Miss Iradukunda was arrested on Sunday8th May 2022. She is detained at Remera RIB Station.
The Spokesperson of RIB, Dr. Murangira B.Thierry has told IGIHE that Iradukunda is facing charges including ‘forgery and tampering with investigation’.
It is said that RIB launched investigation into sexual corruption in Miss Rwanda contest in 2019.
Since then, evidences were gathered gradually until the arrest of Dieudonné Ishimwe alias Prince Kid, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Back Up which organizes the beauty pageant.
Since the arrest of Prince Kid, IGIHE has learnt, Miss Iradukunda has been contacting all girls who provided testimonies on sexual abuse against them in Miss Rwanda to change their position before the court.
It is said that Iradukunda worked with a notary identified as Nasira Uwitonze who witnessed the signing of concerned individuals as they wrote letters repudiating testimonies pinning Ishimwe.
IGIHE has learnt that some of witnesses who provided testimonies to RIB revealed that they were sexually abused by Ishimwe at different times.
Ishimwe was arrested on 25th April 2022 over sexual abuse to participants of Miss Rwanda beauty pageant at different times. He faces three charges including rape, soliciting or offering sexual favours, and harassment connected to sexual relations.
It is said that Miss Elsa has been in love with Ishimwe with whom, they planned marriage. According to sources, this pushed her to make attempts to tamper with evidences to get Ishimwe released.
RIB has also confirmed that Nasira Uwitonze was also arrested over allegedly validating factless statements.
On Monday 9th May 2022, the Ministry of Youth and Culture also announced the temporary suspension of Miss Rwanda contest due to ongoing investigation into alleged sexual abuse to contestants.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Samuel Dusengiyumva handed over the houses to the beneficiaries on Monday, May 9.
The beneficiaries include Clementine Ntahomvukiye, a widow with seven children; Daphrose Mukamugema, a single mother of two; and Alex Niyitegeka, an orphan and father of two.
RNP also handed over two engine boats to facilitate movements of residents on the two islands.
The houses and the boat are part of the Rwanda National Police human security support and strengthening its partnership with communities in crime prevention as part of its 21st anniversary, launched in December last year.
Last week, RNP also handed over two houses it constructed for two families on Nkombo island in Rusizi District, powered 200 households with solar energy and covered medical insurance premiums for 500 people on the island.
RNP has so far injected about Rwf1 billion in community development projects in this 11th edition of the annual ‘Police Month’ to construct 30 houses, financially support cooperatives, cover medical insurance premiums, and connecting households that are far from the national grid with solar power system.
PS Dusengiyumva told the residents that Rwanda’s governance system is centred on uplifting the wellbeing of its citizens towards prosperity and sustainable security.
“Do not indulge in unlawful acts like smuggling and always strive collectively to identify and report those who attempt or commit crimes. Ensure that all your children go to school,” Dusengiyumva said.
He further advised them against overloading boats to prevent them from capsizing and drowning and to respect other laws and rules governing businesses such as transportation of people and goods, and fishing in Lake Kivu.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Bruce Munyambo, who represented the RNP leadership, said that Rwandans must be safe, happy, secure and should take their hands off their pockets and work.
“Rwanda National Police will continue to work with you to ensure safety and security. Continue to provide timely information so as to prevent crimes and for you to continue with your development activities with no hindrance,” CP Munyambo told the residents.
He added that these outreach programmes are meant to support communities to improve their livelihood while also empowering and partnering with them to fight and prevent crimes in their neighborhoods.
Clementine Ntahomvukiye, one of the beneficiaries, said: “I don’t know what to say, but I am so happy today. I was renting on top of having to take care of my seven children as a single mother, which was hard. You are not safer if you do not have shelter. I am very grateful to our Police for building this house for us.”
Developed by Education Development Center (EDC) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, the Building Resilience in TVET Through E-Learning (BRITE) program is one of solutions designed streamline efficiency in the education sector.
The latter was created with the aim of responding to Rwanda’s commitment to integrate technology in education by providing interactive e-learning digital solutions for the TVET system.
The e-learning materials available through the program include a Work Ready Now audio program, trade specific electronic-lessons and electronic-Work Based Learning.
