The finals were played on Sunday, December 11, at BK Arena where students from various schools converged, marking the end of the month-long first edition.
Riviera beat Ecole Francaise 56-13 while Wellspring Academy saw off Green Hills Academy 18-10 in the finals.
The awareness campaign targeting students in international schools, through sports, is one of the RNP initiatives to combat one of the high impact crimes affecting youth development.
It was held under the theme: “Say No to Drugs. Don’t Drug Your Dreams Away.”
One of the students, Godson Shema observed that “consuming drugs is suicide paid in instalments.”
“I urge all the youth gathered here today to make the responsible choice of staying drug-free. With the involvement of each one of us, together we will create a drug-free environment and foster a culture of success and excellence,” said Shema.
Blessing Isimbi Blessing, a Senior Five student at Riviera High School, also said the the youth have a leading role to play to fight drugs, since they are the majority targeted by drug dealers.
“As the youth, our role against drugs starts with not consuming or abusing them, fighting them, reporting dealers, advising our friends to stop because it is about our health and our future,” said Isimbi.
Martine Urujeni, the vice mayor in charge of Social Economic Affairs in City of Kigali, urged the students to live a purposeful life.
“Be an example and an inspiration to others; stay positive by saying no to drugs and alcohol abuse, avoid peer influence and create change by reporting drug dealers,” said Urujeni.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Bruce Munyambo, the Commissioner for Community Policing at RNP, reminded the students of the dangers involved in abusing drugs and the legal repercussions.
While thanking schools and students that participated in the tournament, he said, it was organized to create awareness and to enhance partnership to fight and prevent drugs, and to build work together against the vice.
“You have a bright future and your parents are striving to ensure that that future becomes a reality. That can only be possible when you are free from drugs,” said CP Munyambo.
“There are cases of young people, who abuse drugs through sniffing, injections, smoking but there is also another issue of alcohol abuse among minors. Drugs affect both the consumer, society and the country in general. Stay positive, study hard, and save your colleagues by reporting people, who want to poison and destroy them by selling them narcotics for selfish and evil interests,” CP Munyambo added.
He observed that through community policing and partnership, including with students, the RNP has been able to unearth some tricks used by drug dealers to drug young people and students in particular, and that some of them have been arrested.
During this campaign, and through information provided by some students, it emerged that some drug dealers sell them through snacks, E-cigarette cases and other hard drug cases in some schools.
“Sometimes, it is hard to know drug dealers and tricks used; go back to your schools and homes with a duty to work with the Police to report drug dealers and to contribute to creating a drug-free young generation and society in general,” he emphasized.
Amb. Gatete said that the quest for lasting peace in Eastern DRC cannot be achieved by spreading a dangerous and false narrative that exacerbates the problem and puts lives at risk but through the willpower to implement the decisions of Nairobi and Luanda.
In his speech, Amb Gatete said that Rwanda is ready to support the Nairobi and Luanda processes and contribute to the implementation of their resolutions.
He said Rwanda is ready to support discussions aimed at restoring peace in hopes that someday they will impact the security issues in the DRC, which affect Rwanda as a neighbor.
Amb. Gatete condemned unhelpful external interference by some members of the international community.
He highlighted that the interference shields the Democratic Republic of the Congo from accountability regarding ‘its unresponsiveness to commitments made through ongoing processes and ultimately risks undermining the success of these initiatives’.
Amb. Gatate said that Rwanda has repeatedly indicated that it has no connections with the M23 rebel group and that the fighting between this group and the FARDC is an internal matter.
He recalled three incidents in which shells from DRC were fired into Rwandan territory on 19th March, 23rd May and 20th June this year and reminded the UN Security Council that the sovereignty of Rwanda should be respected.
The provocations continued until DRC’s Sukhoi 25 fighter jet violated Rwanda’s airspace on 7th November 2022 and landed briefly before taking off.
Amb. Gatete also inquired into when the international community would stand against the FDLR and its condemned cooperation between the FARDC and other armed groups.
Among others, he wondered why the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bintou Keita did not name FDLR in the terrorist groups when she addressed the council about terrorist groups in DRC.
The award is in recognition of introduction of the Road Safety Enforcement Cameras’ commonly known as Sofia.
RNP Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in charge of Administration and Personnel, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza, received the award from the World Bank Country manager, Rolande Simone Pryce and Maxwell Gomera, the UNDP Resident Representative.
