Their dismissal has been announced through a communiqué released by the Office of Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente on Monday 10th October 2022.
The sacked executives include the Acting Director General, Eng. Deo Muvunyi; Pearl Uwera, Senior Manager in Charge of Finance and Fabian Rwabizi, Senior Manager in Charge of Human Resource and Administration.
Eng. Muvunyi was named the Acting Director General of RURA replacing Dr. Nsabimana who had been appointed as the Minister of Infrastructure.
Eng. Muvunyi was appointed to the position on 16th February this year.
Prior to that, he had been serving as the Senior Manager in charge of Transport Planning and Industry Development at RURA since 2004.
Eng. Muvunyi studied Civil Engineering at the former Kigali Institution of Science and Technology (KIST), now University of Rwanda (UR) – College of Science and Technology and obtained a Masters from the University of Technology, Malaysia
The average price was set at US$6.1/kg with major destinations being the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), New Zealand, Belgium, and South Korea.
The revenues increased from coffee exports is relatively high compared to previous weeks where Rwanda earned US$4,089,844 from coffee exported in the week which ended on 26th September and US$3,314,427$ from the week that which ended on 3rd October this year.
Coffee export volumes also varied from 702 tons, 432 tons and 1465 tons respectively over the past three weeks.
Last week’s coffee was however sold at a lower price compared to the unit price of US$7.6/Kg in the previous week.
The National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) has attributed the increase in coffee exports and revenues to expanded markets.
In the same week, Rwanda generated US$897,407$ from 311.7 tons of tea. Main destinations include Pakistan, the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan.
The country also earned US$679,252 from 487 tons of horticultural exports (fruits, vegetables and flowers) with the main countries of destination including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and DRC.
Meanwhile, animal products, cereals and flour generated US$239,771; US$1,013,591 while roots and tubers generated US$236,156.
The day celebrated on 9th October, marks the moment when Uganda gained independence from the United Kingdom. On this day in 1962, the British government named Uganda a free state among the international community.
The ceremony took place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, the capital of Uganda.
It was also attended by heads of state including the President of Kenya, William Ruto; Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi; Ali Hassan of Zanzibar; Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was represented by the Deputy Prime Minister in Charge of Public Service, Jean-Pierre Lihau Ebua.
Minister Nshuti attended the ceremony along with Rwanda’s Ambassador to Uganda, Col Joseph Rutabana.
He presented greetings from President Kagame and Rwandans, congratulated Ugandans upon reaching the independence milestone and assured Ugandans of stronger cooperation to meet both countries’ shared vision.
The ceremony was also marked by military parade among other activities showcasing Uganda’s identity.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) says that an audit indicated that these traders were undeservingly paid at least Rwf22.3 billion in compensation.
Concerned traders include those who had factories in Gikondo wetland that were relocated to the Special Economic Zone in Masoro, Gasabo District.
The relocation began in 2013 to restore the wetland into a green space with different attractive features.
It was due to be completed in 2016 but delayed as it required a huge budget.
In 2018, MINICOM announced that Rwf30 billion was needed for expropriation of businesses in the area.
However, the cabinet meeting held on July 29, 2022, resolved that the compensation given to traders with businesses in Gikondo Industrial Park should be returned to the public treasury.
That decision was based on Law No. 27/2021 of June 10, 2021 governing land in Rwanda, in its article 33, which states that wetlands belong to the state.
As it goes, it cannot be given to individuals and no one can be granted ownership because they have exploited it for long.
IGIHE has learnt from one of traders who received a letter requesting a refund of Rwf507 to the national coffer.
The letter reads that MINICOM is ready to discuss with the trader on payment methods and deadlines.
The money must be deposited to a designated account in the National Bank of Rwanda.
The Director General of MINICOM in charge of Promotion and Entrepreneurship Development, Evalde Mulindankaka, recently told IGIHE that the traders did not deserve compensation because they had set up factories in a wetland.
“As of today, we have written to individuals or companies amounting to 47. Through the letter, everyone was informed of the amount of money to be returned to the national treasury, and given chance to discuss different recovery alternatives with the government,” he said.
“It is clear that some of concerned traders might not have the full amount of money at once. We will possibly agree on deadlines for payments after engaging with them,” added Mulindankaka.
