“Congratulations @trussliz on your election as Prime Minister of the UK. We look forward to further strengthening the existing close ties between the UK and Rwanda and wish you success,” Kagame tweeted.
On Tuesday 6th September 2022, Liz Truss was appointed Britain’s next prime minister by Queen Elizabeth II at the Balmoral estate in Scotland, shortly after Boris Johnson met the monarch to formally offer his resignation.
“The Queen received in Audience The Right Honourable Elizabeth Truss MP today and requested her to form a new Administration,” reads part of a statement released by Buckingham Palace.
“Ms Truss accepted Her Majesty’s offer and kissed hands upon her appointment as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury,” adds the statement.
Liz Truss, 47, becomes the 15th UK Prime Minister since Queen Elizabeth II was installed on the throne.
Liz Truss officially takes office one day after Britain’s conservative party’s members elected her as their leader in a tough race against Indian-origin former chancellor Rishi Sunak.
She replaces Boris Johnson who resigned in July this year.
Truss assumes office at time when the UK and Rwanda are working together to implement the Migration and Economic Development Partnership that will see migrants and asylum seekers staying in the country illegally deported to Rwanda.
The institution’s management appeared before the committee as the hearing from government institutions to provide explanations on mistakes pointed out by the Auditor General (AG)’s report in the fiscal year 2020/2021 began on Monday 5th September 2022.
The pieces of land in question were bought at Rwf137 billion. The AG report indicates that the land has been idle for ten years where RSSB spent more Rwf394 million on it.
The expenses include taxes and the cost associated with its management.
The Director General of RSSB, Regis Rugemanshuro has revealed that the institution bought the pieces of land for future use because the value of land increases overtime.
“The pieces of land were bought for future projects. If the land is not bought early for future use, planning to build houses in the next 15 years would not be lucrative enough. However, buying the land earlier helps to mitigate risks of high cost it in the future,” he said.
The Chairperson of PAC, Valens Muhakwa questioned RSSB’s decision to buy plots of land without a clear plan for development.
“The institution should be far-sighted. You have the land but don’t know how it will be exploited. This is the problem being discussed. This is done by citizens trying to secure the future. Should RSSB be in a land banking race with citizens?”
Reacting to the concern, Rugemanshuro said: “What you say is true. There was no plan for all bought plots of land to determine whether they will be developed for business or something else. However, considering designed master plans, RSSB bought them in strategic locations ideal for different activities. In some instances, we handed over some plots of land unsuitable for our study plan.”
Parliamentarian (MP), Jean René Niyorurema also wondered how the institution can buy the land to be kept for 10 years yet the government informs the general public that those whose land remains undeveloped will be confiscated as per legal provisions.
“Keeping the land is not the sole plan. We also work with available investors willing to develop the land. Besides, we buy new land for clear reasons,” replied Rugemanshuro.
MP Jean Claude Ntezimana maintained that buying land before prices go high is not a bad idea but insisted that RSSB has what it takes to obtain information regarding the master plan for a particular area.
“For instance, you push forward public interest reasons while expropriating residents in Kiyovu cy’Abakene. It becomes meaningless for a citizen who passes by the area and realizes that the land is still idle. You have to buy pieces of land knowing better that you won’t face losses,” he said.
MP Christine Bakundufite said that RSSB was wrong to consider the Rwf137 billion worth land project because ‘it would have generated profits from other businesses’.
“This report shows that you have spent Rwf394 million. The longer it takes to develop the land, the more you increase losses,” she said.
PAC also indicated that the land owned by RSSB across the country is exploited at 3%.
RSSB explained that efforts are underway to set out a clear plan with which specific projects suitable for these pieces of land and their implementation timeframe will be determined not later than 2023 to develop the land in line with national development blueprint.
The institution also revealed that its land located in areas where the projects cannot materialize will be sold.
The building is part of ‘Amarembo City Center’, a large project comprised of architectural marvels expected to make the city’s skyline richer and more colourful.
The structures will be erected at former premises of Akagera Motors, Ets. Verma, Mironko and Mukangira between Kigali City Mall (former Union Trade Center) and Kigali City Tower.
Amarembo will be comprised of buildings extended on 120,000 square meters.
Despite the delay in other buildings under this project, the construction of Nobelia Tower is underway.
It is expected that Nobelia Tower project will be comprised of water-efficient green buildings using renewable energy.
