Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) announced on Monday evening that Bamporiki was handed over to Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) to serve his sentence.
The defendant was convicted of the crimes based on money received from an investor identified as Norbert Gatera who told law enforcers that offered amount was a bribe solicited by the former State Minister.
He had been handed four-year jail term and slapped him with a fine of Rwf60 million by Nyarugenge Intermediate Court in September last year, after he was found guilty of fraud and abuse of power.
Bamporiki appealed against the verdict in the High Court which also read its ruling on Monday 23rd January 2022.
The court maintained that Bamporiki’s reasons for appeal are baseless and increased his previous jail term to five years. However, the fine slapped to him was reduced from Rwf60 to Rwf30 million.
The crimes that led Bamporiki into prison are related to the closure of a shoddy factory belonging to Norbert Gatera by the City of Kigali.
The Prosecution said that Bamporiki reported the plant to be closed and later convinced the owner that he can link him to the official in charge of urbanization and infrastructure in the City of Kigali.
At the time, Gatera asked Bamporiki the amount needed to halt the closure of his business and promised to link the investor with Kigali City Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanization and Infrastructure, Merard Mpabwanamaguru.
In the evening of 4th May 2022, Gatera Nobert and his friend met Bamporiki and Mpabwanamaguru.
It is said that Bamporiki asked Gatera to bring the money and drop them to the reception.
He was arrested in the process of keeping the money in a vehicle following a tip off provided by Gatera.
The prosecution said that Bamporiki willfully threatened to get Gatera’s plant closed and solicited Rwf10 million bribe to conceal information.
During the appeal hearing, Bampiriki’s defence lawyers said that the money was offered for appreciation given that he was a friend of Gatera.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Munyuza and the Acting Commissioner for Botswana Police Service, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Phemelo Ramakorwane.
This was part of the bilateral meeting between the two friendly police institutions held at the RNP General Headquarters at Kacyiru.
DCP Ramakorwane and his delegation are in Rwanda for a week-long visit aimed at strengthening cooperation in various policing disciplines.
The agreement, partly, binds the two police institutions to fight transnational organized crimes, including terrorism and related activities, human trafficking, hi-tech and cybercrimes as well as exchange of information related to the activities of the criminal elements and modern methods and techniques.
Other areas include training, sharing of expertise and training programmes, and other capacity building related activities.
IGP Munyuza said that the bilateral meeting and the signed MoU are premised on “friendly and excellent relationship” between the two countries under the leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame and His Excellency President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
“As law enforcement agencies, we have to come together and put in place coordinated efforts to address regional and global security threats, that don’t respect borders.
The present security challenges such as terrorism, cybercrimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and financial crimes among others, can only be effectively dealt with when we work together in sharing of information, intelligence and experience,” IGP Munyuza said.
He added that policing today is faced with security threats of terrorism attacks like in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, ADF in North Kivu, DRC, Al-Shabaab in Somalia and other terrorist groups operating in the region and on the continent.
“Our two countries continue to play a significant role in maintaining peace and security in Cabo Delgado and this is an opportunity for us to discuss effective ways in which we can cooperate even more closely in anti-terrorism operations,” IGP Munyuza said.
Through the formalized partnership, he said, the two institutions will benefit a lot by establishing formal communication channels for efficient cooperation in different areas, including training.
DCP Ramakorwane, on his part, observed that the need to strengthen the existing partnership with Rwanda National Police has become more imperative, especially with the advent of technology, which has rendered public security challenges more dynamic and complex to solve.
He further appreciated the commitment and “invaluable contribution” made by Rwanda and Botswana, through their respective police organizations, towards global peace and security.
“This is a significant milestone and an important vehicle towards the effective tackling of transnational crimes affecting not only our two countries, but also the region at large; such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, terrorism and high tech crimes,” DCP Ramakorwane said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the smooth implementation of all MoU objects, for the mutual benefits.
During his visit in Rwanda, DCP Ramakorwane will also visit various RNP training and operation facilities in different parts of the country.
The construction of this model secondary school was conceptualized by former students of Ntare School in Uganda, under their umbrella organisation, Ntare School Old Boys Association (NSOBA).
The incumbent president of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his counterpart of Rwanda, Paul Kagame are among graduates of the school.
Ntare School was founded by a Scottish, William Crichton in 1956. It is located in Mbarara town in the western part of Uganda. The school graduated nearly 100 Rwandans where some of them were refugees staying in the country.