The RNP’s ‘Road Safety Enforcement Cameras’ was in public category alongside Ubutaka App (National Land Authority), Health Information Exchange (Ministry of Health) and Air Quality Monitoring System (REMA).
The Hi-Tech enforcement cameras detect motoring offences such as speeding, violating red traffic light, people using a phone while driving, among other traffic violations.
It is an automated system that detects the vehicle or motorcycle registration records and instantly notifies the registered owner of the breached traffic offences and applied penalties.
Hanga Pitchfest, a brainchild of the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and other partners, aims to recognize and promote tech-intrepreneurs and creative talents from all over the country.
It also promotes use of technology and innovation in the Rwandan market.
The RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said that information technology is at the forefront of the force’s services as a major tool for contemporary policing.
“Traffic speed enforcement cameras are among many other technological advancements within the RNP services to ensure service excellence and to easy access to the Police services,” CP Kabera said.
He added: “We have other IT-related services like online registration and booking for driving tests, online provisional license test, booking for vehicle mechanical inspection, filing a complaint online, toll-free lines and social media platforms where the RNP swiftly communicates with the public and responds to their concerns.”
This e-policing system, he said, has eased access to Police services and in real time, improved service delivery, helped to prevent human errors; facilitates prevention, detection and investigation of offences and crimes in general.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that the operations conducted on Friday, December 9, followed complaints by some truck drivers in Magerwa, about people, who steal fuel from their trucks.
“There was information about people, who siphon and steal fuel from trucks in Magerwa parking lots, and selling it on black market. Operations were conducted on Friday when 820 litres of fuel (800 litres of diesel and 20 litres of gasoline) were recovered from various houses in Gikondo and Gatenga sectors.
Dealers closed their houses where petroleum products are stored, when they heard of operations, which forced security organs and local leaders to open them to seize the fuels,” CIP Twajamahoro said.
Also seized from houses are 200 empty jerrycans and three drums, the containers that dealers were using.
It is alleged the people selling fuel on the black market also work with some truck drivers to siphon fuel from their tanks.
This operation followed another conducted early this week in Muhima Sector of Nyarugenge District where one man was arrested with 3120 litres of diesel in his house.
CIP Twajamahoro warned against such unlawful but very dangerous business, which can easily ignite fire leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
Article 6 of Law No 85/2013 of 11/9/2013 regulating petroleum and petroleum products trade in Rwanda provides that; any person, who shall perform any type of petroleum and petroleum products trade shall have a license from the competent Authority.
In article 22, the petroleum and petroleum products stores and other places exclusively reserved for the parking of petroleum and petroleum products tankers shall be determined by the competent authority.
Also being exhibited are R&D products produced by NIRDA Staff, including those already transferred to private companies for large scale production and commercialization.
The event took place at NIRDA’s Research Centre located in Huye District.
Young innovators had innovative ideas, which were incubated in NIRDA Life Sciences Laboratory and turned into prototypes, Products and by-products rotating around the cow value chain addition.
Products include cow dung briquette producing machines, Cow Safe ear tag for among others detecting cow diseases & Welfare, eco-friendly cook stoves, cow blood sausages, cow urines and cow dung fertilizers, cow dung briquette cow.
Speaking during the event, Richard Niwenshuti, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, and Industry (MINICOM) hailed NIRDA for supporting young innovators stressing that the youth are the future industrialists.
“The projects supported by NIRDA show we can have innovations that address issues that our industries are faced with,” he said.
“We need more innovations, and we are committed to keep supporting young innovators whose projects bring about a positive impact to our industries. We thank NIRDA for nurturing young innovators and we commit to support more innovators,” he added.
Under its Life Sciences Laboratories and STEM lab, NIRDA supported the young innovators through hackathons for the second time.
Apart from the just concluded Innovate for Cow Biohackathon where 8 groups were awarded with cash prices, NIRDA organized innovate for Industry hackathon and 6 companies were awarded.
Such innovations, according to Dr. Christian Sekomo Birame, NIRDA Director General, more efforts will be put in to support young innovators and ensure that outstanding projects are more improved, registered, and commercialized.
“We will keep working with young innovators and work with other institutions and the private sector to improve the young innovators and ensure that their projects become viable and commercial products,” he said.
Fausta Tumukunde, one of the Green Home Group members who bagged Rwf10 million said she was excited about the award and committed to keep working on their projects.
“Our project seeks to address the issue of environmental pollution, research reveals more trees are cut and used as firewood or charcoal, we want to work using our machine to produce briquettes that are eco-friendly and affordable,” she said.
