The bank loan acquired during the construction of Dove Hotel belonging to ADEPR is among heavy burdens the church is dealing with.
The loan is equivalent to Rwf3 billion as the church’s Executive Secretary, Herman Budigiri disclosed during a press briefing on Friday 29th April 2022.
He explained that the church initially paid the interest rate that the outstanding balance currently stands at Rwf2 billion.
Despite the fact the hotel is operational, the management says that the debt is huge enough and cannot be paid in a short time span.
Budigiri has said that the church has had more debts including more than Rwf600 million in land tax arrears paid gradually where the unsettled amount is Rwf58 million.
Other debts include delayed payments of other bank loans due to effects of COVID-19 which left churches closed for quite some time.
“We are delighted for having negotiated with banks last year to agree on how the payments will be cleared. We are currently paying well even though the effects of COVID-19 have affected the church’s resources,” he said.
Pastor Isaïe Ndayizeye heading ADEPR, has said that the church is making possible efforts to avoid debts and put much emphasis on clearing the outstanding.
At Buckingham Palace, Amb. Busingye delivered to the Queen a message of warm greetings and best wishes from President Paul Kagame, reaffirmed the strong relationship and partnership between Rwanda and UK and discussed the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled in June 2022 in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
After presenting credentials, Amb. Busingye was hosted to a reception which was attended by Ambassadors, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, friends of Rwanda and Rwandan Community Leaders from across the UK.
Speaking at the event, Amb. Busingye said that ‘it was a privilege to have a wide-ranging conversation with Her Majesty the Queen’. Of particular interest, he said, was the upcoming CHOGM2022 summit.
Amb. Busingye revealed that preparations are on track noting that Rwanda looks forward to seeing many guests in Kigali where they can expect a warm welcome.
He presented credentials after recent partnership where Rwanda accepted to accommodate asylum seekers staying in UK illegally.
Amb. Busingye underscored that the Migration and Economic Development Partnership ‘will prioritise the dignity and safety of migrants, whilst investing in Rwanda’s economic development– creating professional and personal opportunities for both migrants and Rwandans alike’.
He revealed that Rwanda already hosts refugees from the region, the continent and from other nations such as Afghanistan where the intervention when people are in distress ‘defines who we are as a country and as a people’.
Amb. Busingye also took participants of the event through a ground-breaking Visit Rwanda partnership with Arsenal Football Club.
“We want as many people as possible to holiday, stay or do business in Rwanda. Most of all we want everyone who comes to Rwanda to never forget their experience,” he noted.
The envoy also reiterated commitment to work with fellow diplomats during his tour of duty and to strengthening the bonds between respective countries.
It is the birthplace of Félicien Kabuga, a mastermind of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi charged with seven counts including five related to genocide; genocide, complicity in genocide, director and public incitement to commit genocide, attempt to commit genocide and conspiracy to commit genocide.
Other charges are persecution and extermination, both as crimes against humanity.
Arrested on 16th May 2020, Kabuga is known as the Chief Financier of Genocide against Tutsi. He was a wealthy businessman and core member of the Akazu (a small powerful circle of ideologues that masterminded the Genocide). He was also the founding president of the board of shareholders of hate radio RTLM, which incited killings.
Kabuga is detained in La Haye, the Netherlands but his trial has not yet started in substance.
Born in 1935, Kabuga was a renowned businessman who made big fortunes since his adolescence in Mugina. It is said that he was involved in the business of drugs for livestock treatment, leather, coffee and second hand clothes.
He was an intimate friend of the family of former President Juvénal Habyarimana who led the government which prepared and executed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Their close friendship deepened further as they became co-fathers in law.
The two daughters of Kabuga were married to sons of Juvénal Habyarimana.
{{Preferred place for sharing drink}}
At Mugina small village hill where Kabuga grew up, stands a multi-storey building built by Kabuga in collaboration with his brother, Nsanzumuhire as sources revealed.
Apart from the one storey building and extensions built for Kabuga’s parents and other relatives, there is a detached house in which Kabuga lived with his family.