President Kagame studied at Ntare School from 1972 to 1976 while Museveni was a student at the school from 1962 to 1966.
The construction of the school at the same level in Bugesera District started in 2019 as a legacy from alumni to future generations in Rwanda.
Located in Musagara Village, Kanazi Cell of Nyamata Sector; the school sits on 40 hectares while 13 more hectares are yet to be exploited.
Ntare School Rwanda Chapter is expected to be a modern institution in Africa with international standard catering for both international and national curricula.
It has the capacity to accommodate 1100 boarding students. The school has five science laboratories and 35 classrooms, designated for 30 students each.
The construction of Ntare School Rwanda Chapter has also taken into consideration environmental preservation as it has underground water reservoirs to collect rain water and waste water recycling plant.
Among others, 4.5 kilometer tarmac road from the main road along Gahembe to the school has been also completed.
IGIHE has learnt from site supervisors that all construction activities are expected to be completed between April and May 2023 but details of how the school will be managed and opening date have not yet emerged.
Initially, the school was expected to be completed at a tune of Rwf6 billion.
Other officials who participated in the mass sporting event include the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana; State Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yvan Butera; Minister of Local Government, Jean Claude Musabyimana, Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju and Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa.
New sporting activities added to the mass sports include Road Tennis and streetball to help enthusiasts participate in games of their choice.
The bi-monthly Car Free Day usually takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. every first and third Sunday of the month, bringing together city dwellers for physical fitness exercises.
The exercise started in 2016, aimed promoting healthy lifestyle among Rwandans and help them benefit from other health activities like screening for non-communicable diseases.
Car Free Day provides a platform to educate people on healthy lifestyle choices in general and creates awareness that roads are not only built for vehicles but also for pedestrians.
Among others, the mass sports helps to reduce air pollution.
Aime Thierry Nteziryayo was detained on Saturday, January 21, after he tampered with his car air filters so as to pass the gas emission test.
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that Nteziryayo’s vehicle had failed the fuel emission test, when he tried cheat the test on his second return.
“On January 19, Nteziryayo’s vehicle registration number RAB 466D, failed the fuel emission test and was required to fix it and bring it back for the second inspection and possibly acquire a roadworthy certificate,” CP Kabera said.
“On January 21, he brought the vehicle back for the second inspection but Police officers, through credible information, realized that he had tampered with the air filters in order to beat the inspection.
He removed the air filters and drained the air filter container but inspection technicians detected this, leading to his arrest,” he added.
There are other people involved in this fraudulent practice, the spokesperson said.
“Investigations have unearthed other people, who were in communication with Nteziryayo advising him what to tell Police officers, when asked.
One of them advised him to deceive automobile inspection technicians that he did the engine overhaul to reduce gas emissions,” CP Kabera said.
The vehicle, he said, has also been impounded and Nteziryayo handed over to RIB for further investigations.”
This, he reiterated, should be a warning to anyone with intention to cheat the automobile inspection test.
“The inspection is meant to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failure, and loss of lives. Anyone, who attempts such fraudulent and dangerous acts, will be arrested to face the law,” CP Kabera warned.
However, some holders use them to drive unauthorized vehicle categories, which is a serious traffic offence. Some of the drivers have been arrested or penalized for this violation.
One of them is Jean Baptiste Harerimana, who was arrested Saturday, January 21, in Gikondo, Kicukiro District driving a trailer.
Harerimana holds a Category B driver’s license, which only entitles him to drive a passenger vehicle.
“Harerimana had brought a trailer for mechanical inspection in Gikondo, where the mobile lane is stationed. Trailers or trucks are driven by people with valid category E driver’s license,” CP John Bosco Kabera, the RNP spokesperson said.
The trailer was also impounded.
The automobile inspection Centres, he said, record at least three similar cases everyday, and warned against such illegal acts.
“You have to be certified and must have passed a driving test and given a driver’s license category to drive a certain class of vehicle. These are processes undertaken to prevent or reduce accidents and fatalities that may arise out of unlawful use of driver’s permit,” CP Kabera said.
{{Driving License Categories}}
Definitive driving license categories differ by the vehicle capacity or class.
Categories range from A, A1, B, B1, C, D, D1, E, F and every category defines a vehicle that a holder is authorized to drive.
Presidential Decree regulating traffic Police and road traffic, provides that “no person shall drive on the public highway, a motor vehicle if her/she is not holding and carrying a driving license issued by the Rwanda National Police.
