judgment. Often, when people open up, they’re told that their problems aren’t serious, or others may downplay their struggles.
Family and friends can help by simply listening and showing empathy. If someone trusts you with their feelings, it’s important to respect that and be there for them without minimizing what they’re going through.
{{IGIHE}}: As a society, what steps do you think we can take to better address mental health challenges?
{{Uwimana}}: Education is crucial. I think organizations like the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) could play a bigger role in educating the public about mental health. People need to understand what mental health is and how it can affect anyone.
Knowing how to recognize the signs and find help is essential. Education can empower individuals to seek support and reduce the stigma around these issues.
{{IGIHE}}: That’s such an important point. What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your journey, and how has it changed your perspective towards life?
{{Uwimana}}: I’ve learned not to panic over every problem. Life is full of ups and downs, and I can’t control everything. Now, I try to relax even during tough times, understanding that every challenge passes eventually.
Stressing out doesn’t solve problems, and I don’t have to face everything alone. For example, last year, I went through a tough financial issue with a bank loan. I had no income for several months, and after all the stressing and worrying, I realized that the only thing I could do was stay calm and find solutions without letting stress consume me.
{{IGIHE}}: Your resilience is inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Your courage to speak openly about mental health will surely help others facing similar challenges.
{{Uwimana}}: Thank you for giving me the chance to share. I hope that by speaking out, others will feel encouraged to seek support and know they’re not alone in this journey.
During several events and campaigns conducted across the country, Rotary members and their partners highlighted their progress aiming to inspire continued action toward a polio-free world.
Jeannette Rugera, a Past Assistant District Governor of Rotary Rwanda, described the Rotary Clubs’ commitment to eradicating polio, noting their work with over 400 members across 12 Rotary clubs and five Rotaractor clubs in Rwanda.
“Our clubs are unified in this cause and awareness campaigns are ongoing because this disease’s impact doesn’t end at our borders,” she said.
In this year’s activities to contribute to the cause, children were vaccinated in Kamonyi district’s Gihara Sector, a critical step in maintaining Rwanda’s polio-free status and organized an awareness walk on Sunday the 27th Oct 2024 and the general public asked about it and they were told what the walk is all about- “to sensitize Mother’s to make sure they take their kids for vaccination programs to their nearest Post the Sante, and to celebrate so far the 99.99% achievement of eradication of its impact worldwide.
During a press briefing on Monday October 28, 2024, Dr. Alexis Muderevu the Chairperson of Rotary Polio Plus Rwanda urged Rwandans to remain vigilant in permanently eradicating polio, ensuring that every child born receives a vaccine.
“We should always remain vigilant to avoid a reoccurrence of the disease. As you know, there are several factors that could lead to its resurgence, such as the movement of people from countries where the disease still exists, who may spread it to others. In such cases, the country should be prepared to ensure that those arriving can also receive the vaccine as joint efforts to eliminate the disease permanently,” he said
Globally, Polio is no longer a health threat and efforts against its eradication remain steadfast. Rotary’s global partners in this campaign include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Recent WHO data shows that polio is now 99.9% eradicated globally, with only isolated cases remaining in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and some parts of Gaza highlighting the disease’s near elimination and diminishing threat.
However, these outbreaks underscore the importance of sustained immunization campaigns, as Dr Muhayimpundu Marie Aimée, a representative from WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), indicated.
“Vaccination is still our strongest defense. There is need for ongoing vaccination and surveillance. “We’ve seen how polio can sometimes reappear and without continuous efforts, the situation is unpredictable,” she said.
In addition to its Polio eradication campaigns, Rotary- Rwanda has been supporting individuals affected by the disease. Masterjerb Paul Birungi, former president of Rotary Club Virunga in 2004/5 shared some of the club’s efforts in helping those living with disabilities.
“During my tenure as Rotary Club Kigali Virunga President, we distributed over 550 wheelchairs country wide to all the Gatagara Centres and established a center at Kanombe Military Hospital to manufacture and provide artificial limbs to people in need,” Birungi said.
“We’re working to create an inclusive environment where people with disabilities due to Polio can thrive, encouraging sports participation and empowering them through international disability programs.”
Rotary Rwanda’s impact extends to education as well where as a way of promoting a culture of reading through library initiatives that empower Rwandans with knowledge and opportunities, Rotary Club Kigali Virunga, established the Kigali Public library at Kacyiru right now where the Press Conference is taking place.
As World Polio Day pays homage to Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first polio vaccine, Rotary- Rwanda members remain with a vision of a “world free of polio”, a goal within reach if everyone plays par according to Birungi.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Bunyeshuri revealed that the event, aimed at helping singles find their missing ribs, will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 6 PM until late.
Dubbed ‘Kigali Night of Love,’ the singles party will also feature what the organizer described as ‘Bachelor Games’ and ‘Fun and Flirty Activities for Singles.’
The event will be hosted at Chem Chem Cafe Bar, housed within Rubangura Apartments in Kimihurura, and is expected to attract singles from all walks of life, including the thriving corporate sector in the Rwandan capital.