The 19-floor building will be extended on 11 469 square meters of which 9,284 will be dedicated for businesses. It will have offices to let, commercial buildings and restaurants among others.
The project’s design was produced by a Spanish company dubbed Carlos Arroyo Architects. The company has executed different mega construction projects in Belgium, France, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Its principal, Carlos Arroyo is among expert architects in Europe. He served as a lecturer at different universities including Princeton SOA, Boston MIT, Berlin TU, Bauhaus, Politecnico di Milano, Paris ENSAPLV and Tokyo University. He currently teaches at the Universidad Europea de Madrid, where he is Academic Curator of the Master in Architecture.
HABI Ltd, an investor running Nobelia Tower project began construction activities in June 2022 while design phase commenced in 2014 and was completed in October 2015.
Green by Design, a US based company offering consultancy services in large, sustainable and green construction projects was also involved from conceptualisation through every phase of the design to ensure the facility meets all standards.
After completing the design concept, Nobelia Tower was rated as a six-star green building making it the first of its kind to receive the rating in East Africa.
Some of aspects considered for a building to be classified among six-star facilities include the source of energy, construction materials, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system and water and waste recycling among others.
A building receives a six-star grading if the average of points given to all features ranges between 70 and 100%.
This is the case for Nobelia Tower. It will be comprised of water-efficient green buildings using renewable energy.
It also has a sophisticated HVAC system had to be incorporated to dehumidify the fresh air, which will be distributed through hollow-core floor slabs, where the air is fed at floor level, displacing the air in the room and extracting it at ceiling level.
The building’s solar panels will also have the capacity to generate 198 804 kWh per annum.
Among others, onsite waste management needed to address as all organic waste will be used to create compost onsite. It is an addition to an onsite water treatment system expected to result in a 90% total reduction of water discharge.
As the project’s design was released; Eudes Kayumba, the Chairperson of Green Building Council of Rwanda said that Nobelia Office Tower would be used as ‘the benchmark for all future green buildings in Rwanda and the Central East African region’.
Figures from the ministry show that disasters occasioned by rain from 15th August 2022, injured 36 people, destroyed 100 houses and ravaged 142 hectares of arable land.
Rwanda Meteorology Agency (Mateo Rwanda) recently predicted average rainfall in all districts of Eastern Province between 200 and 300 millimeters.
Meanwhile, the rain between 300 and 400 millimeters is expected in different districts of Northern Province.
Heavy rainfall between 400 and 500 millimeters is forecasted in different parts of Musanze District and the north-west of Burera District. The heavy rain is also predicted in many districts of Western Province excluding Ngororero.
Appearing in RBA talk show on Sunday 4th September 2022; the Permanent Secretary at MINEMA, Philippe Habinshuti urged the general public to own disaster-prevention measures.
He reminded them that dealing with effects of disasters in more costly than prevention and reminisced on incurred loss where the government of Rwanda has injected Rwf10 billion in projects to build 12,500 houses for disaster-hit citizens.
Habinshuti explained that tightening a roof can cost Rwf10,000 yet a replacement takes between Rwf300,000 and Rwf400,000.
“We must expend much effort in disaster prevention instead of folding arms until a house collapses. When anti-erosion measures are not considered while building a bridge, it is likely to be destroyed. We encourage citizens to tighten roofs, build strong foundations lest water penetrate through walls and relocate from high risk zones,” he said.
The development was announced during a two-day retreat that brought together members of Rotary Club Virunga in Bugesera District over the last weekend. It was chaired by Prof Geoffrey Rugege, the new club’s President installed recently in July 2022.
Prof. Rugege who is in retirement life, previously served as the Vice Chancellor of the African Leadership University (ALU). He has been a member of Rotary Club for 50 years since 1972.
Established 118 years ago, Rotary International is an organization purposed to bring together businesses and professionals to provide humanitarian services and providing support in addressing problems facing the world by combating illiteracy and poverty, contributing to the provision of safe water, handling disputes, environmental and prevention fighting diseases and do lots of projects geared towards community development.
Participants of the retreat discussed issues including a blueprint of strategies for the year 2022/2023 with a focus on the recruitment of new members and expansion of development projects in Rwanda.
Dr. Jean D’Amour Manirere, the Assistant Governor of Rotary Club District 9150 in Rwanda who is also a member of Rotary Club Musanze-Murera and the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi were among other participants who delivered talks.
