In a series of posts on X, Muhoozi issued the ambassador an ultimatum to apologize to the Ugandan Head of State for his “undiplomatic behavior” by Monday or face expulsion from Uganda.
“If this current US ambassador does not apologize to Mzee personally by Monday morning (9:00 AM) for his undiplomatic behaviour in our country, we will demand that he leaves Uganda,” Muhoozi wrote.
He, however, emphasized that Ugandan authorities are not at odds with the U.S., but with the envoy.
“We have no problem with the USA; as I have said many times, it is a country we love and admire. But lately, we have a lot of evidence that they have been working against the NRM government,” he added.
In another post, he expressed his contempt for the ambassador, saying, “Fellow Ugandans, it is my solemn duty to announce to you all that we as a nation are about to have a serious confrontation with the current US ambassador to our country, for disrespecting our beloved and celebrated President and for undermining the constitution of Uganda.”
Gen. Muhoozi’s outburst is seen as an escalation of tensions between the Ugandan leadership and the U.S., following recent sanctions imposed by the U.S. against four officers in the Ugandan Police Force (UPF) for alleged human rights violations, including torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and punishment.
In the sanctions announced on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of State identified the sanctioned officials as Bob Kagarura, former Wamala Regional Police Commander, and Alex Mwine, former District Police Commander for Mitanya District.
Others include Elly Womanya, who at the time of the alleged violations was Senior Commissioner and Deputy Director of UPF’s Criminal Investigations Division in charge of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), and Hamdani Twesigye, previously Deputy Inspector of Police assigned to the SIU.
The U.S. had previously imposed travel sanctions against several high-profile Ugandan officials, including Deputy Chief of the Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, Parliament Speaker Anita Annette Among, and Minister Amos Lugoloobi, along with their families.
In West and Central Africa, floods have reached catastrophic levels, with Chad, Niger and Nigeria among the hardest hit accounting for more than 80 percent of people affected, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.
More than 1,000 people have been killed, and at least 740,000 people have been displaced, the office said. In addition, hundreds of thousands of homes, more than 100 schools, and dozens of health facilities have been damaged. Nearly 500,000 acres of farmland has been affected.
OCHA said that without sufficient support, the floods threaten to hinder the reopening of schools, with the new school year set to begin this month. The floods could also aggravate existing food insecurity, particularly in Chad and Niger.
“The precarious living conditions of people affected by the floods also increase the risk of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, which is spreading in many regions of Niger and Nigeria,” OCHA said.
The office said humanitarian partners are mobilized and supporting the response, including food and health assistance, but efforts are limited due to financial resources.
Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator Joyce Msuya has allocated 35 million U.S. dollars from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund for flood relief in Chad, Niger, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Congo. “But more money is needed,” OCHA said.
Meanwhile, Msuya has allocated 5 million dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund to scale up the response to floods in the states of Borno and Bauchi in the northeast and Sokoto in the northwest, Nigeria.
The new funds will help humanitarian partners reach 280,000 people in the three states with food, clean water, sanitation and shelter support, and will also help to rapidly mobilize resources to improve access to healthcare, including preventing the spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases, OCHA said.
The humanitarian coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, said that the floods have created a crisis within a crisis, with millions of people already facing critical levels of food insecurity before the floods.
The ferry, coming from the town of Minova in the South Kivu province, capsized near the port of Kituku, on the outskirts of Goma, capital of the North Kivu province.
In the report addressed to the central government in Kinshasa, the provincial government also spoke of 78 people still missing. The 87 bodies recovered were transported to the morgue of the general hospital in Goma and nine other survivors were taken to hospital.
The number of passengers aboard the boat remains unknown. Local sources, however, told Xinhua a “significant overload” of the boat.
The boat failed to withstand a violent wave before it capsized about 700 m away from the port, said staff of the Kituku port.
Till late Thursday, the population still gathered at the port of Kituku with anxiety and the hope of finding the bodies of their loved ones, observed Xinhua.
