The wetlands being restored include Kibumba, Gikondo, Rugenge Rw’Intare, and Nyabugogo, with Real Contractors Limited collaborating with NPD, another construction company in Rwanda.
The total area under restoration spans 491 hectares, with Gikondo covering 162 hectares, Nyabugogo 131 hectares, Kibumba 68 hectares, and Rugenge-Rwintare 65 hectares.
Fred Bugingo, Managing Director of Real Contractors Limited, stated that the restoration of these wetlands is aimed at preventing flooding in Kigali, protecting biodiversity, and filtering water that flows through the area.
“The restoration of these wetlands will help the City of Kigali mitigate flooding, especially in areas like Nyabugogo, where flooding was once a significant issue,” Bugingo explained.
To further protect the environment, the company has installed waste collection traps to capture debris that typically flows into the wetlands from rainwater and surrounding areas.
“We’ve been installing traps designed to capture waste in rainwater, as it often carries significant debris,” he added.
In total, 142 waste collection traps have been installed across the wetlands. Gikondo has 24 traps, Kibumba 16, Rugenge-Rwintare 48, and Nyabugogo 30.
The Gikondo wetland will include special features aimed at attracting tourists, such as educational spaces, a restaurant, and rest areas.
Rugenge-Rwintare will feature a large 5-hectare pond that collects water from Rwampara and Gikondo, designed to showcase Rwanda’s advancements in environmental conservation.
The Kibumba wetland will focus on fishing, with several ponds and a designated area for a flower garden, along with a facility for showcasing fishing-related activities in Rwanda.
The Nyabugogo wetland will be dedicated to research and education focused on biodiversity conservation.
Since the restoration began, wildlife has already begun returning to the wetlands, according to the management at Real Contractors Limited.
In a statement released by the U.S. State Department, Washington said its priorities will include “unleashing economic prosperity by limiting regulatory burdens,” ensuring “affordable and secure energy supply chains,” and “pioneering new technologies and innovations.”
The U.S. framed its leadership of the G20 as an opportunity to return the multilateral forum to its core mission of driving global economic prosperity.
The transition comes amid a diplomatic rift with South Africa, the previous G20 chair, after Washington boycotted the 2025 G20 summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa
Under the new U.S. presidency, the next G20 leaders’ summit is scheduled to take place in Miami at a resort owned by Donald Trump.
The decision to relocate the summit and the U.S. boycott of the previous meeting has already created friction among member states, with some leaders urging return to collaboration over controversy.
Analysts say the U.S. agenda under its presidency could reshape global economic cooperation especially if Washington achieves reforms in regulation, energy, and technology sectors.
However, given the existing divisions within the G20 over issues ranging from debt relief to energy policy, accomplishing broad consensus will likely be challenging.
The report, titled “The Next Great Divergence: Why AI May Widen Inequality Between Countries”, outlines the potential risks posed by AI technologies in deepening the already widening development gaps.
While AI offers vast opportunities for growth, particularly in sectors like health, finance, and education, its benefits are not likely to be evenly distributed.
Countries starting from different levels of technological and economic development will experience very different outcomes.
The Asia and Pacific region, which is home to more than half the world’s population, has been quick to adopt AI.
According to the report, over half of the world’s AI-related startups and innovations are now based in this region, with AI potentially boosting GDP by up to 2% per year in some countries.
The technology also has the potential to improve productivity across sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and public services.
However, the UNDP cautions that unequal access to AI-related technologies and digital infrastructure could deepen divides, especially if low-income countries do not have access to the resources necessary to adopt AI. This could result in a “two-speed” world, where wealthy nations thrive on AI while developing nations are left behind.
The report highlights the vulnerabilities that accompany AI adoption, particularly job displacement. Many routine and manual jobs, especially those held by women and youth in developing countries are at risk of being replaced by automation.
Without proper policies to address this, millions of workers could lose their livelihoods. Women, who are often employed in routine service jobs such as caregiving, retail, and hospitality, could be disproportionately impacted.
The rise of AI also introduces new risks around ethical concerns. AI systems that rely on biased data could perpetuate existing inequalities or even create new forms of discrimination. The lack of transparency in AI algorithms could lead to situations where certain groups are unfairly excluded from services, opportunities, or decision-making processes.
To avoid these outcomes, the UNDP emphasizes that inclusive, people-centered policies are essential. Governments must invest in education and skills training to equip workers with the tools they need to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Additionally, fostering international cooperation and collaboration will be critical to ensuring that AI benefits are shared globally.
