“I am happy to announce that I will be visiting my second home, Rwanda, soon. I will attend Afande Kagame’s inauguration ceremony. It will be, without doubt, the biggest celebration in Africa this year,” Kainerugaba tweeted.
“My love for Rwanda is because it is my cherished homeland. I hold you dear, and may God bless you always,” he added.
The announcement has generated excitement on both sides. One social media user identified as Mwene Munana remarked, “You are welcome home, son of Kampala and Kigali. The long relationship between Rwanda and Uganda has been a beacon of development for both sister nations.”
Gareth Nshuti, a Kampala based businessman echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are grateful and look forward to further cooperation between our countries.”
Kainerugaba has previously played a crucial role in mending the strained relations between Rwanda and Uganda. His diplomatic efforts have been pivotal in restoring trust and fostering dialogue, leading to a significant improvement in bilateral ties.
President Kagame’s landslide victory in the recent elections sets the stage for his continued leadership. His inauguration symbolizes not only Rwanda’s progress but also the deepening ties with Uganda.
Over the past year, bilateral trade between the two nations has increased by 15%, reflecting growing economic collaboration.
Kainerugaba’s visit is seen as a testament to the enduring friendship and partnership between Rwanda and Uganda, promising a future of enhanced cooperation and mutual growth.
The discord reached a new low point on July 30, 2024, marking the end of Bert Versmessen’s three-year term as Belgium’s ambassador to Rwanda.
Jeune Afrique recently reported that Rwanda rejected Belgium’s latest ambassadorial nominee, a move that followed Belgium’s refusal to accept Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s designated envoy to Brussels.This Belgian diplomat had been proposed on December 11, 2023.
Rwanda’s refusal to approve this candidate led Belgium to withdraw the nomination on June 18, 2024. Consequently, Belgium is left without an ambassador in Kigali, and Rwanda has been without a representative in Brussels since Dieudonné Sebashongore’s departure over a year ago.
Despite the embassies’ continued operation, the atmosphere remains palpably tense. Rwanda’s government has accused Belgium of yielding to pressure from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country with which Rwanda has had a contentious relationship.
President Paul Kagame, in an interview with Jeune Afrique in March 2024, insisted that Rwanda would not nominate another ambassador unless Belgium clarified on why it had rejected Karega.
The president denounced Belgium’s actions as unacceptable and claimed they were influenced by the DRC’s demands.
Diplomatic experts suggest that the onus to mend the fractured relationship now lies with Belgium, which first rejected Karega without clear justification.
The strained ties are not entirely new; Belgium’s historical actions during and after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi have long strained relations with Rwanda. This historical context, coupled with Belgium’s perceived attempts to exert colonial influence, has contributed to the ongoing tension.
For reconciliation, analysts assert that both political will and mutual respect are crucial. This diplomatic challenge echoes a similar situation from 2015 when Rwanda and France experienced strained relations. During that period, Rwanda refused to accept a new French ambassador until the relationship improved under President Emmanuel Macron.
As the diplomatic impasse continues, the path to restoring harmonious relations between Rwanda and Belgium remains uncertain, underscoring the complexities of international diplomacy shaped by both historical grievances and contemporary political dynamics.
The fire started early Monday morning around 5 a.m. All the equipment used in daily operations, including garments, cotton, and other materials, were destroyed in the blaze.
Yves Ntabana, the Head of Corporate Affairs at C&D Products Rwanda, told IGIHE that the factory burned down completely. Everything inside was destroyed, including work tables, machines, fabric storage, and clothing materials.”
The fire was finally extinguished in the morning, although it took longer due to the factory’s large size.
In an interview, Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga confirmed the incident noting that the value of damaged valuables are yet to be determined.
“The fire started on the upper floor, not in the main factory area. The premises were locked, and no one was inside. A lot of property was damaged, but the extent is yet to be assessed. Fortunately, no one was injured, and no neighboring factories were affected. The cause of the fire is still unknown.”
C&D Products Rwanda is one of the leading textile manufacturers in Rwanda.
The mediation body was established to bring justice closer to the people and provide solutions to disputes without the need to go to court. Each mediation committee consists of seven volunteers at the Cell and Sector levels, known for their integrity and skill in impartially resolving disputes.
