The incident occurred a few minutes past 7 AM. However, the kitchen staff and others in the building managed to extinguish the fire before it caused significant damage.
One of the individuals IGIHE spoke to indicated that the fire started from cooking oil, which quickly spread.
“We immediately began extinguishing it using the fire extinguishers inside the building. We managed to put it out before it could cause significant damage, but it was challenging,” the source revealed.
When you visit the 2000 Hotel building, you’ll notice that operations have continued as usual, except on the fifth floor, where there the fire broke out.
Aside from the damage caused to the kitchen equipment and the ceiling where the fire started, no significant damage was reported on the hotel during the incident.
Irembo is showcasing its world-class, all-in-one service management platform and payment solution as it aims to expand the value these tools provide across different regions around the world.
The company is also presenting its impressive achievements in business growth, strategic partnerships, and exciting future plans at the expo, which is scheduled to close on August 15, 2024.
In the recent past, Irembo has established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.
One major collaboration is the partnership with Old Mutual Rwanda, which aims to create an easy-to-use online platform where people can explore and purchase insurance products without the need for in-person consultations.
According to the management, the collaboration with the insurer represents Irembo’s significant move into the private sector, which focuses on providing digitized insurance services.
“Irembo’s partnerships, like the one with Old Mutual Rwanda, are crucial in our mission to expand and diversify our services,” said Noella Dushime, Director of Business Development at Irembo.
“These collaborations allow us to offer more comprehensive solutions to our users, aligning with our vision of a digitally inclusive Rwanda.”
The company is renowned for building and maintaining the Rwandan government’s one-stop service portal.
By digitising essential services, Irembo supports the government’s goals of enhancing efficiency, transparency, and convenience for citizens. The platform’s easy access to a wide range of services helps create a more efficient and inclusive society.
Looking ahead, Irembo plans to integrate cutting-edge technologies to further improve service delivery. These advancements aim to provide users with more streamlined, effective, and secure access to services, solidifying Irembo’s position as a leader in digital transformation.
As part of its expansion strategy, Irembo is exploring opportunities to enter neighbouring countries, introducing its innovative solutions to new markets and contributing to regional growth.
At Expo 2024, the company will be connecting with other exhibitors to demonstrate how IremboPay works and to onboard new clients.
IGIHE journalist Karirima A. Ngarambe recently had the opportunity to experience RwandAir’s new A330 aircraft on a flight from London to Kigali, departing at 9:20 PM on August 5, 2024, and arriving the following morning.
This flight is part of the airline’s daily direct service between London and Kigali, which initially started with four weekly flights from Gatwick Airport in May 2017.
On May 9, 2024, RwandAir transitioned its flights to Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4 due to an increase in passenger demand from the UK to Rwanda.
The airline’s modern wide-body A330 aircraft operates these flights, with flight WB711 leaving London at 9:20 PM and arriving in Kigali at 7:00 AM the next morning.
The return flights, WB710/712, alternate departure times from Kigali, either at 1:45 AM or 11:25 PM, landing at Heathrow daily at 7:00 AM or 9:50 AM.
RwandAir’s CEO, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, expressed satisfaction with the increasing performance of these flights, particularly in connecting African countries. She emphasized the airline’s commitment to maintaining the progress.
“London has always been a significant city for RwandAir, as it was our first European destination following our inaugural flight to Gatwick in 2017,” Makolo stated.
“These direct daily flights are a testament to the growing demand from customers both in the UK and Africa. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to our beautiful land of a thousand hills. Visitors from the UK have visa-free access to Rwanda and can expect to experience an extraordinary range of wildlife and green, mountainous landscapes,” she added.
A 2023 report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) highlighted a 22.7% increase in cargo transported by RwandAir that year, reaching 4,595 tons. Major destinations for this cargo included Dubai, the UK, and Belgium. Additionally, the number of visitors to Rwanda rose from 521,000 in 2021 to 1.4 million in 2023.