Akamanzi said that she learnt a lot about the values of Rotary during the retreat and pledged to share them with her colleagues at work. She underscored that the Rotary values should be part of every civil servant’s values.
Akamanzi also assured support and collaboration with Rotary Club on strategies aimed at fostering development of the community.
Masterjerb Paul Birungi, the former Assistant Governor of Rotary Club District 9150 in Rwanda in 2017/2018 and member of Rotary Club Kigali-Virunga said that they have recruited quite a good number of members this year and expressed optimism that other individuals will join gradually to extend the club’s impact.
“Early this year, we recruited 15 new members in our club. It is a great milestone to get the members who currently hold various government and private sector high positions. This gives us hope that many more members will join this club,” he said.
Masterjerb Paul Birungi disclosed that Rotary Club in Rwanda seeks to open as many as possible clubs so that Rwanda can become among Districts of Rotary International.
Members of Rotary Club Kigali-Virunga who have so far increased from 35 to 50, are very focused towards achieving envisioned objectives.
As per regulations governing the organization, a country with 40 clubs can be promoted to a district level with a requirement to reach the threshold of 80 clubs within a span of two years.
Today, Rwanda has 10 Rotary Clubs with plans to open news ones in all the 30 districts before the end of this year. If everything goes well, this year might leave Rwanda hitting the number of 40 clubs.
“We want to change Rwanda’s status to a district level, which will help us roll out more development activities to our citizens because Rotary International has a handsome amount of money allocated for community development,” noted PADG Paul Birungi.
In the mid of this week, new Rotarians who were not able to attend the Retreat held in Bugesera were inducted. These include; Arthur Asiimwe- the CEO of RBA; Andre Kulayigye – the CEO of Britam insurance; Judge Kadigwa Laurien -High Court Judge; Daniel Okechukwu – Rwanda-Country Representative of GGGI and John Gatebera- CEO of DSPA ( a security company for for Fire prevention, Alert&Fighting).
Rwanda has ten clubs including Rotary Club Kigali Mont Jali, Musanze-Murera, Rotary Club Kalisimbi, Rotary Club Kigali Virunga, Rotary Club Kigali Doyen, Rotary Club Gasabo, Rotary Club Seniors, Rotary club Kivu Lake, Rotary club Butare.
Rotary Club District 9150 is comprised of ten countries including Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroun, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Central African Republic, Tchad and Sao Tomé-et-Principe.
Rotary Clubs in Rwanda will focus on different areas of community development namely; Basic Education and Literacy, Environment protection, Peace and Conflict resolution, Child and Maternal Health, Disease Prevention, Water and Sanitation as well as Community Economic Development.
“We therefore, all look forward to join our efforts, men and women of good will and big hearts to impact on our Rwandan community through Rotary international aspirations,” PADG Birungi underscored.
In mid-June, the first flight to deport migrants and asylum seekers staying illegally in the UK to Rwanda was cancelled few hours before taking off.
After the judgment from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), passengers were removed from the plane which had to take off on Tuesday 14th June 2022 at 11:30 p.m. of Kigali Time.
The human rights court said that it had suspended the deportation of one migrant from Iraq who was onboard the plane.
It also maintained that UK must wait for the final judgment before further action.
On Friday 2nd September 2022, Priti Patel held a phone conversation with Minister Biruta which revolved around the commitment to implement the policy.
“Always a pleasure to speak to my counterpart in Rwanda Vincent Biruta. On a call, we discussed our countries’ steadfast commitment to the Migration and Economic Development Partnership. Rwanda and UK stand together in promoting a fairer, more effective global asylum system and we won’t be deterred,” Patel tweeted.
Their discussions took place few days before courts reassess the deportation of migrants and asylum seekers from UK to Rwanda.
The High Court in UK will hear objections against the plan next week. However, the country asserts that the policy will discourage migrants from seeking refuge in UK.
Through the deal signed this year, the UK will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Following the last minute cancellation of the first flight; the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda, Yolande Makolo said that Rwanda remains committed to welcome the migrants when they arrive.
“We are not deterred by these developments. Rwanda remains fully committed to making this partnership work. The current situation of people making dangerous journeys cannot continue as it is causing untold suffering to so many. Rwanda stands ready to receive the migrants when they do arrive and offer them safety and opportunity in our country,” she said.
