The worries have been expressed by Karasira’s Defence Lawyer, Gatera Gashabana as he appeared before Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on Friday 2nd September 2022.
He said that his client is not ready to stand trial because electronic files could not be accessed and requested adjournment to make enough preparations.
The Prosecution said that the challenges should have been communicated earlier. however, it maintained that they need to be given time for preparations as per legal provisions but in consideration that there should be no further excuses leading to further postponement on agreed date.
After assessing the request of Gashabana, the court rescheduled the trial for 7th October 2022.
Karasira who once served as a lecturer at the University of Rwanda, has been detained for over one year. He denies alleged charges.
Karasira’s trial in substance has been postponed at different times.
She made the revelation on Wednesday 31st August 2022 as she inspected Huye Stadium which was recently renovated to meet international standards.
Minister Munyagaju visited the stadium along with the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Didier Shema Maboko and the President of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Olivier Mugabo Nizeyimana.
Some of key aspects that were taken into consideration during the renovation works include media area, changing room, public toilets and bathrooms for players as well as the roofing.
After touring the facility, Mimosa told the media that the stadium is in a good state and ready to host international matches.
“The stadium’s significance to Rwanda and Amavubi as we have always said, is that it will enable Rwanda to host home matches. The completion of Huye Stadium is a pride to Rwanda and Rwandans. We will be able to host games starting from the one scheduled this Saturday,” she said.
“We are delighted with its design and installed equipment. Everything in the stadium is of good quality,” added Mimosa.
She explained that they have been working with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since renovation activities began to ensure smooth execution of the project.
{{Management }}
Minister Mimosa revealed that Huye Stadium is under the management of Huye District which will work closely with the ministry for efficiency. She however stressed that they are considering third party to take over the management.
“The stadium is currently under the management of the district but we are working together to find third parties to manage stadiums as per designed policy to ensure they are well maintained and generate returns to the country,” she said.
The contractor has fast tracked renovation works since April so that Rwanda can host Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in the country.
On Saturday 3rd September 2022, Rwanda’s national football team – Amavubi will host Ethiopia at the completed Huye Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
The stadium has the capacity of accommodating 7900 people.
“More than 100 vulnerable asylum seekers have been evacuated on a flight out of Libya to Rwanda,” the UNHCR said in a statement.
The asylum seekers, including 38 children, are from different African countries, it added.
“We are also grateful to the relevant Libyan authorities for their support in facilitating necessary formalities for these humanitarian evacuation flights,” it noted.
Many undocumented migrants, mostly from Africa, choose to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores from Libya, which has been suffering chaos since 2011 when the late former leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown.
According to the International Organization for Migration, 14,157 illegal immigrants have been rescued at sea and returned to Libya so far in 2022.
Lacroix particularly recognized the contribution and impact Rwandan female peacekeepers especially in addressing gender based violence related matters.
The Under-Secretary General made the remarks on Thursday when he received at his office, Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Claver Gatete and the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Felix Namuhoranye.
DIGP Namuhoranye is in New York to attend the UN Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS-2022).
DIGP Namuhoranye reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to contribute peacekeeping personnel in “numbers and quality” in different aspects.
{{Bilateral meetings}}
Meanwhile, the Deputy Police Chief attended separate sideline bilateral meetings with delegations from Sweden and Zimbabwe, on Wednesday, August 31.
Commissioner Hakan Wall, Swedish Police director of International Operations Division and head of Peace Support Operations, hailed the cooperation between Sweden and Rwanda especially in peacekeeping operations.
Rwanda and Sweden formed a Specialized Police Team for Gender- Based Violence (SPT-GBV) operating under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).
Rwanda maintains three Police contingents in MINUSCA; two Formed Police Units (FPUs) and a Protection Support Unit (PSU), with combined strengths of 460 officers.
Hakan commended the professionalism of Rwandan peacekeepers on the SPT-GBV team and expressed need for further cooperation.
DIGP Namuhoranye, who commended the existing partnership, briefed them on Rwanda’s will and ability to contribute “special skills” in peacekeeping to impact civilian lives beyond Central African Republic (CAR).
