The incident has taken place in Nombe village, Terimbere cell, Nyundo sector of Rubavu district in Western Province.
IGIHE has learnt that unidentified thugs tried to force their way into the company’s premises and attempted to assault the security guard which triggered him to shot one of them while another thug ran away.
The Executive Secretary of Nyundo sector, Aron Habimana has confirmed the incident.
“Two thugs armed with machetes stormed the company to rob steel products which they were not doing for the first time. As they reached gates, a security guard stopped them. Instead of obeying his order, they attempted to stab him with their machetes. He shot one thug as a way of self-defense leaving another one running away,” he said.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Thierry B. Murangira has revealed that the security guard aged 42 has been arrested as investigation gets underway.
“RIB has launched investigation to establish circumstances under which the shooting happened,” he noted.
The security guard is detained at Kanama RIB Post awaiting further investigation before transferring his files to the Prosecution.
These include the Minister of the newly created Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana; the Army Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Mubarak Muganga; the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), Juvénal Malizamunda; the Deputy Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), Col Jean Paul Nyirubutama and the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kagame urged sworn-in leaders to build on existing achievements and leverage lessons learnt from the past to continue building the nation with self-less dedication.
“Nation building is every Rwandan’s responsibility because this country belongs to all of us. These responsibilities are not new to us. We have experienced a lot to help us not repeat our past mistakes. Instead, we need to devise new, innovative ways that are adept to the times we are in and deliver on our promises,” he said.
“We already have a solid foundation that we must now build on to achieve even more. This is where our country gets its strength,” added Kagame.
Dr. Bizimana who previously served as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG) was named Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement on 31st August following the creation of the Ministry on 14th July 2021.
Among others, Lt General Mubarakh Muganga was promoted from the rank of Major General in June this year and appointed Army Chief of Staff.
Marizamunda who also served as the Deputy Commissioner General of Police (DCGP) in charge of Administration and Finance, Juvénal Marizamunda was appointed Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) in April 2021 replacing CGP George Rwigamba who had held the office since March 2016.
Marizamunda was replaced by Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza who had been serving as the RCS Deputy Commissioner General prior her new appointment.
Meanwhile, Jean Paul Nyirubutama who is also among newly sworn in leaders was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in June 2021 and appointed Deputy Secretary General of NISS.
The report on countries using Spyware was first published by The Washington Post and 16 other news organizations in July this year indicating that 50,000 phone numbers are vulnerable to Spyware attacks.
Pegasus is a spyware developed by the Israeli cyberarms firm NSO Group that can be covertly installed on mobile phones (and other devices) running most versions of iOS and Android.
Rwanda is among countries accused of using the spyware along with Mexico, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Togo, Morocco, India, United States of America (USA), Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
It is said that Rwanda might hack 3500 phone numbers using the technology.
During an exclusive interview with RBA held on Sunday 5th September 2021, Kagame was asked if Rwanda uses Pegasus which he refuted explaining that the country has never owned the technology.
As the report was released, Rwanda was also accused of using the technology to spy on the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa.
Kagame said that some individuals are not happy with revitalizing Rwanda and South relations and wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to accuse Rwanda of using Pegasus.
The President stressed that Rwanda has been making clarifications on such false accusations since 2019 noting that the country will continue to demystify biased information.
“If you are saying do you spy with this tool? The answer is a big NO. We don’t have it; therefore, we don’t use it. Does Rwanda do spying? They don’t even have to ask me because they, as individuals or institutions, do spying. This story gained significance or prominence when the name of Rwanda was injected into the whole thing. Spying itself is as old as human beings. There are so many tools used by everybody in this world. But when Rwanda’s name is mentioned it’s for a reason,” he said.
“Why don’t you go to those people who created that spying tool and ask them? They will tell you those who have it and those who don’t have it and you’ll find out that Rwanda doesn’t have it. Of course it is to cause damage to Rwanda. It fits into the whole narrative that has been there for 27 years. We have gone through accusations of all kinds. We have had to explain ourselves. We will always do what we think is right for ourselves and explain things that are not true,” added Kagame.
Rwanda refuted similar allegations in 2019 after Facebook Inc accused NSO Group from Israel of using Pegasus spyware to hack people’s phones.
At the time, it was said that the country targets opposition figures and human rights activists.
Speaking to the media in 2019, President Paul Kagame explained that Rwanda does intelligence on enemies highlighting that the country can’t spend money to use that technology deemed costly.
Hamez has been serving as the Managing Director for Airtel DRC, a position he held for four years. While at the helm of Airtel DRC, Mr. Hamez grew Airtel’s customer base, ensuring investments were targeted at achieving the goals and objectives of the organisation.
He was instrumental in building a strong and sustainable business, setting up 4G and rolling out data network in addition to deepening Airtel’s investments in the DRC.