At the time, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said that she was “disappointed” but added that preparation for the next flight continues.
“I have always said this policy will not be easy to deliver and am disappointed that legal challenge and last-minute claims have meant today’s flight was unable to depart,” she said. “We will not be deterred from doing the right thing and delivering our plans to control our nation’s borders. Our legal teams are reviewing every decision made on this flight and preparations for the next flight begins now,” added Patel.
Melodie was arrested around 4:00 p.m. upon arrival in Bujumbura City on 31st August 2022.
His arrest was also confirmed by Burundi’s Ministry of Interior, Community Development and Public Security on the same day which indicated that he was held in custody for investigation over swindling.
Sources revealed that Melodie was taken into Police custody as soon as he left the airport for interrogation on the accusations filed by a man identified as Toussaint who had invited him to stage a concert in 2018.
The artiste had to perform in Burundi on 25th December 2018 but missed out. Later on, it was reported that the organizer asked for reimbursement.
As he was arrested in Burundi this week, sources reveal, the man demanded Bruce Melodie to refund the advance of US$2000 he had paid him out of US$6 million contract to stage a concert and provide 30 million Burundian Francs in compensation of incurred losses.
It is said that Melodie paid the money but was obliged to pay more Rwf12 million which he did and released to proceed with concerts on last minute.
Melodie was released in the evening of Friday 2nd September 2022.
The annual baby mountain gorilla naming ceremony locally known as ‘Kwita Izina’ is the first held in person since 2019 following the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic.
Today’s ceremony which took place at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park marked the 18th edition of the international conservation event held in Rwanda.
It brought together global leaders, philanthropists, conservation champions as well as sports, music and fashion stars among the distinguished guests given the honour of naming a baby mountain gorilla.
Since the naming ceremony began in 2005, 354 baby gorillas have been given names. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is steadily increasing.
The 20 baby gorillas named are members of the Noheli, Musilikali, Ntambara, Mutobo, Igisha, Susa, Kureba, Pablo, Sabyinyo, Muhoza, Amahoro, and Hirwa families.
Figures from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicate that visitors of Volcanoes National Park have been steadily increasing, hence contributing to the tourism sector at large.
In the past six months of 2022, the park generated US$11 million from US$6 million and US$5.9 of 2021 and 2020 respectively. Before the outset ofCOVID-19 in 2019, the park had generated US$21.9 million.
Despite adverse effects of COVID-19, Rwanda’s efforts to promote tourism have seen revenues increasing steadily following the drop by 70% owing to effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, Rwanda registered an increase by 25% in tourism revenues reaching US$164 million up from US$131 million of 2020. In 2019, the country had generated US$498 million from tourism.
The Prince of Whales, Charles was among namers but attended the event virtually.
Other namers at today’s Kwita Izina include Louise Mushikiwabo, the Secretary-General of Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF); football legend Didier Drogba; Salima Mukansanga, an International Football Referee; Sauti Sol musical band and Sir Ian Clark Wood, Chairman of The Wood Foundation among others.
Kwita Izina 2022 was also attended by diplomats accredited to Rwanda and top government officials including Premier, Dr. Edouard Ngirente as the guest of honour who was joined by the First Lady of Rwanda, Mrs Jeannette Kagame.
Premier Ngirente who represented the Head of State commended all participants of the event and extended appreciation to residents in the outskirts of national parks for being good conservation partners.
“The act of giving a name to baby gorillas is a symbol of Rwanda’s commitment to these majestic animals, and our belief in the power of nature to be a force for socio-economic transformation. Today, Rwanda is home to one third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas and the population is increasing every year,” he said.
“Our natural ecosystems and national parks represent an important natural and cultural heritage that we hold in trust for future generations. Our key challenge now, and in the future, is to sustain and maintain these natural ecosystems,” added Premier Ngirente.
Since 2005, the Government of Rwanda initiated the Tourism Revenue Sharing Programme which aims at guiding investment in the areas surrounding the various national parks in Rwanda by ensuring that a portion of all park revenues is given back to the communities.
In 2017, the percentage allocated for community projects increased from 5% to 10%.
Premier Ngirente has also disclosed a project under consideration to expand Volcanoes National Park is expected to increase the portion of revenues distributed among residents.
He also requested namers and guests who joined Rwanda at the event to continue advocating for intensified efforts to promote conservation.