On the other hand, the bilateral meeting between Rwanda and Zimbabwe was co-chaired by Ambassador Gatete and Zimbabwe’s minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe.
It was held at the request of Zimbabwe to learn best practices from Rwanda’s policing model.
Rwanda gave a presentation on various areas of policing, including smart policing and peacekeeping operations.
The meeting concluded with both parties devising ways to develop a framework for future cooperation in various policing areas.
Rwanda National Police and Zimbabwe Republic Police have cooperated especially in training where the latter’s senior officers have attended the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District.
The vaccine has been jointly developed by the Serum Institute of India, located in Pune city in the southern western state of Maharashtra, and the Department of Biotechnology under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology.
Launching the vaccine, the minister said that cervical cancer ranked as the second most prevalent cancer in India, and accounted for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths despite being largely preventable.
He said current estimates indicated that every year approximately 125,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 75,000 died from the disease in India, and 83 percent of invasive cervical cancers were attributed to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16 or 18 in India.
The minister said that the most promising intervention for preventing cervical cancer was vaccination against the HPV.
“It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18) together contribute to approximately 70 percent of all invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide,” he added.
WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti underscored the critical role of herbal medicine in lessening the burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases in the continent.
“Traditional medicine has been the trusted, acceptable, affordable and accessible source of health care for African populations for centuries,” Moeti said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, marking the 2022 African Traditional Medicine Day.
Eighty percent of Africa’s population relies on traditional medicine for their basic health needs, she said, adding that the continent has prioritized its development through enactment of policies, research and training.
The 2022 African Traditional Medicine Day was being celebrated under the theme of “Two Decades of African Traditional Medicine Day: Progress Towards Achieving Universal Health Coverage in Africa.”
Moeti noted that in the last two decades, the continent has come up with ambitious strategies to mainstream traditional medicine in national healthcare programs.
In particular, Moeti said, more than 40 African countries have developed national traditional medicine policies as of 2022, up from eight in 2000, while 30 countries have also integrated traditional medicine into their national health policies.
“Additionally, 39 countries have established regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine practitioners, compared to only one in 2000, demonstrating good governance and leadership,” she said.
Currently, 34 research institutes aimed at promoting research, development and commercialization of traditional medicine have been established in 26 countries, Moeti said.
She noted that 12 African countries have dedicated funds toward research and development of traditional medicine, adding that domestication of WHO protocols on safety and efficacy of traditional medicine have enhanced their use in treating priority diseases like HIV/AIDs, malaria, diabetes and hypertension.
Meanwhile, the census inside the country began on 16th and ended on 30th August 2022.
NISR has announced the census for Rwandans living abroad is ongoing and expected to be concluded on 15th September 2022.
Rwandans living outside the country are enumerated online through NISR website where responding to provided answers takes up to five minutes.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Director of Censuses Department at NISR, Venant Habarugira called on Rwandans living abroad to participate in the census because it holds great significance to individuals and the country.
“We encourage them to get enumerated because they are important to the country. Else, we need to know the livelihoods of our people outside the country to come up with a thorough planning relevant to national development programs,” he said.
NISR plans to release the provisional report of the Fifth Population and Housing Census in December 2022.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that the discussions took place on Thursday 1st September 2022.
The diplomatic and political consultations between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs is a continuation of the commitment of the Heads of State to further deepen and strengthen the cordial bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries.
They are held at a time when efforts to mend both countries’ relations are on good progress.
Rwanda, Uganda relations worsened since 2017 where Rwanda expressed concerns over Rwandans who travel to Uganda for business purposes but are abducted, imprisoned and tortured accused of being spies.
Rwanda also accused Uganda of hosting dissidents posing threat to national security.
In 2019, the Government of Rwanda closed Gatuna border and officially advised citizens against travelling to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
In August 2019, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame signed a memorandum of understanding ‘Luanda Agreement’ in a bid to solve conflicts between both countries.
Negotiations did not yield expected results until efforts to mend Rwanda and Uganda relations took shape in February this year following the visits of Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born son of Uganda’s President who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Since he was involved in the process to restore relations to normal, Lt Gen Muhoozi has been warning Rwanda’s dissidents that they have no place in Uganda. He revealed that no official fighting Rwanda would retain job in Uganda.