Hamez has extensive experience in the African telecommunications market having held the role of Chief Executive Officer of Econet Leo in Burundi, Managing Director Expresso at Telecom Senegal and Chief Executive Officer of Sudani Mobile.
Hamez has also served as Group Chief Technical Officer of Sudani Sudan, Managing Director of Celtel Congo B, Group Operations Manager of Celtel Africa, based in the Netherlands.
Through a statement released today; Raghunath Mandava, the CEO of Airtel Africa welcomed Hamez onboard and wished success for the outgoing Managing Director in his future endeavors.
“We are confident that Emmanuel’s strong track record and depth of telecommunications experience makes him a good choice to best serve our valued customers in Rwanda as Managing Director. I would also like to thank Amit for his contribution as he moves on to other endeavors. He was instrumental in leading the Merger & Acquisition integration of Tigo and Airtel and has also worked closely with all stakeholders to enable a collaborative working relationship,” he said.
Jay Polly breathed the last in the night of Wednesday at Muhima Hospital succumbing to natural cause.
Before laying him to rest at Rusororo cemetery yesterday, the casket carrying his remains was taken at his home in Kibagabaga for final farewell from the mortuary of Kacyiru Hospital where he had been taken for postmortem.
Some of artistes who came to bid final farewell include Christopher, Platini P, MC Tino, Pacson and Mani Martin among others. Edouard Bamporiki, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Culture was also present.
Apostle Joseph Yongwe Harerimana who led the ceremony used Bible verses from Thessalonians 4: 13-15 to comfort mourners during times of difficulties they are going through.
He said that the artiste produced several hit and edutaining songs but stressed that God loved him more than his fans.
Harerimana reminded mourners to be always prepared because Jay Polly has gone to a place where everyone belongs.
Speaking at the funeral, Bamporiki said it is saddening to lose a talented artiste like Jay Polly. He wished him to Rest in Eternal Peace highlighting that it is everyone’s destiny.
Jay Polly gained popularity as a rapper since 2008 when he joined Tuff Gang crew.
Some of his hit songs include ‘Ku musenyi’, ‘Deux fois Deux’ and ‘Akanyarirajisho’ among others.
In 2014, the artiste won Primus Guma Guma Super Star and has since then maintained popularity among Hip Hop fans.
Jay Polly’s death shocked music fans and fellow artistes who still needed his talent to contribute to the growth of music industry in Rwanda.
Following the selection, Inkomoko has launched a call for applications from businesswomen in a breakfast launch event held in Musanze yesterday attended by dozens of Musanze business women, representatives from the Private Sector Federation, and local government leaders.
The program which is part of ANDE’s Advancing Women’s Empowerment Fund, seeks to address the significant gap in access to finance for women-led small and growing businesses. Selected businesswomen will receive Inkomoko’s skills workshops, a complete business assessment, consulting with business experts, virtual networking events with women leaders across East Africa, and access to affordable finance, debt, and matching grants.
“I’m interested in this program because as a woman in business, I have grown a strong company, and still find gaps that I need to address,” said Mukarungambwa D’amour, who runs Urugano Virunga Palace in Musanze.
Inkomoko was selected from more than 250 applicants to ANDE, based on their commitment to address the challenges that women entrepreneurs, like D’amour face. In their Kigali and Musanze offices, Inkomoko will offer a program of advisory and finance to 75 women-led businesses, plus an additional 25 businesses in Mombasa through their sister company, AEC Kenya.
“Women entrepreneurs are active contributors to Rwanda’s economy. Through this partnership between inkomoko and Ande, women entrepreneurs selected to be part of the program will receive training in entrepreneurial and management skills as well as access to affordable capital to support them in overcoming the top challenges they face,” said Teta Ndejuru, Inkomoko Managing Director..
This ANDE initiative was created as a result of their research findings that women-led businesses are less likely to apply to acceleration programs like Inkomoko. Research showed that women who do receive acceleration services are still less likely than their male counterparts to secure equity financing, which the International Trade Center estimates is a US$320B gap.
“I have been working with Inkomoko for the past two years and have been able to experience first hand the growth that comes with accessing practical business growth knowledge and tools as well as affordable financing. Since starting my journey with Inkomoko, my business has grown in sales and size. I am now able to make 15,000,000Rwf In income each month and I employ 4 members in my society. I aspire to export my products and become an internationally recognized business woman,” says Niyonshuti Catherine, owner of Reliable Group of Suppliers based in Musanze.
In order for Rwandan businesses to qualify for the Inkomoko program, they must be registered with Rwanda Development Board, founded, led, or owned by a woman, have at least five full-time employees, and have a minimum annual revenue of Rwf60M. Businesses can come from a range of sectors including retailers and wholesalers, agriculture, tourism & hospitality, manufacturing and logistics companies. Interested qualifying business owners can apply online at www.inkomoko.com
Colonel Munyengango has been also appointed Chief J5 (Department of Planning).