IGIHE has spoken to Education Development Center (EDC) and BRITE Deputy Chief of Party Aimee Senzeyi to tell us more about this program and how it is contributing to the education sector.
{{Excerpts: }}
{{IGIHE: What is the BRITE project? Tell us a bit more about the levels that are covered by the project}}
Management: BRITE stands for building resilience in TVET through e-learning. It is a two-year Mastercard foundation-funded Project implemented by EDC in partnership with AKA, the Rwanda TVET Board, and Rwanda Polytechnic. Its core activity is to develop e-learning materials for TVET Schools and IPRCs and build the capacity of trainers from those training institutions on blended learning or how to use those materials in class as complements to their current training or teaching methodologies. It has 3 components (1) WRN Audio Program (2) Trade-based e lessons and (3) e-Work Based Learning.
Currently, we are implementing in 3 levels, Level 3 and Level 5 with Rwanda TVET Board in TVET Schools and Level 7 with Rwanda Polytechnic in IPRCs. We focus only on 4 trades (1) Food Processing (2) Animal Health (3) Crop Production (4) Domestic electricity.
{{After launching the e-learning materials, how have schools (learners and trainers) responded to using them? }}
Trainers are currently using the BRITE e-learning materials in schools as training materials and we are receiving constant positive feedback from them. We have put all our trainers on different WhatsApp groups based on their trades to be able to receive prompt feedback but also provide support as needed. Our materials are accessible by trainers through the TVET e-learning platform “Moodle”. We upload our e-lessons on their platform and create group credentials for schools allowing them to access the e-learning materials.
{{E-learning is fairly new in Rwanda, how are you helping trainers and students to adapt to using the e-learning materials?}}
We do that through capacity building. Having access to e-learning materials is one thing and being able to use them is another. To make sure that trainers enrolled in the BRITE Project make use of our e-learning materials in schools we provide training of trainers (ToTs) and constantly check with them through different channels. We also do school visits and do class observations and coaching where needed. Also, our e-learning materials are fashioned in a way that can inform you that materials are being used or not by schools.
{{How do the schools access these materials? – online platform/ interactive materials }}
Through RTB’s and RP’s Moodle platform. We create accounts with usernames and credentials and share them with trainers and train them on how to navigate and access the lessons.
{{Do you work with all the TVETs? If no, why? }}
So far, we work with 20 TVET Schools, 4 Technical Secondary Schools (TSS), and all the 8 IPRCs. Being a two-year Project, we cannot serve and train all the 400+ TVET schools within that time.
{{What are the challenges that are currently being faced using these materials (Both by trainers and students) and how do you intend to overcome them? }}
The main challenges are connectivity (meaning the internet); digital literacy, and technology readiness. Most of the schools do not have enough computers for all students making it a very big challenge to the accessibility of online learning materials.
To mitigate the impact, the project conducted a technology need assessment to be able to identify the need per school in terms of technology and connectivity and advise in collaboration with other Development Partners implementing in the same schools.
{{How long is the project and what is the way forward after? How will you ensure sustainability and continuity of the project? }}
The Project started in 2020 in October and is ending in September 2022. A lot has been achieved so far, we have developed 30 elessons; 100+ audios on complementary modules and elessons preparing students for industrial attachment. We have trained a total of 250 trainers on blended learning and have always developed content hand in hand with them before developing electronic lessons.
Scotland made the revelation during an interview with IGIHE in Kigali where she attended the 12th Regional Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa running from 3rd to 7th May 2022.
Scotland shed light on preparations of the upcoming meeting, the number of heads of state expected to attend and new countries that might be admitted into the bloc, among others.
{{Excerpts:}}
{{IGIHE: How impressed are you with the current status of CHOGM 2022 preparations?}}
{{Scotland:}} I am so impressed by the preparations, I came before most of the buildings were built, I saw people laying down the foundation stones and they buildings are now beautiful, it is unfortunate that Rwanda had to be ready on three occasions; ready in 2020, ready in 2021 and now ready in 2022, but what a marvelous contribution!