A report on the utilization of the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget indicates that mediators in the justice sector received 8,762 cases and successfully resolved more than 97% of them.
“To continue bringing justice closer to the people and to strengthen their role in resolving disputes themselves, mediators received 8,762 cases, of which 8,577, or 97.8%, were resolved, while 185 cases, or 2.2%, are still under review,” the report reads in part.
The mediation body was established in 2004 and has over the last two decades proved efficient in handling disputes in communities before they are escalated to the courts of law.
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A similar success rate was observed in the provision of legal aid services, where personnel in the Justice Bureaus acted on 4,922 out of 4,926 registered cases. This represents 99.9% of the cases received, with only four cases still pending.
The Justice Bureaus were established by the Ministry of Justice to assist citizens in accessing legal aid at no cost.
Found in every district, they are responsible for advising people on legal matters, advising Abunzi on legal procedures, monitoring and following up on their activities, coordinating the execution of court judgments, and providing legal assistance and representation in courts for poor and vulnerable people. They also handle issues related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
In March 2024, Rwanda won a Commonwealth Award for Justice due to successful programs such as the establishment of the mediation committees and the IECMS (Integrated Electronic Case Management System), which facilitates access to justice services for citizens.
The Burundi Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ACRT) has introduced new roaming tariffs, which it describes as “unique and competitive.” Mobile network operators are required to transparently communicate these tariffs for regional direct and roaming communications, and to provide detailed billing to ensure a reliable user experience.
“This will significantly reduce the costs of cross-border communications within the EAC,” stated ACRT in an official communiqué which took effect on August 1, 2024.
Burundi’s integration into the One Network Area is poised to impact both telecommunications and business operations positively. Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, reaffirmed this.
“The entry of Burundi will reduce the high cost of mobile roaming charges in the region and strengthen the integration process because East Africans can now communicate more easily without fear of high billing charges on mobile calls whether at home or in another Partner State,” he remarked.
Ariik also highlighted the advantages for the business community, noting, “The ONA also promotes easier communication among the business community who have to span the entire region while transacting merchandise or services.”
This development is expected to facilitate the free movement of persons, workers, services, and capital, as outlined in the EAC Common Market Protocol.
With Burundi’s inclusion, the One Network Area now comprises six states: Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Federal Republic of Somalia, the latest members of the EAC, are yet to join this arrangement.
Ariik emphasized the importance of full participation, stating, “The onboarding of all eight partner states would be a big boost to our journey toward an integrated East Africa.”
The harmonized EAC roaming framework was developed and approved by the 30th Meeting of the Council of Ministers in 2014 and subsequently endorsed by the EAC Heads of State in February 2015.
This framework imposes price caps on roaming charges and calls for the removal of surcharges on cross-border telecommunications traffic originating and terminating within the East African Community.
As Burundi joins this transformative initiative, the prospect of reduced costs for calls and mobile data roaming charges across the region becomes a reality, significantly enhancing connectivity and integration within East Africa.
The prospect of labour pain, a shadow over the luminous joy of bringing forth new life, has long been a daunting spectre for expectant mothers. However, in the heart of Rwanda, a new promise is emerging; A promise of painless labour delivery, a gentle embrace of childbirth that seeks to alleviate the agony and accentuate the joy.
King Faisal Hospital and Clinique Bien Naître at Muhima are among the few sanctuaries of health and hope in Rwanda offering the gift of painless labour delivery.
While the specifics of its prevalence remain elusive, a steady truth stands tall: all referral hospitals in Rwanda, armed with skilled anaesthetists, are poised to offer this transformative experience. Even private health facilities are encouraged to follow suit.
Dr. Claude Nkundabagenzi, an obstetrician-gynaecologist and the visionary founder of Clinique Bien Naître, speaks with the gentle authority of one who has witnessed miracles.
“Painless labour delivery,” he explains, “is the art of minimizing or eliminating pain during childbirth, allowing mothers to embrace the arrival of their child with grace and serenity.”
This art encompasses a spectrum of techniques, from the medical marvels of epidural anaesthesia to the soothing embrace of water births and relaxation practices.
