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  • What you need to know about Rwanda’s nuclear medicine services to be launched in 2026

    What you need to know about Rwanda’s nuclear medicine services to be launched in 2026

    The country is actively collaborating with specialized institutions to advance this vital sector.

    On November 28, 2025, the Cabinet approved partnership agreements to introduce nuclear medicine services in Rwanda.

    Nuclear medicine specializes in diagnostic imaging of the body, utilizing advanced equipment that is often scarce due to the high cost of the technology.

    Two key machines in this field are the Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.

    Rwanda has already acquired a PET scan as part of its efforts to enhance medical services.

    For patients with diseases that are not detectable by traditional imaging, radioactive tracers derived from nuclear energy are injected into their bodies.

    These tracers help guide specialized cameras that detect the disease, providing detailed insights into internal body activity.

    This method is particularly useful for identifying conditions such as heart disease, cancer, brain disorders, and neurological issues.

    Before surgery or other treatments, nuclear medicine allows doctors to visualize exactly what they are dealing with, eliminating the need for invasive exploratory procedures typically required to diagnose unknown conditions.

    Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role in treating complex conditions, such as brain cancer, where even the slightest error in diagnosis or treatment can have significant consequences.

    New agreements to launch “nuclear medicine” in Rwanda were signed between the Government of Rwanda and Aegle Onco Care Center Ltd., a medical service provider based in Mauritius. The service will be available at the Military Hospital in Kanombe, Kigali, which also houses the Rwanda Cancer Centre (RCC).

    In May 2025, Minister Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana informed members of the Parliamentary Committee on State Budget and Patrimony that Rwanda would have this machine by the end of the year.

    “I can assure you that the PET Scan machine is on track to arrive in Rwanda. We have completed all the necessary preparations, and we expect it to be here by the end of this year,” he said.

    IGIHE has learned that Rwanda will launch nuclear medicine services in 2026, utilizing a machine called Cyclotron. This machine produces the radiotracers used by doctors to detect early-stage cancer. Additionally, IGIHE has learned that most of the necessary equipment is already in place.

    These advanced machines will complement existing cancer treatment facilities in Rwanda, including MRI, CT scans, chemotherapy, surgeries, and other cancer therapies.

    The nuclear medicine services will be available at the Military Hospital in Kanombe. Additionally, once the King Faisal Hospital completes its expansion from 167 beds to 600, it will also be equipped with PET Scan machines.

    The Chief Medical Officer at King Faisal Hospital recently told IGIHE that as part of their facility expansion, they plan to acquire two PET scan machines.

    “This is a key component of the hospital’s growth. PET scans are essential for tracking and diagnosing cancer. We have met all legal requirements,” he explained.

    This development is expected to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment abroad, as Rwanda will have the capability to detect diseases at the cellular level, enabling early intervention and bolstering the country’s ability to treat cancer.

    Rwanda has already acquired a PET scan as part of its efforts to enhance medical services.
  • RwandAir kicks off flights to Zanzibar and Mombasa

    RwandAir kicks off flights to Zanzibar and Mombasa

    The national carrier’s Boeing B737-800NG departed Kigali International Airport for Zanzibar and Mombasa on Monday morning.

    “This is a milestone for intra-Africa travel. More beaches, more beauty, more East Africa,” the airline said in a post on X.

    The new service, which begins just ahead of the holiday season, operates four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flight WB 444 departs Kigali at 9:50 AM, arriving in Zanzibar, Tanzania, at 12:50 PM before continuing to Mombasa, Kenya, where it lands at 2:35 PM. The return flight, WB 445, leaves Mombasa at 5:10 PM, with a brief stop in Zanzibar, arriving back in Kigali at 8:00 PM.

    The route marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a fresh addition to its growing East African network. With this expansion, RwandAir now serves three destinations in Tanzania and two in Kenya, further strengthening Kigali’s role as a regional travel hub.