The roads between Goma and Minova have been cut off for months due to hostilities between armed groups and the DRC military. Cases of boat accidents are frequent on Lake Kivu due to strong winds and overloading.
The first edition of B-READY assessed the business environments of 50 global economies, focusing on three pillars: regulatory frameworks, public service delivery, and operational efficiency. The report focuses on ten indicators, which include Business Entry, Business Location, Utility Services (water, electricity, and internet), Labour Force, Financial Services (access), International Trade, Taxation, Dispute Resolution, Market Competition (Public Procurement), and Business Insolvency.
Rwanda performed exceptionally well in several key areas. In terms of Operational Efficiency, the country earned an impressive score of 81.31%, ranking 3rd globally. For Public Services, Rwanda scored 67.37%, placing 8th in the world. Additionally, the country achieved a score of 70.35% in the Regulatory Framework, securing the 17th spot globally.
The scores position Rwanda as one of the top-performing countries worldwide and the top-performing country in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In terms of operational efficiency, Rwanda remains one of the fastest countries in Africa and globally for company registration. This efficiency stands in contrast to global averages of 32 days for domestic firms and 39 days for foreign firms, reinforcing Rwanda’s position as a regional leader in ease of doing business.
Other measures that have encouraged investments include free online business registration, automated tax filing and payments, one-stop center services for business permits and licenses, and support for foreign ownership and ease of profit repatriation.
In Public Services, Rwanda’s digitization of public services has been a key driver of its strong performance. Systems like the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) for the judiciary and the e-titles system for land services have streamlined processes, reducing both the time and cost of doing business. These innovations play a vital role in enhancing the overall business environment.
Additionally, Rwanda’s regulatory reforms continue to enhance its global competitiveness. Recent legislative efforts, including the 2021 Investment Promotion Law, the Company Law, and the Insolvency Law, have created a more business-friendly regulatory environment. Furthermore, Rwanda’s commercial courts and streamlined processes for business registration and dispute resolution set benchmarks for the region.
On environmental sustainability, the B-READY report highlights Rwanda’s leadership in integrating environmental sustainability into its business practices. Initiatives such as e-mobility and renewable energy demonstrate the country’s commitment to a green economy, positioning Rwanda as a leader in sustainable development across Africa.
Rwanda’s holistic approach to reform also prioritizes good governance, macroeconomic stability, and anti-corruption measures, all of which have contributed to its favourable rankings in the B-READY report.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), a government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment, stated that this performance demonstrates the country’s sustained drive to enhance its business environment and foster a welcoming climate for investors.
Francis Gatare, CEO of the RDB, participated in the launch of the World Bank report in Washington, D.C., United States. He acknowledged the good performance and pledged to further improve the business environment. Ongoing initiatives include the digitization of the One Stop Center, upgrades to business and mortgage registration systems, and the integration of trade services under a Single Transaction Portal.
“Rwanda’s performance in the B-READY report reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a conducive environment for private sector growth and investment. These reforms are the foundation of our socioeconomic transformation, and we will continue to prioritize innovation, sustainability, and efficiency to attract investment and grow the private sector.”
According to the World Bank, the B-READY report will offer countries a roadmap to create a business climate that benefits firms, consumers, the environment, and society as a whole. The 2025 report will assess more than 100 economies, and in 2026, the coverage will expand to about 180 economies.
Through the Swedish Energy Agency, the Kingdom of Sweden has voluntarily supported a cooperation initiative for countries willing to reach their respective mitigation targets as per the provisions of the article.
By working together and trading carbon credits, countries can achieve larger emission reductions than what they otherwise would have been able to with their own resources.
The MoU, signed in Kigali, marks a significant step in the joint efforts to
address climate change and deepen the cooperation between the two countries in relation to their climate mitigation efforts.
The partnership sets the stage for both nations to collaborate on areas of mutual interest, particularly in climate change mitigation, as well as in supporting the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of each country.