Makolo also mentioned that the airline’s convenient schedule allows easy connections through the Kigali hub to many destinations in Africa and the Middle East.
Customers flying with RwandAir can enjoy complimentary inflight dining, free drinks, and inflight entertainment on seat-back video screens.
RwandAir provides a generous baggage allowance for its passengers. Economy Class travelers can check in two bags, each weighing up to 23kg, along with an additional handbag of 10kg. Business Class passengers enjoy even more flexibility, with the option to check in up to three bags, each weighing up to 23kg each.
Rwanda is currently in the dry season, which explains the prevailing sunny conditions.
However, Meteo Rwanda predicts an increase in soil moisture during the second and third weeks of August due to anticipated rainfall in those periods.
The first week of August will see typical dry season weather with sunny days, though some regions will experience light rainfall. The forecasted rainfall for August ranges from 0 to 60 millimeters. Specifically, in the western parts of Musanze and Nyabihu districts, the eastern part of the Rubavu district, and a small part of northern Ngororero, rainfall is expected to range between 40 and 60 millimeters.
In contrast, smaller areas such as Nyungwe National Park, Rutsiro district, Ngororero, central parts of Rubavu and Musanze districts, and the northern part of Burera district can expect rainfall between 20 and 40 millimeters. Meteo Rwanda emphasized that this amount of rainfall is typical for August.
Temperature-wise, daytime highs are forecasted to range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, while nighttime lows are expected to be between 6 and 14 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are within the usual range for this time of year.
Additionally, wind speeds are anticipated to increase compared to previous months, especially in the Western Province, where strong winds are expected.
In a statement released on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, RURA Director General Evariste Rugigana said petrol will retail at Rwf1,629 per litre, down from Rwf1,663, while diesel will remain at Rwf1,652 per litre.
The new fuel prices will come into effect from 7:00 PM on August 7, 2024, for two months.
“These adjustments are based on recent fluctuations in international petroleum product prices,” Rugigana explained.
This marks the second time in a row the price of petrol has decreased since April when RURA reviewed the prices of fuel upwards.
Before the review of the prices in April, a litre of petrol cost Rwf 1,637 while diesel cost Rwf 1,632.
In July 1994, after the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) halted the Genocide against the Tutsi, over two million refugees, including Juvenal Habyarimana’s former government forces, fled to the then Zaire (currently DRC), entering through Goma and Bukavu.
These forces, upon crossing the border, regrouped with the intention of resuming the Genocide against the Tutsi. Later, the FDLR, formerly known as ALIR, emerged as a powerful force, with insurgents launching frequent attacks on Rwanda.
In an interview with Top Congo FM while seeking medical treatment in Belgium, Tshisekedi ignored these facts, instead claiming that Zaire rescued Rwanda from an impending calamity.
“DRC, by the time it held the name of Zaire, saved Rwanda from a very intensive catastrophe which would happen if we hadn’t opened borders to an influx of refugees,” he said.
Tshisekedi acknowledged that among these refugees were genocidaires who entered Congo armed, but he downplayed the impact, saying, “Unfortunately, there has been international blindness which allowed Genocide perpetrators to be among refugees and enter our territory with their weapons. They were not disarmed. Today, the burden has shifted from Rwanda to us, affecting our citizens.”
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Tshisekedi overlooked the fact that other countries also received refugees but handled the situation differently from Zaire. For instance, Tanzania disarmed those entering its territory in late April 1994. Tanzania, which was mediating between Rwanda and the RPF-Inkotanyi, arrested several high-ranking officials suspected of having played a role in the Genocide.
One notable example is Jean Baptiste Gatete, who was initially released due to protests from the Interahamwe he led but was later banned from residing in the country and fled to Zaire. Gatete was eventually arrested by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and sentenced to life imprisonment.
A widely circulated photo on the internet shows a pile of machetes confiscated at the Rwanda-Tanzania border, highlighting the stringent measures Tanzania took compared to Zaire, where genocidaires found a safe haven.
