The request was made on 30 July 2025, during his return to court, where he is accused of embezzling $19 million from a project aimed at constructing the Kisangani Prison in Tshopo Province during his tenure as Justice Minister.
At the 23 July hearing, Mutamba denied the embezzlement allegations, stating that the funds remain in the account of Zion Construction SARL, the company awarded the prison construction contract.
He said, “As I stand before you, the $19 million in question remains in the bank. Justice Minister Constant Mutamba never took a single dollar. How does one embezzle money they never touched?”
Mutamba argued that the Kisangani Prison project was not solely under his authority, emphasising that other senior officials were involved in key decisions. He therefore requested the court to summon Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, former Justice Minister Rose Mutombo, Inspector General of Finance Jules Alingete, the Minister of Sports, the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, and the Executive Secretary of the National Financial Intelligence Committee (CENALEF) to provide testimony.
He further accused Prime Minister Suminwa and the Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation, Firmin Mvonde, of attempting to eliminate him to conceal their own misconduct.
The Office of the Prosecutor expressed its willingness to summon other individuals from the Ministry of Justice, officials from the FRIVAO Fund (established to manage reparations for victims of crimes committed by Ugandan forces in Kisangani), and those involved in transferring the funds to Zion Construction, so they may offer their accounts in court.
The prosecution maintains that the $19 million was transferred to Zion Construction’s account in violation of the law, and that Mutamba played a key role as the official responsible for overseeing the prison construction project.
While Mutamba previously told Parliament that the funds had been misdirected to a fictitious company, an error for which he apologised, he later revised his position in court, stating that the funds were lawfully transferred to Zion Construction through approved procedures.
The next court hearing is scheduled for August 4, 2025. Should the court deem it necessary, the Prime Minister and other officials named by Mutamba may be summoned to testify.
The crystal-embroidered sock, adorned with rhinestones, was part of a music memorabilia sale held in the southern French city of Nîmes.
According to auctioneer Aurore Illy, the sock was discovered by a technician near Jackson’s dressing room after a concert in July 1997 during his “HIStory World Tour.”
Initially expected to sell for between €3,000 and €4,000, the item sparked bidding interest and ultimately fetched nearly double its estimate. The off-white sock, now stained and yellowed with age, remains a rare piece of pop culture history. Organisers of the auction described it as a “cult object” for fans of the late entertainer.
Jackson, known for his flashy stage outfits and iconic performances, wore glittery white socks during renditions of his hit “Billie Jean.” Footage from the 1997 tour shows him dancing in the same style of sock during his performances, adding sentimental and historical value to the auctioned item.
While this sale may seem extravagant, it pales in comparison to previous auctions of Jackson memorabilia. In 2009, a crystal glove he wore during his first televised “moonwalk” performance sold for $350,000 to a Macau gaming resort. A fedora he tossed into the crowd before that iconic moment fetched over $80,000 in Paris in 2023.
Michael Jackson, who died in 2009 at the age of 50, remains one of the most influential figures in global pop music. Often referred to as the “King of Pop,” he is celebrated for revolutionising the music industry through genre-blending innovation, groundbreaking music videos, and signature dance moves like the moonwalk.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, July 30, at Urugwiro Village.
According to a communique released by the Office of the Prime Minister, the initiative is designed to promote broader environmental protection and safeguard the health of citizens by enhancing air quality, particularly in urban centres.
The new fees are part of a wider campaign announced by the Ministry of Environment on July 24, which will see emissions testing incorporated into regular vehicle inspection protocols.
{{How the system will work
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Under the new regulations, all vehicles, including motorcycles, will be required to undergo an initial emissions test. Vehicles that pass will be cleared, while those that fail must be repaired and brought back for reinspection within two weeks.
The reinspection will cost half the price of the original test. If delayed beyond the two-week window, the owner will have to pay the full testing fee again.
Emissions checks will be conducted alongside standard mechanical inspections, either once or twice a year, depending on the vehicle’s classification and usage.
The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) confirmed that emissions testing equipment is currently being installed at existing inspection centres, with full implementation expected within the next month.
{{Fee structure by vehicle category
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Motorcycles and similar small-engine vehicles will pay Frw 16,638 for the initial emissions inspection. If a reinspection is required within two weeks, the fee will be Frw 8,319.
