The announcement was made on 29th March 2023 by RDF through a statement that highlighted the immediate effect of the promotions.
Rwanda’s army is well known internationally for its professionalism, discipline, and ability to work in challenging environments.
The promotion of military officers is a critical aspect of military management, and it serves to motivate officers to work harder and achieve better results.
It also provides an opportunity for the military leadership to identify and reward exceptional performers while at the same time, ensuring a structured career progression for the officers.
It also underscores the importance of investing in the country’s human capital, especially in the area of defence, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s security.
As someone who splits his time between the UK – specifically Rochdale – and Rwanda where he has a fiancée named Claudine, Danczuk asserts that he knows which migrants he would prefer in his own constituency.
According to Danczuk, most of those opposing the UK’s Rwanda policy have little understanding of the country in question. In contrast, he claims that Rwanda is a welcoming nation with a strong infrastructure, including sectors dedicated to energy, agriculture, trade, hospitality and finance.
Besides, the country has the knowledge and expertise required to deal appropriately with the people that would be sent from the UK.
For Danczuk, this is an important consideration. He believes that the asylum seekers sent to Rwanda will have access to greater opportunities than if they were relocated to areas such as Rochdale.
This has been a longstanding policy, and one that has put enormous pressure on resources such as healthcare, education and social housing, whilst simultaneously eroding the character and identity of the local area.
Danczuk argues that the Rwandan policy is a more humane approach to dealing with illegal immigration and people-trafficking, as well as reducing the number of cross-Channel economic migrants.
As a result, it could alleviate the challenges faced by struggling towns across the UK.
Whilst acknowledging that many Labour MPs favour an open borders approach, Danczuk suggests that the Party’s reputation has been tarnished by the fact that some have downplayed the severity of child exploitation by British Pakistani grooming gangs.
He suggests that this may be a contributing factor to why many in Labour oppose the Rwandan strategy.
Ultimately, Danczuk believes that supporting the Rwandan policy would be a smarter move for Labour than continuing to push their “woke” agenda around issues such as immigration, diversity and criminal justice. Whether or not this will be taken on board remains to be seen.
The recent collapse of housing units in Kinyinya of Gasabo District is a glaring testimony of the catastrophic aftermaths of such negligence.
Kagame articulated his disapproval on Tuesday 28th March 2023 while officiating the closing ceremony of the National Civic Training, Itorero, where over 2,000 Cell Executive Secretaries from all over the country at Intare Arena.
He recalled the recent incident where houses built in Kinyinya of Kigali City crumbled to the ground, an event that could have been prevented had leaders acted on the telltale signs of poor quality.
Considering this situation, the Head of State requested the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Nsabimana Ernest to provide explanations regarding circumstances under which such unfortunate events occur.
Dr. Nsabimana revealed that an investigation into the recent collapse of housing units in Urukumbuzi Estate, developed by investor Jean Nsabimana, had unearthed a revelation that the houses were built with substandard equipment.
The President expressed his dismay at how such irregularities go undetected until buildings are officially inaugurated and handed over to citizens, leaving them vulnerable to the disastrous consequences of such faulty constructions.
Minister Nsabimana attributed the failure to report irregularities on time, poor collaboration and gaps in the implementation of policies.
Kagame exhorted leaders to undertake the necessary measures to reverse the status quo and ensure that buildings adhere to the required standards.
He also urged Cell Executive Secretaries to work collaboratively towards the attainment of shared goals, underscoring that their achievements will count only when they work together.
The teams of Q-Lana and BRD configured Q-Lana’s Open Banking Platform to digitalize the bank’s entire lending process – including acquisition, assessment, approval, disbursement, monitoring, and collection, all which can now be managed online by the bank’s staff.
The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) and Q-Lana Inc recently celebrated a major achievement in the bank’s digital transformation efforts with the successful implementation of its Credit Management Platform.
During the “go-live” launch event, BRD CEO Kampeta Sayinzoga thanked the teams of both companies for taking part in a collaborative process to convert the detailed steps of the bank’s loan process into a seamless application. This was the goal when embarking on the project and it has been achieved. “We aim to champion excellence in all our ways. This go-live will enable us to make another major step towards a digital bank by providing our clients with faster processes for the kind of service they deserve.” – Kampeta Sayinzoga, CEO of BRD.
Christian Ruehmer, Co-Founder and CEO of Q-Lana echoed the remarks: “we are proud of what we have achieved together”, he said. “Lending processes in development banks are often very detailed due to the nature of the products. Our joint teams have overcome those challenges. With this, we have laid the basis for a great collaboration going forward.”
