IGIHE has learnt that Rees Kinyangi Lulu was taken into custody on October 2, 2024, in connection with misappropriated funds linked to Nobilis Hotel, a property owned by Sonarwa.
He was arrested along with the hotel’s accountant, Aisha Uwamahoro.
Their arrest was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, who stated, “It’s true. They are being investigated for embezzlement and the mismanagement of public assets.”
The case has been forwarded to the prosecution, although investigations are still ongoing.
The vaccines were delivered on Saturday, October 13, 2024, by the Sabin Vaccine Institute, which sent an initial shipment of 700 Marburg vaccine doses on October 5, nine days after Rwanda declared its first-ever outbreak of Marburg virus.
The Ministry of Health rolled out vaccination efforts targeting frontline health workers on October 8.
The Sabin Vaccine Institute stated that the single-dose Marburg vaccine is being administered in accordance with clinical protocols reviewed and approved by Rwandan ethics and regulatory authorities.
The U.S.-based institution is currently conducting Phase 2 clinical trials for vaccines targeting both Marburg and Sudan ebolaviruses. As part of MARVAC, a WHO-coordinated consortium focused on developing vaccines for the Marburg virus, Sabin’s vaccine development is supported by BARDA, which has allocated $235 million to fund research and development for the filoviruses.
Rwanda has so far confirmed 61 cases of Marburg virus, 14 deaths, and 18 recoveries from more than 3,300 tests conducted.
The virus is believed to originate in fruit bats and spreads through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Initial symptoms of Marburg virus disease include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
To prevent infection, health experts recommend strict hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with personal items or bodily fluids of individuals showing symptoms of Marburg virus disease.
By planting 100 trees, club members and other members of the local community on October 13, 2024 concluded the second phase of his ambitious tree-planting project.
This was organized at Groupe Scholaire du Mont Kigali popularly known as APACE in Munanira cell, Nyakabanda sector in Nyarugenge district.
This initiative, aimed at both nourishing the community and preserving the environment, saw enthusiastic participation from school children who were invited to take part in the exercise and learn about the benefits of tree planting.
Addressing the young participants, the current president of the Rotary Club of Kigali Karasimbi, Satish Kumar, explained the vision behind the project;
“We started thinking about a project to have a plantation of 500 fruit trees and then founded a committee to identify a suitable location in Kigali where the local population can benefit while also supporting the environment,” he said.
Kumar highlighted that the club ultimately chose Nyakabanda as the ideal locations, confident that these efforts would contribute to both the health of the community and environmental preservation.
The tree-planting initiative extends beyond providing nutritious fruits like mangoes, oranges, and avocados. It also plays a significant role in supporting environmental sustainability.
“By planting more trees, we are not only providing oxygen but also future products like timber when the trees are ready for harvest. Additionally, deep-rooted trees help control soil erosion, particularly during heavy rains, by retaining the topsoil essential for agriculture,” Kumar noted.
The overall goal of the Rotary Club’s initiative is to plant 500 fruit trees in phases. This recent event follows the first phase, which took place on March 23, 2024, when 106 trees were planted in public spaces within primary and secondary schools.
The project is also supported by the Ministry of Environment, the High Commission of India, and external initiatives championed by Indian Prime Minister Modi.
“This is a good project, and we are also promoting a cultural tradition where individuals are encouraged to plant a tree in honor of their mothers, an idea further supported by the Prime Minister,” Kumar said.
Beyond local support, the project aligns with Rotary International’s broader mission of promoting community service and sustainability.
“We collect contributions from our members, some of which go to Rotary International, and use others through the Rotary Foundation to support worldwide initiatives. In projects like these, we also receive donations and services from sponsors, in addition to periodic annual contributions from our members,” Kumar added.
Founded on March 23, 2022, Rotary Club Karasimbi operates closely with its parent club, Rotary Club Virunga, and other associated clubs such as Rotary Club of Kigali Cosmopolitan, Rotary Club of Butare, and Rotary Club of Musanze, among others.
During the event, Shaffy Kubwimana, a representative from Nyakabanda Sector, spoke about the importance of partnerships between non-governmental organizations and local authorities.
“The collaboration between NGOs and local authorities provides crucial support to various social welfare programs. By complementing the government’s budget, these collaborations help fast-track the execution of programs that uplift the well-being of our citizens,” he said.