The National Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA), is a government institution that has been mandated with a mission to enable a generation of industrial innovators to become competitive through technology monitoring, acquisition, development and transfer & applied research.
His resignation was approved during senators’ plenary sitting on Friday 9th December 2022.
The senators who approved his decision by 25 votes also declared the office of the Senate President vacant.
On December 8, 2022, Dr. Iyamuremye addressed a letter to the President of the Republic and the Senators informing them of his resignation citing health reasons.
The letter reads that his current health state requires him to take time off to continue his treatment without compromising his duties.
The Organic Law determining the functioning of the Senate, in its articles 20, 82, 83, 84 and 85, provides for the resignation of the President of Senate and a Senator.
Dr. Iyamuremye’s position will remain vacant for the next 30 days pending the election of the next occupant.
However, Espérance Nyirasafari, the Senate Vice-President in charge of Legislation and Government Oversight who also presided over the plenary sitting, will take over during the transition.
Dr. Iyamuremye was among senators appointed by the President of the Republic.The same process will be applied to name his successor.
Meanwhile, elections will be mandatory to select the new Senate President.
{{Dr. Iyamurenye expresses gratitude }}
Dr. Iyamurenye thanked his colleagues at the Senate Bureau for accepting his resignation.
He told the Senators that he had been suffering from a non-contagious disease and other ailments for quite some time.
“Rwandans say that he who needs to get well from an illness brags about it, but there is always discretion,” he said.
“As a politician, I will not hide from you that I have been suffering from a non-contagious disease for a while and related problems,” added Dr. Iyamuremye.
Dr. Iyamurenye said that the doctors at King Faisal Hospital and Kanombe Hospital took care of him and continue to treat him.
“You elected me to take the Senate to greater heights not to assume duties while in bed and unable to climb these stairs,” he noted.
Dr. Iyamurenye thanked the President of the Republic for the trust he has given him in various responsibilities and thanked the senators who have been working with him until today.
Senator Nyirasafari thanked him for his contribution to the development of the Senate.
{{Colleagues’ appreciation}}
Senator Umuhire Adrie praised Dr. Iyamurenye for the way he worked closely with others and his advises to colleagues.
Senator Umuhire said that Dr. Iyamurenye’s reason for sickness was clear, whished him quick recovery.
Senator Alvera Mukabaramba also thanked him as a close colleague in the administration of the Senate Bureau.
“I thank him for the experience he has shown in leading all the committees of the Senate. We wish you quick recovery, and may God help you,” she said.
Senator Juvenal Nkusi extolled Dr. Iyamurenye’s decision, saying it was in the interest of the country and the institution he was leading.
“He is a man who knows how to make decisions and knows the right time to take them. He is also patriotic,” he affirmed.
Senator Lambert Dushimimana said: “He led us well combining his parenting skills and expertise. I think that his fatherly advice and experience have helped us a lot in our duties. We will continue to follow his advice.”
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), made the remarks ahead of the second part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) held from Dec. 7 to 19 in Montreal, Canada.
The CBD Secretariat said in a statement that COP15 in Montreal is expected to adopt a new global biodiversity framework with ambitious goals and specific action targets to achieve transformational change by the middle of the century.
The second phase of COP15 follows the first part held last year in Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, with the continued theme of “Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.”
Mrema noted that as chair of COP15, China has made enormous efforts to consult counterparts globally, organizing various multilateral events and bilateral discussions to secure an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
[{{Click here to watch related video}}->https://english.news.cn/20221207/0c4e802cdfcc4cb18709c7780f8ff5c4/c.html]
FDLR is a terrorist group formed by individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The report shows that insecurity remains a great concern in eastern DRC mainly in Ituri and northern Kivu that have been war-torn zones for 18 months.
It indicates that ADF continues to expand its activities in northern Kivu and attacks to civilians in the areas of Beni, Lubero and southern Ituri.
Apart from ADF, UN experts said that Mai Mai group also continues to destabilize citizens in Lubero.
From April 2022 to 5th November 2022, the report shows that ADF was involved in attacks that claimed lives of over 370 civilians.
In Ituri, CODECO armed group also continues to expand its bases, plot attacks to FARDC and civilians.
The report indicates that MONUSCO supported FARDC to fight M23 but ended to no avail. The failure saw other armed groups from Pinga joining the coalition to fight M23.
These include Nduma défense du Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) led by Guidon Mwisa Shimirai and Nyatura Abazungu, CMC/FDP led by Dominique Ndaruhutse alias “Domi” among others.