Over 130 BRD staff members from 12 different departments will use the Q-Lana platform throughout the complete lifecycle of the loan process for originating, monitoring, managing, amending, and restructuring loans. With the new platform, loan agreements and more than 20 other banking documents now will be generated online for clients.
As part of the ongoing collaboration, Q-Lana will continue to work with BRD to further support the client onboarding process and interactions with clients online.
{{About BRD}}
BRD is responsible for promoting private sector involvement in critical sectors for achieving the STI and SDGs through affordable, long-term finance. They support enterprises directly or through other financial institutions across 7 key areas, such as Energy and Agriculture, through investment loans, grants, guarantees, trade finance, and advisory services. The bank’s investments contribute to economic growth and development while aligning itself for competitiveness, sustainability, and enhanced value creation.
{{About Q-Lana Inc.}}
Q-Lana Inc., founded in 2016 in the US with offices in Belgium, Rwanda, and India, offers Open Banking Solutions for financial institutions of all sizes to succeed with digitalization. The low code-based platform, with SME lending and risk management expertise, is ideal for institutions seeking a development partner. Q-Lana’s cloud and server-based solutions support digitization and the implementation of full-scale digital ecosystems based on APIs and microservices. Asset Managers seeking to digitalize their asset origination and fund management activities are also targeted by Q-Lana.
According to the Gazette, the National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby confirmed on Monday that Paul Rusesabagina had left Rwanda ‘and is currently in Doha’.
“He will soon be making his way back to the United States. And his family is, as I’m sure no one is surprised, they’re eager to welcome him back here, home,” he added.
The National Security Council coordinator for Strategic Communications, John Kirby, confirmed on Monday that Paul Rusesabagina had departed Rwanda and was currently in Doha. Kirby stated, “He will soon be making his way back to the United States. And his family is, as I’m sure no one is surprised, they’re eager to welcome him back here, home.”
The US Presidency, White House recently conveyed their appreciation through a brief statement that acknowledged Rusesabagina’s release and thanked the Rwandan and Qatari governments for facilitating it.
Commenting on the development after the presidential clemency granted to Rusesabagina, Stephanie Nyombayire, the Press Secretary for the Office of the Presidency, disclosed that Rusesabagina’s release is the outcome of a joint effort to reset the relationship between the United States and Rwanda.
Rusesabagina, the former President of the MRCD-FLRN terror group, was sentenced to 25 years in 2021 for terrorism charges.
Along with Nsabimana Callixte, alias “Sankara,” who served as the FLN’s spokesperson, and 18 others linked to the same case, he was released on presidential clemency last Friday. Rusesabagina had been arrested in 2020.
More 358 individuals convicted of various offences were also granted collective commutation on the same day.
The event took place at the Rwandex – Mundi Center on 26th March 2023 and was well attended by guests including the British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair, the Ambassador of Sweden to Rwanda, Johanna Teague and Miss Jeannette Uwimana, who was crowned Miss Innovation during Miss Rwanda 2022.
The exhibition showcased the talents and work of various artists and organizations, including Seeing Hands Rwanda, which trains visually impaired persons to provide massage therapy, and Imagine We, a publishing company that trains aspiring writers. Kigali Deaf Art Gallery, an organization bringing together deaf-mute persons who create different works of art, also participated.
Visitors could also meet with different artisanal groups that produce African traditional handicrafts, such as Tubiteho and Nyamirambo Women Centre, among others.
Fashion houses, including Inkanda House, Rwanda Union of Little People (RULP), and Project Sufuri, were also represented. The Community of Potters of Rwanda (COPORWA) and other umbrella organizations for marginalized members of society, including Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) and Organization for the Integration and Promotion of People with Albinism (OIPPA), also participated.
The event was not just a showcase of talent and creativity, but also an opportunity for visitors to learn more about inclusion and diversity in Rwanda.
Participants were entertained by the Seastarz band and singer Mani Martin, who performed songs including “It’s Okay,” a song that seeks to empower those who have faced adversity and discrimination in their lives.
According to the British High Commissioner, Omar Daair, the event was organized to promote equality and showcase the uniqueness of Rwanda as a country that promotes inclusion.
He emphasized that marginalising some members of the community based on their appearance, character, or beliefs diminishes the potential gains they can bring to society. The Ikaze event was a demonstration of the true value of vibrant, inclusive economy that creates opportunity for all.
The exhibition provided a platform for marginalized people to showcase their talents.
Benjamin Nkwitonda, also known as Ben Rwanda, recited a powerful poem called “Arazira Iki?” advocating for the rights of people with disabilities.
