IGIHE

Blog

  • Rwanda meets partners to scaleup Disaster Responce

    By: Supreetha Gubbala

    {{RUBAVU}}–{A five-day Rwanda government Pandemic Disaster Response Tabletop Exercise is taking place at Lake Serena Hotel in Gisenyi. }

    Officials from the United States African Command (AFRICOM) , Center for Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance in Medicine (CDHAM) and the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) are gathered in Gisenyi western province to scale up partnership between foreign partners and MIDIMAR to enhance capacity of Rwanda’s disaster response, and test it’s aptitude on how to respond to disaster events.

    “We are here because we all realize that the occurrence of devastating pandemic is not science fiction,” Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs Gen. Marcel Gatsinzi said in his opening remarks on behalf of Prime Minister who was unable to attend the event.

    Gen. Gatsinzi refered to the 1918 influenza pandemic that in its three waves of destruction managed to kill 30-50 million people worldwide and continues to remind the world of possible pandemics.

    Africa’s particular demon, along with the global scare of SARS in 2003 and H1N1 in 2009, was the outbreak of cholera throughout the latter have of the 1990s.

    “Due to the potential speed of transmission and the far reaching effects that can be expected, waiting until a pandemic strikes can be disastrous for everyone.”

    The Minister brought up difficult and interesting questions for the audience, that were aimed to be addressed at the conference.

    “If we rely on police protection to maintain security normally, at what point do we call on our Militaries to ensure security? Communities, businesses and local authorities also need to be thinking about measures that can be taken in case schools or businesses need to be shut down for sometime,” he questioned.

    The Minister’s remarks were followed by those of Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy Anne Casper and the Senior Leader Representative Brigadier General Stayce Harris.

    Casper emphasized on the role of the U.S. Government in this effort as a partnership, something key to ensuring that Rwanda does not become dependent upon foreign partners.

    “ And let me stress the word ‘partnership’,” she told the audience, “ Those of us who have the privilege of living in Rwanda and working side-by-side with our counterparts everyday…are humbled by the gains you have made, the challenges you have overcome and the spirit of perseverance that emanates from the heart of every Rwandan.”

    She concluded in Kinyarwanda stating, “Twese Hamwe, turabishoboye,” which means “Together, we can do it.”

    Brigadier General Harris reiterated AFRICOM’s mandate in Rwanda as,“The importance of preparedness for a response, clear command and control in multi-jurisdictional disasters, and regional cooperation during a severe pandemic disaster.”

    In interview with the press, AFRICOM advisor Erik Threet emphasized, “If you can practice it now, you can respond better to these kinds of situations.”

    However, they also clarified they were not particularly emphasizing refugee situations, which also remains a part of MIDIMAR’s mandate.

    About their role in this area, Threet said, “ It would provide the military to be more coordinated with UN organizations that are more responsible for refugee camps and if there is a need for the military police to do social dissenting, then they are practicing for it now.”

    Reacting to weakness of Rwanda’s disaster response capacity at the moment, the representative responded, “Just like within any continent, it is the coordination aspect, who do you call, who does what. Moreover, many times, you do not get a chance to practice before disaster hits. I think coordination and communication are key challenges to any response to a disaster.”

    Another vital issue for Rwanda in disaster situations and pandemics is a shortage of resources, and medical supplies.

    When questioned as to how AFRICOM would aid with this, Threet told {Igihe.com}, “USAID, Project Prepare are here helping pursue other donors for the government to plan for resources to be provided in those situations.”
    We would work first to see what their capabilities are here.

    Brigadier General Harris, told igihe.com that AFRICOM looks to regional capabilities and collaboration, because when a pandemic hits, it knows no borders.

    She mentioned that this tabletop workshop had already been conducted successfully in Kenya, Tanzania, and Benin.

    The rest of the days events include planning for pandemics via the military expertise of national coordination.

    Workshops will be lead by various regional leaders in the field including the National Disaster Operations Center, Abuja Nigerian Ministry of Defense, Uganda Peoples Defense Forces, UNOCHA African Union Liaison Office, WHO Kigali Office, and the Director of Disaster Management and Program Coordinator at MIDIMAR.