Everyone is looking forward to coming to Kigali and people are talking about Kigali as the Jewel of Africa.
This is the first time an African country has hosted CHOGM since the Ugandans hosted it probably like 15 years ago. So this is a special moment.
We have the African continental trade area, we have all of the innovations that are coming and this is a real opportunity to celebrate the commonwealth and also celebrate commonwealth Africa.
How many heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance?
We have a large number who have already confirmed but you know everyday we get more and more.
We are hoping that as many who are able to come out of the 54 leaders will be with us, we know some are having elections and some still have closed borders because of Covid-19 but we are hoping and expecting a really good attendance and from speaking to all our leaders I know they want to be here.
If anyone does not come, it is probably because they can’t not because they don’t want to. We are keeping all our fingers crossed.
{{What are the expectations in business deals that can be signed during the upcoming meeting?}}
One of the things we are concentrating on is not just deals from that meeting but how we can build the trade and investment flows throughout the commonwealth.
There will be 20% more trade coming among the commonwealth countries and it is 21% easier to trade with each other but the big question for us, is how do we convert that commonwealth advantage into real benefit.
We have grown the trade between our commonwealth countries so it is now, in spite of Covid looks as if it is going up again to 700 billion.
We would to have one trillion trade among our commonwealth countries by 2030, for commonwealth Africa there is a real opportunity now that most countries have signed the African free continental area and look what just happened to East Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo has now joined the community that means that East Africa has gone from 100 billion of trade to over 200 billion.
At the commonwealth, we are looking at creating templates for legislation for regulations, contracts and agreements. We are really hoping that this trade forum that we have on the margins of the Commonwealth heads of Government Meeting, we will see real business being done and I know there are some good surprises coming.
{{There are some countries applying to join the Commonwealth. Is there any chance that these applications will be on the table for the debate here in Kigali?}}
Three countries are in the process of applying to join our commonwealth. It is a real sign of how healthy we are that so many countries, some of whom have never been part of the commonwealth indeed like Rwanda and Mozambique and Cameroon yet they have seen the excitement and importance and they want to join.
Three countries are in the process of applying to join the commonwealth family and we hope that one or two are able to complete the process before June. If that happens, they will be with us in Kigali.
{{Do you have some key points that will be considered to measure the successfulness of Kigali meetings?}}
We will firstly count it as a success if all of us can come together in one place, because this opportunity of meeting is something our members have been longing for.
The last two years have been tough for everyone. If you think of how many people have died, we’ve lost probably some million people across our commonwealth. That has been painful and difficult. It has affected our trade. So, coming together is one big. It will probably be the first face to face global meeting of leaders we have had in the past three years.
If you think about the things we have set ourselves on innovation, young people, climate change, digitalization, technological development, and creating a smarter commonwealth to better respond to our citizens; in fact we are aspiring to take those additional steps for the 2030 agenda on sustainable development.
These are clear targets that we hope we will achieve together. The blue and the green economy we have to build back better we have to respond to the terrible tragedies that we have seen, if you look at climate change, we know how many countries have suffered from it. If you look at Covid, you can see we have all been in the same storm but we have not been in the same boat.
Some of our countries in Africa have a 10% vaccination like Sierra Leone while in other parts of the world, you have a 95% vaccination not just one but three.
We will be looking at the health issues that have come out, we will be talking about how we can recover and how we can do that together.
I will see it as a real success if we are able to make significant steps forward and agreement in terms of how we innovate and how we innovate and how we create a greater ecosystem for development and how do we make sure we are able to respond better if we are hit by another pandemic this was the first pandemic in a hundred years but I am afraid a lot of people are having to come to terms with the fact that it might not be our last pandemic.
We are hoping that when our leaders come together, they will be able to learn from the last terrible two years how we can better respond because we have responded. In many ways, we did brilliantly, we became more innovative, we became more creative because we had to. If you think of what we did on e-commerce and what we’ve done in relation to having virtual meetings, we went from having face to face meeting to having all virtual meetings by a switch of a button and we ended up having meetings on a virtual platform.