Besides, participants of “Ikaze Bazaar” were delighted with the creative artworks exhibited at the event and stressed the need to organize such events on a regular basis to promote businesses of people from these segments of society.
The event was a resounding success and highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
The car was manufactured in 2023 and is an automatic or Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission SUV with a striking appearance similar to the bestselling T5 EVO model at Carcarbaba, the local car dealership representing Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor.
The T5 HEV is a compact SUV, measuring 4595mm in length, 1865mm in width, and 1680mm in height, which makes it suitable for on and off-road driving. The vehicle uses 50% less fuel than other vehicles, and its non-rechargeable battery has received a five-star safety rating. The 4E15T engine provides a maximum power horse (N.m) of 280 and a maximum torque speed of 1500 to 3500. The car’s battery voltage is 349 V, and it has a rated power speed (Rmp) of 5500 with fair fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 Km and Turbo intercooler, providing a powerful driving experience.
John Mugabo, the Managing Director of Carcarbaba, announced at a recent press conference during the launch of the new car that the hybrid vehicle is priced at $34,000, approximately Rwf36 million. Until June, Carcarbaba offers a flexible payment terms of up to one year, free comprehensive insurance for one year, and free Mango 4G internet for 12 months. After-sales services include free full tank fuel on delivery, three years or 100,000 km vehicle warranty, five years or 100,000 km battery warranty, and one-year free vehicle maintenance.
Besides, the first 20 customers who order the car will receive a 55-inch smart TV. Many clients are ordering their vehicles and the First client who ordered the vehicle already received it . Huang Sheng Wei, the CEO of Dongfeng Africa Export Base, announced that the company would support Carcarbaba by providing spare parts, with plans to establish an assembling plant in Rwanda in the future.
“Rwanda is a beautiful country that is developing extremely fast, and we want to grow with Rwanda for Rwandans. The Government has set clear policies to protect the environment, and we are willing to lend a hand to the government in the ’Go Green’ policy by importing as many hybrid cars as possible, which are environmentally friendly but also cost-effective to meet the needs of local residents,” said Mr. Huang Sheng Wei.
DongFeng vehicles are currently sold in various countries, including Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, countries in Latin America, France, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ghana, and more. The T5 HEV is an excellent option for environmentally-conscious drivers looking for a cost-effective vehicle with less fuel consumption.
Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor is one step closer to achieving its goal of producing zero-emission cars with the launch of the T5 HEV in Rwanda. The brand-new 2023 T5 HEV after the promotion will cost Rwf 36 Million. Carcarbaba operates in the nearby Sawa Citi Supermarket, making it easy for interested buyers to inquire and get their hands on the high tech hybrid vehicle.
The lions were reintroduced to the park following a 15-year absence when seven lions were translocated from South Africa in 2015. Two more males were later translocated to increase genetic diversity in the community in 2017. Now, the park boasts a ‘completely known’ population of 58 lions.
The Conservation and Research Department of Akagera National Park works hard to monitor the growing population of lions and ensure that any changes to the population are documented. Routine tracking on the ground, coupled with sightings and reports from other staff and guests, allows the department to better understand the population, including their social structure, group interactions, diet, and individuals’ health and condition.
The reintroduction of lions to the park has not only helped to ensure the survival of the species but also to prevent poaching and human-lion conflict along the park boundaries. All signs suggest that the lions have settled in well to Akagera and are behaving normally. There are now two main prides, one in the north and one in the south of the park. Both prides associate with one dominant coalition of males, while a third smaller pride uses the northern-extreme of the park, and four subordinate coalitions move throughout the park, avoiding the more dominant males.
Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only Big Five destination, hosting populations of lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, and buffalo. These animals are believed to be the ones that balance the ecosystem, making the park an essential conservation area for Rwanda and Africa as a whole.
With 21 cubs born in 2022, fully understanding the family tree is key in supporting future management decisions. The Conservation and Research Department continues to work hard to ensure the continued growth and well-being of the lion population in Akagera National Park, making sure that these magnificent animals remain an important part of Africa’s natural heritage.
The competition held under the theme Fostering Police cooperation to fight transnational organized crimes through sports” brought together eight out of 14 EAPCCO member countries.
During the week-long interforce competitions, Rwanda won gold in football, volleyball, handball and basketball.
Other categories won by Rwanda include, beach volleyball, taekwondo, boxing, karate and shooting.
Kenya, which was the best in athletics, came second in the overall standing to win silver while Uganda, which emerged the best in netball, won bronze.
The closing ceremony of the annual multi-sports event held at BK Arena was presided over by the Minister of Interior, Alfred Gasana.