At the heart of this approach lies epidural anaesthesia, a beacon of hope for many. “The gold standard for painless childbirth remains epidural anaesthesia,” Dr. Nkundabagenzi remarks, his voice imbued with the confidence of experience.
This method, he elucidates, involves the precise administration of anaesthetic into the epidural space around the spinal cord, numbing the lower half of the body while keeping the mother awake, alert, and fully present in the moment of birth. It is a delicate balance of science and compassion, offering profound pain relief and a sense of control over the birthing process.
Yet, the journey to painless labour is not confined to epidurals alone. Spinal blocks, akin to their epidural counterparts, provide immediate and complete pain relief for shorter durations, often favoured for cesarean sections.
In rare instances, general anaesthesia steps in, enveloping the mother in a deep, restful sleep. While effective, it carries the weight of unconsciousness, a trade-off between pain relief and active participation in the birth.
Beyond the realm of medical interventions lies a tapestry of non-medical approaches, each thread woven with care and intention. The gentle caress of warm water in a birthing pool, the rhythmic patterns of Lamaze breathing, and the power of visualization form a mosaic of natural pain management techniques.
These methods empower women to reclaim their birthing experience, fostering a deep connection between body, mind, and the miracle of life.
The benefits of painless labour delivery ripple through the birthing process, touching both mother and child with their grace. For the mother, the reduction of pain and stress transforms the birthing room into a sanctuary of comfort and positivity.
“Reduced pain and stress, improved comfort and experience, better ability to participate,” Dr. Nkundabagenzi lists, each benefit a testament to the profound impact of this approach.
The emotional bonds forged in the crucible of a gentle birth extend into the postpartum period, easing recovery and enhancing the mother’s ability to nurture her newborn.
For the baby, the serenity of a mother free from the throes of pain creates a stable and nurturing environment. The steady rhythm of a heart unburdened by agony ensures a more abundant supply of oxygen, reducing the risk of complications and ushering new life into the world with calm assurance.
Yet, every rose has its thorns, and painless labour delivery is not without its risks and side effects. Commonly encountered are low blood pressure, itching, backache, and shivering.
Rarely, more severe complications like nerve damage or allergic reactions may arise.
“Most side effects of epidural anaesthesia are predictable and manageable,” Dr. Nkundabagenzi reassures, underscoring the importance of vigilant care and proper management.
The path to painless labour is paved with preparation and informed choices. Expectant mothers are encouraged to explore their options, attend childbirth classes, and engage in open dialogue with healthcare providers.
A flexible birth plan, crafted with care and supported by a dedicated birthing team, can transform fear into confidence, guiding mothers through the labyrinth of childbirth with grace.
In the broader landscape of Rwanda’s healthcare, the promise of painless labour is a beacon of hope, albeit one not yet universally accessible.
The nation’s public health insurance scheme, Mutuelle de Santé, does not yet cover the cost, a barrier for many. However, as resources grow and the tapestry of healthcare expands, there is hope that this gentle approach will become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s commitment to universal childbirth health coverage.
As Dr. Nkundabagenzi reflects on the journey of painless labour delivery, his words resonate with wisdom and compassion.
“By staying informed, preparing adequately, and maintaining open communication, expectant parents can make the experience as positive and comfortable as possible,” he says.
His vision, shared by many, is one where every mother can embrace childbirth with serenity, knowing that pain is not a requisite for bringing life into the world.
In the heart of Rwanda, the symphony of childbirth is being rewritten. The melodies of pain are giving way to the harmonious notes of painless labour, a testament to the power of medical innovation and human compassion.
And as each mother steps into the sacred dance of life, she does so with the promise of a gentle birth, where the joy of new beginnings shines brighter than ever before.
In a significant development, Rwanda’s Frederic Kwihangana was appointed as the speaker of the association. Kwihangana is a student at the University of Rwanda and serves as the president of the University of Rwanda Law Students Association (UR-LSA).
Gideon Mwanje, a 24-year-old law student from Nkumba University in Uganda, was sworn in as the first president of LSAEA. Mwanje’s election is a notable achievement, given his dual role as the attorney general of the Nkumba University guild government. The LSAEA, which unites law students’ associations from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, aims to promote collaboration and dialogue on legal issues across these nations.