Sources indicate that Zaire’s decision to harbor genocidaires was well-informed, as they were supporters of President Habyarimana, who was a close friend of Mobutu, referring to each other as “Elder brother” and “Best friend.”
{{Refusal to negotiate with M23}}
Commenting on possibility for negotiations with M23 rebel group, Tshisekedi declared, “Listen to me well! As long as I am President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I will never sit down with representatives of M23 or AFC for negotiations. I only want to talk with Rwanda for negotiations.”
“If I want to talk with Rwanda, it’s to ask them what their problem is so they can leave us in peace. If they think there’s an issue on our side, we’ll resolve it. They mentioned the FDLR, and today we are in Luanda discussing how to cease hostilities and resolve the FDLR issue,” he elaborated.
However, Tshisekedi’s claims about resolving the FDLR issue ring hollow. For over 30 years, instead of disarming the FDLR, the Congolese government has increasingly collaborated with them.
Currently, the FDLR is integrated with the Congolese military in the fight against M23, with their fighters receiving uniforms, salaries, weapons, and other supplies.
Tshisekedi has often downplayed the FDLR’s existence, at times claiming they no longer pose a threat, while simultaneously collaborating with them.
Analysts argue that resolving the FDLR issue requires Tshisekedi’s government to genuinely dissociate from this group, which continues to foster insecurity and propagate genocidal ideology in the region.
RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, presided over the pass-out ceremony at the Combat Training Centre in Gabiro.
According to the RDF, the comprehensive training covered a wide range of subjects, including Marksmanship Skills, Tactics, Command and Control, Martial Arts, Physical Fitness, and Heliborne Operations.
The pass-out ceremony showcased various demonstrations, highlighting the skills and knowledge acquired by the brigade during their training. Attendees witnessed impressive displays of Tactics, Martial Arts, and live firing exercises, illustrating the brigade’s readiness and capability.
The Rwandan troops often undergo continuous training aimed at better equipping them to handle their mandate of defending the country and offering military support to other countries through peacekeeping missions.
The troops have also been involved in training other soldiers in countries such as the Central African Republic. Together with the Central African Armed Forces, the RDF trained more than 600 soldiers who were enrolled in the Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA) on Monday, August 5, 2024, after completing seven months of basic military training.
Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, attended the pass-out ceremony, which was presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra at Camp Kassaï military barrack in Bangui city.
While addressing the media, the Central African Republic’s Head of State expressed his appreciation for the successful military partnership between Rwanda and the Central African Republic.
General Zéphirin Mamadou, the Chief of General Staff of the Central African Armed Forces, affirmed that the collaboration between CAR and Rwandan troops will continue to yield positive results.
“This graduation marks the second battalion trained by military instructors from the Rwanda Defence Force, with the ultimate objective of preventing the activities of the enemies of peace. I have no doubt that the skills acquired during this course will help in protecting the country and its people,” Mamadou stated.
The deployment of Rwandan troops in CAR aims to combat armed groups threatening the government and destabilizing the country.
RDF has been one of the largest troop contributors to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) since 2014.
Recently, RGB, in collaboration with local authorities, conducted inspections to assess whether churches meet the required standards.
During an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, the CEO of RGB, explained that in nearly two weeks of inspection, more than 13,000 churches were visited to verify their compliance.
Dr. Kaitesi revealed that some closed churches lacked minor requirements that could be quickly addressed, while others required significant adjustments.
Additionally, there were churches operating without proper authorization, with individuals or groups having opened places of worship and erected signs without the necessary permits.
Despite the large number of churches in Rwanda, Dr. Kaitesi emphasized that the issue is not the quantity but whether they meet the required standards.
“The problem is not the large number of churches. The issue is whether this number aligns with our desired standards. Are the churches built according to legal requirements? Do the leaders of these congregations have the qualifications mandated by law? These are the questions we should focus on,” she said.
The inspections aimed to ensure the safety of Rwandans attending these places of worship rather than indiscriminately closing churches.