  • Police improves public communication

    {{Aimed at improving Community policing and reducing crime rate,Rwanda National Police is holding a four-day training involving law enforcers and District Liaison officers to strengthen Police cooperation with the public.}}

    The training will introduce participants to a new communication strategy adopted by Police as a means to deliver services effectively.

    Addressing the trainees at police headquarters in Kacyiru, the Inspector General of Police Emmanuel Gasana insisted that they were accountable to the public, while the role of community liaison officers is to facilitate the accountability by acting as the bridge between the public and the Police.

    “Your role is to bridge the gap and this seminar will help you to understand your job better as well as understanding the connection between the public and community liaison,” Gasana said.

    He pointed out that trainees need to know how to gather information, data and report to decision-making authorities within National Police to enable Police to be accountable to public.

    The role of media too was highlighted by urging police to collaborate with the press. Affirming the matter, Brig. Gen. Gasana stressed that anyone who does not use the media stands to lose.

    “You are the mirrors of police and you should be characterized by integrity and honesty,” Gasana told police officers adding, “You are the ones to portray the positive image of the Police”.

    This he stressed also means that police officers should not use their roles in corrupt ways but instead serve the interest of public without seeking favors.

    The Police spokesperson Sup.Theos Badege said that after the four-day training, participants will be equipped with basic skills on story writing, photography and overall picture of what is required of them as public relations and community liaison officers

  • Burundi to emulate Rwanda on corruption fight

    {{The Burundi Ombudsman has told {Igihe.com} that his team is in Rwanda to familiarize themselves with Rwanda’s success story in the fight against corruption. }}

    In November 2010 the world bank recognised Rwanda government’s commitment to business reforms and the zero-tolerance approach to corruption making Rwanda a better place to do business each day.

    In the same year, Rwanda was ranked sixth less corrupt country in Africa and 66th globally in the Transparency International’s global Corruption Perceptions Index 2010.

    Globally, the other East African Community states – Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya and Burundi are ranked as 116th, 127th, 154th and 170th, respectively.

    The Corruption Perception Index helps to highlight the propensity of domestic corruption and its damaging influence.

    Exclusively speaking to {Igihe.com}, Donavine Niyongabire, the Cabinet Chief in the Burundi’s office of the Ombudsman said that Burundis anticipated target is Zero tolerance to corruption. This follows a pleadge by President Pierre Nkurunziza during recent presidential campaigns.

    “In the previous presidential elections, our president talked about corruption saying it’s a major issue he will address during the next five years of his term”.

    She explained that Burundi government will deal with corruption using the possible measures like other countries have used in sighting a good example of Rwanda.

    The Corruption Perception index previously confined to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, expanded to include Rwanda and Burundi in 2010.

    According to the 2010 East African Bribery Index Burundi is on the top position with a corruption prevalence of 36.7%.

    Uganda comes second with a corruption prevalence of 33%, while Kenya takes the third position after registering an improvement, by moving from a prevalence rate of 45% in 2009 to 31.9% this year.

    Tanzania is fourth with a prevalence of 28.6% while Rwanda is the least corrupt country in the region with a corruption prevalence of 6.6%.

    The East African Bribery Index is a governance tool developed to measure bribery levels in the private and public sectors in the region.

    The survey was conducted among thousands of respondents selected through random household sampling across all the administrative provinces in the five countries between January and March 2010.

  • Banana crop occupies big space with low harvest

    {{ {Banana plantation harvest in Rwanda is still very low yet the crop occupies the biggest arable land, the Minister of Agriculture Agnes Karibata has revealed.
    } }}

    “We face a challenge of productivity. The Banana plant occupies the biggest land area in Rwanda but many of these banana trees bear nothing- output per acre is very low,” She stressed.

    The minister, however, pointed out that the problem of low productivity is not unique to Rwanda but prevalent to most tropical African countries and the constraints causing low productivity can only be solve through effective collaboration between the countries in the region.

    She further emphasised that although banana plantations still serve a fundamental role in combating soil erosion, they still need to bear fruitful productivity.

    In an international conference that bought together delegates from Burundi, Tanzania and DR Congo at Mubano Hotel over the weekend, participants, highlighted Bacterial wilt as an issue which the regional and local agriculturists should carry out adequate prevention measures.