We have never done that before. The world is materially different and we are moving into a hybrid technologically engineered world and a digitalised world. So, we are going to help all of us make that leap across the digital divide. We don’t leave anyone behind. Many of our countries are suffering now because they don’t have internet connectivity and they haven’t got the technological benefits they need to be the difference they need for their people. All those issues are going to be addressed by our leaders very serious. If we are able to come up with a plan to deliver, that it will be a great success and if we are joined by new members, that will be a success too.
{{Where does the Commonwealth as an organisation stand in the current war in Ukraine? What do you see as a solution?}}
The world has been shocked and pained by what has happened in Ukraine just because of the loss, the tragedy of life and the commonwealth is committed to the role of law and good governance and peace.
We are supporting all those who are working for peace in Ukraine but there political economic consequences. If you look at the disruption for oil and gas, the food security issues they are going to have an impact, some are saying that we therefore have to face up to the fact that we have to look more carefully at our food security and how do we increase the productivity within Africa because they export everything they grow and import everything they eat.
This trauma that’s coming now is helping us to look again on how do we make sure that regions are able to feed their own people, how do we make sure that we enhance our agribusiness, how do we use technology in making us secure in every sense like politically secure, economically secure more physically secure, more technologically secure.
Those issues have been brought into sharp focus. We’re used to having one problem to deal with and now we have insecurity which is global, we have climate change which is hugely disruptive and poses existential threat to many of our countries. We have economic difficulties which come from the interaction of all those three and we have a growing population in our commonwealth for example which is young 60% of our commonwealth is under the age of 30. So, we have to look at how do we look after our children, our young people, how do we make sure they have aspiration and inspiration and opportunity, how do we cull from their talent, the things that we know we need for the future.
I am optimistic when I go to Rwanda and I see all those wonderful young people. When I got to all the other African countries, the young people of the commonwealth are so inspirational, they are so creative, so innovative. I look at all these SMEs and startups and if you think of the most successful companies in the world, many of them were created within the last 20 years and some of them within the last 10 years.
We know we have that innovative potential, we have to create an ecosystem to enable us to help our young people to take advantage because if we do not do that and our young people become hopeless if they aren’t educated and given the opportunities, then we are creating a problem where we won’t be able to deliver for them and I know that all of us, all of the leaders in the commonwealth are focused on making sure that does not happen.
We are going to focus on our young people digging deep. I am confident that together we will come up with the solutions.
{{What will you remember about Rwanda?}}
I love the spirit of this country. When I first got off the plane, I could not believe what I saw. This was a dynamic, young, vibrant and clean country.
I started a task called ‘hunt a piece of paper’ because this is the most immaculate country I have ever seen. Only on one occasion did I see a piece of paper on the pavement and I thought, yes I have seen a piece of paper but someone came and picked it up.
I am impressed by how green the country is and how beautiful it is. I was privileged to go and see the gorillas in the naming ceremony. I was allowed to name my own gorilla. My gorilla is called Nazirian and that is because when I went to Ngong in Kenya, the Massai named me Nazirian which means the peaceful one, but apparently, my gorilla is one of the naughtiest young gorillas. .
The warmth of the people is what I will remember and I am afraid you have some beautiful designs which really tempt me. I am sure that when I go back I will go back, I will probably go back with a couple more of your wonderful dresses.
Rwanda has so much to be proud of. I will also never forget going to the lighting ceremony when we were commemorating and remembering all of those who died and all the families that were lost during the Genocide against Tutsi. I will never forget that night, it wounded my heart to see the pain that was suffered by this country and then it delighted my heart to see that out of that horror has risen one people, beautiful together creating and extraordinary country.
Rwanda has so much to be proud of. Every time I come, it seems somehow to have been made more beautiful. I am not quite sure how you’ve done it but you need to share the recipe with other people because it is really good.
“At Bank of Kigali we believe in business as a model to transform lives and our country. We are devoted to supporting youth-led enterprises by giving them access to interest free loans. In this year’s BK Urumuri, we will select the best innovative ideas that provide digital solutions and equip these entrepreneurs with skills they need to unlock their full potential and foster their businesses to greater heights,” said Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Diane Karusisi.