Present was also the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Felix Namuhoranye, the Minister of Defense, Maj. Gen. Albert Murasira, the Commissioner General of Ethiopian Federal Police, who doubles as EAPCCO chairman, Demelash Gebremicheal Weldeyes, the IGP of Tanzania, Camillus Wambura, head of missions, Chief Defense Staff (CDS) Jean Bosco Kazura, and representatives of other EAPCCO Police chiefs, among others.
The colourful event opened with an entertaining handball finals between Rwanda and Uganda. Rwanda won 41-27 to take gold for the fourth successive time, having won it in the first edition in Uganda in 2017, and defended it during the second and third editions held in Tanzania and Kenya in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Minister Gasana said that the games are a great catalyst of connections among participating law enforcement agencies.
The interactions between players, he said, should allow them to remain in touch and exchange information and best practices.
“It is only through stronger police cooperation that we can ensure that the Eastern Africa region remains safer and more secure; a state of affairs that is fundamental for steady development,” Minister Gasana said.
To sports teams, he added, it was about fostering Police cooperation through sports, which makes everyone a winner.
IGP Namuhoranye said that the games showcased the spirit of Police officers; determination, challenging limits and striving for better.
“The EAPCCO Games have become an important pillar of our regional cooperation. They have helped in deepening and widening collaboration among member countries,” IGP Namuhoranye said.
Throughout the competitions, he added, participants have been able to play, interact, network and create bonds for future collaboration and partnership among Police in the EAPCCO region which is what the games intend to achieve.
The EAPCCO chairman, CG Demelash Gebremicheal Weldeyes, also said that the aspect of sports was introduced to create strong cooperation against transnational organized crimes, which is a global issue.
“We come together to share best practices among member states. Therefore, winning or losing is not important, but realizing that sports can be a wonderful platform where we build coalition as a region in fighting cross jurisdictional crimes is a highly cherished trophy,” CG Demelash said.
The Challenge is an annual competition aimed at exposing students in higher learning institutions (HLIs) to the capital market industry while instilling in them the culture of saving and investment. The competition helps prepare students as future investors and professionals in the capital market industry by learning more about the stock market in general.
It is the 10th edition, organized in collaboration with the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE), the Rwanda National Investment Trust (RNIT), and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (iCPAR).
The three-month-long competition that will run up to June 16th, 2023 is aimed to expose university students and other higher learning institutions to the capital market industry, enabling them to acquire a saving and investment culture through the capital markets.
It is also an opportunity to promote financial literacy among university students in Rwanda and to raise awareness about the importance of investing in the capital markets.
In all 9 previous editions, this particular competition has attracted more than 10,000 participants in both the quiz and written essay categories, from all Universities and Higher Learning Institutions across Rwanda.
The 2023 Capital Market University challenge will comprise three stages in the provincial quiz category, whereby winners from each stage shall go to the next round. Three winners from the 3rd round at the provincial level shall immediately go to the national level.
More so, the 10th edition of the Capital Market University Challenge will be fully conducted digitally through the portal: https://investor.cma.rw/. Potential contestants shall register either in quiz or essay categories via the link: https://investor.cma.rw/cmuc/login/index.php. At the national level, the top three contestants, drawn from winners at the provincial level will get additional awards.
Pascal Niyomuremyi, is the former winner of the annual Capital Market University Challenge. Together with his saving club bought stocks, and from that moment they are saving regularly in capital market products and started growing their business.
The youthful Pascal said: “We did not spend recklessly the acquired money, as Capital Market Authority teaches us the culture of saving and investing, we bought shares in some of the listed companies. After one year we invested in other businesses and as of now our business is growing and we still have shares in stocks.”
Magnifique Migisha, Coordinator of the Capital Market University Challenge, stressed that “We believe that the most effective way for the youth to secure their future is to venture into smart saving and investment opportunities in order to guarantee their lives sustainability. The concept of such competition was initiated to facilitate attaining a such objective.’
Migisha added that enabling young people to explore capital markets through saving and investing in capital market products (shares, bonds, and any other instruments) offered by different firms at the Rwandan stock market, is one of the best ways for them to secure their future.
The Capital Market University Challenge provides several benefits to participating students including Learning about investing, an opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals.
Jonathan Gatera, CEO of Rwanda National Investment Trust stressed that “This challenge encourages entrepreneurship among university students as some of them were inspired to start their own businesses or invest in startups after learning about various financing options available in Rwanda’s capital market.”
As soon as one registers, contestants start researching the provided topic and submit it once they are done, not wait for the deadline. The essay has to be original and innovative, not more than 800 words and plagiarism is punishable with discontinuation from the Challenge.