Lt Gen Muhoozi also echoed similar message in February this year where he warned Rwanda’s dissident Kayumba Nyamwasa against using his country to threaten the neighbouring country’s security.
His first visit to Rwanda was on 22nd January 2022, a move that was followed by the reopening of Gatuna border.
Later on, Rwanda reopened all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Lt Gen Muhoozi visited Rwanda for the second time on 14th March 2022 where he held talks with President Kagame on pending issues affecting bilateral relations.
On the occasion of his birthday celebration in April this year, Lt Gen Muhoozi said that both countries currently have good relations with optimism that the situation would improve further in the future.
A joint statement released after the meeting held today, shows that both ministers acknowledged the ongoing progress made so far to normalize bilateral relations.
“They reiterated their commitment to focus efforts on the mutual regional security and development issues that impact on the socio-economic welfare of the peoples of the two countries,” reads part of the statement.
The ministers also appreciated the leadership of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his counterpart of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their continued commitment to revive and strengthen bilateral relations.
Additionally, the ministers recognized President Kagame’s visit to Uganda and the subsequent Museveni’s visit to Rwanda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM2022) as a strong signal toward renewed bilateral relations.
As the statement reads, the ministers exchanged views on regional matters relating to security, trade, investment and strategic regional projects.
Among others, they agreed to review and revive bilateral cooperation in the different areas of interest by convening the next Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Uganda.
The ministers agreed that the next Joint Permanent Commission which will be hosted by the Republic of Rwanda by March 2023; will focus on critical areas taking into consideration the outcomes of the last Joint Permanent Commission.
Minister Biruta and his counterpart, Gen Odongo expressed gratitude for the steps taken to renew good and cordial relations between the two sister countries highlighting that they look forward to seeing the people of both Rwanda and Uganda enjoying the full benefits of the cordial relations.
The ceremony held on 28th August 2022, was an occasion for over 300 participants to celebrate and share the harvest, set targets for the future and relive Rwanda’s cultural values of hard work, unity and patriotism.
Addressing the community at the event, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Emmanuel Hategeka explained the origin and significance of Umuganura Day and its role in promoting values of humanity, friendship and unity in Rwandan society.
“As Rwandan community abroad, Umuganura has a very significant meaning. It is not only a moment to share our harvest but also an occasion to reflect on our cultural values embodied in Umuganura including hard work, unity and love for the country. We celebrate a Leadership that has crafted a development model that draws from our rich traditions and aspirations for a better life. We celebrate our achievers mindful that we reap what we sow. We call upon all to defend Rwanda’s image and exhibit values of integrity and unity of purpose,” Amb. Hategeka said.
Reflecting on national harvest and achievements, Amb. Hategeka noted that there is a lot to celebrate ‘as we set targets for the future”. Rwanda’s GDP grew by 10.9% in 2021, up from a contraction of 3.4% recorded the previous year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. Rwanda continues to perform well in international partnerships and trade. The UAE has been a leading Rwanda’s trade partner for the last two years.
“We thank Rwandans in the UAE for your contribution towards the development of Rwanda and your role in finding solutions to challenges faced by Rwandans in the jurisdiction and back home. In CanaCallenge campaign, Rwandans in the UAE supported solar based system lighting for up to 213 families. This is a commendable contribution,” said Amb. Hategeka.
“You need to keep working hard, create businesses, provide jobs, and bring new innovations and acquired skills that are solutions oriented to spur our country’s development,” he added.
In his remarks; the Chairperson of the Rwandan Community in UAE, Kassim Kaganda reiterated the community’s commitment to Rwandan culture and their resolve to contribute to Rwanda’s development programs.”
“A country without a culture is on its downfall. We understand the responsibility to uphold our values. We commit to celebrate Umuganura every year. I also call upon my fellow community members to participate in all government programs,investment and saving, among others,” Kaganda said.
The celebration of Umuganura in UAE featured tasting Rwandan food and beverages and cultural entertainment by UAE RCA Uruyange cultural troupe who staged an exciting performance. Best dressed attendees in traditional and Made In Rwanda attires were awarded different prizes including a business class ticket offered by RwandAir.