Tanzania’s Samwel Ngelela, who was named general secretary, highlights the diverse representation within the new executive team. Esther Odipo Ayoo, president of the Kenya Law Students Association (KLSA), was also appointed as vice president of LSAEA.
The ceremonial swearing-in was conducted by Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) and former president of the East Africa Law Society (EALS). Oundo’s presence underscored the importance of the event, as he administered the oath to the new executive members, fulfilling the requirements of LSAEA’s constitution.
Oundo urged law students to embrace opportunities for cross-border legal practice, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration among emerging legal professionals in the region. He stressed the need for unity and joint efforts to build a strong regional legal community.
In his acceptance speech, President Mwanje expressed his commitment to fostering unity among law students across East Africa. He outlined plans to extend the association’s reach to include students from South Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mwanje and his team are actively working to help these countries establish their own national law students’ associations, paving the way for their integration into LSAEA.
With Frederic Kwihangana’s appointment as speaker, Rwanda will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this newly established association, marking a promising beginning for regional legal collaboration and development.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 3, 2024, the police disclosed that among those arrested in the recent operation were 18 drivers caught operating public service vehicles either without speed governors or with disconnected ones.
Four others were taken into custody for allegedly tampering with and disconnecting the speed governors in vehicles.
“Some of the arrested suspects include those who had disconnected the device, those who modified them to block its GPS, others had altered them in a way that it did not limit them to 60km per hour maximum speed, while others had set them above the speed limit,” Police spokesperson Boniface Rutikanga revealed.
He added that some drivers and vehicle owners override the system to switch the device on and off, especially when they notice traffic officers, and have installed switch buttons to help them control the device.
Rutikanga emphasized that speeding is one of the major causes of road accidents and related fatalities, noting, “Public vehicles, especially those with tampered speed governors, are frequently involved in accidents due to speeding.”
The officer issued a stern warning to drivers and mechanics against engaging in such dangerous practices that endanger lives. He confirmed that operations to enforce the speed governor order are ongoing.
“These continuous operations are in line with the implementation of the February 2015 Presidential Order relating to the installation of speed governors in public service and other commercial vehicles, to control the speed of vehicles, which is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents,” Rutikanga stated.
The police further explained the efficacy of the high-tech speed governor devices, saying, “The device enforces a strict 60 kilometers per hour speed limit and automatically reduces vehicle speed if an attempt to exceed it is made. It also has a storage computer which allows controllers or traffic officers to check the vehicle’s previous speed and detect any tampering.”
With these stringent measures, the police are determined to combat the tricks used by motorists to evade speed limits, ensuring safer roads for all.
Addressing a packed audience at the 100 Most Notable Africa Leadership and Excellence Summit on August 3, 2024, in Kigali, Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, Senior Advisor to the Africa CDC Director General, highlighted the critical need for systemic reforms in response to the unpredictable rise in these cases.
“The current rate of mpox spread is alarming and demands immediate action otherwise we could soon declare an outbreak,” Dr. Ndembi declared.
His remarks underscored a troubling trend in mpox cases. The outbreak has seen a dramatic increase in both confirmed cases and deaths over recent years. In December 2022, 13 countries reported 1,262 confirmed cases and 256 deaths.
By December 2023, these figures had risen sharply, with seven countries recording 1,664 confirmed cases and 739 deaths. Recent data from July 2024 indicates a further escalation, with 11 countries reporting 2,745 confirmed cases and 456 deaths.
“The crisis is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our public health systems and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.” Dr Ndembi cautioned.
He emphasized the continent’s broader health challenges, noting that Africa experiences over 160 outbreaks annually. The continent’s heavy reliance on imported medical supplies, including vaccines and diagnostic tools, further exacerbates these challenges.
The CDC estimates that health crises result in an annual productivity loss of $800 billion USD across Africa.
To address these issues, Ndembi called for significant improvements in several key areas.
“We need to strengthen our public health institutions to ensure they can effectively manage and respond to health emergencies,” he said.
He also highlighted the urgent need to expand the public health workforce, noting that Africa currently has only 1,200 epidemiologists, far below the 6,000 needed to adequately address public health concerns.