His relatives include Martin Katabarwa said to be a very close relative having roots from one grandfather. He has said that Habyarimana used to visit Kabuga with whom they shared drink at the place.
“It did not happen very often but he used to come here. They would exchange ideas seated in that bungalow,” he said.
Katabarwa revealed that Habyarimana often visited Kabuga in evening hours and shared drinks.
“They used to hold private talks. Other people would be isolated from their discussions,” he said.
The House is built in Nyange Village, Gatenga Cell of Mukarange Sector. It is said that the house was built in 1970 but is currently unoccupied. It is a large house with 12 rooms with bathrooms and toilets inside.
The sitting room of the house is decorated with different paintings but the ceiling has deteriorated.
The bungalow in which Kabuga and Habyarimana used to share ‘a glass of beer’ is in the garden adjacent to the main building.
The garden is currently planted with maize. Next to the building, one can see the kitchen and house for domestic servants.
Also present at the event held on 28th April 2022, was Prof. Nshuti Manasseh, the State Minister in charge of East African Community (EAC) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINAFFET); the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi and the Senior Economic Advisor to the President of the Republic, Francis Gatare.
Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan who is on a visit to Rwanda was also received by Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta with whom they held talks and signed cooperation agreements.
MINAFFET has revealed that Minister Biruta and Sheikh Shakhboot Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan discussed on boosting economic cooperation between the two countries and signed an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation.
Rwanda is among 192 countries that participated in Dubai Expo from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022. The country showcased its touristic attractions, development journey and made sales of Made in Rwanda products including agricultural produce.
On 28th April, Kagame also held talks with Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso, the Minister of International Cooperation and Promotion of Public-Private Partnership of the Republic of Congo and Minister of Women Promotion and Women’s Integration to Development, Ines Nefer Ingani.
The delegation which has been Rwanda since 25th April 2022 presented a brief overview of their mission to President Kagame with whom they discussed the implementation of signed bilateral agreements during the recent visit of Kagame to Congo Brazzaville from 11th to13th April 2022.
They were signed in the sectors of economic partnership, mining, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) handcrafts, culture and arts among others.
At the time, both parties agreed to establish a joint committee to oversee their implementation.
Rwanda and Congo enjoy relations and cooperation in the areas of diplomacy and politics. In August 2016, Rwanda opened embassy in the country which also oversees its interests in the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC).
Minister Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso and Ines Nefer Ingani arrived in Kigali on 25th April 2022. On the next day, they visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso left a message in the visitor’s book commending President Kagame for having reunited Rwandans to live in harmony after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Denis Christel was also received by the CEO of RDB, Clare Akamanzi and held discussions focusing on promoting investment between both countries.
They agreed to set up a platform bringing together traders from Rwanda and Congo Brazzaville.
Among others, Denis Christel held talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta; Minister of Trade and Industry, Béata Habyarimana and the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana.
The delegation from Congo also visited Kigali Special Economic Zone in Masoro where they toured factories including Volkswagen and Crystal Ventures.
The revelation was made by NPPA Spokesperson, Faustin Nkusi on 27th April 2022 following the deportation of Jean Paul Micomyiza from Sweden to Rwanda.
Micomyiza is facing charges including role in crimes of Genocide, complicity in Genocide and crimes against humanity which he allegedly committed in Huye District of Southern Province.
Faustin Nkusi has revealed that Micomyiza is set to be informed about alleged crimes by Rwanda investigation Bureau (RIB) before being transferred to the Prosecution.
Rwanda has received 29 Genocide fugitives deported from foreign countries since 2005 yet the country issued 1147 arrest warrants. This shows that the number of deportees is still low compared to the number of Genocide fugitives.
Nkusi has observed that there is a step made so far even though a lot needs to be done.
Despite the fact that the number of deported Genocide fugitives remains low, Nkusi said that some countries like Sweden have made efforts to hold them accountable.
“Sweden has also tried other three fugitives in their domestic courts and they are currently serving life sentence, have extradited one fugitive and had seven extradition requests to handle. We commend them for doing a good job. They remain with three and we hope even the remaining three fugitives will be brought to our country,” said Nkusi.