He explained that it is the reason why payments in installments was considered.
“We engaged with them before sending the letters. Some of them might refund the money without negotiations but others will possibly require discussions. Letters were only sent to those who were already compensated but there are others who did not receive compensation. So, it coincided with the assessment to establish whether their businesses were operating in a wetland or not. Such traders need to understand that they can’t be compensated but keeps the burden of refunding at bay,” noted Mulindankaka.
Karasira who once served as a lecturer at the University of Rwanda, made the objections as he appeared before Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on Friday 7th October 2022.
The Prosecution alleged that Karasira aired talk shows on YouTube denying the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The talk shows were aired on his own YouTube channel ‘Ukuri Mbona’ and Umurabyo TV owned by Agnès Uwimana Nkusi.
The Prosecution maintained that Karasira committed the crime of Genocide denial through pronounced statements that it was not prepared, justifying that RPA Inkotanyi’s mission was not to stop Genocide against the Tutsi.
Among others, the Prosecution alleged that Karasira defended the existence of double statements; one from the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG) and IBUKA, umbrella organization of Genocide survivors indicating that the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was prepared since 1959 and another side of the international court that no one was convicted of preparations of Genocide.
The Prosecution also accused him of having featured in a talk show on 21st May 2021 where he declared that Kabuga was hunted because he refused to pay contributions to RPF instead of distributing machetes.
It was also alleged that Karasira defended the shooting of Habyarima’s plane as the trigger of the Genocide, highlighting that victims were killed because their children or relatives had joined an army formed by a subversive group.
The statement was made through a talk show aired on Umurabyo TV and Ukuri Mbona.
Karasira was also accused of inciting ethnic divisionism through talk shows aired on the two aforementioned YouTube channels and Pax TV.
The Prosecution alleged that the YouTuber knows himself that he disseminated false information using electronic means.
The false information includes statements that Rujugiro was not rewarded for supporting the government, that top military leaders came from Uganda among others.
After presenting evidences; the defence lawyer of Karasira, Gatera Gashabana requested floor for his client to make clarifications on health issues that would help the court understand deeply the origin of allegations against him.
Karasira who was seated on a bench due to health problems, said that he was not ready to stand trial noting that he should have been consulted before providing room for evidences.
The court reminded Karasira that the trial was also adjourned to allow enough time for preparations and requested him to specify the time he needs.
The accused said that he suffered from diabetes where his health conditions do not allow him to prepare for trial.
Karasira complained that he is always notified of his trial one day before yet he should be informed two weeks before.
He requested medical care before standing trial.
On the Prosecution’s concerns that he pushes the trial for no reasons, Karasira said that he is willing to be tried but in sound health.
“I am always brought before court forcibly, against my will,” he said.
Karasira said that he also has trauma that he has not yet received treatment for mental illness since he was arrested.
He has been detained since 30th June 2021.
Karasira explained that he suffers from serious consequences of the Genocide with recurrent trauma during trial preparations.
He requested to get medical attention at Médecins Sans Frontières, noting that doctors who attended to him previously did not consider the root cause of his conditions.
Karasira revealed that they did not provide treatment for effects related to alcoholic drinks or bad dreams.
The YouTuber explained that all his conditions are related to effects of the Genocide where he needs therapy treatment.
The accused and his defence lawyer asked the court to adjourn the trial and be given enough time for preparations that would also serve as an opportunity for Karasira to meet with doctors.
The court postponed the trial to 18th November 2022 maintaining that further excuses won’t be accepted.
The overall objective of this programme is to consolidate the sustainable agricultural transformation in Rwanda, by (i) fostering Rwanda’s agricultural transition to socially and environmentally inclusive food systems and (ii) ensuring Rwanda’s environmental and climate sustainability. The project will contribute to Rwanda’s Nationally Determined Contributions objective on climate adaptation.
The programme also encompasses a Team Europe Initiative on ‘Sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation’, built around the construction and development of the Kigali Wholesale market and related markets in secondary cities, as central components of highly productive and inclusive value chains.
Commenting on the development, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana noted: “The financial support we just signed today is a timely contribution to our National Strategy for Transformation for modernization and strengthening the productivity of agriculture and livestock while promoting sustainable management of the environment and natural resources to transition Rwanda towards a Green Economy.”