Shortly after signing the cooperation pact, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, explains that this will foster joint initiatives such as technical analysis, capacity building, and the development of joint work plans.
According to her, this is very important since it supports Rwanda’s already existing targets on climate change mitigation and paves way for potential legally binding agreements that can further both parties’ joint objectives.
“This partnership with the Swedish Energy Agency reinforces Rwanda’s commitment of implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and advancing our Nationally Determined Contributions,” she said.
“Rwanda is eager to leverage this partnership to not only to meet our climate targets but also foster sustainable development that benefits both our environment and our people,” she added.
Through this collaboration, both Rwanda and Sweden will also engage in dialogue and organize activities and meetings with stakeholders, aiming to promote bilateral cooperation in achieving climate mitigation goals.
Martina Fors Mohlin, Chargé d´affaires Embassy of Sweden in Kigali also highlighted the significance of the agreement, commending Rwanda for its efforts.
“Rwanda has shown that it is possible to combine economic growth with ambitious climate mitigation goals. Through its initiatives for a long-term green transition, Rwanda is an inspiration for other countries,” she said.
Martina emphasized that Sweden is committed to financing high-quality greenhouse gas mitigation activities in Rwanda that provide substantial contributions to the energy transition in the country
The MoU sets the foundation for Rwanda and Sweden to develop a Bilateral
Cooperation Agreement which would enable Sweden to finance emission reduction projects in Rwanda.
According to her, this will support Rwanda and Sweden’s national efforts to meet their climate targets and drive sustainable development.
The Swedish Energy Agency is the country´s lead agency on Article 6, with a mandate from the Swedish government to enter into bilateral agreements with other countries.
In a statement, the government agency responsible for promoting economic development and investment in Rwanda said the country has responded swiftly and proactively to contain the virus since the first cases were identified a week ago.
The management expressed confidence that the measures put in place were satisfactory and encouraged businesses to continue operating normally, while also urging business owners to follow the Ministry of Health’s enhanced hygiene guidelines, such as conducting temperature checks and providing hand washing or sanitizing stations at building entrances.
“These measures are essential for keeping businesses running smoothly while safeguarding the health of staff and customers,” the statement reads.
Regarding tourists, RDB stated that tourism in Rwanda remains safe, with the health and safety of visitors being a top priority.
“Visitors can travel with confidence, knowing that all necessary action is being taken to prevent the spread of Marburg,” RDB assured.
The agency noted that since Marburg is not airborne and does not spread asymptomatically, the likelihood of travel restrictions coming into effect is minimal.
“Tourists can rest assured that operators, hotels, and other service providers are following strict hygiene protocols, including temperature checks, regular handwashing, the availability of sanitizing stations, and enhanced cleanliness practices,” RDB added.
RDB also confirmed that Rwanda, which has become a hub for hosting international events, continues to host events safely, ensuring that the health and safety of attendees are the highest priority.
The agency directed event venues to implement additional hygiene measures, such as temperature checks, the provision of handwashing facilities, and encouraging minimal close contact between attendees.
“This balanced approach, which is based on scientific evidence, allows for events to continue while ensuring the safety of all participants and staff,” RDB stated.
The agency also assured investors of government interventions, saying the proactive public health measures put in place effectively balance the need for public safety with the importance of maintaining economic stability. This ensures that Rwanda remains open for investors.
“Rwanda’s evidence-based and effective response to public health challenges demonstrates why Rwanda is a reliable choice for investors,” the agency added.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg outbreak on Friday, September 27, 2024, with 37 cases and 11 deaths reported so far.
To control the spread of the virulent disease that causes hemorrhagic fever, the government has implemented several measures, including 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 have been 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.
He made the disclosure on Thursday during a press briefing on the Marburg outbreak, co-hosted by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
“We expect around 5,000 doses of Remdesivir for emergency treatment of patients that are highly in need,” he said.