With two phases now complete and more trees to be planted, the Rotary Club of Kigali Karasimbi continues to lead the way in creating a healthier, greener, and more sustainable future for the communities of Nyakabanda and Kimisagara.
The outbreak entered its third week on Saturday, October 12, 2024, following the confirmation of the first-ever cases in several health facilities in the country on Friday, September 27, 2024.
So far, the country has recorded 61 cases, 14 deaths, and 18 recoveries from more than 3,300 tests conducted.
The Ministry of Health has been at the forefront of the response, implementing measures to contain the spread of this deadly hemorrhagic fever and protect public health.
The Ministry attributes its success in keeping cases and fatalities low to the establishment of a National Response Workforce. This multisectoral team is tasked with executing strategic objectives to manage and control the outbreak, minimizing transmissions and fatalities while protecting the health and dignity of communities across Rwanda.
According to the Ministry of Health, the National Response Workforce is organized into clusters, including communication, diagnostics, surveillance, evacuation, procurement, case management, strategic information, psychology, resource mobilization, operations, a call center, mobile vaccination clinics, and treatment facilities.
Currently, the response team is engaged in decontaminating infected areas, providing treatment to patients in designated centers, and addressing public concerns through the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) emergency number 114. Additionally, psychological experts on the team are tasked with offering counseling and psychosocial support to survivors and their families, aiding in rapid reintegration and combating stigma.
During a visit to Rwanda on October 8, 2024, the Director General of the Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, commended the country’s rapid and effective response to the Marburg outbreak. Dr. Kaseya lauded Rwanda’s efforts to contain the virus after touring the Marburg Command Post and meeting with Rwanda’s Health Minister, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana.
“Impressed by Rwanda’s swift, proactive response. The Africa CDC stands firmly with Rwanda, committed to safeguarding lives and stopping the spread,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
Following his visit to Kigali, Dr. Kaseya also condemned the decision by the United States government to issue a travel advisory against Rwanda over the Marburg virus outbreak, terming it unfair.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a national public health agency of the United States, issued a Level 3 travel advisory on Monday, October 7, 2024, urging its citizens to reconsider nonessential travel to Rwanda due to the outbreak.
Dr. Kaseya criticized the advisory, insisting that decisions during the ongoing outbreak must be guided by scientific facts to avoid spreading panic.
“The decision taken by the U.S. government was not fair, and we believe this is not the treatment that Rwanda and Africa deserve,” he stated, reiterating that Rwanda had implemented satisfactory measures to contain the spread of the disease and that the risk of spreading the virus to another country was “nearly zero.”
Some of the initial steps taken by the government at the onset of the outbreak included heightened contact tracing, suspending hospital visits, banning wakes and home vigils (locally known as Ikiriyo) for Marburg-related deaths, and limiting burials for Marburg deaths to a maximum of 50 people.
Additionally, all healthcare facilities were directed to implement a protocol for receiving and providing services to clients exhibiting symptoms of Marburg virus disease, with strict adherence to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.
In recent days, the government has also rolled out other measures to reduce the risk of exporting cases to other countries, including mandatory symptom screening of all passengers departing from Kigali. Furthermore, the government has initiated the vaccination of public health workers and other high-risk groups.
Mboweni passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2024, at the age of 65, after a short illness, according to a statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government.
In his message of condolences on Sunday, Kagame praised Mboweni’s contributions to reforming the African Union (AU), stating that his legacy will transcend generations.
“Tito Mboweni was a giant voice for Africa and a champion of continental integration. His counsel was invaluable in the effort to reform the African Union, and in recent years, he dedicated his energy to implementing those reforms as chair of the AU Peace Fund. His legacy will live on for generations to come,” Kagame said in his message to Mboweni’s family, friends, and the people of South Africa.
Mboweni served as South Africa’s Minister of Finance under Ramaphosa from 2018 to 2021. He was an anti-apartheid activist in his youth and served as Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 under President Nelson Mandela.
Mboweni also made history as the first Black Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, serving from 1999 to 2009.
A frequent visitor to Kigali and an early member of the team tasked with reforming the African Union, Mboweni was a close ally of Rwanda. His work on the AU Reforms Steering Committee, led by President Kagame, focused on addressing the urgent need for institutional reforms to better position the AU for achieving its Agenda 2063 vision of inclusive economic growth and development across Africa.