The UNDP calls for ethical AI governance frameworks that are aligned with human development goals. This includes ensuring that AI systems are designed and implemented with fairness, accountability, and transparency at their core. The report also stresses the importance of strengthening global cooperation to ensure that the deployment of AI is equitable, focusing on addressing the digital divide and empowering countries with the means to compete in the AI space.
The global impact of AI is still unfolding, but the UNDP’s report provides a crucial warning: without deliberate actions to ensure inclusivity, the world risks entering a new era of development divergence, where inequality is amplified by the very technology that should be used to solve it.
With smart policies, investments in technology, and global collaboration, AI could transform global development for the better. But without proper oversight and inclusive frameworks, the technology could reinforce and even worsen global inequalities.
The funding, provided through the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), will finance the Revenue Improvement and Spending Efficiency Program-for-Results (PforR). The program aims to modernise tax administration, reinforce public investment management, and promote accountability across government systems, ensuring that development outcomes reach citizens and businesses more effectively.
“This program reflects our strong partnership with Rwanda and our shared ambition to scale up transformational governance reforms that create jobs, strengthen fiscal resilience, and improve service delivery for all Rwandans,” said Sahr Kpundeh, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, in a statement released in late November.
“By supporting both national institutions and local government structures, the program reinforces Rwanda’s decentralisation agenda and helps ensure that development outcomes reach citizens where they live and work.”
The initiative aims to increase domestic revenue mobilisation by expanding the use of electronic billing machines (EBMs) for VAT compliance and modernising property tax registration and valuation systems. It also seeks to enhance national-level public spending efficiency and transparency through improved project feasibility studies, institutionalised asset management, strengthened procurement, and better oversight of state-owned enterprises.
At the local level, the program focuses on improving planning and accountability, ensuring that districts prepare evidence-based development strategies, publish budget performance reports, strengthen financial management practices, and design viable local economic development projects.
The program is aligned with Rwanda’s Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2), which emphasises an efficient, transparent, and citizen-centred public sector. It builds on over two decades of World Bank support for Rwanda’s public financial management reforms, which have positioned the country as a regional leader in accountable governance.
The reforms also leverage technology, including piloting AI-enabled functionalities within the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), aimed at reducing operational inefficiencies and enhancing financial oversight.
“This program represents a significant step forward in Rwanda’s efforts to expand its domestic resource base and ensure that every franc is used efficiently,” said Meron Tadesse Techane, World Bank Senior Financial Management Specialist.
“By leveraging technology, strengthening institutions, and incentivizing good practices at both national and district levels, the program will help the government deliver better services, build trust with citizens, and expand opportunities for private sector–led job creation.”
Direct beneficiaries include national ministries, state-owned companies, and all 30 districts, while citizens and businesses will benefit indirectly from a more predictable public finance system, higher-quality services, and better-managed public investments.
The IDA, established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and low- or zero-interest loans for projects that stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve lives. Rwanda is among the 40 African countries benefiting from IDA financing.
The directive, published on November 26, 2025, follows assessments showing persistent gaps in promoting and monitoring hygiene practices at individual, household, workplace and community levels.
{{Personal hygiene requirements
}}
Under the new rules, all Rwandans are required to bathe the entire body at least once a day; brush their teeth at least twice daily using a toothbrush and toothpaste; maintain clean hair and short, clean nails; and wash hands routinely, before preparing or eating food, before breastfeeding or feeding a child, after using the toilet, after cleaning a child, after handling waste, or anytime hands are visibly dirty. Individuals must also wear clean clothing and footwear, and sleep in clean bedding.
{{Household hygiene standards
}}
Every household must have a latrine built to a minimum depth of six meters where possible, properly constructed, covered and kept clean. A handwashing facility must be installed near the latrine. Homes are also required to have an enclosed bathroom, cemented or tiled where possible, and a clothesline for drying laundry.
Residents must ensure animals do not sleep indoors and must properly manage wastewater from the home, as well as rainwater, through designated drainage channels. It is prohibited to dump waste in drainage systems.
Households must also ensure safe storage and treatment of drinking water; clear bushes and stagnant water around the compound; segregate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste; and maintain a clean kitchen and dish-drying area. Houses and their surroundings are to be swept or mopped daily.
Compounds should be kept orderly and, where possible, include vegetable gardens, fruit trees, ornamental plants or flowers. Water storage tanks for clean water and rainwater must be cleaned at least once every six months. In urban areas, waste must be disposed of in covered bins or designated areas until collected by licensed waste-management companies.
{{Hygiene in cemeteries, roads and places of worship
}}
The guidelines also set minimum standards for cemeteries. Burial sites must be located away from rivers, springs and groundwater sources to prevent contamination. Cemeteries must have waste-management systems, clean access paths and sanitation workers to clean after funeral ceremonies.