Admission to the event will cost Frw20,000 for a reserved table. However, those who pay will be able to use the ticket for consumables such as drinks.
Participants will be treated to performances from the Twilight Band, a member of the prestigious International Jazz Festival in Washington, DC. The band specializes in jazz, blues, soul, rhythm and blues, and funk music.
Bunyeshuri, who has hosted similar events in Ethiopia, Uganda, and North America, expressed confidence that the event will provide a relaxed and low-pressure atmosphere, offering singles the perfect opportunity to explore romantic connections while also improving their social interaction skills, especially for those who are busy or shy.
“We are creators of what is burdened to be unburdened and give loving singles a chance to realize their dreams by attending and matching with serious, responsible hopefuls! It’s all in the name of love!” he stated.
Notably, unlike conventional dating, which focuses on longer, one-on-one interactions that allow people to build a deeper connection before deciding to pursue a relationship, speed dating involves meeting a large number of people in a short period to gauge compatibility.
Speed dating events are designed to be engaging, making it a fun way to meet new people rather than the sometimes-intense experience of traditional dating.
During his last appearance on IGIHE’s[ ‘Scoop on Scoop’ entertainment show in September->https://youtu.be/zxCv91XdcMg], Bunyeshuri described the speed dating event held earlier this year as successful, insisting that some of the participants have gone on to build thriving relationships.
“There were so many young diplomats from international embassies in Rwanda, members of the corporate sector, and young entrepreneurs who don’t have time to go to bars and look for someone, or to ask their families to connect them to others. They want to meet in a more corporate environment, and that was the right place for them,” he said, noting that some people who criticized the speed dating event misunderstood its purpose and impact.
He acknowledged that criticism and the fear of being judged are some of the challenges facing emerging trends in modern dating, especially in conservative societies.
“Speed dating in Rwanda, a very conservative country, obviously faces negative talk and criticism from people. This is expected,” he added.
In a notice released on Monday, October 28, 2024, the government agency stated that the impersonators have been making phone calls, falsely claiming to offer sponsorships, assist with international travel, or expedite the processing of important documents, including passports and visas.
“It has been observed that some individuals are falsely claiming to represent the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to deceive the public. They often create a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to pay unauthorized entities,” the notice reads in part.
RDB asserted that the agency does not request service payments through phone calls or unofficial channels.
“All legitimate communications from RDB will come from official contact details, and any required fees must be paid exclusively through authorized government channels,” RDB stated.
“Be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially those requesting urgent payments or offering special opportunities.”
Members of the public have also been urged to always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent RDB by contacting official channels before taking action. They should report suspicious calls or messages to RDB or relevant law enforcement authorities immediately.
“To report suspicious communications claiming to be from RDB, please contact: RDB Call Center: 1415; Email: info@rdb.rw; Office Address: RDB Building, 1 KG 9 Ave, Kigali,” RDB advised.
RDB was established in 2008 to accelerate Rwanda’s economic growth by facilitating private sector development.
RDB’s core functions include:
-* One-Stop Services: Providing comprehensive services for businesses and investors, including registration, licensing, and permit issuance.
-* Investment Promotion: Attracting foreign direct investment and promoting domestic investment.
-* Export Development: Supporting businesses in exporting Rwandan products to international markets.
-* Tourism and Conservation: Developing the tourism sector and promoting sustainable conservation practices.
-* Skills Development: Upgrading the skills of the Rwandan workforce to meet the demands of the modern economy.
By streamlining processes and offering a range of services, RDB aims to create a conducive business environment and drive economic growth in Rwanda.
The activity was part of a national initiative to promote environmental conservation and resilience against climate change through tree planting. During this event, approximately 5,000 tree seedlings were planted, contributing to the government’s larger goal of planting 65 million trees across the country.
The event, held during the national Umuganda (monthly community service day), was attended by several prominent figures, including members of parliament, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, the Mayor of Kayonza district, students from FAWE School, and staff from BK Group in Rwamagana and Kayonza districts.
During the event, John Bosco Nyemazi, the Mayor of Kayonza, highlighted that deforestation in the district, particularly in areas like Rubanga, had contributed to frequent droughts. He stressed the importance of the initiative in restoring the area’s environment.
“Many areas in Gahini, such as Rubanga, have been heavily deforested. Planting trees will help reverse this trend, prevent soil erosion, and bring back the much-needed rain. This project is a critical step toward addressing these environmental challenges,” he said
Residents expressed their support for the initiative and affirmed their commitment to ensuring its success.
“Trees are essential for stabilizing the environment, contributing to rainfall, and preventing erosion. We recognize the long-term value of this initiative and will work diligently to ensure the trees are well-maintained,” Vianney Rutebuka, a local resident noted.
At the event, Ingrid Karangwayire, Executive Secretary of BK Foundation, stated that the initiative goes beyond planting trees—it’s about securing the future of the planet and building climate resilience within various communities.