For this 6th edition, outstanding inventive digital economy businesses which leverage technology in their daily operations and offer digital solutions to solve Rwanda’s pressing needs, especially those that create a positive social or environmental impact will be highlighted.
“The digital economy is no longer the future; it is here and many Rwanda entrepreneurs are already embracing it, creating innovative solutions. We are seeing many businesses adopting digital solutions in their day-to-day work. At Inkomoko we are immensely proud to support entrepreneurs that will create digital solutions for Rwanda and beyond,” Emmanuel Mugabo, Inkomoko Interim Managing Director.
The BK Urumuri Initiative application deadline is 13th May, and the 25 selected winners will undergo the Inkomoko Business Development accelerator program from June to September. Eligible businesses must be based in Rwanda, have annual revenue that is less than Rwf500m, have proof of registration for at least 1 year, demonstrate financial profitability, or plan to reach profitability within the next year. The competition is open to people of all ages and nationalities.
To apply for the BK Urumuri Initiative 2022 and the chance to win consulting and zero-interest loans, entrepreneurs can find the application link at www.inkomoko.com and contact +250 788 358 639 for any questions.
{{About Bank of Kigali}}
Bank of Kigali is the largest commercial bank in Rwanda by total assets, according to Global Credit Ratings. The Bank has won several back-to-back international and regional banking awards, including from EuroMoney, The Banker, Global Finance Magazine, and EMEA Finance. Bank of Kigali has also been named “Best Bank in Rwanda.”
{{About Inkomoko}}
Inkomoko Entrepreneur Development has supported Rwandan businesses since 2012, providing business training, consulting services, and access to affordable finance through its partner, AEC Rwanda Trustee Company Ltd. Inkomoko’s business accelerator program has helped more than 25,000 entrepreneurs in Rwanda run their operations more efficiently and strategically, create jobs for thousands of individuals, and increase their annual revenues by an average of 88%.
Inkomoko has a long history of gender equity in its entrepreneurship support, including working with women entrepreneurs in the SPRING accelerator for adolescent girls, the Imbuto Foundation sexual and reproductive health accelerator, trainings for young women at FAWE, partnerships with Kate Spade on Purpose fund in Masoro, and working with women entrepreneurs through partnerships with UN Women. More than half of Inkomoko clients have been women entrepreneurs.
Recently, this debate has sparked up again in different parts of the world when a document was leaked showing that the United States Supreme Court has voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.
Roe v. Wade was established in 1973. It was a landmark decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the Court ruled that the Constitution of the United States protects a pregnant woman’s liberty to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction.
Just like it was leaked in 1973, this leak also prompted many to bring it to the streets in protest, some saying it should not be revoked and others saying it should be revoked.
In different parts of the world, those who are pro-life or pro-choice have arguments that they are bringing forth.
{{A woman has the right to her own body }}
Those that are pro-choice state that a woman has the right to decide what happens to her own body, that women are not just ‘wombs’.
Feminists say that a woman should be given the right to have an abortion if she wishes and that she should choose for herself what to do with that right.
{{Life begins at conception }}
Those who are pro-choice suggest that a fetus is already a human because from the moment, an egg is fertilized and has a genetic identity that it will carry for the rest of its life. Thus, having an abortion is killing a human being.
They argue that killing an innocent human being is wrong even if that human being has yet to be born.
{{A fetus becomes a human when it can survive outside the womb}}
Those who are pro abortion say that a fetus is not a human. They say personhood begins after a fetus becomes “viable” (able to survive outside the womb) or after birth, not at conception thus abortion should be legalised.
Some scientists claim that a fetus becomes a human around five months or 16 weeks, which therefore would permit people to get an abortion before and not after.
{{Abortion is not the killing of a human being }}
The pro-choice group says that abortion is the termination of a pregnancy, not a baby because embryos and fetuses are not independent, self-determining beings and they also say a person’s age is calculated from birth date, not conception.
{{Abortion has effect on the body }}
The pro-life groups say that abortion is dangerous because it can cause problems to a woman’s reproductive system or even affect her fertility.
{{Abortion is safe in this modern age }}
These people argue that abortion has been made safe due to modern technology in medicine considering it a safe practise. They argue that not legalizing abortion will cause people to abort in unpractical and unsafe ways.