Dr. Kaitesi highlighted that instead of having multiple non-compliant churches, it would be better to build a single, large, compliant church that accommodates all followers in a safe environment, led by qualified leaders.
Addressing claims that the closures were sudden, Dr. Kaitesi clarified that inspections and assessments of churches are conducted annually, and churches were forewarned.
“This is part of our mandate. At RGB, we have a department responsible for faith-based organizations and other registered entities. This department is divided into registration and operational monitoring and inspection. We have always conducted inspections,” she stated.
In 2018, a similar inspection resulted in the closure of over 7,000 churches for non-compliance, with a five-year grace period granted for rectifying deficiencies.
“The five-year period ended in September last year, and in December 2023, we called them to review their status and submit staff qualifications and operational plans. Some did not have strategic plans, so we asked them to improve and provide that information,” Dr. Kaitesi explained.
In May 2024, RGB again wrote to religious organizations requesting information about their church locations, leadership, and educational qualifications.
According to RGB, some organizations were given time to meet the requirements and allowed to resume operations. However, monitoring and engaging religious leaders to address issues identified during inspections continued.
Among those celebrated was Peter Asiimwe from Uganda. He won a big award for his work in helping his community and showing great leadership.
Also in the spotlight was Rwanda’s own Isimbi Alliance, also known as Alliah Cool. She’s a well-known actress and social media influencer who received an award for her efforts in promoting change and entertaining people.
The event wasn’t just about handing out awards. There was a big dinner with lots of food and drinks that reflected the diverse tastes of Africa. Everyone enjoyed themselves, chatting and laughing through the evening.
The entertainment was just as diverse. There were cultural dances and music that got everyone’s attention, showcasing the rich traditions of different African cultures.
What’s even more exciting is that this event will happen in Kigali for the next three years. It’s a big win for the city to continue hosting such important gatherings.
As everyone headed home, there was a strong feeling of unity and hope. The night was not just about recognizing what has been achieved but also looking forward to what can be done in the future.
This event promises to keep highlighting and supporting the leaders who are making a difference across Africa.
A research conducted by the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) in 2006 revealed that Rwanda had more than 530 heritage sites. Since the research was conducted about two decades ago, several reforms have been implemented with the aim of better positioning the national heritage sites.
These changes include the merger of INMR with the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture and Rwanda Archives and Library Services to form the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) in 2020.
Today, the expanded mandate of RCHA includes conserving the sites and collaborating with the private sector to capitalize on opportunities presented by Rwanda’s culture, history, and national heritage to promote the national economy through tourism activities.
With the rise of initiatives such as the Visit Rwanda campaigns, the historic sites in Rwanda continue to witness an influx of tourists who are eager to learn about Rwanda’s history.
This is a highlight of some popular destinations in Rwanda that offer invaluable insights into the country’s rich history, culture, and resilience.
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Located in Nyanza district, Southern Province, the King’s Palace Museum offers a captivating glimpse into Rwanda’s monarchial history. This reconstructed palace beautifully replicates the traditional beehive-shaped dwelling of Rwanda’s former kings.
The museum compound is home to a herd of Inyambo cattle, descendants of the king’s prized livestock. These long-horned cattle, originating from the Ankole breed, were integral to royal ceremonies, adorned with lavish jewellery, and trained to follow commands.
While Rwanda transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 1962, the preservation of Inyambo cattle continues under the care of the Rwanda Agriculture Board.
Visitors can explore the replica palace, gaining insights into royal life, customs, and governance. The museum also houses artifacts and exhibits that delve deeper into the history of the Rwandan monarchy.
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The Ethnographic Museum, formerly the National Museum of Rwanda, is located in Huye district in the Southern Province.
The museum was built with help of the Belgian government and opened its doors to the public in 1989. It is a rich source of information on the cultural history of Rwanda.
The museum features seven galleries that showcase a diverse range of historical, ethnographic, artistic, and archaeological artifacts, complemented by visual aids to provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of Rwandan culture.