    “Returning to Mombasa and introducing Zanzibar is another step forward in our ambitious growth journey,” Yvonne Makolo, CEO of RwandAir, said in October. “By expanding our East African network, we are giving our customers more opportunities to explore the region, while also opening doors for trade, tourism and stronger ties across East Africa.”

    The route is designed to cater to both weekend getaways and extended vacations, offering travellers convenient access to pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and world-class leisure experiences.

    As the recent winner of Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, RwandAir continues to underline its commitment to regional connectivity and enhancing the travel experience. The airline operates a fleet of 13 aircraft, serving over 144 destinations globally through direct flights and codeshare partnerships.

    The national carrier's Boeing B737-800NG departed Kigali International Airport for Zanzibar and Mombasa on Monday morning.
    The new service, which begins just ahead of the holiday season, operates four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
    The route marks RwandAir’s return to Mombasa, where it last flew in 2019, and introduces Zanzibar as a fresh addition to its growing East African network.
    As the recent winner of Skytrax’s Best African Regional Airline award, RwandAir continues to underline its commitment to regional connectivity and enhancing the travel experience.
  • AFC/M23 says Burundi coordinates attacks on densely populated areas in eastern DRC

    AFC/M23 says Burundi coordinates attacks on densely populated areas in eastern DRC

    In a statement, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said Burundi “serves as a rear base and command centre” for the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime in its conflict with the rebels.

    “All the bombings carried out by Soukhoï-25 fighter aircraft and drones against densely populated areas and along the entire front line are being coordinated from Burundi,” Kanyuka stated on Sunday.

    Kanyuka emphasised that Burundi is not only involved in planning and directing the attacks, but its troops and Imbonerakure militia also participate directly in attacks against Congolese civilians.

    “Burundi is also deploying its troops and Imbonerakure militiamen in South Kivu, where they are integrated with the FARDC, the FDLR and the Maï-Maï Wazalendo,” he added.

    AFC/M23’s deputy coordinator, Bertrand Bisimwa, Bertrand Bisimwa described the actions of Burundian forces as constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    Since October 2025, Burundian troops have reportedly blocked all roads connecting residents in the Minembwe area of Fizi, Uvira, and Mwenga territories, restricting access to markets and healthcare services.

    Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, spokesperson for the Burundian army, confirmed to the BBC last month that the roads had been closed, accusing local Banyamulenge communities of collaborating with armed groups, claims rejected by human rights organisations.

    Clashes between Burundian forces and AFC/M23 intensified from November 26 in Mwenga territory, as Burundian troops attempted to seize areas previously held by the DRC government coalition. On November 30, AFC/M23 reported heavy Burundian casualties, with bodies hastily buried in pits and the wounded transported to Kisangani in Tshopo province for treatment.

    The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile, raising concerns over the escalating involvement of foreign forces and the increasing toll on civilians, amid international efforts to resolve the conflict between the Kinshasa administration and the AFC/M23 rebels.

    AFC/M23 says DRC’s Sukhoi-25 aircraft have been targeting densely populated areas for several days.
    According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, Burundi “serves as a rear base and command centre” for the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime in its conflict with the rebels.
  • South Africa to be fully engaged in G20 despite tensions with Washington: president

    South Africa to be fully engaged in G20 despite tensions with Washington: president

    The president made the remarks in a national address after South Africa presided over the G20 Leaders’ Summit a week ago, from which Washington was absent. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed earlier this week that South Africa would not be invited to next year’s G20 meetings amid tensions in bilateral ties.

    “We must make it clear that South Africa is one of the founding members of the G20 and South Africa is therefore a member of the G20 in its own name and right. We will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20,” Ramaphosa said.

    Ramaphosa said the U.S. absence from this year’s leaders’ summit was rooted in misinformation and “regrettable.” Trump had cited allegations of “white genocide” in the African country as the reason for boycotting the summit.