Rwanda confirmed its first-ever Marburg virus outbreak on September 27.
Reports show that five people have recovered, 11 have died, and 21 others are still receiving medical care.
In addition to receiving antiviral treatment, Dr. Nsanzimana highlighted ongoing discussions with several organizations to accelerate the development and distribution of a Marburg vaccine, which could be available in Rwanda in the near future.
Rwandan health authorities are working diligently to contain the spread of the virus.
Africa CDC Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, reassured travelers that the situation is under control.
“We are flying to Rwanda. I will be in Rwanda, attending meetings. It’s an outbreak that is managed and, as we have outbreaks in all other countries, there is no travel ban. And I repeat it: travellers should not cancel their trips to Rwanda,” Kaseya emphasized.
The Africa CDC has confirmed that it will send specialists to Rwanda next week to support the country’s efforts in managing the outbreak.
Health officials note that individuals infected with Marburg may remain asymptomatic for three to 21 days, although some cases develop symptoms sooner.
Initial symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue, followed by gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. As the disease progresses, the condition worsens as the body deteriorates.
To prevent infection, health experts recommend maintaining strict hygiene practices and avoiding the sharing of personal items with individuals exhibiting Marburg-like symptoms.
“This was unveiled on Wednesday October 2, 2024 during the data & information engagement workshop for Protected and Conserved Areas at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Nairobi, Kenya.
“The workshop offers a platform to showcase our progress on data for Protected and Conserved Areas and to explore how data can drive impactful conservation efforts,” said RCMRD Director General, Dr Emmanuel Nkurunziza.
It will serve as a one-stop platform for up-to-date data, interactive mapping, and analytical tools aimed at enhancing ecosystem monitoring and decision-making.
The portal will also enable users to track biodiversity, forest cover, and seascape ecosystems across borders, helping stakeholders respond proactively to environmental challenges.
It is also expected to promote data-sharing between countries and institutions, ensuring cross-border cooperation for effective ecosystem management.
The RCoE data geoportal provides access to key data for the conservation of the ecosystems in Eastern and Southern Africa. It is seen an essential resource for governments, conservation organizations, researchers, and local communities across the region.
At the launch, Dr. Faith Nyokabi the Head of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) at the Ministry of Environment and represented Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, Principal Secretary in charge of the State Department for Environment and Climate.
“The ability to track environmental changes in real-time, analyse trends, and predict future scenarios will enable us to make informed decisions that protect our environment while promoting sustainable development,” she said.
The workshop, themed “Leveraging Data Insights for Impactful and Sustainable Ecosystems,” brought together conservationists, policymakers, and data specialists from 24 project countries, including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini and Ethiopia.
Other countries represented were Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the hosts Kenya.
Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, the Chief Executive Officer at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and Director General of ICRAF explained that the goal is to equip communities, governments, and organizations with the information and tools they need to manage ecosystems sustainably.
“By bringing together experts from across eastern and southern Africa, we are fostering a culture of shared learning, innovation, and collaboration,” she noted.
The four-day workshop which ends today Friday October 4, 2024, has strengthened relationships with institutions managing data on protected areas and demonstrated the importance of data in decision-making for governance and conservation.
The RCoE’s data management process was showcased and defined its role in helping countries track progress on global biodiversity framework targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The RCoE expressed commitment to providing access to actionable data that will enable various communities to participate in conservation efforts and take ownership of local ecosystem management.
In addition to the five recoveries, it was noted that no fatalities were reported on the same day. Of the 1,009 new tests conducted, one person tested positive, bringing the total number of patients currently receiving medical treatment to 21.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, expressed optimism in a post on X, stating, “Today, five have recovered. They are in good health and will return home tomorrow. Let’s thank the healthcare workers who attended to them. We will defeat Marburg.”
Health officials have explained that Marburg can be contracted without showing symptoms for three to 21 days, although symptoms may sometimes appear sooner.