During her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, Clare Akamanzi noted: “In Rwanda, we have witnessed the benefits of deliberate, consistent and comprehensive conservation by the Government of Rwanda, and our valuable conservation partners. In our recent census, the mountain gorilla population had grown by 26% over 6 years. The 20 baby gorillas we have given names to today add to that sustainable future. And the presence of all of you today individually and collectively help to secure their future.”
{{2022 Kwita Izina Gorilla Babies and Namers}}
{{Ubwuzuzanye – ‘Harmony’}}
This baby was born on 29 April 2022 to Agasaro of the Muhoza family of mountain gorillas and was named by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. The name was chosen to raise awareness of the need for humanity to come together as one to protect our environment and achieve sustainable development.
{{Kwibohora – ‘Liberation’}}
Born on 15 September 2021 to Ubuntu of the Igisha family of mountain gorillas, this baby was given a name by international football referee Salima Mukansanga. The name was chosen to highlight the role liberation has played in conservation as a foundation of sustainable tourism and development.
{{Nyirindekwe – ‘Protector’}}
This male baby gorilla was born on 21 January 2022 and was named by Stewart Maginnis, the Deputy Director General of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The name was chosen to celebrate the protective nature of the mountain gorillas, and their role as guardians of their forest habitat.
{{Imbaduko – ‘Vivacity’}}
Akamaro’s daughter from the Kureba family of mountain gorillas was born on 12 October last year and was named by Professional Racing Driver and Presenter, Naomi Schiff. The name was chosen to celebrate the unwavering commitment of the Rwandan people to the protection of the mountain gorillas.
{{Ubusugire – ‘Integrity’}}
This new addition to the Pablo mountain gorilla family was born on 9 December 2021 and was given a name by Sir Ian Clark Wood, KT, GBE, Chairman of The Wood Foundation. The name was chosen to celebrate the efforts of communities and conservationists to protect and ensure the integrity of Rwanda’s biodiverse national parks.
{{Intare – ‘Lion’}}
Named after the Chairman of the Rwanda Development Board, Itzhak Fisher’s Father-in-Law, a Holocaust survivor who was called Leo, which means lion, this male baby gorilla was born on 1 August 2022 and is a new member of the Hirwa family. The name was also chosen by Itzhak Fisher to recognise an important conservation milestone in Rwanda, the successful reintroduction of lions in Akagera National Park.
{{Ubwitange – ‘Sacrifice’}}
This name was given to Nsanganira’s son of the Ntambara family of mountain gorillas by Philanthropist and Entrepreneur, Dr. Cindy Descalzi Pereira and chosen to recognize the selflessness and dedication of park staff, local communities and conservation partners to the conservation of biodiversity.
{{Ruragendwa – ‘Hospitable’}}
The Board Director, Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Group South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, Thomas Milz gave this name to a male baby mountain gorilla from the Noheli family that was chosen to recognize the welcoming nature of Rwandans, and the famous Rwandan hospitality visitors enjoy when visiting the country.
{{Ihuriro – ‘Hub’}}
Umutuzo’s son that was born in May this year was given this name by legendary Senegalese musician, Youssou N’Dour. The name was chosen to showcase Rwanda as a vibrant hub for music, fashion and culture, as well as eco-tourism and investment.
{{Ikuzo – ‘Admirable’}}
Umwe’s daughter from the Noheli family was given this name by Paris Saint-Germain football legend, Juan Pablo Sorin to recognise the admirable and noble nature of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. She was born on 13 December 2021.
{{Indatezuka – ‘Resilient’}}
This name was chosen to highlight the resilience of the Rwandan people and the protection of the country’s biodiversity. It was given to Igitangaza’s daughter of the Mutobo group of mountain gorillas by the Chief Executive Officer of the African Wildlife Foundation, Kaddu Sebunya. The baby gorilla was born on 13 September 2021.
{{Turikumwe – ‘We Are Together’}}
The Secretary General of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, had the honour of giving this name to a newborn baby gorilla from the Ntambara family to highlight the importance of working together to achieve successful conservation outcomes, and to recognise the many partners who contribute to protecting the mountain gorillas.
{{Igicumbi – ‘Sanctuary’}}
Veterinarian and Television Presenter, Dr Evan Antin gave this name to a baby mountain gorilla from the Susa family. It is a name that celebrates Rwanda’s protected areas as sanctuaries of rich and unique biodiversity, and is a call to protect wild places all around the world.