{{Abortion reduces unwanted children }}
Oftenly, people do not want children because of different reasons like poverty, personal choice, illness and many other issues.
Unwanted children are made orphans or are abused by their parents or they are even subjected to a very bad life , giving women abortion rights would prevent children from having a terrible fate.
{{Abortion can be permitted in certain situations}}
This group argues that abortion should be permitted in certain situations like rape or when they child is fatal to the mother or other special situations like if the baby will have disabilities or untreatable anomalies.
{{Different Religions people believe abortion is going against God }}
The Bible does not draw a distinction between fetuses and babies by the time a baby is conceived, he or she is recognized by God.
The bible says killing applies to all human beings, including unborn babies.
In the Hindu religion, the holy text ‘Kaushitaki Upanishad’ indicates that abortion is an equivalent misdeed to killing one’s own parents.
Traditional Buddhism rejects abortion because it involves the deliberate destroying of a life.
There are endless arguments on the pro-life or pro-choice debate but a fact that should no change is that abortion is not a mean of contraception and unless of rape, it is better to avoid getting one it is by using preventive contraception methods.
His resignation has been announced through a statement signed by the university’s Board Chair, Prof Paul Davenport.
“This is to inform the general public that Prof Alexandre Lyambabaje has resigned from the post of Vice Chancellor for the University of Rwanda effective from today 6th May 2022, to begin a well-earned retirement,” reads part of the statement.
“On behalf of the whole University community, I would like to thank Prof Lyambabaje for his service on behalf of UR over the last fourteen months,” adds the statement.
The Board Chairman has also announced the appointment of Prof. Nosa Egiebor who will serve as the Acting Vice Chancellor of UR until the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor.
Professor Alexandre Lyambabaje, 62, once served as the Minister of Trade.
He had been appointed by the cabinet meeting held on 2nd February 2021. The appointment came four months after the tenure of former Vice Chancellor, Phillip Cotton ended in October 2020. Cotton had served as UR’s Vice-Chancellor since 2015.
At the time, Prof Lyambabaje replaced Dr. Musafiri Papias Malimba who served as the acting vice chancellor.
Prof Lyambabaje was born in 1960. He studied at the National University of Rwanda from where he went to pursue Master’s Degree in Canada.
Lyambabaje holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics and a Doctorate in Mathematics from University de Rennes in France.
He has served in different capacities in Rwanda’s public sector. Among these, in 1999, he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
In 2000 he was appointed Minister of Commerce, Tourism Industry, Investments Promotion and Cooperatives, a position he held until 2003.
He supervised the formulation of policies for the ministry and in particular Rwanda Tourism Policy.
He also contributed to the regional integration process through active participation in regional ministerial meetings, including those of the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
From April 2014 to 2015, he served as a senior researcher at the University of Rwanda in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
He also served as an Associate Professor of Statistics in the Institute of Applied Sciences Ruhengeri.
Prof Lyambabaje has been recently serving as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
It has been almost two weeks since Kigali City dwellers and its neighborhoods struggled to access water supplied by the Water and Sanitation Corporation Ltd (WASAC), a public institution mandated to supply safe water across the country.
The issue of water shortage would irk residents in the past but didn’t last longer. However, the issue worsened since 30th April 2022 where water scarcity has been reported in different parts of Kigali.
It is said that some residents are taking advantage of the shortage and sell a 20-liter jerrycan of water at a cost between Rwf300 and Rwf1500 depending on the location.
Some residents who spoke to IGIHE, have expressed frustration over the issue which is putting activities on a standstill and leaving their pockets drained over the high cost of water.
Desire Nshimiyimana residing in Rugenge Cell of Muhima Sector in Nyarugenge District has disclosed that he has spent more than two weeks without water. To cope with the situation, Nshimiyimana uses water from wetlands which costs him Rwf1000 per jerrycan.
“We are hit hard by water scarcity. We are used to buying water from wetlands at the former premises of ULK [Kigali Independent University]. The porters charge us Rwf1000 and the amount goes higher depending on ordered jerrycans,” he explained.