Enhancing regulatory mechanisms and boosting local manufacturing capabilities are also critical. Ndembi, who also doubles as a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Prevention at the Institute of Human Virology University of Maryland revealed that that 30 vaccine manufacturing plants are under development across the continent, including in Rwanda.
“Investing in local production is essential for reducing our dependence on imports and improving our capacity to respond to health crises,” he stated.
The call for reform is not only a matter of addressing immediate health challenges but also preparing for future pressures.
Africa’s population is projected to grow from 1.4 billion today, to 2.5 billion by 2050, a factor that will exacerbate existing health issues. Climate change and ongoing conflicts, with 25 active conflicts reported on the continent, further complicate the situation.
Dr. Ndembi also highlighted the importance of equitable international partnerships.
“We sometimes reject grants from European countries because it comes with conditions that undermine our sovereignty. We need partnerships that are respectful and empowering,” he explained.
Rwanda’s proactive measures, including advancements in health infrastructure and vaccine manufacturing, were cited as positive examples of how countries can lead the way in addressing public health challenges.
“Rwanda’s initiatives demonstrate the potential for African countries to drive significant progress in public health,” Dr. Ndembi observed.
As Africa confronts these challenges, Ndembi’s call to action underscores the necessity of strengthening public health systems, expanding local production capabilities, and fostering respectful international collaborations.
“This is a pivotal moment for Africa’s health sector. Our response will shape the future of global health security and resilience.”
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicentre of the outbreak, but cases have also been reported in Uganda, Ivory Coast, and Rwanda.
Recently the Ministry of Health confirmed that all required measures are in place to combat Mpox in case an outbreak is declared.
Addressing housing challenges is a top priority for Rwanda, with a focus on relocating people to safer village environments. Notably, in Gakenke District’s Muzo Sector, Muyando Cell, Kagano Village, a community of individuals who once lived in precarious zones has found refuge.
Rwakageyo Theogene, a 61-year-old resident of this village, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I was living in Kiryamo’s cell in a place where the fear of impending disaster was constant. The government has uplifted us from the shadows, providing us with a secure living space aligned with the country’s vision.”
Describing the new houses as a revelation, Rwakageyo mentioned, “We arrived to find clear houses; we couldn’t believe they were meant for us. More importantly, they provided us with essential equipment.”
With the relocation, access to schools and health facilities has become significantly easier for these residents, eliminating the challenges they previously faced in reaching essential services.
Babonangenda Theogene, living a few meters away in Gitoki village, Muyando Cell, shared his experience of escaping disaster in his former high-risk zone. He highlighted the government’s support in providing roofing sheets, enabling him to start anew in a safer location.
Reflecting on the drastic improvement, Babonangenda stated, “Where I was, it was a problem for a child to come from there to school. It’s a long journey, a bad road, but now, when a child comes out and enters a school… I feel that there is a long step that I have taken to get out of that risky zone and live on the street.”
Mrs. Nyirantegereza Seraphine, residing in Rulindo District, Remera Sector, Migendezo Cell, Cyinzuzi Village, faced a tragic loss during the 2016 rains when disaster claimed her husband and two children. The government stepped in, providing her with a new house and essential equipment to rebuild her life.
Despite the support, Nyirantegereza remains haunted by the trauma, stating, “I have not forgotten that. When it rains and I don’t sleep, I feel the same situation.”
Leopard Uwimana, Head of Affordable Housing Department at the Rwanda Housing Authority, outlined the government’s comprehensive approach. He emphasized the establishment of designated sites for villages in each district, aiming to create safer living environments for residents.
Uwimana confirmed ongoing planning activities in disaster-prone areas, asserting, “It is expected that the plans for the use of land in the districts will be completed, then we will know the limitations of these sites, and then they will be prepared.”
Residents like Rwakageyo Theogene expressed astonishment at the government’s proactive measures, noting, “In my 61 years, this is the first time I have seen such activities, where the administration takes its people and cares for them in a sustainable way.”
Babonangenda urged those clinging to disaster-prone zones due to tradition to reconsider, emphasizing the benefits of settling in villages with accessible infrastructure.
The government’s vision includes establishing two village sites in every cell, 100 at the district level, and 3,000 nationwide, ensuring a transformative impact on the lives of residents previously vulnerable to disasters.