Passenger vehicles with a capacity of up to eight seats (plus the driver) and a maximum authorised weight of 3.5 tonnes will be charged Frw 34,940 for the first test, and Frw 17,470 for the reinspection.
Vehicles carrying between nine and thirty passengers, as well as all goods vehicles ranging from 1.5 tonnes to over 7 tonnes, will each pay Frw 51,578 for the initial test. The reinspection fee for these categories will be Frw 25,789.
Any other motor vehicle not listed in the above categories will be charged Frw 49,914 for the initial test, and Frw 24,957 if they return within the allowed two-week reinspection window.
The emissions testing scheme is part of a national effort to reduce air pollution, which remains a growing concern in Rwanda’s expanding urban areas. Officials say the programme will help ensure that vehicles on the road meet minimum emissions standards, reduce harmful pollutants, and encourage owners to maintain cleaner engines.
Meanwhile, during the Wednesday meeting, the Cabinet also approved the allocation of state land to the Africa Health Sciences University for the development of a medical education campus. The move is part of efforts to boost health training capacity and meet Rwanda’s growing need for qualified medical professionals.
Additionally, the cabinet granted accreditation to the International Covenant College, which will launch with two academic programmes, digital media technology and early childhood development, with plans to expand its offerings in the future.
The announcement was made by the RDF on the evening of Tuesday, July 29, 2025.
Among those retiring are two Major Generals and seven Brigadier Generals.
The last time RDF personnel at the rank of General retired was in 2023. That cohort included prominent figures such as Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira, Lt Gen (Rtd) Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, and others.
In this article, we take a closer look at the careers of the Generals who have now transitioned into retirement.
{{Maj Gen Andrew Kagame}}
Major General Andrew Kagame is among the senior RDF officers who have officially retired.
He most recently served as the Commander of the 1st Division, which covers Kigali City and the Eastern Province.
He was appointed to this role in October 2024, replacing Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who was named Coordinator of Rwanda’s Security Operations in Mozambique.
Prior to this assignment, Maj Gen Kagame served as the Deputy Commander of the Reserve Force.
{{Maj Gen Wilson Gumisiriza}}
Major General Wilson Gumisiriza was born in 1962 in Uganda, where his parents had taken refuge.
He played an active role in the Rwandan Liberation Struggle, and held the rank of Major by the end of the campaign.
During the struggle, he served as the Head of Intelligence for the 157th Battalion, which played a critical role in the capture of the Gako Military Academy.
The 157th Battalion was also home to several other prominent military leaders, including Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira, Maj Gen (Rtd) Eric Murokore, and the current RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarak Muganga.
Over the course of his military career, Maj Gen Gumisiriza held several key leadership roles within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). He served as Commander of the Armoured and Mechanized Division, and later led the 3rd Division, which operates in Rwanda’s Western Province.
He also previously commanded the 501 Brigade.
In recent years, Maj Gen Gumisiriza has provided strategic guidance to RDF troops deployed to Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, as part of Rwanda’s counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
{{Brig Gen Joseph Demali}}
Brigadier General Joseph Demali served in the Rwanda Air Force. Throughout his career, he held several key positions within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including serving as the Air Force Chief of Staff from 2013 to 2014.
He also represented Rwanda abroad, serving as the Defence Attaché at the Rwandan Embassy in Turkey, and later in the same role at the Rwandan Embassy in Kenya.
{{Brig Gen Fred Muziraguharara}}
Brigadier General Fred Muziraguharara held various key positions throughout his career in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
Between 1998 and 2000, he served as the Director of Research. From 2005 to 2006, he was the Chief Instructor at the Gako Military Academy.
In 2007–2008, he served as the Director of Operations in the RDF, before being deployed to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur, where he served as Chief of Strategic Planning.
From 2010 to 2012, Brig Gen Muziraguharara was the Director of Planning within the RDF.
He later represented the RDF at the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).
He also served as the Director General of Administration and Finance at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) from 2013 to 2018.
As of now, Fred Muziraguharara serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Group Ltd.
He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in January 2018, rising from the rank of Colonel.
{{Brig Gen James Ruzibiza}}
In 2019, James Ruzibiza was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and appointed as the Commander of the Engineering Brigade within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
He also served as the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (Chief J9), overseeing collaboration and engagement between the military and civilian populations.
{{Brig Gen Frank Mutembe}}
Brigadier General Frank Mutembe recently served as the Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division Commander in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019, from the rank of Colonel.