FDLR is also part of the armed groups where it was represented by Col Silencieux and Col Potifaro in a meeting held in Pinda. FARDC was represented by Col Salomon Tokolonga.
Leaders of these armed groups agreed on bringing together 600 fighters to support FARDC. It is reported that their fighters were deployed in Bambu, Rugari and Rumangabo in July.
Witnesses who attended the meeting told UN experts that FARDC provides weapons to these armed groups including FDLR noting that the support continues in October 2022 as the fighting with M23 resumed.
The report also indicated that hate speeches and violence against Kinyarwanda-speaking people increased. Such acts are said to have been fueled, mainly by politicians, government officials and security personnel.
The report also accused FARDC of collaboration with armed groups, illegal mining in collaboration with foreign companies operating in Northern Kivu Province.
It is released at a time when DRC continues to overlook the threat to regional security caused by FDLR. The country says that the terrorist group was largely defeated where ‘remnants are thieves stealing sweet potatoes for survival’.
However, FDLR recently said that it still exists and commended Congolese President Tshisekedi for his recent utterance who confirmed that he wants to help Rwandans topple their leadership.
FDLR welcomed the statement noting that it shares the same enemy with DRC.
Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana, was guest of honour, on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.
The event organized by the Department of International Military Cooperation was attended by selected RDF Generals and senior officers, senior officials from RNP, NISS, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassies accredited to Rwanda.
Currently 26 countries have Defences Attachés accredited to Rwanda.
The most sought-after treatment resulting in medical tourism amongst undeveloped and developing countries include; weight loss treatment, fertility treatment, cardiovascular treatment, cosmetic treatment, orthopedic treatment and cancer treatment which cannot be satisfactorily received in their home country due to lack of inadequate medical infrastructure, and high expenses. According to a report, around 650,000 people traveled from Africa for medical tourism in 2015. Since then, the numbers have been rapidly growing with the African market losing billions in medical tourism each year.
{{Dubai is Rapidly Growing as a Destination for Medical Tourism}}
In recent years, Dubai is slowly emerging as the preferred destination for medical tourism amongst international travelers, ranking sixth in the Global Medical Tourism Index issued by the International Healthcare Research Centre (IHRC). Besides its breathtaking tourist attractions from its impressive skyline, to spectacular buildings, glamorous malls, mouth-watering cuisine, high-end restaurants, 5-star hotels, stunning beaches, and dazzling nightlife, Dubai has become the latest trend in medical tourism.
Over the years, the country has invested in healthcare infrastructure with the aim of becoming one of the best medical tourism destinations in the world rapidly surpassing countries like France and Brazil with the introduction of an affordable and more effective medical care system.
The Healthcare System in Dubai is managed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) which have put in place effort to develop medical tourism as a means of attracting tourist and improving the city’s economy. As the medical tourism market continues to improve in Dubai, it has attracted international patients from around the world and has become the number one top medical destination in the Arab region.
It also received the highest ranking in the region for its handling of the COVID -19 pandemic. Dubai Healthcare offers several healthcare treatments ranging from dental surgery, cardiac surgery, cosmetic surgeries, psychological treatment, and convalescent care amongst others. However, according to reports, orthopedics, dermatology, and ophthalmology are the most sought-after treatments.
While Dubai has seen rapid development in its medical tourism market and has become a famous medical destination for people in pursuit of cheaper/ more effective medical care, the medical tourism market remains quite competitive. Countries like India, Turkey, Malaysia, Brazil, and Singapore are known for their effective medical treatments which have been a major source of attraction to international travelers.
-# India is home to world-class medical professionals, with effective medical services. The country’s medical tourism market is ranked No.1 in the medical tourism sector by Medical Tourism Index. India’s healthcare offers medical treatments like spine treatments, Cardiac surgery, Gastroenterology, orthopedic treatments, oncology, fertility treatments, and complicated surgeries like Organ transportation.
-# Turkey is a popular medical tourism destination for travelers in need of eye care, cancer treatment, orthopedic, and heart care.
-# Malaysia is prominent for its high-end medical facilities and it offers oncology treatment, blood work, general surgery as well as in-vitro fertilization.
-# Singapore is a cost-effective medical tourism destination and it is known as one of the best medical tourism destinations in Asia. It is a great tourism destination for patients in need of general treatment like cardiology, cancer treatment, and oncology.
-# Singapore has International Patient Service Centers (IPSCs) which act as a medical travel agency to mediate between international patients and Singaporean healthcare providers.