The exhibits begin with displays on geographical and geological aspects, then artifacts related to hunting, agriculture, animal husbandry, pottery, weaving, and woodwork. The museum also highlights traditional clothing, architectural techniques, and the social significance of cattle.
In the final gallery, visitors can explore traditional customs and beliefs, as well as Rwandan history, culture, poetry, oral traditions, and cosmology.
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Located in Karongi district the periphery of Lake Kivu in the Western Province. This is the first environmental museum on the African continent.
The museum spans two floors and features a traditional herbal medicine garden on the rooftop. It displays herbal plants used to treat various illnesses, including sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea.
A large portion of the museum is dedicated to educating both domestic and foreign tourists on the significance of a sustainable environment and how they can contribute to it.
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The Rwanda Liberation Museum, also known as Umulindi w’Intwari, is located in Gicumbi District, Northern Province.
This historic site commemorates the Rwandan liberation struggle that culminated in the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It houses various artefacts, documents, and multimedia displays recounting the journey from pre-genocide events to the liberation struggle led by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and subsequent rebuilding efforts.
At the site, visitors can also explore the former command bunker (trench) of the then-RPF commander, who is now President Paul Kagame.
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Campaign Against Genocide Museum is housed within the Parliament building in Kigali.
The building was the epicenter of the liberation struggle and the museum was erected in its precincts to offer deeper learning of the political events that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The museum tells the story of the Rwandan Patriotic Army’s 600-man battalion that was based at the Parliament to protect RPF-Inkotanyi dignitaries who were monitoring the implementation of the Arusha peace accord negotiated with Juvénal Habyarimana’s regime.
However, the implementation of the accord was interrupted after the shooting of President Habyarimana’s plane shortly before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed more than a million lives.
The museum showcases the role of RPA in ending the Genocide and restoring peace.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the Genocide against the Tutsi, including its planning, execution, and aftermath.
Additionally, the museum emphasizes Rwanda’s journey towards healing and reconciliation. It serves as a stern reminder of the past and a catalyst for building a brighter future.
{{Rwanda Art Museum
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Situated in Kigali, The Rwanda Art Museum is a vibrant cultural hub showcasing contemporary art from Rwanda and beyond.
Previously known as the Presidential Palace Museum, this unique space offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of Rwandan creativity.
The museum aims to foster appreciation for both traditional and modern art forms. It also serves as a platform for artists to connect and share their work.
{{Rwesero Art Museum
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The Rwesero Art Museum, located in Nyanza district, stands as a unique cultural institution.
Originally constructed as a palace for King Mutara III Rudahigwa, it was repurposed into an art museum after the king’s untimely death before occupancy.
The museum houses a diverse collection of Rwandan art, showcasing the nation’s artistic talent and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and other creative expressions.
The museum’s location within a former royal palace adds a historical dimension, allowing visitors to appreciate the interplay between Rwanda’s past and present.
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The Kandt House Museum, situated in the heart of Kigali, offers a captivating journey through Rwanda’s rich history.
The museum is named after Richard Kandt, a German physician, explorer, and writer believed to be the first European to have thoroughly documented the geography and wildlife of Rwanda. The facility sits at his former residence.
A large section of the museum is dedicated to showcasing Rwandan life in all aspects – social, economic, and political way before and the colonial times.
A snake and crocodile exhibition at the facility is regularly held to help educate the general public about human-wildlife interaction.
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Located in Nyabigoma, Northern Province, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Rwandan culture and traditions.
The village provides an authentic experience of rural Rwandan life, and many tourists flock to the site to share in the local people’s home and heritage treasures, including their lifestyles, activities, artefacts, and ways of living.
{{Ndaba Rock
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Ndaba Rock is a captivating natural landmark located in Karongi district in the Western Province. The rock’s name is derived from a legendary tale of greed and misfortune.
It is believed that a man named Ndaba lost his life while attempting to retrieve honey from a cave inside the rock. The man’s demise gave the site its name and added to its mystique.
Beyond its mythical allure, Ndaba Rock offers stunning natural beauty, including cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation.