So far, 24 Genocide suspects have been tried in 24 countries. These include Théodore Rukeratabaro, Claver Berinkindi and Stanisilas Mbanenande who were handed life sentence by Sweden courts.
Nkusi expressed optimism that in collaboration with different countries, perpetrators of the imprescriptible crimes will be brought to book.
“Each suspect has his own day. They will be brought to justice one day. They will be tried either in Rwanda or in those countries because cooperation is going on and we are working together with these countries to make sure that suspects are brought to justice, that those who have committed genocide and other crimes should not remain at large and in safe havens,” he said.
IBUKA, the umbrella organization of survivors of Genocide against Tutsi has disclosed that the deportation of Micomyiza should leave a lesson to other countries which have not yet handed over Genocide fugitives to face justice.
“We have welcomed the decision of Sweden judiciary to deport Jean Paul Micomyiza to Rwanda. It is a good move because Genocide is a crime against humanity. All countries should play a role to deliver justice,” the Executive Secretary of IBUKA, Ahishakiye Naphtal has told IGIHE.
“We commend this step by Sweden which serves as an example to other countries. We also hail other countries that take similar decision because it should be emulated by those relenting to follow the suit to send suspects to Rwanda,” he added.
According to the Prosecution, arrest warrants for Micomyiza were issued since 2013 while the last one which led to his detention was issued in 2020.
At the time, he was seized and taken to court to decide whether he would be extradited to Rwanda or tried in Sweden. It was resolved that he had to be taken back home to face justice.
The Head of State made the revelation at a dinner event with members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rwanda held at Kigali Convention Centre.
He was shedding light on the recent partnership between Rwanda and the United Kingdom (UK) where asylum seekers staying in the country illegally will be relocated to Rwanda.
Following agreements between both countries signed on 14th April 2022, different media houses and individuals majority of whom being from the western part of the world relentlessly criticized the deal saying its seems to be the trade of people because UK will provide funds to take care of asylum seekers in Rwanda.
Rwanda has however explained that the partnership reflects its commitments to protecting vulnerable people around the world, and ensuring development and prosperity for Rwanda and its people after enduring dark history that has embedded a responsibility to protect vulnerable people around the world.
Rwanda was once one of the world’s leading producers of refugees, and as such is particularly concerned with taking urgent steps towards more humane solutions to the global migration crisis.
Kagame has said that Rwanda did not agree to host asylum seekers to get money but highlighted that it is part of Rwandans values.
“I have seen some people saying, you know that the United Kingdom gave us money and then we want to dump people here. No, we don’t do that kind of thing. We don’t buy and sell people. We can’t do that because of our core values,” he said.
The Head of State hinted on Rwanda’s initial intervention regarding the issue of migrants in 2018 when thousands of Africans drowned in the Mediterranean Sea as they headed to Europe while others were stranded in detention centers of Libya.
That is when Rwanda started receiving migrants from Libya in collaboration with international organizations where they are accommodated and treated decently in a transit center before moving to third countries.
President Kagame said that Rwanda’s commitment initially arose from dreadful circumstances when he read a story of a young man from Ghana who sought money to be smuggled to Europe but ended up finding himself in enduring hard life in Libya living as a prisoner.
Realizing the dire conditions, the young man started negotiating smugglers to pay again US$900 to take him back home.
Kagame has revealed that he discussed the issue with other leaders and agreed to find a solution to save the lives of some migrants stuck in Libya.
“We agreed, if they arrived here, they could be easily taken back home if they choose to go back home. Second, those European countries that have allowed migrants to come to Europe, should come and stably select those they want to take to their countries and that would be still better than these people being trapped in Libya.
Then third, we provided another option. We said, for those who can’t go back, don’t want to go back for reasons of their own, and may not be selected by the countries that want to absorb them, we are giving them another option. We can actually find ways in which they can stay here. There were these three options in 2018,” he said.
The Head of State explained that the commitment was not influenced by someone else but rather Rwandans have values of welcoming people stuck in troubles.