“By combining tree planting with financial literacy, we are not only addressing climate change but also promoting sustainable development in the district. Empowering communities to manage and benefit from their natural resources strengthens both climate and economic resilience. We are starting here in Kayonza with a target of 20,000 trees. By the end of this year, we aim to plant a total of 50,000 trees across the country,” she said.
The initiative, implemented in collaboration with REDO, includes planting both agroforestry species and fruit trees, helping to restore the environment and enhance local livelihoods.
As BK Foundation and its partners continue to expand their environmental initiatives, they aim to make a lasting impact on both the environment and local communities. This tree-planting project is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable development and ensure a greener future for Rwanda.
The march took place on Sunday, October 27, 2024, with members of Rotary Club Rwanda and its partners starting from Amahoro Stadium to Tennis Club in Nyarutarama.
The event was attended by Dr. Kayondo King, a member of the Government appointed Committee for polio eradication, and Dr. Langa Nelia, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dr. Alex Muderevu, head of the Polio Eradication Commission at Rotary Club Rwanda and a physician, stated that while polio has been eliminated in Rwanda, efforts to combat it have not ceased.
He said, “Although polio has not been present in Rwanda since 1993, we aim to emphasize the need for constant vigilance, as the disease is still present in other countries. We must strengthen our advocacy to enhance prevention, especially since we interact with these other countries.”
He explained that polio is generally transmitted through food or drink contaminated with the virus, primarily affecting children under five and others with low immunity. Once contracted, polio often leaves the arms or legs paralyzed, resulting in disability.
Muderevu urged the public to maintain hygiene as a preventive measure and to vaccinate all children, noting that there are sufficient vaccines available as a primary defence against the disease.
Carole Karema, representing the District Governor of Rotary District 9150, which includes Rwanda, expressed pride in the organization’s efforts to fight polio globally and particularly in Rwanda.
She said, “For the past 35 years, Rotary International has been engaged in the fight against polio worldwide. We are over 1.4 million members, each contributing $25 annually to combat the disease.”
She added that the funds collected by Rotary Club are used to support government efforts in purchasing polio vaccines and to finance awareness campaigns in various areas to promote prevention.
She noted that the ten countries in Rotary District 9150, including Rwanda, are currently raising $60,000 to intensify the fight against polio.
Karema also praised the collaboration between the Rwandan government, Rotary Club, and partners such as WHO and UNICEF in combating polio in the country.
Suman Alla, Deputy Governor of Rotary District 9150 in Rwanda, highlighted Rotary International’s commitment to fighting polio as one of the diseases that can severely impact human health, with Rotary having invested around $2.1 billion globally over the past 35 years.
He added that Rotary International has helped to vaccinate over 3.1 million children against polio, and the campaign to completely eradicate the disease worldwide continues.
To declare a country polio-free, at least three consecutive years without new cases must be observed.
Globally, polio remains present in Pakistan and Afghanistan, while in Africa, many countries have eradicated it, though a few have not officially been declared polio-free.
Health Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana had [initially linked the outbreak to a zoonotic origin ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-s-marburg-virus-outbreak-linked-to-animal-origin?var_mode=calcul] on October 20, 2024, while noting that investigations were still ongoing.
In a recent update, Dr. Nsanzimana confirmed that the virus had jumped from animals to humans, with the 27-year-old index case traced back to a cave where mining activities had been ongoing.
“We managed to trace back and find that this outbreak came from a zoonotic origin, and we were also able to find the cave where these particular fruit bats were living, with human activity—particularly mining—taking place. That’s where we found our index case,” Dr. Nsanzimana stated without specifying the cave’s location.
Dr. Nsanzimana explained that extensive research, including genomic sequencing, epidemiological investigations, and environmental testing, pointed to a zoonotic origin.
“The focus now is to ensure that these fruit bats living in caves are not interacting with humans and to share sequencing information that can be useful for other parts of the world where these species are living,” he added.
The Health Minister also revealed that all mining activity at the cave has been halted, and assessments are being conducted on the people who worked there to ensure they don’t become ill.
“We’ve brought together different teams from veterinary science, epidemiology, genomic surveillance, and lab diagnostics to test these animals and also the people,” he said. “It’s very important for the scientific community to study the animal perspective, humans, and the environment.”
The Marburg virus is a highly contagious disease that causes severe hemorrhagic fever. While outbreaks are rare, they often result in high mortality rates and pose serious public health challenges.
During the earlier press conference on October 20, 2024, attended by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Dr. Nsanzimana said the outbreak in Rwanda was first identified after the index case was hospitalized at King Faisal Hospital, where he was treated in the intensive care unit. Healthcare workers attending to him soon exhibited symptoms, prompting an investigation into the source of the virus.
“Identifying the index case has been the result of several efforts. We are very happy to have reached this point because, in many outbreaks, it is extremely difficult to do so,” the minister revealed.
Since the first-ever outbreak was declared in Rwanda on September 27, 2024, a total of 65 cases, 15 deaths, and 47 recoveries have been recorded.