“The porter leaves at 7:00 a.m. and returns at 11:00a.m. This can help you to understand how it affects other activities yet the water is not clean to be used to all household stuffs,” added Nshimiyimana.
Chantal Umutesi, a resident of Remera has revealed that it is almost a week without access to water where they pay cyclists between Rwf500 and Rwf1000 to bring a jerrycan of water.
“We were blessed with the rain on Sunday and used fetched water but reservoirs are now drained. We are currently obliged to pay cyclists to bring water depending on how you negotiate them,” he said.
“Life is hard. The current market prices are high but lacking water after getting foods, worsens the situation. We don’t deserve to lead such life considering Rwanda’s progress,” she said.
Another resident from Gatsata Sector whom we met fetching dirty water form River Nyabugogo has revealed that he cannot afford Rwf300 to buy a jerrycan.
“We have no water in this area. A jerrycan is currently sold at Rwf300. We take advantage of living nearby Nyabugogo to use its water in other domestic works and buy clean water for drinking and cooking purposes,” he explained.
Phenias Manizabayo, a resident of Gisozi has also expressed frustration over water scarcity and existing hiked market prices.
“I miss water. Life has become tougher. Life is usually hard in Kigali. The additional cost of water is worsening the situation. We need government’s intervention,” he said.
Apart from these individuals, many social media users have also complained about the persistent issue and requested WASAC to solve it.
Some social media users who reacted to a post by IGIHE regarding water scarcity have also called for quick action to address the issue.
“When many of us in Kigali City go to pray, we ask God to get WASAC management resign but we have not yet got the feedback. However, we believe that God responds in the right time. They should be standby. How come to spend two weeks without water in Kigali,” wondered a social media user identified as Kavukire.
Ntigurirwa Fabien Miracle has also said “We are about to flee because a jerrycan is sold at Rwf1500 in Gisozi.”
Another social media user identified as Ruzindana serge said that they are using JIBU water noting that ‘it is less expensive than the cost of sending a porter to bring water’.
Other Facebook users revealed that they are fed up with buying a jerrycan at Rwf1000.
{{What happened?}}
Even though water scarcity persisted for two weeks, the issue particularly worsened since Saturday over damaged water distribution pipes from Nzove Water Treatment Plant.
The plant supplies water to different parts including Runda, Rugalika, Gihogwe, Kabuye, Nyarutarama, Kibagabaga, Kinyinya, Bumbogo, Rukiri-Gishushu-Remera, Nyakabanda, Gisozi, Kamatamu, Meredien, Faisal, Kanserege, Kimihurura, Rugando, Gacuriro, Kagugu, Rwankuba, Kami and Gasanze.
Rutagungira Methode, the director of urban water and sanitation services at WASAC has said that the issue of water scarcity resulted from recent floods which washed away the soil holding water pipes tight. As a result, he explained, the issue left pipes broken hence cutting the supply.
Rutagungira revealed that renovations of destroyed water pipes are underway that ‘residents will have access to water soon’.
“We are reconnecting broken pipes and hope water will be available soon,” he said.
On the issue of water shortage in Muhima Sector for two weeks, Rutagungira explained that it had resulted from damaged water pipes.
It is not the first time the issue happens in Kigali which prompts the general public to demand concerned authorities to seek a durable solution.
Rutagungira has explained that there is a plan to build more water treatment plants to completely address the issue of water scarcity.
“Kigali City would have completely lacked water hadn’t been the supply of Kanzenze plant. We have started a plan to expand plants to different parts so that we can have an alternative in case there is a defect on one side,” he noted.
“We want to build more plants and expect to have one of them completed by 2026 in Eastern Province so that Kigali City can be supplied with water from different corners,” added Rutagungira.
WASAC has comforted residents from Kigali and its neighbourhoods (by press time) that they will start getting water again in no more than 24 hours.
The ceremony took place in Vienna on Thursday 5th May 2022.
Amb. Rwakazina also represents Rwanda to other countries including Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Vatican and Slovenia.
She also serves as a permanent representative to international organizations operating in Vienna and the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland).