As part of Rwanda’s counter-terrorism mission in Mozambique, Brig Gen Mutembe served as the Task Force Battle Group Commander, a role he held until 2023.
He also previously served as the RDF Task Force Division Commander and commanded Rwandan peacekeeping forces deployed to Darfur under a United Nations mission.
{{Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi}}
Brigadier General Pascal Muhizi most recently served as the Commander of the 5th Division of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), operating in the Eastern Province.
He also previously commanded the 2nd Division, which is based in the Northern Province.
He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in June 2021.
Brig Gen Muhizi served as the Battle Group Task Force Commander of Rwandan troops deployed in the Mozambique counter-terrorism mission.
{{Brig Gen Nelson Rwigema}}
Nelson Rwigema was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019. Over the course of his military career, he held several key positions, including Commander of the 2nd Division, operating in the Northern Province, and Commander of the Reserve Force in the Western Province.
{{Brig Gen Jean Paul Karangwa}}
Jean Paul Karangwa was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019, from the rank of Colonel. Following his promotion, he was appointed as the Commander of the Military Police Regiment in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
He also previously served as the Commander of RDF forces in Kigali City.
In a Telegram message from FARDC leadership, soldiers were reminded to respect the ongoing peace process and abide by the agreed ceasefire terms.
The directive further emphasised that while soldiers must prioritise peace, they are authorised to respond with proportionate force if attacked by the enemy.
The DRC government and AFC/M23 signed a declaration of principles in Qatar on July 19, 2025, aimed at ending the fighting in eastern DRC. The agreement serves as a roadmap toward a comprehensive peace deal.
The deal calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, with each side remaining within its current areas of control and refraining from attempting to seize new territory.
However, despite the commitments, government-backed Wazalendo militias have repeatedly attacked AFC/M23 positions, disrupting peace in the Masisi, Rutshuru, and Walikale territories.
Last week, AFC/M23 recaptured the Mulema area in Nyamaboko 1 groupement, Masisi, from Wazalendo forces, following attacks by Wazalendo in Luke and Katobotobo.
Sources from North Kivu report that since July 29, AFC/M23 has been reinforcing its fighters in the Kateku area of Ikobo groupement in Walikale territory amid claims that the government forces are preparing for renewed conflict.
The Rwandan side edged Nigeria 12–11 in a thrilling final to secure top honours in the competition, which brings together athletes aged 14 to 17 from across the continent.
Earlier in the tournament, Rwanda had also defeated Nigeria 11–9 in the group stage and registered a dominant 20–10 win over hosts Algeria.
This maiden edition of the African School Games kicked off on July 27 and is scheduled to run through August 5, 2025. The multi-sport event has attracted participants from 52 countries, although Burundi and Somalia withdrew.
Rwanda is competing in two disciplines, 3×3 basketball and athletics, represented by both boys and girls.
Scheduled for August 31, 2025, ‘Dog Fest Kigali’ will take place at KICS Playground in Gacuriro, offering a unique platform to showcase dogs’ abilities, training, and companionship.
The festival is designed not only as a social gathering for pet enthusiasts but also as a space to promote animal welfare and responsible dog ownership.
The initiative is the brainchild of Dog Haus, a Kigali-based dog care service founded by Eric Gahamanyi, who says the festival is aimed at strengthening the bond between people and their dogs while building a community around shared values of compassion and care for animals.
“We wanted to launch this festival so people can learn how to become better companions to their dogs. Dog Fest is a moment of celebration, learning, and community,” Gahamanyi told IGIHE.
Dog Fest Kigali will feature a range of activities, including a Best Dressed Dogs contest, agility and obedience showcases, and behavioural demonstrations that highlight the intelligence and training of participating dogs.
Beyond entertainment, the event will also feature interactive sessions with veterinarians, trainers, and pet product vendors, offering expert advice on animal health, behaviour, and nutrition.
Attendees can expect a vibrant mix of music, food, drinks, and curated stalls with everything from pet accessories to gourmet dog treats.
The festival also aims to spotlight professionals working in the animal care industry and to encourage more people to consider dogs not merely as animals, but as companions and integral parts of everyday life.
More than just an event, Dog Fest Kigali is being positioned as a step forward in cultivating a culture of empathy, responsibility, and respect for animals in Rwanda.