Mboweni’s role extended to serving on the Board of Trustees for the African Union Peace Fund, which was key to financing peace support operations, mediation, and preventive diplomacy efforts. His involvement was instrumental in ensuring strategic governance of the Peace Fund, enhancing the AU’s capacity to manage conflicts and promote peace on the continent.
Ramaphosa earlier expressed shock over Mboweni’s passing, noting that he distinguished himself in strategic roles and was a flag bearer for South Africa’s economy on the global stage.
“We have lost a leader and compatriot who has served our nation as an activist, economic policy innovator, and champion of labor rights,” Ramaphosa said, emphasizing Mboweni’s significant role in shaping South Africa’s future, particularly during the final days of apartheid.
The accident occurred around 10 PM, as the minibuses were returning from a wedding at Sainte Famille and heading towards Muhanga.
Confirming the accident, SP Kayigi Emmanuel, a spokesperson for the Traffic Police, said the rear minibus collided with a front minibus, causing the latter to veer off the road and crash into barriers.
The officer attributed the crash to excessive speeding by the driver of the rear minibus, particularly as they approached a downhill area.
At the time of the incident, both vehicles were carrying around 40 passengers. While three passengers were killed instantly, 37 others sustained injuries, with six reported to be in serious condition.
The injured were taken to various hospitals, with some sent to facilities in Kigali and others to Kabgayi Hospital. The bodies of the deceased were moved to the Kacyiru Hospital mortuary.
Following the tragedy, SP Kayigi urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads and emphasized the importance of passengers speaking up when drivers make unsafe choices. He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and reassured the public that the injured were receiving the necessary medical care.
The resolutions were signed on Saturday, October 13, 2024, during the Fifth Meeting held in Luanda, Angola, a country tasked with mediating and easing the tensions that have persisted between Rwanda and the DRC.
The ministers signed off on a plan that had been proposed by security experts from the three countries involved, who met at the end of August and the beginning of September this year.
The plan outlined the methods to be used in eliminating the FDLR, a group that has long collaborated with the DRC’s military and has been disrupting Rwanda’s security.
A ministerial meeting was held on September 14, 2024, to ratify the plan, but the DRC refused to sign following directives Minister Kayikwamba allegedly received from President Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, instructing her not to sign.
As a result, another meeting that was supposed to bring together security experts in early October 2024, which was meant to finalize the methods and timeline for dismantling the FDLR, was postponed.
Rwanda has stated that if the plan to eliminate the FDLR is finalized and implemented, it will revise its defense strategies accordingly.
Minister Nduhungirehe announced that the signing of the Fifth Meeting’s resolutions marks a positive step toward peace and security in the region.
It is expected that security experts will meet again to refine the plan to get rid of the FDLR, and their conclusions will be reviewed at the next ministerial meeting.
Led by a number of Sheikhs, senior officials and business owners, and organized by ‘Dubai Cares’ under the supervision of the ‘International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council’ chaired by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chair of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, the event saw massive participation from various segments of the Dubai community.
Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of Dubai Cares , pointed to the keenness of the country’s wise leadership, represented by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and with follow-up from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, in directing swift humanitarian response to people affected by crises and emergencies across the world.
He added that the coordination of all UAE entities working in the humanitarian space with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council helps provide medical, food and shelter assistance to countries, communities and peoples affected by crises and conflicts in a way that ensures early recovery and meets the essential needs for the stability of societies.
The 24 donor organizations and volunteer institutions participating in the relief aid collection activities at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City include the Emirates Red Crescent, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Charitable and Humanitarian Work.
Others are Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi Foundation for Humanitarian Work, Ahmed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian, Dubai Cares, Sharjah Charity Association and The Big Heart Foundation.
Others include Emirates Foundation, Volunteers.ae Platform, Sharjah Volunteer Centre, Fujairah Charity Association, Watani Al Emarat Foundation, International Charity Organisation, Emirates Charity Association, Beit Al Khair Society, Dar Al Ber Society, Dubai Charity Association, and the Day for Dubai initiative.
These lakes, believed to have formed simultaneously through volcanic activity, offer visitors a rare and peaceful experience. Known as the twin lakes due to their proximity and the fact that one feeds into the other, Burera and Ruhondo have a shared yet unique charm.
Historically, the lakes were formed when volcanic eruptions altered the course of the River Nyabarongo, redirecting its waters into the Burera valley.