“We don’t have to learn values from anybody. We have values in us that we go by. We can absorb people from wherever. If they are from Africa, we are even happier,” he noted.
“There are things you can’t buy about us. We are who we are and proud people. We are not involved in buying and selling people,” Kagame added.
{{I predicted this problem in 2015…}}
President Kagame has said that he realized the issue of migrants and Europeans would worsen further in 2015.
At the time, it was in October 2015 as he attended Rwanda Day in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands.
Considering the extent of the issue where Africans were heading to Europe in large number, the Head of State observed that Europeans would once be fed up.
“Rwandans had come in thousands and come from the whole of Europe. I asked them how they had come to Europe. I told them ‘you know what, there are some of you who came genuinely to Europe but some of you came here by telling lies’. Some of you told lies as victims of politics in Rwanda, some of you committed crimes in Rwanda and then you come here as innocent people running away from the evil Government of Rwanda,” he said.
“I said that one time; this Europe you are taking advantage of will get to know this truth, I am telling you. And they will come back to ask each of you how did you come here? They will know the truth about you, pack you in a container or something and send you back. I said that they will come to the truth because they have own problems as well,” Kagame added.
Kagame said that it was apparent that Europeans would one day wake up.
“I don’t think we are going to transfer half of Africa into Europe and Europe keeps silent. They will wake up,” he noted.
The Head of State also requested European countries to make an assessment to people who have been staying there for long claiming to be refugees or migrants because some of them might have committed crimes in countries of origin.
“I hope when UK sends these people, they should send to us some people they have accommodated for over 15 years who committed crimes here. We sent files and investigated. These are clear case files. Instead of being accommodated in that beautiful place in UK, many people should be in jail whether in UK or here. They are about five,” he stated.
These include Vincent Bajinya who was a doctor, Celestin Mutabaruka, who was a pastor; Celestin Ugirashebuja, Charles Munyaneza and Emmanuel Nteziryayo who served as former Bourgmestre suspected of Genocide crimes.
The President said that Rwanda is willing to partner with any country understanding the values around partnership.
In 2021, Europe received requests from over 600,000 asylum seekers applying for international protection.
The research carried out by Pew Research Center in 2016 indicates that Europe’s population might increase by 121 million in 2080 due to the issue of migrants if no action is taken.
The continent is predicted to register only 399 million population by 2080 excluding the number of migrants.
The decision was taken on 4th April 2022 when the Court of Appeal read the ruling for Rusesabagina and 20 co-accused terror convicts.
They were convicted of terrorism charges related to attacks by MRCD/FLN terror group in different parts of the country in the districts of Nyaruguru, Nyamasheke, Nyamagabe and Rusizi in Southern Province which claimed nine lives, left a car burnt and several valuables looted between 2018 and 2019.
The arrest of Rusesabagina in 2020 dominated the international media coverage and triggered mixed reactions where politicians, organizations and some European countries demanded the release of Rusesabagina.
President Paul Kagame has talked about the issue as he addressed diplomats accredited to Rwanda during a ceremony held at Kigali Convention center in the evening of 26th April 2022.
The Head of State has said that laws cannot tolerate the crimes committed by Paul Rusesabagina and co-accused individuals even in countries claiming for his release.
“It is absolutely surprising that people who have hundreds years of history of these sort of things I am talking about, justice, democracy, human rights and so on; sometimes rightly give us many lessons getting it so wrong in this particular case. But I understand it is not just getting it wrong like they don’t know. It is getting it wrong because of who they think we are. They just look down upon us. While you can look down upon me, you can disrespect me to that extent; it is my duty to make sure that I don’t agree with you. I would seriously object. That is what Rwanda is and should be, now and for the future.”
The President also disclosed how one of leaders once requested him to release Rusesabagina putting forward objections that ‘he is a hero who should not be jailed’.
“One time, one of these leaders you would really respect, came to me and said you know ‘you should have this man released’. First of all, I said that ‘I am not the court’. Secondly, even if I would use my authority as president which would be abusing my authority, ‘can you explain to me a little bit of why you think it should be the case?”