The driver must provide a driving license when asked by a qualified agent.
The statement was released on Thursday 19th January 2023, one day after DRC’s announcement that M23 refused to withdraw from captured zones and proposed sanctions against the rebel group and Rwanda accused of supporting it.
On Wednesday, Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula released a statement explaining that M23 had to retreat from occupied areas 15th January 2023 as per Luanda resolutions reached in November 2022.
The rebel group has already handed over its positions in Kibumba and Rumangabo to the East African Community Regional Forces but DRC seems not satisfied and continues to accuse Rwanda of being it.
DRC also demanded EAC, ICGLR and partners to fulfil their responsibilities and impose sanctions on Rwanda and leaders of M23 for breaching international laws and violating human rights in eastern Congo.
The statement concluded with an emphasis on recent speech by Tshisekedi at the United Nations Security Council on 20th November 2022 where he said that his country resolved to put an end to insecurity in eastern part of the country whatever the cost.
Reacting to the statement , Rwanda referred to it as a threat of war. The country has explained that iDRC’s statement is a selective reading of the Luanda Communiqué of 23 November 2022.
“The DRC statement avoids key decisions of the November summit, and concludes with what can only be seen as a threat of imminent attacks on Rwanda,” reads part of the statement.
As EAC continues to intervene in restoring peace in eastern DRC , some Congolese recently staged protests against regional troops safeguarding security in Goma.
Rwanda has said that the demonstrations constitute a plan by DR Congo to exit Luanda and Nairobi peace process.
“The staged demonstrations against the EAC Regional Force, in Goma and other parts of the DRC, constitute part of a plan by the DRC military and government to exit the Nairobi/Luanda peace processes. The goal of the demonstrations appears to be to cause the departure of the force, whereas the Luanda Communiqué calls for “Continued full deployment of the EAC Regional Force,” adds the statement.
The Luanda Communiqué comprises important decisions beyond the withdrawal of one Congolese armed group. This includes the “creation of conditions for the occupation of M23 currently controlled zones by the EAC Force, with the support of MONUSCO and the Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism.”
The Luanda Communiqué also calls for the cessation of all political and military support to the genocidal militia FDLR and other illegal armed groups.
Rwanda has insisted that the DRC is violating this decision by continuing to provide weapons and fighting alongside several illegal armed groups in Eastern DRC.
“This also constitutes a clear violation of the Nairobi Process, which is aimed at disarmament and demobilization of these armed groups, and a threat to Rwanda’s security. In addition, the recruitment of foreign mercenaries by the DRC is a clear indication that the DRC is preparing for war, and not peace,” reads the statement.
Of particular concern to Rwanda is the complete disregard of the Luanda decision to “consider and resolve the issue of the return of refugees to their countries of origin”.
Rwanda continues to bear the burden of hosting over 75,000 Congolese refugees, with more arriving daily due to continued insecurity and persecution in eastern DRC.
The DRC government has not acknowledged the situation of these refugees and made no effort to facilitate their safe return to their homes in the DRC.
“The Government of DRC signed on to the ongoing Luanda and Nairobi processes as an implementing partner and should focus on full implementation. Attempts by the DRC to sabotage or abandon these regional agreements can only be seen as a choice to perpetuate conflict and insecurity. The Great Lakes Region cannot afford yet more failed peace initiatives – our citizens deserve better,” concludes the statement.
Last year, Congolese Army (FARDC) in collaboration with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) shelled rockets on Rwandan territory in Northern Province where they injured people and destroyed properties.
Among others, Congolese fighter jet violated Rwanda’s airspace two times since last year under what was considered as a serious provocation.
They are Theogene Munyakagabo Theogene, Oman Bikorimana, Jacques Niyomugabo and Dismas Twajekare, who were arrested in a cassiterite concession located in Kamatamu Village, Mamfu Cell of Muhura Sector.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, warned against such “unlawful and risky mining practices.”
“The mining company running the concession (Luna Smelter ) had reported theft of their minerals. On Monday, following information provided by residents about a group of men that was stealing minerals in the concession; Police arrested the four men at the scene with 20kgs of unpurified cassiterite, and traditional tools they were using,” said SP Twizeyimana.
The quartet was handed over to RIB at Muhura station.