The celebration of Umuganura started at the reign of Gihanga Ngomijana around 11th century. In 1925, the colonizers banned Umuganura as part of the infamous divide and rule policy. It was restored by the Government of National Unity in 2011.
Normally, Umuganura is celebrated on the first Friday of August every year but activities celebrating the day are organized throughout the month of August.
This year marks the 18th edition of the international conservation event, and is the first time the ceremony is set to take place in person since 2019 following the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic.
Held in Kinigi at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park, the Namers will join communities living around Volcanoes National Park, the home of the endangered mountain gorillas, as well as rangers, trackers, researchers and friends from around the world in the ultimate celebration of nature and conservation.
The event will feature a naming ceremony of 20 baby mountain gorillas born in the park over the last 12 months and one newly formed family group. Since the naming ceremony began in 2005, 354 baby gorillas have been given names. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is steadily increasing.
The 20 baby gorillas to be named are members of the Noheli, Musilikali, Ntambara, Mutobo, Igisha, Susa, Kureba, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Muhoza, Amahoro, and Hirwa families.
Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, says this year’s Kwita Izina will be a celebration of conservation and the return of tourism.
“We’re delighted to be back in Kinigi in Rwanda’s Northern Province, near the habitat of these majestic creatures for Kwita Izina, two years since our last in-person ceremony. Initiatives such as the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony play a major role in conserving gorillas. Thanks to Rwanda’s conservation efforts, we have improved the gorilla trekking experience for our visitors and increased the support to local communities through our Tourism Revenue Sharing programme,” she said.
“We are also happy to celebrate the safe return of tourism to Rwanda, after managing the Covid-19 pandemic well. We look forward to continuing to protect our natural heritage, providing world class experiences that highlight the diverse natural beauty of Rwanda, while also ensuring that Rwandans benefit from tourism and conservation,” added Akamanzi.
{{Below is the list of 2022 Kwita Izina Baby Gorilla Namers:}}
-* The Prince of Wales (virtually)
-* Uzo Aduba – American Actress
-* Dr Evan Antin – Veterinarian and Television Presenter
-* Neri Bukspan – Managing Director, Standard & Poor’s Credit Market Service
-* Dr Cindy Descalzi Pereira – Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
-* Didier Drogba – Football Legend
-* Itzhak Fisher – Chairman, Rwanda Development Board
-* Laurene Powell Jobs – Founder and President, Emerson Collective
-* Dr Frank I. Luntz – Founder and President, Luntz Global
-* Stewart Maginnis – Deputy Director General, International Union for the Conservation of Nature
-* Thomas Milz – Board Director, Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa
-* Salima Mukansanga – International Football Referee
-* Louise Mushikiwabo – Secretary-General of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie
-* Youssou N’Dour – Musician
-* Naomi Schiff – Professional Racing Driver and Presenter
-* Kaddu Sebunya – CEO, African Wildlife Foundation
-* Gilberto Silva – Arsenal Football Club Legend
-* Sauti Sol – Musical Band
-* Juan Pablo Sorin – Paris Saint-Germain Legend
-* Moses Turahirwa – Creative Director, Moshions
-* Sir Ian Clark Wood, KT, GBE – Chairman, The Wood Foundation
{{About Kwita Izina}}
The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is a modelled off centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. For three decades before the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies to monitor each gorilla in their family and habitat.
In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, they are given the value they undoubtedly deserve.
The ceremony is, first and foremost, an opportunity to thank the communities that live around the gorilla habitat, Volcanoes National Park, research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas daily.
Over the last fifteen years, more than 350 mountain gorillas have been named.
Today, Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve Rwanda’s natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in the country’s transformation. As a result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic value of gorillas and their contribution to the country’s economic prosperity. Rwandans have become gorilla guardians.
Overall, Rwanda has emerged as a conservation and sustainable tourism leader on the continent. For instance, during the 2010 Census, there were 480 mountain gorillas, the 2016 Census report indicated 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif.
These efforts have contributed to the increase in mountain gorillas worldwide (1,063) and are categorised as no longer critically endangered.