“He said, ‘you know he is a hero, people say, it is like he is rivaling you! I told this guy, ‘I am not a hero, I don’t even want it to be’. This is what I said during the commemoration on the 7th April. How can you be a hero in a situation like ours of Genocide. One would have been a hero if they had prevented this from happening in the first place; but we lost over a million people,” he added.
Paul Rusesabagina was renowned in Hotel Rwanda film which described him as a brave man who saved people at Hôtel des Mille Collines during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Some of victims who stayed at the hotel revealed that some implications of the film are different from the reality, because they paid the cost of living there unlike the man’s lie that they were housed for free.
Rusesabagina himself also admitted that Hotel Rwanda does not depict the whole truth because it was exaggerated to make it more appealing.
President Kagame said that he continued to talk to the leader who claimed for the release of Rusesabagina, asking him what to tell families who lost relatives during attacks plotted by the rebel groups of Rusesabagina.
“This person said, ooh, there are victims? We can also go to them and say sorry,” he noted.
“Then I said, how about others co-accused with him? There are around 20 of them who also testified and first of all accepted their responsibility themselves, and testified against this person because they were together in the same crime. Do we have this one released, these ones stay in prison and tell the victims to shut up?” Kagame added.
The Head of State emphasized that the leader seemed to show that Rusesabagina was made a hero to distort Rwanda’s history.
“The effort is about changing victims to be the perpetrators. […] So, there is a counter narrative,” he noted.
Kagame added that people intending to distort Rwanda’s history will not succeed.
“We have to have the capacity and we do, to really absorb this insult, I should say. We have developed capacity to absorb it, live our lives and move along. […] Sometimes, there are certain things about us, about our history, about the core of who we are that no amount of intimidation can work here,” he said.
“I really hope that even when I am not there, these other good Rwandans will stand out to this kind of challenge we face every day. I really hope so,” Kagame stressed.
The Head of State said that Rwandans have own values that they want to own up their problems and hold each other accountable and be held accountable by others.
The plane carrying the suspect popularly known as Mico landed at Kigali International Airport in the morning of 27th April 2022 at 6:30.
Micomyiza was born in 1975 in Agasengasenge Cell, Cyarwasumo Sector of Huye District in Southern Province. During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the suspect lived in Tumba Sector and was a level 2 student at the former National University of Rwanda in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
As NPPA has revealed, Micomyiza was a member of ‘Comité de crise’ at the university whose mission was to search and identify Tutsi civilians to be killed.
NPPA has through a statement shared via Twitter handle commended Judicial Authorities of the Kingdom of Sweden for the extradition of the Genocide fugitive, continued cooperation and mutual legal assistance, as well as contribution to ‘the global effort to fight impunity’.
Rwanda requested for the deportation of the suspect in 2020 to face justice for his role in Genocide against Tutsi.
His defense lawyers including Thomas Bodström and Hanna Larsson Rampe had tampered with the extradition claiming that Rwanda’s judiciary is incompetent.
The suspect lived in Gothenburg City in Sweden for 15 years. He was denied nationality for having the status of a politician.
Micomyiza was arrested following Rwanda’s request to extradite him for his role in the Genocide.
He is facing charges including role in crimes of Genocide, complicity in Genocide and crimes against humanity.
Sweden accommodates three Genocide fugitives who were handed life sentence.
These include Théodore Rukeratabaro sentenced in 2018, Claver Berinkindi convicted in 2017 and Stanisilas Mbanenande sentenced in 2013.
Ishimwe was once renowned for stage name as Prince Kid before he started organizing the contest.
He is detained at Remera RIB Post as investigation is underway to transfer his files to the Prosecution. Ishimwe was arrested before 25th April 2022.
IGIHE has learnt that it has been quite some time since some participants lamented of the contest’s saga.
It is said that Ishimwe asked them to have sex with him if they are to stand chance to proceed to next stages of the beauty pageant.
Sources reveal that girls who accepted to have sex with Ishimwe were given pass to the next stages while those protesting his request could not be favoured.