Additionally, wilted flowers must be removed within two days, and a handwashing facility with clean water and soap must be placed at the entrance.
Cemeteries must also have separate public toilets for men and women, equipped with toilet paper, waste bins and handwashing areas.
On road hygiene, the directive requires roads to be swept regularly and kept free of waste or unauthorised structures, with waste bins placed at least every 100 meters. Public urination and defecation on roads is prohibited. Inter-district roads must have public toilets, and all roads must have adequate rainwater drainage. Trucks transporting goods are barred from dropping waste onto roadways.
Places of worship, including churches, parishes and mosques, must have separate toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities, with handwashing facilities and covered waste bins. They must maintain contracts with waste-collection companies and ensure proper management of rainwater and wastewater. Facilities conducting water baptisms must use clean, designated water.
{{Requirements for rehabilitation centres and prisons
}}
Rehabilitation centres and prisons are required to maintain adequate supplies of clean water; separate toilets for men, women and persons with disabilities; and secure, well-maintained sanitation facilities. They must have functioning rainwater harvesting and wastewater systems; clean water storage tanks for use during shortages; clean, well-equipped kitchens; appropriate laundry and drying facilities; and adequate bathing areas.
Facilities must also implement regular pest-control programs, ensure constant cleaning of premises, provide mosquito nets, bedsheets and mattresses for every inmate, and maintain waste-collection contracts with licensed service providers.
According to the Ministry of Health, the guidelines form part of a broader strategy to establish a permanent hygiene and sanitation inspection framework from national to local levels. The initiative aims to enforce compliance, strengthen accountability and ensure that individuals, households and institutions contribute to improving hygiene standards across the country.
Taking place from December, 2 to 10 , 2025, the campaign features a series of community-focused activities across Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts. These activities aim to raise awareness, engage citizens, and highlight Rwanda’s progress in promoting dignity, justice, and equality for all.
The campaign begins with a national awareness message on the responsibility of every individual to uphold and defend human rights. Activities throughout the week will include disability inclusion events, youth engagement forums, community football matches, and human rights education sessions in schools, prisons, and rehabilitation centers. The initiative will culminate on December 10 with the national celebration of International Human Rights Day.
On December 2, a community football match will formally launch the campaign, leveraging sports to promote unity and respect. On December 3, the Commission will mark Disability Inclusion Day by raising awareness on equal access, dignity, and combating stigma. Meanwhile, youth-focused dialogues on 4th December will encourage young people to take leadership in the fight against violence, hate speech, and misinformation.
On 5 December, sensitization sessions on human rights will be conducted in rehabilitation centers and locations where youth gather. On 6 December, awareness activities will take place at GS Gihundwe and through sports-based engagemen
Throughout the campaign, rehabilitation centers will be visited to reinforce the right to dignity and support reintegration efforts. On December 7, a Car Free Day activation will highlight the right to a clean and healthy environment.
Among others, sensitization sessions for returnees on December 8, will reaffirm Rwanda’s commitment to welcoming its citizens without discrimination while community assemblies on 9th December will stress that human rights begin in the family, where values of respect and non-violence are first nurtured.
The campaign will conclude on 10th December with a national gathering bringing together citizens, institutions, and partners to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and renew Rwanda’s commitment to building an inclusive, rights-respecting society.
NCHR Chairperson Providence Umurungi emphasized the importance of integrating human rights into everyday life: “As we mark the 77th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we are reminded that human rights are not distant concepts — they are the foundation of our daily lives. Every Rwandan deserves dignity, justice, and equality. Through this 9-day campaign, we reaffirm our national commitment to ensuring that human rights are respected, protected, and promoted everywhere and every day.”
The campaign is supported by local leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, media partners, and community members, ensuring broad public engagement and outreach.
The Rwanda National Human Rights Commission is an independent constitutional institution mandated to promote, protect, monitor, and enforce human rights in Rwanda.
It conducts investigations, monitors human rights compliance, educates the public, advises institutions, and advocates for vulnerable groups.
Working with national and international partners, the Commission is committed to fostering a just, inclusive, and dignified society for all.
Rescue operations are continuing at full speed across affected areas, the agency said.
The agency reported that flooding displaced about 570,000 people in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh provinces. Damage to roads and disruptions to communication networks have left some affected areas inaccessible, with relief supplies being delivered mainly by air.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said on Monday that the government’s rescue and relief efforts are being advanced with full force.
He stressed that Indonesia must respond effectively to climate change and that local governments should play a greater role in environmental protection and in preparing for future extreme weather events.