EU designate Ambassador, Belen Calvo Uyarra also reaffirmed the good cooperation between Rwanda and the EU.
“The European Union has a long standing partnership with Rwanda and we are proud to be one of the key partners in the country’s path to sustainable development. With this strategy we renew the EU’s commitment to support pro-poor, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, by focusing on a green deal for agricultural transformation and achieving Rwanda’s climate adaptation goals,” he said.
The three-year Financing Agreement will reinforce Rwanda-EU bilateral cooperation and advance on common interests. The new cooperation will be implemented under budget support-sector reform contract and complementary support.
{{Budget support-sector reform contract (€52 million):}} The Budget support, via its performance indicators, will target progress achieved on farmer’s incomes and better services delivery to farmers at local level including land husbandry and climate-smart agricultural practices with a focus on agroforestry and landscape restoration.
{{Complementary support (€ 17 million):}} The complementary support encompasses a Team Europe Initiative component to support inclusive and sustainable high-value chains (horticulture and aquaculture) via a Contribution agreement with the Belgian Development Agency-Enabel, (€ 10 million) as well as Technical assistance (€7 million) to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ministry of Environment and related agencies in the policy design, monitoring and implementation.
The dismissal has been announced through a communiqué released by the Office of Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente on Thursday 6th October 2022.
“Today, the 6th October 2022, His Excellency the President has removed Mr. Zephanie Niyonkuru from his duties as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Development Board [RDB] owing to repeated managerial failures,” reads the statement.
Niyonkuru had been appointed Deputy CEO of RDB in October 2019 replacing Emmanuel Hategeka who was assigned to represent Rwanda in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Before his appointment as Deputy RDB CEO, Niyonkuru had worked at the institution as a strategy expert.
Prior to joining RDB, Niyonkuru worked as a Country Representative for the USAID East Africa Trade and Investment Hub.
“Today in Kibugabuga, President Kagame received a US Congressional delegation at his farm. The delegation is led by Senator Jim Inhofe accompanied by Senator Mike Rounds and John Boozman.
“The trip to Rwanda is Senator Jim Inhofe’s last CODEL [Congressional Member Delegation] visit before his retirement. The cordial meeting discussed regional and global affairs and the existing bilateral relations between Rwanda and the United States,” reads the tweet.
Born in 1934, Jim Inhofe is a senator in US Congress who has been representing Oklahoma State.
Inhofe, 87, is the ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee and its past chairman. He served previously as chairman and ranking Republican of the Environment and Public Works Committee.
Inhofe recently announced that he would retire effective January 3, 2023, after 35 years in Congress and a career in politics spanning over 50 years.
On Thursday 15th September 2022, Rwanda’s Embassy in the United States hosted a breakfast at the US Capitol in appreciation of Senator Jim Inhofe’s career and friendship with Africa and Rwanda, in particular.
In a message he sent at the time, President Kagame commended Senator Jim Inhofe for his dedication to cement relations between Rwanda and the United States throughout his tenure as a senator in US Congress.
“We have watched you invest in learning about and understanding Rwanda and other African countries. We have also watched you educate your peers on the importance of Africa and countries like Rwanda as worthy global allies,” he said.
“You have shown that a productive relationship with the United States is mutually beneficial for our people and contributes to greater security and stronger economies,” added Kagame.
Speaking at the event, Senator Inhofe also appreciated the warm welcome he is always given whenever he travels to Rwanda.
The journalists include Jean Damascène Mutuyimana, Jean Baptiste Nshimiyimana and Schadrack Niyonsenga who were arrested in October 2018.
The High Court has said that the Prosecution did not present tangible evidences pinning them and ordered their immediate release.
“It was revealed that the Prosecution did not present tangible evidences on inciting public insurrection, and of spreading false information with intention to create hostile international opinion against Rwanda. None of them happened,” Jean Paul Ibambe, the defense lawyer of the three journalists has told IGIHE.
The Prosecution’s allegations are based on stories published on the journalists’ YouTube channel on attacks of FLN to Rwanda in 2018.
Ibambe has said that the journalists told the court that the attacks occurred where there are individuals convicted of involvement.