The initial symptoms of the disease often resemble other illnesses, particularly malaria, and include sudden high fever, severe headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, and digestive problems such as diarrhea and vomiting.
As the illness progresses, symptoms worsen, causing the body to deteriorate. Medical experts note that early treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
To prevent further transmission, health authorities are urging Rwandans to maintain proper hygiene and avoid sharing personal items with individuals showing symptoms similar to Marburg.
Rwandan authorities have also disclosed that efforts to contain the outbreak are underway, with vaccine and therapeutic clinical trials set to begin in the near future.
Additionally, international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United States, and the United Kingdom have pledged their support for Rwanda’s response to the disease.
Strettch was among over 70 startups that participated in the contest organized by the Ministry of ICT and the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA) under the Public Procurement for Innovation (PPI) framework, which is currently being piloted. This framework aims to enable public institutions to procure solutions from the innovation ecosystem.
The current research and innovation project is the second of four initiatives funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The first project focused on health.
The first phase of the project implementation began on Thursday, October 3, 2024, with a meeting between the partners and Strettch software engineers at the Rwanda Polytechnic Campus in Kicukiro.
The meeting was attended by key officials including Ephrem Musonera, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in Charge of Training, Institutional Development, and Research at Rwanda Polytechnic; Parfait Yongabo, the Division Manager in charge of Institutional Development, Research, and Consultancy at Rwanda Polytechnic; Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA; Dr. Said Ngoga, Technology Innovation Division Manager at RISA; and representatives from PWC Rwanda.
PWC Rwanda serves as the Contract Manager overseeing the project on behalf of PWC Japan.
Yongabo stated that the project will create digital solutions for institutional challenges, primarily supporting students and lecturers in their mandate of teaching, learning, and research.
The platform will enable students to document their learning journeys, support the implementation of innovative projects for both students and researchers, and foster collaborations.
The platform will also increase the visibility of students to potential employers through the generation of eCVs or e-portfolios.
“The portal will be able to generate e-portfolios where employers can quickly access a summary of the competencies and skills of the students. If they are interested, they can reach out to them for employment opportunities,” Yongabo explained.
Additionally, the platform will be integrated with Artificial Intelligence assistance to increase its efficiency and save students and researchers time.
Yongabo noted that while many of the companies that expressed interest in developing the platform had good solutions, Strettch provided the best solution that responded effectively to the challenge at hand.
Sauvé Jean-Luc, the co-founder and CEO of Strettch, was ecstatic that their startup won the bid, noting that the victory came after intense preparations and sleepless nights.
“We were very happy to hear that we were among the finalists because we also had to pitch and do intensive work after pitching,” Jean-Luc explained.
“More than 70 startups applied. It was very tough. We had a tight timeline and had to work hard to make the most of every hour. We needed to understand the problem and the client’s needs while being creative, too.”
The 21-year-old made the presentation alongside Libériste Clarance, one of the five founding members of the company. Both are graduates of the Rwanda Coding Academy, an institution they credit for their skills and exposure.
“Rwanda Coding Academy trained us from the ground up as engineers and encouraged us to think outside the box. We gained knowledge across different sectors, including networking, cybersecurity, software engineering, robotics, and artificial intelligence. We learned a lot, so we feel the need to give back more than what is expected,” Jean-Luc said.
The startup founders intend to use the new funding to develop the project and scale up their operations to create even bigger impact.
Immaculate Mutesi, the Programme Coordinator for ICT at JICA, emphasized that the PPI initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering the growth of startups by removing obstacles in traditional procurement.
This will allow emerging companies to compete on equal footing with more established firms, helping them gain valuable experience and contribute to innovation.
“For young startups, tendering their solutions through normal procurement procedures is not possible, as it often requires five to ten years of experience to bid for certain tenders. But with this policy, young startups are being supported to participate regardless of the experience they may lack, so it’s a privilege for JICA to support them,” she quipped.