During the ceremony, the President reaffirmed the strong ties between Rwanda and China, describing China as a long-standing and reliable partner.
As Xinhua reported, he expressed his commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship and enhancing practical cooperation between the two nations.
President Kagame also assured that the Government and people of Rwanda will extend full support and facilitation to Ambassador Gao as he undertakes his diplomatic mission.
Amb. Gao conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings, and hailed the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, where China-Rwanda relations have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring fruitful cooperation on all fronts.
China stands ready to work together with the Rwandan side to enhance political mutual trust and promote practical cooperation to deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples, the Chinese ambassador added.
China has emerged as one of the countries that clearly sees the investment potential in Rwanda. Over the past five years, it has consistently ranked among the top sources of foreign direct investment into the country.
In 2024 alone, Chinese investments in Rwanda reached $460 million, surpassing $445 million from India.
In previous years, Chinese investment figures were $79.1 million in 2023, $182.4 million in 2022, $357.7 million in 2021, and $282 million in 2020.
Across this five-year period, China led all other countries in the volume of investments made in Rwanda in four out of five years.
Beyond attracting Chinese investment, Rwanda is also expanding its exports to China at a notable pace.
Between 2021 and 2024, Rwandan exports to China grew from $16 million to over $100 million, representing more than a fivefold increase in just four years.
In 2024 alone, Rwandan exports to China rose by 29.5%.
This growth reflects a broader strengthening of bilateral trade, with the total trade volume between Rwanda and China reaching $1.6 billion in 2024, up from $742 million in 2021.
Ambassador Gao Wenqi assumed his post as China’s new Ambassador to Rwanda recently, succeeding Wang Xuekun, who completed his term at the beginning of this year .
This partnership is a significant milestone for Rwanda as it is the first African nation to host the world’s biggest cycling event in the competition’s 125-year history.
The UCI Road World Championship is one of the most prestigious events in international cycling, drawing elite athletes, industry stakeholders, and fans from around the world.
The weeklong competition will bring global attention to Kigali and is expected to deliver high-level racing, sportsmanship, and a celebration of cycling culture.
BRALIRWA’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting community-focused initiatives. As Rwanda welcomes international visitors and athletes, BRALIRWA will play a central role in promoting unity, excellence, and national pride through its portfolio of beverage brands.
“We are delighted to welcome BRALIRWA as the official beverage sponsor of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships,” said Samson Ndayishimiye, President of Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY). “Their support brings added energy to what will be a defining moment for Rwandan sport.”
During the championship, BRALIRWA will organize fan zones, sports workshops, and community screenings of the races. These activities will be hosted in local neighborhoods to encourage participation, promote sportsmanship, and provide entertainment and refreshment in an inclusive setting.
“We will create spaces where communities can come together to celebrate the championship, enjoy our beverages, and share the joy of true togetherness,” said Lieke, BRALIRWA’s Marketing Director.
“Through our fan zones and activations, we aim to offer memorable experiences while also promoting responsible enjoyment throughout the event.”
As the official beverage sponsor, BRALIRWA aims to contribute to a successful and memorable championship while supporting a lasting legacy for Rwanda’s sporting and community development.
Billed as an old school and R&B night aimed at a more mature crowd, the event is positioning itself as the city’s first locally-owned concept of its kind.
Hosted by MC Zuba Mutesi and featuring DJs Ssese and K’Ru, the party promises a soundscape of classic hip-hop and R&B, catering to revellers who came of age during the golden eras of the ‘90s and 2000s.
According to the organisers, what sets Spin the Block Africa apart is not just its musical offering, but its homegrown roots.
In a scene where similar events are largely foreign-run, organisers SEEV Africa and Intore Entertainment say they’re carving out space for local creatives and supporting the local economy.
“Spin the Block Africa is about building something rooted in Rwanda, with local DJs, hosts, and a long-term vision,” Paul Atwine, founder of SEEV Africa, told IGIHE.
Events like Strictly Soul, Rhythm and Brunch, Old Skool Brunch, and Reminisce have drawn sizeable followings in Kigali in recent years. Atwine says Spin the Block Africa is a homegrown alternative.
The plan, he added, is to host Spin the Block Africa at least four times a year, with potential to expand across the continent.
The organisers are betting on nostalgia and a sense of local pride to draw the grown and groovy crowd in.