Article 54 of the law N° 58/2018 of 13/08/2018 on mining and quarry operations, states that; any person, who undertakes mineral or quarry exploration, exploitation, processing or trading without a licence, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, the offender is liable to imprisonment for a term of between two and six months and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw5 million or only one of these penalties.
The court also orders confiscation of any seized minerals or quarry in storage, trading or processing without a license.
The warning follows the arrest of one Elias Niyonsaba, 44, a dealer in timber operating in Jali, Gasabo District, on Tuesday, January 17, who allegedly attempted to seduce Police officers with a bribe of Frw70000 after he was caught for tax evasion.
Niyonsaba was selling timber without issuing the mandatory EBM invoices so as to evade taxes, Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said.
“Police officers enforcing tax laws got information from people, who had bought timber from Niyonsaba but did not give them electronic billing invoices,” CP Kabera said.
Niyonsaba, however, tried to bribe the officers with Frw70,000 so as to prevent any further legal actions for tax evasion, but was arrested in the act and handed over to RIB.
CP Kabera cautioned the business community against tax evasion and bribery.
“Traders should follow the law, issue electronic billing invoice as required to avoid heavy penalties. Thinking that you will just get away with tax evasion by bribing authorities will only lead you into prison,” CP Kabera warned.
Article 4 of the law N° 54/2018 of 13/08/2018 on fighting against corruption states that any person who offers, solicits, accepts or receives, by any means, an illegal benefit for himself/ herself or another person or accepts a promise in order to render or omit a service under his or her mandate or uses his or her position to render or omit a service, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of more than five (5) years but not more than even (7) years with a fine of three (3) to five (5) times the value of the illegal benefit offered, solicited or received.
Article 81 of Law N° 026/2019 of 18/09/2019 regulating tax procedures states that, except for taxpayers registered for the value added tax, any person, who is required to issue an invoice generated by an electronic invoicing system recognized by the Tax administration but fails to do so is liable to an administrative fine of two (2) times the value of the transaction.
Any value addition tax unregistered person, who carries out a taxable transaction and delivers an electronic invoice with under-valued price or quantity of goods or services is liable to an administrative fine of two (2) times the value of the under-valued transaction.
In article 85, a person registered for the VAT, who sells goods or services without issuing an electronic invoice is liable to an administrative fine of ten (10) times the value of the evaded Value Added Tax.
In case of the fault is repeated, the defaulter is liable to an administrative fine of twenty (20) times the value of the evaded Value Added Tax.
Jasiri is looking for young individuals from Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda to join Cohort 4 of the Jasiri Talent Investor Program.
Interested applicants will go through a rigorous competency-based selection process, after which finalists (referred to as Jasiri Fellows) join the Jasiri Talent Investor — a fully-funded 13 months program that will guide Jasiri Fellows from idea generation, validation, prototyping, market entry to venture creation. The Talent Investor will introduce Jasiri Fellows to equally ambitious co-founders and will support them on an individual, team, and business level.
Since its inception in December 2020, Jasiri Fellows in the program have created twenty five (25) ventures which span a wide range of industries such as agriculture, healthcare, affordable housing and fintech.
The program ensures that Jasiri Fellows receive world class entrepreneurship development support, coaching and business advisory to increase their chances of achieving their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Jasiri CEO Anthony Farr notes, “Jasiri is not just a program but an invitation to a mission toward transforming Africa. We are all about value driven entrepreneurship and long-term approaches to growing high-impact and life-changing enterprises. Jasiri is a Swahili word meaning brave! In a world where we need more courage, we invite young brave individuals to join our program and create ventures that address the common good.”
Application for this fourth cohort will open on January 13, 2023 and will close on April 5, 2023. Jasiri will host several virtual information sessions to guide interested applicants on the application process and answer any questions they may have.
Interested candidates can get more information on the virtual sessions on Jasiri’s social media platforms.
Visit https://jasiri.org/application/ to apply.
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Jasiri invests in, nurtures, and empowers entrepreneurs who benefit society and attack poverty by creating high-impact businesses, creating new markets on the African continent.
Jasiri believes that entrepreneurial teams are at the heart of new venture creation. Jasiri provides the entrepreneur with access to a diverse group of potential co-founders. Jasiri supports new ventures from idea generation to venture creation and takes a long-term approach to develop exceptional, responsible entrepreneurs on the African continent.
Learn more at jasiri.org.
For inquiries and more information about Jasiri please contact enquiries@jasiri.org