-# Brazil is popular for its cheap and impressive cosmetic surgery. It has one of the most thriving medical tourism markets in the world.
-# Germany is widely known for its innovative technologies for surgeries. The country was ranked 12th by Medical Tourism Index. It offers healthcare services ranging from oncology, cardiac surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Hematology, and Oncology.
-# The United Kingdom is ranked fifth in the global ranking of medical tourism destinations by the world by Medical Tourism Index. The country is prominent for its state-of-the-art medical facilities.
-# The United Kingdom offers services like Oncology, Trauma treatment, Diabetes treatment, skincare treatments as well as fertility
-# Canada has been ranked as one of the most preferred destinations by the Medical Tourism Index. It is popular for its surgical procedures i.e. angioplasty, joint replacements, plastic surgery, and coronary angiography.
{{Why Dubai Should Be Your Preferred Medical Tourism Destination}}
{{1) Outstanding Infrastructure and Facilities}}
Dubai is a slick country that has continued to attract international visitors with its marvelous real estate from the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, to the spectacular beaches, glamorous hotels, splendid weather, and thriving food scene. As a country with outstanding infrastructural facilities with major tourist attractions, international travelers are wooed and this account for one of the reasons why Dubai has seen a major boost in its medical Tourism market. Today, Dubai is one of the most sought-after Medical Tourism destinations for its breathtaking setting and convenient geographic location.
{{2) Timely Access to Healthcare Services}}
Dubai has put in place an efficient healthcare system that enables international visitors to get fast and easy access to any medical treatment. This is one of the major attractions of Dubai as a medical tourism destination for international travelers who cannot tolerate the long wait lists in their home country. Due to a large number of qualified doctors and nurses in Dubai hospitals, the medical process which usually takes months in other countries is reduced to a day or two in the city.
{{3) Inexpensive Medical Cost}}
The major reason why Dubai is now regarded as one of the most sought-after medical tourism destinations is the high standard of healthcare with affordable costs. Due to the price regulations and laws put in place by Dubai Health Authority, healthcare institutions in Dubai are directed to maintain reasonable prices. While medical treatment cannot be said to be cheap, it can be gotten at a lower and more reasonable cost in comparison to places like the United States of America and the United Kingdom. This makes it the perfect destination for travelers who do not have insurance coverage for treatments like skin care, dental treatments, and orthopedics.
{{4) No Language Barrier}}
Dubai is arguably one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world with almost 200 different nationalities residing in the United Arab Emirates and 80% of the population being emigrants. With the diverse population, there is a host of medical professionals who are well versed in the language of their home country and this helps in erasing the language barrier amongst international travelers looking for medical treatment.
English is most widely used for communication in Dubai and most locals are bilingual, thus creating no communication problem. In situations where communication is a problem, international visitors can hire translators and interpreters who can assist them during their medical tourism.
{{5) State-of-the-art Art Medical Facilities}}
The lack of medical facilities is one of the major reasons people embark on medical tourism. International travelers who are unable to undergo treatments in their home country are irresistibly attracted to Dubai for its innovative facilities. The city has invested heavily in its healthcare system, including the procurement of high-end medical equipment.
Dubai offers world-class healthcare facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology like 3D printing technology for dental treatments and other reconstructive surgeries, wireless brain sensors, and CRISPR. The medical facilities are designed to ensure that medical procedures and recuperative needs are effectively carried out for patients. Dubai introduced the use of medical drones for transporting packets of blood to the hardly accessible villages of Rwanda in 2016.
{{6) Qualified Medical Professionals}}
Dubai’s healthcare system is home to well-trained and qualified medical experts who acquired training from the top universities around the world. The medical experts have immense knowledge in their respective fields which complements the healthcare facilities put in place.
In Dubai, a medical body oversees and ensures that only highly-trained medical practitioners are licensed to practice medicine. The medical staff display professionalism and are very efficient in carrying out their respective duties. Moreover, they are available 24 hours a day for providing quick and effective medical attention to patients.
{{7) Introduction of the Medical Tourism Portal}}
Government initiatives are inarguably one of the driving factors for the development of Medical Tourism in Dubai. Dubai Health Experience (DXH) portal was launched by the government back in the year 2016, to provide tourists with the best medical tourism services. Through the portal, international travelers can receive information on accredited healthcare providers, book medical appointments, receive medical insurance, accommodation reservation, get information regarding visas, and book transportation amongst other services.