    Jean Pierre Busogora technical assistant in the Integrated Post Management (IPM) project funded under the Belgian BTC on his part, said farmers have complete lack of knowledge of the constraints such as tilt bacterial control, pest and other crop diseases that is killing their crop

    He observed that Banana is a big crop, a major source of food for the population as well as a raw material for the brewery industry in Rwanda. “That is why we are trying to come up with the right measures for its improved production” he emphasised.

    The three day conference recommended for introduction of improved banana genotypes, suitable implementation of integrated banana production methods, diversity of banana pests and diseases and promotion of appropriate methods and benefits of banana research for the farming community among many others.

  • Burundi ombudsman honors Rwandan 1994 genocide

    {The staff of Rwandan office of the ombudsman led by Dr.Tito Rutaremara have this morning led the newly elected Burundian Chief Ombudsman, Mohamed Rukara and other four delegates to Kigali Memorial site, Gisozi to pay tribute to the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi.}

    Speaking to {Igihe.com} shortly after the visit, the Director of Cabinet, office of the ombudsman of Burundi, Donavine Niyongabire said: “Actually we know all that happened to Rwanda since it’s our immediate neighbour but it’s really sad about the history and we don’t wish any other nation across the world to experience what happened in Rwanda. We can say; never again to Rwandan genocide.”

    The delegation is in Rwanda for a three-day study tour aimed at obtaining better information on dealing with injustices and ensuring sustainable development back in Burundi.

    “Since the Rwanda’s office of the Ombudsman is older and has better experience in dealing with injustices, we want to learn from them and do better when we return back home,” Niyongabire said.

    The group will also pay a call courtesy to MINALOC, Rwandan Chambers of Deputies and Senators, Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) and officials in the Rwandan office of the Ombudsman.

    The visit will end with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen ties between the two institutions in order to ensure justice and promote development in the two countries.

  • Burundian girl commits suicide over Rwandan lover

    {{Moments before her death on Tuesday 5th July Mika Kaneza announced on her face book status that her life was coming to an end. }}

    This terrible tragedy as she mentions in her status was caused by her love troubles with local RnB singer Ollili Oli.

    It is unknown whether this was just mere groupie love or a long time love affair but in the end it all went wrong for this Burundian girl who was pursuing her studies in the UK.

    Through the various comments and status’s updates on face book, her cyber activity evidently portrayed the profound obsession she had developed with Ollili Oli, the latter who was reported to be having an affair with another girl, Grace Buyoya the daughter of the former Burundian president.

    Reports of their intense rivalry and feud were the subject of many Burundian headlines which circulated on the internet.

    Ollili Olii, a Rwandan, was recently apprehended by the Burundian police for questioning on his affair with the daughter of the former president.

    The relationship between the two had somewhat turned into a public affair.

    After his detainment he later vowed never to return to the country due to his fear of the police.

    Kaneza Mika on the other hand seemed to be very well aware of the relationship that her lover was having with this other girl.

    She even went to extent confront him on facebook by questioning him on who he really loved.

    Following her death , Ollili responded to that terrible incident by saying that , he wished her well and that God be with her on a facebook comment.

  • Mother’s education vital for child survival- Report

    {A mother’s education is key in determining whether her children will survive their first five years of life.}

    In the 2011 Millennium Development Goals report, the highest levels of under-five mortality continue to be found in sub-SaharanAfrica, where one in eight children dies before the age of five.

    In all developing regions, children of mothers with some education are at less risk of dying.

    A child’s chances of surviving increase even further if their mother has a secondary or higher education.

    In addition to education, child survival rates can also be improved by increasing equity in other social services.

    Empowering women, removing financial and social barriers to welfare, encouraging innovations to make critical services more available to the poor and increasing the accountability of health systems at the local level are examples of policy interventions that could improve equity, with benefits for child survival.

    Despite substantial progress in reducing child deaths, children from rural households are still at a disadvantage, according to household survey data from 80 countries. This holds true for all developing countries.

    Disparities are most pronounced in Latin America and the Caribbean and in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia (excluding China), where overall child mortality is low.

    According to data from 66 countries, children from the poorest households are also at a disadvantage when it comes to surviving their first five years of life.

    In the developing countries as a whole, children from the poorest 20% of households have more than twice the risk of dying before their fifth birthday as children in the richest 20% of households.

    The greatest disparities are found in Latin America and the Caribbean and in Eastern and South Eastern Asia (excluding China), where the risk is nearly three times as high.