On the same day, Amb. Rwakazina also presented credentials to represent Rwanda to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The credentials were presented to Rafaelo Mariano Grossi, the Director General of IAEA.
MTN Rwanda’s Quarter 1 financial results were achieved on the back of a rebound in the local economy as COVID-19 restrictions were eased in the early part of the year. The company’s service revenue grew by 24.5% to Rwf 50.9 billion and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) closed at Rwf24.7 billion, representing a 15.7% increase. The Company’s key revenue stream, voice services, grew by 11.7%, while data grew by 13.8% and mobile money by 54.5%.
Mark Nkurunziza, MTN Rwanda’s Chief Finance Officer, commented on the results saying, “The financial performance for the quarter ending 31 March 2022 reflects a strong year on year growth driven primarily by voice, data, and mobile money services. Our Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 15.7% to Rwf24.7 billion, reflective of strong commercial momentum and a keen focus on cost efficiencies.
Our EBITDA margin closed at 47.7%. Depreciation and amortisation increased by 59.6% and this was affected by the license renewal fee which increased amortisation costs. Net finance costs increased by 105.0% on the back of additional debt raised to support the license renewal. Both of these items resulted in a PAT decline of 39.6%, which closed at Rwf4.121 billion. Nevertheless, we remain encouraged by the top line growth and impact of our cost efficiencies program which we believe will continue to improve our margins.”
This quarter’s financial performance is a representation of a consolidated view of MTN Rwanda and its subsidiary company, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd (MMRL). One year since the incorporation and licensing of the wholly owned subsidiary, MMRL, the fintech business is developing well, delivering a solid performance with a revenue growth of 54.5% from its leading service, Mobile Money.
Remarking on the quarterly results Mitwa Ng’ambi, MTN Rwanda Chief Executive Officer, said “We are pleased to present our 2022 Q1 results that recorded a solid performance, tracking positively against our medium-term targets of double-digit growth on service revenue, fintech revenue and EBITDA. This was delivered through solid commercial momentum and ongoing execution of our Ambition 2025 strategy despite volatile macroeconomic conditions. The Rwandan economy was fully opened from COVID-19 related restrictions in Q1, underpinning the positive commercial and financial momentum which has translated into encouraging results for MTN Rwanda.”
The company disclosed its full Q1 results through the Rwanda Stock Exchange and is expected to have a Results call on 6 May 2022. On 7 March 2022, MTN Rwanda’s Board of Directors approved for recommendation to the Shareholders at this year’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, to take place on 2 June 2022, a total dividend of Rwf 4.98/share, totaling approximately Rwf 6.7 billion, which represents 30% of the Profit After Tax (PAT) for 2021.
On the Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives, in Q1 2022 the company continued to build on its goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, through the installation of a solar power pilot at its main data centre, an event that was officiated by Rwanda’s Minister of Environment Honourable Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya.
Success of the pilot will see the company offloading more of its power needs into this renewable energy source through the year. Under the Social pillar of ESG, Q1 saw the recognition and financial support of twenty female-led cooperatives through the annual Connect Women in Business initiative, which was launched in conjunction with the Ministry of Gender and Family promotion.
Ng’ambi added that, “The environmental, social and governance initiatives that we have placed at the core of our operations are contributing to Rwanda’s progress and even go as far as playing a role in underpinning global commitments. Given this, we would like to thank our various partners and stakeholders that have combined their efforts with us in positively impacting the communities we serve.”
Looking ahead, the company continues to enthusiastically execute on its strategy, Ambition 2025 and will diligently manage its capital allocation with the intent to continue expansion of network capacity and coverage. 4G and smartphone penetration also remain key areas for sustained growth. Expansion in Home Connectivity through fixed wireless and fibre-to-the-home will continue and increased Mobile Money penetration is a keen area of pursuit. The company is encouraged by its first quarter’s results and pledges to continue to lead digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress.
{{About MTN Rwandacell Plc}}
MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our network and leading digital solutions for Rwanda’s progress. As the country’s No 1 network, we offer various services to subscribers, including innovative propositions such as personalised voice and data offers for individuals and corporates with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to our customers because we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