    “This is blatant misinformation about our country. It is even more unfortunate that the reasons the U.S. gave for its non-participation were based on baseless and false allegations that South Africa is perpetrating genocide against Afrikaners and the confiscation of land from white people,” Ramaphosa said.

    Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa had handed over the G20 presidency to the United States earlier this week and that his country values its relationship with Washington and remains committed to dialogue.

    The United States is scheduled to formally take over the presidency on Dec. 1.

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday that the country would remain fully engaged in G20 activities, despite recent tensions with the United States, the host of next year's G20 meetings.
  • Rwanda Bar Association president receives leadership award at EALS conference

    Rwanda Bar Association president receives leadership award at EALS conference

    The conference, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of EALS, brought together legal professionals from across the East African Community (EAC) to reflect on three decades of regional cooperation, professional growth, and the advancement of the rule of law.

    Nkundabarashi led the Rwandan delegation to the four-day gathering, where discussions centred on legal practice, governance reforms, and the evolving responsibilities of lawyers in strengthening justice systems in the region.

    While in Addis Ababa, the delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of Rwanda to brief officials on the conference outcomes and reinforce collaboration with Rwanda’s mission in Ethiopia.

    The highlight of the forum for the Rwandan delegation was the recognition of Nkundabarashi’s continental leadership. Nkundabarashi received a special award recognising his outstanding leadership in promoting and elevating the legal profession in Rwanda, the East African region, and across the continent. His contribution as Vice President of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) has positioned him as a leading voice in advocating for professional development, ethical standards, and continental legal cooperation.

    In addition to receiving the award, Nkundabarashi took part in a high-level panel discussion on women’s leadership in the legal field. He showcased Rwanda’s progress in promoting gender equality, noting that the number of female advocates in the Rwanda Bar Association has grown from just seven in 1997 to 660 today.

    He emphasised that gender equality is a fundamental right and highlighted the Bar’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.

    “We want to build a Bar that leaves no one behind. Gender equality is not a favour but a right,” he stressed.

    The conference concluded with an interactive gala dinner, during which the Rwandan delegation shared elements of Rwanda’s cultural heritage through traditional dress, music, and dance. The showcase added a cultural dimension to Rwanda’s presence, reinforcing regional unity and appreciation of diversity.

    The 30th anniversary of EALS highlighted the critical role of legal professionals in strengthening justice across East Africa. Rwanda’s participation, including leadership recognition and policy engagement, reflected its influence in shaping the region’s legal landscape.

    RBA President Moïse Nkundabarashi was honoured for his outstanding service and dedication as a Council Member of the East Africa Law Society.
    The East Africa Law Society (EALS) Annual Conference and General Meeting was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 26 to 29, 2025.
    The conference brought together legal professionals from across the East African Community (EAC) to reflect on three decades of regional cooperation, professional growth, and the advancement of the rule of law.
  • OPEC+ to suspend oil output increase

    OPEC+ to suspend oil output increase

    The decision followed a virtual meeting of member countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria and Oman, to review global market conditions and the economic outlook.

    The eight OPEC+ countries have been raising oil output month by month since April this year.

    The statement said the countries will adopt a cautious approach and maintain full flexibility to adjust their outputs as needed.

    The countries are scheduled to meet again on Jan. 4, 2026 to make further decisions, according to the organization.

     The eight OPEC+ countries have been raising oil output month by month since April this year.
  • Singapore to ban smartphones for secondary students during school hours from 2026

    Singapore to ban smartphones for secondary students during school hours from 2026

    The move, announced by the Ministry of Education on Sunday, is part of enhanced measures in secondary schools aimed at promoting healthier screen habits.

    Under the new rules, students’ devices will be kept in designated storage areas or school bags throughout school hours. Schools may, however, grant exceptions in necessary circumstances, the ministry said.

    “Screen use among students has been shown to displace important activities such as sleep, physical activity and social interactions with friends and family, and is linked to poorer holistic well-being,” it noted.