    Steady progress is being made in reducing child deaths. Globally, the mortality rate for children under five has declined by a third, from 89 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 60 in 2009. All countries, except sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Asia and Oceania, have seen reductions of at least 50 per cent.

    Despite population growth, the number of deaths in children under five worldwide declined from 12.4 million in 1990 to 8.1 million in 2009, which translates into nearly 12,000 fewer children dying each day.

    The greatest success is found in Northern Africa and Eastern Asia, where under-five mortality declined by 68 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively.

    Among countries with high under-five mortality (above 40 deaths per 1,000 live births), 10 countries reduced their rates by at least half.

    Among them, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Nepal and TimorLeste recorded a 60 per cent drop or more.

    The highest levels of under-five mortality continue to be found in sub-Saharan Africa, where one in eight children die before the age of five (129 deaths per 1,000 live births), nearly twice the average in developing regions overall and around 18 times the average in developed regions.

    With rapid progress in other regions, the disparities between them and sub-Saharan Africa have widened. Southern Asia has the second highest rate—69 deaths per 1,000 live births or about one child in 14.

    All of the 31 countries with under-five mortality of at least 100 deaths per 1,000 live births, except Afghanistan, are in sub-Saharan Africa.

    At the same time, major inroads are being made. Four of the ten countries with more than a 50 per cent reduction in child deaths between 1990 and 2009 are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Furthermore, five of the six countries with a reduction of more than 100 deaths per 1,000 live births are in this region.

    Increasing evidence suggests that the MDG target can be reached, but only with substantial and accelerated action to eliminate the leading killers of children.

    In sub-Saharan Africa, diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia are responsible for more than half the deaths of children under five.

    In Southern Asia, over half of all childhood deaths occur in the first 28 days after birth, pointing to the need for better post-natal care. In both regions, under nutrition is an underlying cause of a third of these deaths.

    Special efforts to fight pneumonia, diarrhea and malaria, while bolstering nutrition, could save the lives of millions of children.

    The Millennium Development Goals report is based on a master set of data compiled by an Inter-agency and Expert Group on MDG Indicators led by the Department of Economic and Social affairs of the United Nations Secretariat, in response to the wishes of the General assembly for periodic assessment of progress towards the MDGs.

    The Group comprises representatives of the international organizations whose activities include the preparation of one or more of the series of statistical indicators that were identified as appropriate for monitoring progress towards the MDGs.

  • Guma Guma super star on its end

    By Diana Mutimura

    {If you complain that Rwandan artists do not play live music, you must have got the satisfaction over the weekend at Gikondo Expo show ground- the Primus Guma Guma live concert.}

    Being one of the first evictions among the competitors, every performer had to give it their greatest, and give their chances of taking home the top spot.

    However, in the Saturday’s concert the first three had to leave the competition because they had received few votes from the public, though they walked out with Frw200,000 consolation each.

    Mani Martin Faycal and Dr. Claude were the ones whose luck of continuing the battle ended last night but this did not mean that they don’t qualify to be the among the famous artists we have in our country.

    During the show the first top seven artists; Tom Close, Dream Boyz, Urban Boyz, Rafiki, Jay Polly, Rider man and King James were first announced before they started their second show.

    The three artists who were evicted because of getting few votes from the public were given the microphone to have few words to tell their fans. And all grateful to their supporters and even promised them to continue doing their best.

    “What I can tell my fans is that I will continue working hard and give my best to you all my fans and I don’t think it is the end of it.”

    “Through you I am optimistic that I will reach very far,” Mani Martin said after being announced among the evicted competitors.

    Faycal said, “I came in this competition when I was hardly known to the public and being out of it first, hasn’t surprised me because of lack of enough public support.

    “But I am very grateful to Bralirwa that organized the competition because I have managed to capture some public support though I were unable get enough votes”.

    Dr. Claude said he does not regret being in Primus guma guma super star. “Even if I am out, it does not stop me from singing and going high. Besides, it was not my chance to win but I’ll continue with my career of singing”.

    Even if these famous artists did not manage to complete the competition, they were very happy for other candidates that remained in the completion and they did this by putting a stunning performance to wish them good luck.