{{Indangagaciro – ‘Values’}}
Chosen to highlight the value Rwanda attaches to preservation and conservation, this name was given to Ubufantanye’s daughter from the Musilikare family of mountain gorillas born on 15 August 2021 in Volcanoes National Park. Neri Bukspan, the Managing Director of Standard & Poor’s Credit Market Service was honoured to give the name to the baby.
{{Muganga Mwiza – ‘Good Doctor’}}
Laurene Powell Jobs, Founder and President of Emerson Collective gave this name to Umwari’s baby gorilla from the Susa family in honour of the late Dr Paul Farmer – a great friend to Rwanda and a great friend to Laurene. Paul’s vision for a more just and equitable world lives on through the University of Global Health Equity and Partners in Health.
{{Baho – ‘Live’ }}
Founder and President of Luntz Global, Dr. Frank Luntz gave this name to a male baby gorilla from the Susa family. The name was chosen to celebrate the sustained life of mountain gorillas, and their bright future thanks to conservation efforts.
{{Imararungu – ‘Cheerful’}}
Chosen to represent the joyful and entertaining nature of gorillas, this name was given to Umuco’s daughter who was born on 4 August 2021. American actor, Uzo Aduba had the honour of naming her during today’s Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming ceremony.
{{Impanda – ‘Trumpet’}}
Arsenal Football Club Legend, Gilberto Silva, gave the name to Umutungo’s son from the Sabyinyo family of mountain gorillas. The name was chosen to serve as a call to action for us all to play our part in protecting and restoring biodiversity.
{{Kwanda – ‘Expand’}}
With the growing need to expand the mountain gorilla habitat through the Volcanoes National Park Expansion Programme, this name was given to a male baby gorilla born on 12 October 2021 by Moses Turahirwa, Creative Director of Rwandan fashion brand, Moshions.
{{Ishami – ‘Offspring’}}
Football legend Didier Drogba gave this name to a male baby gorilla that was born on 28 July 2022 to Twiyubake, a member of the Muhoza family of mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park. The name symbolises the importance of the newborn gorillas as “offsprings” of expansion and growth.
{{Kwisanga – ‘Feel At Home’}}
Kenyan musical band, Sauti Sol had the honour of naming a newly formed mountain gorilla family living in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park as a celebration of the peaceful splitting of the Kwitonda family that left both groups having an equal number of members. Since Kwisanga and Kwitonda were formed, the groups have met a number of times without any aggressive interactions, allowing members from the two families to meet and socialise.
{{About Kwita Izina}}
The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony is a modelled off centuries-old tradition in which Rwandans name their children in the presence of family and friends. For three decades before the first official gorilla naming ceremony, park rangers and researchers named Rwanda’s mountain gorilla babies to monitor each gorilla in their family and habitat.
In 2005, Rwanda began officially naming mountain gorillas in what has become a global celebration of nature. By giving a name to these majestic animals, they are given the value they undoubtedly deserve.
The ceremony is, first and foremost, an opportunity to thank the communities that live around the gorilla habitat, Volcanoes National Park, research partners, vets and the dedicated conservationists, rangers and trackers who protect the gorillas daily.
Over the last fifteen years, more than 350 mountain gorillas have been named.
Today, Kwita Izina forms part of an ambitious strategy to preserve Rwanda’s natural heritage and further expand the role of tourism in the country’s transformation. As a result of the naming ceremony, Rwandans from all walks of life understand the intrinsic value of gorillas and their contribution to the country’s economic prosperity. Rwandans have become gorilla guardians.
Overall, Rwanda has emerged as a conservation and sustainable tourism leader on the continent. For instance, during the 2010 Census, there were 480 mountain gorillas, the 2016 Census report indicated 604 individuals in the Virunga Massif.
These efforts have contributed to the increase in mountain gorillas worldwide (1,063) and are categorised as no longer critically endangered.
[{{Click this link to view more pictures about this event}}->https://igihe.com/ubukerarugendo/article/live-abaturage-abayobozi-b-ibyamamare-bakoraniye-mu-kinigi-mu-kwita-izina]
She made the revelation on Wednesday 31st August 2022 as she inspected Huye Stadium which was recently renovated to meet international standards.
Minister Munyagaju visited the stadium along with the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Didier Shema Maboko and the President of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Olivier Mugabo Nizeyimana.