  • Vulnerable Mageragere resident receives Frw 40 million home

    Vulnerable Mageragere resident receives Frw 40 million home

    The house was built by employees of the City of Kigali who are members of the RPF–Inkotanyi.

    The initiative aligns with the RPF–Inkotanyi Manifesto, which prioritises the well-being of citizens, leaving no one behind, and supporting vulnerable populations to achieve sustainable development.

    The handover ceremony was attended by the RPF–Inkotanyi Chairperson in Kigali and Mayor of the City, Samuel Dusengiyumva, alongside other officials, party members, and local residents.

    In his remarks, Mayor Dusengiyumva commended the City of Kigali staff for turning the initiative into action and encouraged the beneficiary to maintain the property.

    “Makuza, and those who have previously received houses in this community, we ask that you take care of your homes, keep them clean, and ensure they remain in good condition. When we conduct follow-up visits, we hope to find them well-kept. As City leadership, we remain committed to providing infrastructure to improve your well-being,” he said.

    The house was constructed through collaboration between multiple institutions. The Special Cell of City of Kigali staff carried out community work and contributed funds according to work categories. Ruliba Clay provided bricks, and the Special Cell of Nyarugenge District assisted with purchasing household items.

    Makuza Jean Claude expressed his gratitude to all parties involved.

    “I am very thankful and promise to take good care of this house, setting an example for others,” he said.

    Makuza was selected based on several criteria, including having a disability that prevents him from working, lacking immovable property, being widowed, receiving no other assistance, and supporting a family of eight struggling to meet basic needs. The construction of the house provides an immediate solution to the family’s difficult living conditions while supporting broader efforts to assist the most vulnerable.

    Ahead of the handover, leaders and residents participated in tree planting across the village as part of the ongoing #IgitiCyanjye (My Tree) campaign, which aims to plant three million trees over the next five years. The initiative promotes proper tree care and growth while contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

    The City of Kigali officials handed over the house to the family on Sunday.
    The house was built by employees of the City of Kigali who are members of the RPF–Inkotanyi.
    The initiative aligns with the RPF–Inkotanyi Manifesto, which prioritises the well-being of citizens, leaving no one behind, and supporting vulnerable populations to achieve sustainable development.
    The house is valued at 40 million Rwandan Francs.
    Makuza Jean Claude is a vulnerable resident from Rugendabari Village.
    In his remarks, Mayor Dusengiyumva commended the City of Kigali staff for turning the initiative into action and encouraged the beneficiary to maintain the property.
    Ahead of the handover, leaders and residents participated in tree planting across the village as part of the ongoing #IgitiCyanjye (My Tree) campaign.
     The #IgitiCyanjye (My Tree) campaign aims to plant three million trees over the next five years.
  • UNEP says upcoming environment assembly to reset global green agenda

    UNEP says upcoming environment assembly to reset global green agenda

    Inger Andersen, UNEP’s executive director, said on Friday at a briefing that UNEA-7 will take place against a backdrop of a fragile geopolitical landscape, necessitating global solidarity to tackle pressing ecological challenges such as climate change.

    “UNEA-7 will focus on how we can strengthen multilateralism to deliver united, inclusive action across every strand of the triple planetary crisis, treating it as the single, interconnected challenge it is,” Andersen said.

    More than 3,000 delegates, including 55 environment ministers from across the globe, are expected to participate in UNEA-7 that will run under the theme of “Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet,” Andersen said.

    She added that the five-day forum will discuss 19 draft resolutions and decisions covering artificial intelligence, minerals and metals, tackling wildfires, and hydrological cycles.

    While acknowledging that ecological challenges, including pollution, planetary warming, and habitat loss, have intensified, Andersen stressed that UNEA-7 offers a chance to reset global environmental governance and deliver lasting solutions.

    Radhika Ochalik, UNEP’s director of governance affairs, said that delegations will share successful case studies on the implementation of international environmental treaties that advance the green agenda.