    July 14 among the seven participants that qualified, three will be eliminated paving way for the best four that will perform at grand finals with the international artist Sean Kingston on July 30, at Amahoro National Stadium.

    Mushyoma Joseph aka Boubou, managing director of East African Promoters said that the winner on July 30 will record a song in USA and scoop Frw 6 million Prize.

    The East African Promoters in partnership with Brarirwa sponsored the Guma Guma Primus super star concert.

  • New Business initiative to promote Rwanda’s Young Entrepreneurs

    {{Rwanda’s Junior Chamber International (JCI) organizers for Terimbere Business Plan Competition have advised the youth to continue sending their business proposals before end of August.}}

    The business competition which was initiated by the JIC- Rwanda Chapter in collaboration with stakeholders aims at promoting private entrepreneurship, with emphasis on business proposals showing viable employment opportunities.

    According to Fabrice Shema Ngoga, the JCI World Assign in charge of Africa and Middle-East, the business proposals show a reasonable sustainability for at least more than three years.

    He explains that application forms are currently available from JCI’s website www.jci/cc/local/rwanda then the filled forms can be sent to terimberechallenge@gmail.com.

    He, however, explained to {igihe.com} that applications will be obtained from those that want to improve their business ventures and those willing to start new viable ones and that those interested are only allowed to send one business proposal.

    “Even those who are in groups will be required to nominate a representative who will defend their single business plan,” he stressed.

    JCI’s executive secretary in Rwanda, Albert Nzamukwereka was quick to clarify on how the selection process will be conducted: “Those nominated will be taught how to professionally write business proposals by mentors that will also advise on the execution process,”.

    After the second phase, all nominees will defend their business proposals before a panel of judges most of whom are foreigners.

    Applicants are therefore obliged to draft their proposals in international renowned languages such as French and English.

    Ngoga also pointed out that those in the second phase have high chances of proceeding with their business whether they are chosen or not since at that stage their proposals will be financially viable to attract credits from banks.

    The winners at the competitions will be given loans ranging from US$ 5,000 to US$1 million.

    “Some amount will also be given to winners as an appreciation.” Ngoga said without specifying the amount.

    JCI is an international business initiative that currently has a membership of 200,000 people from 120 countries.

    Members are composed of young entrepreneurs, professionals and university students who are ambitious towards improving their lives and the community at large.

  • Mrs. Kagame in Uganda

    {{The First Lady of Rwanda Mrs. Jeannette Kagame has visited the St. Mary’s Namagunga Girls school accompanied by her host, the First Lady of Uganda, Mrs. Janet Museveni}}.

    Mrs. Kagame is on a 3-day private visit to Uganda.

    Namagunga Girls, established in 1942, is known for its stellar academic performance and is one of the best girls’ schools in Uganda.

    While at the school, the Ladies took a tour of the school, each planted a tree and later spoke to over 700 secondary school girls.

    The day ended with a lively interactive session between the girls and the First Ladies, where the girls heard inspiring words, in response to their questions that ranged from gender to music.

    In her message, Mrs. Kagame encouraged the girls to have a clear vision and know where they want to go.

    She also cautioned them that HIV/AIDS has no face, anyone can transmit it; she advised them not to diagnose it with a naked eye and always protect themselves.

    She reminded the girls to be confident and dignified; to hold on to strong values and make the most of the education they are receiving.

    She concluded by saying, “You are what you have been waiting for, your generation holds the promise of so many bright futures, if only you will open your minds to the possibilities and let your light shine.”

    Mrs. Museveni, whose daughters attended Namagunga Girls, noted how delighted she was whenever an opportunity arose for her to speak to young girls especially about HIV/AIDS.

    She advised the girls to be part of the youth that contributes to an HIV free generation. She thanked Mrs. Kagame for coming to Uganda and for creating an opportunity to visit Namagunga school.

    The First Ladies also toured the Igongo Cultural Centre in Mbarara district the day before. The centre promotes regional understanding through cultural exchange.

    The centre consists of a cultural village and a museum that showcases the rich culture of Western Uganda.

    These activities were part of Mrs. Kagame’s 3-day private visit to Uganda. The First Ladies were accompanied by Ugandan Minister in the Office of the President, Mrs. Kabakumba Matsiko and Rwandan Minister of Gender Mrs. Aloisea Inyumba.