Additionally, Dr. Usta Kayitesi has been appointed as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The appointments were announced through a communiqué issued by the Office of the Prime Minister on Monday, December 1, 2025.
The President has also made appointments to other critical roles. Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe has been appointed as Senior Defence and Security Advisor in the Office of the President.
Meanwhile, Dr. Charles Murigande has been appointed as a Senator.
Held at BRALIRWA’s soft drinks plant in Kicukiro District, the event marked the culmination of 4 months of dedication and outstanding performance across BRALIRWA’s distribution network across the country.
With The Coca-Cola Company proudly sponsoring the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), BRALIRWA Plc launched the ‘AFCON Distributor Competition’, a customer-engagement initiative designed to leverage this sponsorship to drive business growth while strengthening partnerships with its distributors. The program celebrates and rewards top-performing distributors for their exceptional contribution and commitment.
In the spirit of this sponsorship, BRALIRWA created a challenge that connected business success with the passion of football. Distributors were encouraged to achieve ambitious targets, expand market reach, and demonstrate commitment to BRALIRWA’s vision of excellence.
In her remarks, the Managing Director of BRALIRWA Plc, Ms. Ethel Emma-Uche, emphasized the vital role distributors play towards building consumer trust and loyalty for the company’s beverage brands.
“You are an integral part of our ambition as we continue to craft legendary drinks, brands and create memorable experiences. Through your dedication and partnership, we continue to delight our consumers the right way, bringing them quality, joy, and pride in every sip,” she said.
The competition concluded with remarkable prizes that truly celebrate distributor excellence. The top six outstanding distributors were awarded an exclusive, all-expenses-paid trip to Morocco, where they will experience the excitement of AFCON 2025 matches live.
The second category of three winners were each awarded a tuk-tuk, providing valuable support for their transportation logistics and empowering them to serve consumers even more efficiently.
One of the winning distributors, Celestin Sebahire of FAPROCO, shared their excitement, saying, “Being recognized by BRALIRWA and given the chance to attend AFCON 2025 in Morocco is incredible. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it shows how much BRALIRWA values our hard work. This recognition motivates us to keep striving for excellence and strengthens our partnership even further.”
This initiative follows BRALIRWA’s long-standing tradition of engaging and rewarding its partners through innovative programs. From last year’s ‘Dubai Twagiye’ challenge, which sent winners to experience Formula One in Dubai, to this year’s AFCON-themed competition, BRALIRWA continues to demonstrate its passion for creating memorable experiences that celebrate success.
The Committee attributes the persistent fatalities largely to reckless driver behaviour, particularly speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving.
Data from the Rwanda National Police for the 2024–2025 period shows a continued rise in traffic violations. More than 409,148 motorists were caught speeding, while 94,843 drivers were apprehended for distracted driving. The report further indicates that 9,169 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, 6,525 for driving uninsured vehicles, and an equal number for driving without a licence.
Traffic offences were also widespread among motorcyclists and cyclists, with 19,746 motorcyclists and 55,291 cyclists penalised for various infractions.
Accident statistics continue to trend upward. Rwanda registered 8,660 accidents in 2022, resulting in 676 deaths. The following year recorded 9,995 accidents and 761 fatalities. In 2024, the number of accidents rose to 12,189, claiming 751 lives. By October 2025, 10,320 accidents had already been reported, killing 719 people.
{Presenting} the findings, Committee Chairperson Senator Murangwa Ndangiza Hadidja said the continued rise in accidents highlights gaps in driver behaviour. She expressed hope that the proposed new traffic law, built around a points-based driver conduct system, could deliver long-term improvements.
“The Committee finds that the draft traffic law will play a significant role in curbing behaviours that lead to accidents, as drivers will either gain or lose points based on how they conduct themselves on the road,” she said.
Under the draft Ministerial Order currently being finalised by the Ministry of Infrastructure, drivers will start with 15 points. Points will be deducted when offences occur. For example, a driver who causes an accident and flees would lose six points, while interfering with a speed governor would result in a five-point deduction.
Driving under the influence would cost four points, and offences such as driving without a licence, speeding, or running a red light would each attract a three-point deduction. Driving an uninsured vehicle or using a mobile phone while driving would result in losing two points.
The Senate Committee also identified road sections needing engineering interventions to reduce accident risks. Thirty-one locations are expected to be fixed by September 2028, while the remaining 47 will be addressed progressively as funds allow.
Senator Murangwa noted that some improvements require minimal investment, such as installing warning signs, deploying speed cameras, and adding rumble strips ahead of dangerous bends, measures shown to help reduce speeding.