It is said that this year’s contest faced setbacks during first auditions that some irked participants considered disclosing how the competition is not transparent.
A source who provided information to IGIHE has revealed that Ishimwe had promised a girl to be crowned Miss Rwanda this year. Some people who learnt about the deal requested him to stop such intentions or leak the saga of the contest.
Ishimwe started organizing Miss Rwanda in 2014 through his company dubbed Rwanda Inspiration BackUp.
In 2009, it was organized by the then Ministry of Sports and Culture before he took over.
The contest was later suspended for two years and resumed in 2012 organized by Mashirika Creative and Performing Arts Group.
The Head of State made the appreciation on Sunday 24th April 2022 as he attended the 48th birthday of Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born son of his counterpart of Uganda,Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, currently serving as Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations and Commander of Land Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
As he addressed participants of the event, Kagame thanked Lt Gen Muhoozi for his achievements in 48 years noting that he has used his time very well .
“So far, what we know, what we have been told, what is true is that the 48 years have been used very well. Therefore, there is no doubt that many more years we wish for him ahead, are going to be used even better. Thank you for inviting me to be here for this birthday.
I am really here for two major reasons. One is to celebrate your birthday with your parents and your family and your friends. The second is to also be happy that I am here again after four or five years, I hadn’t been coming to Uganda,” he said.
{{How Muhoozi asked for Kagame’s phone number}}
President Kagame has said that Lt Gen Muhoozi asked for his phone number to discuss issues between both countries’ relations.
“Muhoozi went through friends, and asked for my phone number. And so, I provided the direct line,” he said.
“He asked me in a message if I could accept talking to him in that direct way. Even before, I knew what he wanted to tell me. I accepted. He came. All this happened in a very short time of about two weeks,” Kagame added.
The commitment led to first talks with Lt Gen Muhoozi in January 2022 paving the way for normalized relations.
President Kagame went on to say that he did not only trust Muhoozi for his intentions to mediate the two countries but also was convinced that his father, Ugandan President Museveni was behind the good cause.
“When I received Muhoozi, I had been receiving emissaries from the president and government to talk about these difficulties. From the beginning, I knew the messages and messenger would be different from the usual ones. Messengers are not the same,” said Kagame.
“I was absolutely aware and convinced, in accepting to meet Muhoozi, that it was his father who was behind the message. I was under no illusion that it was Muhoozi operating on his own,” he added.
The President said that Rwanda and Uganda are on a path to peace and harmony where they continue to move forward.
He underscored that he was convinced that worsened relations would be temporary because of the strong bond between both countries and thanked Muhoozi for his contribution.
“Great generals are not those who fight and win wars,” said Kagame on Sunday night, adding, “greater generals are those who win peace.”
Speaking at his birthday celebration. Lt Gen Muhoozi thanked God for granting him life up to 48 years and parents who raised him.
“ I want to thank Almighty God for letting me live up to 48 years and taking me through everything he has taken me through. I want to thank my parents, President Museveni and Mama Janet for raising us the way they raised us.
Muhoozi also thanked Kagame whom he described as a straight person who never dodges the truth.
“I want to thank in a very special way, His Excellency President Paul Kagame for honouring my invitation. We are honoured and know it is the beginning for many good things to come,” he noted.
Lt Gen Muhoozi, the first born of Museveni was born in Tanzania on 24th April 1974. He is a father of three.
At the time, Museveni was among rebel outfits that had plans to overthrow the leadership of Idi Amin Dada who led Uganda from 1971 to 1979.
Museveni thanked Kagame for honouring the invitation highlighting that his son has a long history with the President of Rwanda.
“I want to thank His Excellency Paul Kagame for responding to positively and pay a visit to Uganda after a number of years of not coming here. President Kagame and Muhoozi have a long history together,” he noted.
In 1979 after overthrowing Idi Amin, Museveni said, Muhoozi was 5-year old where President Kagame and Museveni’s colleagues in the military used to spend long time together.
Janet Museveni also thanked God for having protected her entire family and requested Muhoozi to remain a God-fearing man.