As per RDF statement released today, the promotions and appointment take immediate effect.
Col Munyengango previously served as RDF Spokesperson from 2017 until 2020 while Col Karara has been serving as Defense Attaché to Rwanda’s embassy in Ethiopia.
The discussions held yesterday at the Office of the Prime Minister were also attended by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana.
Dr. Nyamadzabo who is on a working visit to Rwanda also met with the Minister of Infrastructure, Amb. Claver Gatete and Minister of education, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya among others.
Their discussions revolved around seeking together measures to mitigate effects of COVID-19, how funds provided by the World Bank are efficiently utilized to fast track development projects in the areas of energy and telecommunications among others.
The World Bank finances different projects in Rwanda in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, education and vocation training, social protection, trade and urbanization.
Dr. Nyamadzabo told the media that discussions with Premier Ngirente focused on effects of COVID-19 on the economy and implementation of different projects financed by the World Bank in Rwanda.
He revealed that he was impressed with how Rwanda efficiently utilizes received funding.
“I was here last in 2014. The country has attained remarkable progress in terms of infrastructure development among others. This is what we expect from all Rwandans,” said Dr. Nyamadzabo.
Dr. Ndagijimana explained that the World Bank has supported Rwanda’s economic recovery efforts to mitigate effects of COVID-19.
“It was an opportunity to assess the implementation of development projects funded by the World Bank including infrastructures. During difficult times of COVID-19, Rwanda has particularly secured funding from the World Bank allocated to purchase vaccines and help the country to mitigate effects of the pandemic in different areas,” he noted.
The World Bank has also been supporting Rwanda in social protection programs to improve citizens’ wellbeing.
Nderitu visited the memorial yesterday as she concluded six-day working visit to Rwanda.
Nderitu was taken through different parts of the memorial and received explanations on tragic history that led to the execution of the Genocide, how it was stopped and Rwanda’s resilience journey.
She wrote a message in the memorial’s guest book that UN will always contemplate the extreme cruelty with which it was executed.
Speaking to the media after visiting the memorial, Nderitu called on countries sheltering Genocide fugitives to bring them to face justice.
“I will make possible efforts to engage with member countries accommodating these people [Genocide fugitives] because they must face justice,” she said.
Nderitu and her delegation arrived in Rwanda on 28th August for a visit which she concluded on 3rd September 2021.
Nderitu also visited Rebero Genocide Memorial which is home to slain politicians killed during the Genocide for innate personality or beliefs which differed from the Government which prepared and executed the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
As she visited the memorial, Nderitu highlighted that the greatest honour to Genocide victims is to reflect on endured sufferings, recommit to build hope and prevent reoccurrence.
During her stay in Rwanda, Nderitu held talks with President Paul Kagame and different Government officials including Minister Biruta and representatives from umbrella organizations of survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Kenyan Nderitu was appointed to the position towards the end of last year replacing Adama Dieng hailing from Senegal.
As part of the collaboration, IFC will support Rwanda to conduct diagnostic and feasibility studies to ensure the right technical and policy frameworks needed to establish a world-class vaccine manufacturing supply chain in Rwanda are in place to produce vaccines for use in Rwanda and to export across Africa.
The partnership will focus on supporting Rwanda’s recently announced association with BioNTech, a leading biotechnology company, and the kENUP Foundation to explore establishing end-to-end manufacturing capability for mRNA vaccines. Other potential vaccine and pharmaceutical production facilities, including a fill-and-finish facility, are expected to be co-located with BioNTech in the Kigali Special Economic Zone.
Africa depends on other countries for 99 percent of its vaccine supply. The African Union and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are aiming to have 60 percent of Africa’s routine vaccines produced locally by 2040. Africa CDC has identified Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa as potential regional vaccine manufacturing hubs in Africa.
Commenting on the development, Zephanie Niyonkuru, Deputy CEO of RDB said:“Rwanda aims to produce high-quality vaccines for the African market. A production facility like the one envisaged in this collaboration agreement advances this objective. We are pleased to have IFC as a strategic partner.”
“A resilient Africa needs to develop and maintain its own reliable vaccine supply and health industry. This partnership with the Rwanda Development Board is a vital step toward helping Africa build vaccine manufacturing capacity to respond to COVID-19 and future pandemics,” said Samuel Dzotefe, IFC’s Acting Regional Industry Director for Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services in the Middle East and Africa.
The World Bank Group has been scaling up support to countries to produce, acquire and deliver vaccines, particularly in Africa. As of July 29, 2021, the World Bank approved operations to support vaccine rollout in 54 countries globally, amounting to $4.6 billion to help countries purchase and distribute vaccines and to address readiness issues. To support this work, IFC is working with governments and the private sector to support pharmaceutical and related vaccine manufacturing projects.
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IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2021, IFC committed a record $31.5 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