As Lake Burera filled, its excess water flowed into Lake Ruhondo, eventually giving birth to the Mukungwa River. These lakes are nestled among rolling hills, majestic volcanoes, and vibrant local communities, offering a picturesque backdrop for exploration.
A narrow 1-kilometer strip of land separates the two lakes, which together cover an area of about 28,000 hectares. Beyond their natural allure, the lakes carry deep cultural significance.
One such story is the island of Akanyaseke, where pregnant girls were once exiled due to societal stigmas. While this practice has long since been abandoned, the island stands as a historical reminder of past cultural beliefs.
Lake Burera is dotted with several islands, some inhabited and others untouched, providing an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility and a closer connection with nature.
Tourists visiting the lakes can indulge in nature walks, boat trips, birdwatching, and exploring islands such as Bushongo, Bishosho, Munanira, Muhabura, and Cuza.
The terraced hills encircling the lakes also offer excellent picnic spots, providing a perfect setting to enjoy a meal while admiring the stunning views of the lakes, birds, and surrounding landscapes.
The twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo not only offer scenic beauty but also invite visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s unique history and culture. They are a perfect post-gorilla trekking destination for those exploring Volcanoes National Park.
Adding to their significance, the lakes are also home to Rwanda’s first hydroelectric power plant, Ntaruka, which was built in 1959 and continues to operate today, symbolizing the area’s contribution to Rwanda’s development.
Built in partnership with Shooting Touch Rwanda, this court represents a major milestone as the Foundation continues to expand its global reach, following three successful Clinics in Ireland last summer.
The Pat Connaughton Foundation is thrilled to be a global organization, committed to making an impact through sports both locally and abroad.
The partnership with Shooting Touch Rwanda brings the power of basketball to the forefront as a means to unite communities and create life-changing opportunities.
Shooting Touch’s innovative sport-for-development programs help uplift youth and women in rural Rwanda by providing access to health services and educational resources, which aligns with the Pat Connaughton Foundation’s vision of transforming lives through the game of basketball.
The new court, completed in August 2024, is already being utilized by nearly 1,000 boys, girls, and women every week.
“We are extremely excited to partner with Shooting Touch to build our first Connaughton Court outside of America,” said NBA Champion Pat Connaughton. ”
“This project is a great representation of our commitment to create access to athletics for the next generation of student athletes worldwide. My foundation is proud to help enhance the incredible work that is already being done in Rwanda. Basketball is a universal language that can positively impact change while inspiring the next generation to dream big, and we’re honored to be a part of it,” he added.
In addition to being a platform for sports, the new court will serve as the home base for Shooting Touch’s holistic programs, which address crucial issues related to public health, gender equality, and economic mobility.
“Building a basketball court with Shooting Touch isn’t just about creating a space for sport—it’s about giving an entire community access to something much bigger,” said Liza Gallagher, Executive Director of Shooting Touch.
“Thanks to the incredible support of the Pat Connaughton Foundation, thousands of youth and women in Rwanda will now have a safe place to play, learn, and grow. By combining the love of the game with vital education and services, this partnership is creating lasting change that will impact generations to come.”
The completion of the court in Rukara Sector highlights the Pat Connaughton Foundation’s growing presence around the world and its unwavering dedication to using sports as a tool for positive change. With 12 courts completed and five more underway, the Foundation continues to create spaces that foster growth, education, and community.
{{About the Pat Connaughton Foundation}}
The Pat Connaughton Foundation was founded in 2016 with the mission of creating access to athletics for the next generation of student athletes through Courts, Clinics, and Character.
The PCF focuses on teaching them the translatable life skills sports instill, including hard work, teamwork, leadership, accountability, and discipline. During the last 8 years the PCF has hosted 27 clinics, completed 13 Courts with 12 Schools/Organizations, and impacted over 25,300 youth student-athletes.
{{About Shooting Touch}}
Shooting Touch is an international sport-for-development organization based in Boston, Massachusetts, whose mission is to use the mobilizing power of basketball to bridge health and opportunity gaps for youth and women facing racial, gender, and economic inequalities.
Since launching Shooting Touch Rwanda (STR) in 2012, it has continued to expand its reach in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, now operating programs in six sectors within the Districts of Kayonza and Bugesera. STR focuses on providing access to basketball for youth and women, while working to improve public health and gender equality in rural communities.