They have been detained for four years. Ibambe said that the trio has rights to appeal for compensation noting that their acquittal is what matters the most.
The situation in the country had worsened since October 2017 when armed extremists launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado Province of Mozambique.
Mozambique Defence Armed Forces battled the extremists but many civilians were killed and displaced by the fighting.
Before Rwandan troop’s intervention, terrorists had killed 3000 civilians while more than 800,000 were displaced. The insecurity had also put to halt all development projects in the area controlled by insurgents.
The joint operations between Rwandan and Mozambican troops yielded big where different regions were seized from rebels.
Rwandan Security Forces in Cabo Delgado are mainly renowned for bravery to quell terrorists but there many more areas in which they have intervened to ensure protected citizens have sound health.
In Rwanda, security forces are not only responsible for maintaining security and order but also involved in other areas of national development like health, education and construction among others.
This aspect was also considered during the deployment of troops in Cabo Delgado.
They were deployed along with colleagues from the medical regiment so that the Mozambicans in the war-torn areas, get medical care quickly.
IGIHE recently visited the field hospital of Rwanda Security Forces in Cabo Delgado, which serves as the referral health facility in the area for Rwandan, Mozambican troops and civilians as well.
It offers all the services one would access at a Rwandan hospitals including examination, medication, surgery, laboratories, a sickbay and more.
Major Dr. Jean Paul Shumbusho, the Head of Medical Services in Rwanda Security Forces deployed in Cabo Delgado, spoke to IGIHE a day after they started providing medical care to residents living far from the hospital.
Dr. Shumbusho said that they frequently conduct medical outreach programs because Cabo Delgado is a large province with a limited number of health facilities.
“We draw special emphasis on areas where most of the population has already returned but are still far from the roads and towns where they cannot access healthcare easily.
Those are the ones we often target to reduce long and exhausting daily walks and provide basic care as much as we can. Those who have not been treated are facilitated to reach the main hospital so that they can be properly treated,” he noted.
The Rwandan Security Forces offer treatment for free while the Government of Rwanda caters for the cost of equipment and medicines.
“We treat the people for free from the time we receive them, give them medicines, feed and clothe them until they go home, all free of charge. The cost is high but not as much as a person’s life,” said Dr. Shumbusho.
The hospital receives between 250 and 400 patients per month, excluding those treated in medical outreach activities. Among those treated, at least 35 underwent surgery.
Dr. Shumbusho said that Malaria comes first among the diseases affecting the residents of Cabo Delgado.
It can be linked to the fact that it is a province of mostly tropical forests, with low land near the sea.
“Malaria is the first disease that we frequently treat here. It is severe malaria that kills some patients if they do not get treatment on time, especially young children and pregnant women. That is why we focus on providing them with medicine, and educate them on prevention,” revealed Dr. Shumbusho.
As a war-tone area for four years, malnutrition-related diseases especially among young children are among the most common ones. It also stems from the fact that there is not much sanitation infrastructure in place.
Dr. Shumbusho said war-related diseases including trauma, emotional and physical injuries are among major problems.
“There are still many injuries, there are still many incidents related to explosive remnants of war and many people without this protection,”
{{Men are affected by orchitis}}
Dr. Shumbusho said that the majority of patients getting surgery are men who are suffering from orchitis, due to the nature of the area where they live.
Orchitis is the leakage of fluid between the two skins that cover the testicles. When there is water between them, whether it is more or less, it is called orchitis.
“We mostly conduct surgery for male reproductive health related diseases because they live in an area with several water bodies. There are parasitic worms that enter people’s bodies and reside in the men’s private parts because they don’t wear shoes or other protections. Those are the ones that require surgery the most. About 50% of the men coming to this facility suffer from such conditions,” affirmed Dr. Shumbusho.
The healthcare services provided by the Rwandan Security Forces to the residents of Cabo Delgado have been extremely appreciated that some mothers requested that their children be given Rwandan names after delivery.
“There are children we gave Rwandan names at the request of their parents as an appreciation to medical assistance offered to them. These include Ntwali, Mahirwe and Nkotanyi among others,” revealed Dr. Shumbusho.
Apart from treating patients, Rwandan Security Forces also provide support to other health facilities with shortage of medicines in Cabo Delgado.