Some of key aspects that were taken into consideration during the renovation works include media area, changing room, public toilets and bathrooms for players as well as the roofing.
After touring the facility, Mimosa told the media that the stadium is in a good state and ready to host international matches.
“The stadium’s significance to Rwanda and Amavubi as we have always said, is that it will enable Rwanda to host home matches. The completion of Huye Stadium is a pride to Rwanda and Rwandans. We will be able to host games starting from the one scheduled this Saturday,” she said.
“We are delighted with its design and installed equipment. Everything in the stadium is of good quality,” added Mimosa.
She explained that they have been working with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since renovation activities began to ensure smooth execution of the project.
{{Management }}
Minister Mimosa revealed that Huye Stadium is under the management of Huye District which will work closely with the ministry for efficiency. She however stressed that they are considering third party to take over the management.
“The stadium is currently under the management of the district but we are working together to find third parties to manage stadiums as per designed policy to ensure they are well maintained and generate returns to the country,” she said.
The contractor has fast tracked renovation works since April so that Rwanda can host Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in the country.
On Saturday 3rd September 2022, Rwanda’s national football team – Amavubi will host Ethiopia at the completed Huye Stadium at 3:00 p.m.
The stadium has the capacity of accommodating 7900 people.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that the discussions took place on Thursday 1st September 2022.
The diplomatic and political consultations between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs is a continuation of the commitment of the Heads of State to further deepen and strengthen the cordial bilateral relations between the two sisterly countries.
They are held at a time when efforts to mend both countries’ relations are on good progress.
Rwanda, Uganda relations worsened since 2017 where Rwanda expressed concerns over Rwandans who travel to Uganda for business purposes but are abducted, imprisoned and tortured accused of being spies.
Rwanda also accused Uganda of hosting dissidents posing threat to national security.
In 2019, the Government of Rwanda closed Gatuna border and officially advised citizens against travelling to Uganda for their security following testimonies of over 1000 Rwandans tortured and deported from Uganda.
In August 2019, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame signed a memorandum of understanding ‘Luanda Agreement’ in a bid to solve conflicts between both countries.
Negotiations did not yield expected results until efforts to mend Rwanda and Uganda relations took shape in February this year following the visits of Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born son of Uganda’s President who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Since he was involved in the process to restore relations to normal, Lt Gen Muhoozi has been warning Rwanda’s dissidents that they have no place in Uganda. He revealed that no official fighting Rwanda would retain job in Uganda.
Lt Gen Muhoozi also echoed similar message in February this year where he warned Rwanda’s dissident Kayumba Nyamwasa against using his country to threaten the neighbouring country’s security.
His first visit to Rwanda was on 22nd January 2022, a move that was followed by the reopening of Gatuna border.
Later on, Rwanda reopened all land borders on 7th March 2022.
Lt Gen Muhoozi visited Rwanda for the second time on 14th March 2022 where he held talks with President Kagame on pending issues affecting bilateral relations.
On the occasion of his birthday celebration in April this year, Lt Gen Muhoozi said that both countries currently have good relations with optimism that the situation would improve further in the future.
A joint statement released after the meeting held today, shows that both ministers acknowledged the ongoing progress made so far to normalize bilateral relations.
“They reiterated their commitment to focus efforts on the mutual regional security and development issues that impact on the socio-economic welfare of the peoples of the two countries,” reads part of the statement.
The ministers also appreciated the leadership of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his counterpart of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their continued commitment to revive and strengthen bilateral relations.
Additionally, the ministers recognized President Kagame’s visit to Uganda and the subsequent Museveni’s visit to Rwanda during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM2022) as a strong signal toward renewed bilateral relations.
As the statement reads, the ministers exchanged views on regional matters relating to security, trade, investment and strategic regional projects.
Among others, they agreed to review and revive bilateral cooperation in the different areas of interest by convening the next Joint Permanent Commission between Rwanda and Uganda.
The ministers agreed that the next Joint Permanent Commission which will be hosted by the Republic of Rwanda by March 2023; will focus on critical areas taking into consideration the outcomes of the last Joint Permanent Commission.
Minister Biruta and his counterpart, Gen Odongo expressed gratitude for the steps taken to renew good and cordial relations between the two sister countries highlighting that they look forward to seeing the people of both Rwanda and Uganda enjoying the full benefits of the cordial relations.