    Besides side events covering a wide range of topics, UNEA-7 will also feature exhibitions, high-level panel discussions, while negotiations on draft resolutions will be conducted throughout the forum, according to Ochalik.

    She revealed that draft resolutions have been organised around four clusters: nature and climate; governance and law; chemicals, waste, and pollution; and strategic and procedural matters, such as the approval of UNEP’s medium-term strategy for 2026-2029.

    Deborah Barasa, cabinet secretary in Kenya’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, said that Kenya will leverage its role as host of UNEA-7 to champion an ambitious and inclusive green agenda that benefits communities and the planet.

    Held biennially since 2014, UNEA is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment, enjoying universal membership of all 193 UN member states, alongside major groups like civil society, the private sector, and academia.

    Flags from different countries hoisted at UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) will be held from December 8 to 12, 2025.
  • What to expect from Kigali’s new public transport model

    What to expect from Kigali’s new public transport model

    The model, approved by the Cabinet on 28 November, is designed to improve efficiency, passenger experience and accountability across the city’s bus network.

    At the centre of the reform is Ecofleet Solutions, a newly created state-owned company that will coordinate, supervise and professionalise bus operations in the capital.

    The model shifts focus from revenue-driven operations to service-based performance, a move authorities say will eliminate chronic overcrowding and long waits that have plagued commuters.

    {{Ecofleet to oversee all transport operations
    }}

    Under the new system, Ecofleet Solutions will monitor the city’s entire public transport ecosystem, from route planning and bus deployment to daily service quality. Private operators will continue to own buses and employ staff, but financial management, monitoring and performance evaluation will fall under Ecofleet.

    {{Key changes
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    The new model introduces tighter operational controls across the public transport system, including a strict limit of ten minutes for buses at terminals and no more than three minutes at regular stops.

    Fare collection will shift entirely to centralised digital systems, while operators will be compensated based on service quality rather than passenger numbers.

    The framework also imposes firm penalties for any cash transactions or other forms of non-compliance, signalling a move toward a more orderly and accountable urban transport network.

    The model will remove incentives for operators to overload buses or delay departures, a common source of complaints among Kigali commuters.

    {{Technology to drive accountability
    }}

    Advanced technology will underpin the new transport framework. Real-time systems will track bus movements, delays and overall performance. Updated timetables, both physical and digital, will be displayed at bus stops, while smartphone users will be able to locate nearby stops, track arrival times and view bus routes.

    Payment options will widen beyond Tap & Go to include bank cards and Mobile Money, all routed through Ecofleet’s centralised payment system.

    {{Electrification at the heart of the reform
    }}

    Rwanda aims to transition to a fully electric public bus fleet by the end of 2026. Ecofleet will introduce 190 electric buses of its own and lease an additional 110 from private operators. The initial rollout will focus on the Downtown–Sonatubes–Remera corridor before expanding to other key routes, including Sonatubes–Gahanga and Nyabugogo–Gishushu.

    The system formally launches on December 2, 2025, with infrastructure preparations nearing completion.

    Minister of State for Infrastructure Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye emphasised that fares will not change during the trial period, urging residents to take advantage of the improved system.

    “Buses will be cleaner, safer and more reliable,” he said, adding that senior officials will also rely on public transport to demonstrate confidence in the reform.

    The overhaul builds on earlier commitments made during the 18th National Umushyikirano Council in February 2023, when the government pledged to reinforce Kigali’s transport system with more than 300 new buses. With government-backed subsidies, operators have already acquired around 200 buses, all of which have arrived in the city.

    Pilot tests on the Kabuga–Nyabugogo corridor in May 2025 helped inform the new model by assessing the feasibility of non-waiting, high-frequency bus operations.

    The system formally launches on December 2, 2025, with infrastructure preparations nearing completion.
    At the centre of the reform is Ecofleet Solutions, a newly created state-owned company that will coordinate, supervise and professionalise bus operations in the capital.