Minister Biruta made the observation on Thursday 29th July 2021 during a press conference to brief the media on various key local, regional and global issues.
“There is no major progress to restore relations with Uganda to normalcy but the Government of Rwanda is ready to live in peace with neighboring countries including Uganda,” he said.
Minister Biruta explained that finding solutions to outstanding issues is a matter of political will.
“Political will is paramount to normalize relations with neighbors. We also need to find a solution for issues that we have been discussing for many years. These include torture of Rwandans crossing to or living in Uganda and the support of Ugandan security officials to rebel groups intending to destabilize our country. It necessitates political will, and Rwanda is ready to do its part to live in harmony with Uganda,” he said.
Rwanda, Uganda relations worsened since 2017. Rwanda has been expressing concerns over Rwandans who travel to Uganda for business purposes but are abducted, imprisoned and tortured accused of being spies.
Rwanda also accuses Uganda of hosting dissidents that are posing a threat to national security.
In March 2019, the Government of Rwanda officially advised citizens not to travel 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 memorandum of understanding ‘Luanda Agreement’ in a bid to solve conflicts between both countries.
Despite efforts to sign the agreement between both heads of state witnessed by mediators including the President of Angola, Joao Lourenço and Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the situation is still worsening as Uganda’s Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence continues with arbitrary detention of Rwandans who are subjected to torture in its facilities.
These rebels apprehended in Nyungwe National Park in September 2020 have been handed over to Burundi during an event that took place on Friday 30th July 2021 at Nemba border separating Rwanda and Burundi.
Rwanda was represented by Brig Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the Head of Defence Intelligence while Burundi was represented by spy chief, Col Ernest Musaba.
The handover of these combatants was also witnessed by the Commander of EJVM, Col Joseé Rui Lourdes and the Deputy Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Burundi, Richmond Tiemoko.
Armed with guns, the nineteen Burundian combatants who identified themselves as members of RED Tabara armed group were arrested in Ruheru sector of Nyaruguru district, Southern Province after illegally crossing from Burundi to Rwandan territory.
The EJVM Commander, Col J Miranda commended the good will and engagement demonstrated by both countries, Rwanda and Burundi and said the handover was a sign of collaboration in achieving peace and security in the region.
The road connecting the sectors of Rukira and Murama of Ngoma district as well as Nasho of Kirehe district, Eastern Province is constructed by NPD Cotraco and expected to be completed in 15 months at a cost of Rwf3.5 billion.
The road is funded by Howard Graham Buffett in partnership with the Government of Rwanda.
Howard G. Buffett is an American businessman whose foundation has supported the development of a center pivot irrigation project in Nasho sector.
The Nasho Irrigation Scheme project is made of 63 center pivots irrigation system, irrigating 1,173 hectares belonging to 2,099 smallholder farmers.
Construction activities of the new tarmac road officially began on Thursday 29th July 2021 giving hope to positively impact residents’ lives.
“Mobility was almost no go for vehicles carrying agricultural produce during rainy season. As a result, buyers would buy our produce at giveaway price. With the new road under construction, we are optimistic for increased buyers at fair price,” revealed Steven Karemera, a resident of Kanzenze village, Buriba cell in Rukira.
Kayonza district vice mayor for economic development, Cyriaque Nyiridandi Mapambano has explained that the road is much needed to facilitate trade and mobility.
“This region is renowned for high productivity of bananas supplied to different parts of the country. The unpaved road was not favorable for trucks transporting produce to Kigali. That is why the tarmac road under construction is much needed,” he said.
Kagame made the revelation on Thursday 29th July 2021 at the ‘Global Education Summit’ discussing needed partnership to promote education globally.
It was also attended by other heads of state including Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
As he delivered remarks, Kagame called on all countries to concert efforts to achieve envisaged Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
“Globally, we still need to triple current spending in education to reach the Sustainable Development Goals target,” he said.
Kagame shared Rwanda’s efforts where the country is working hard to guarantee better quality of education.
“In Rwanda, we have worked hard to reach the 20% target of education expenditure [national budget], including an innovative national effort that built more than 22,500 classrooms in the last year,” he noted.
Kagame also highlighted that these classrooms will capacitate the education sector to drive Rwanda’s transformations.
“This serves as a good foundation to do more and indeed much more is required of all of us. For example, increasing spending efficiency alongside allocating higher amounts to education will ensure that all children are better prepared to lead more productive and fulfilled lives,” he affirmed.
These efforts will be aligned with investment allocated to higher learning institutions and universities to produce qualified graduates competent enough at the labour market.
“In addition, sustained investments in higher education are critical to nurture specialized knowledge and skills needed to grow our economies and accelerate development. Rwanda looks forward to continued work with the Global Partnership for Education and regional partners towards the best learning outcomes,” he stated.
Rwanda has been hugely investing in education. Apart from construction of over 22000 classrooms to cost over US$400 million, the country has been increasing teachers’ salary, books at secondary schools, revising school curricula, donating laptops to students from higher learning institutions and universities and enticing globally accredited universities to bring operations in Rwanda among others.
Towards the end of April 2021, Danish Immigration Minister Mattias Tesfaye visited Rwanda where he signed the MoU along with Prof. Nshuti Manasseh, the Minister of State in charge of East African Community.
At the time, Danish media reported that the country planned to finance the establishment of a camp in Rwanda and transfer its asylum seekers and refugees to Rwanda alluding to signed agreement.
Danish media also recounted that asylum seekers illegally staying in Denmark would be sent to Rwanda as they await confirmation of asylum status.
During a press conference held today to brief the media on various key local, regional and global issues; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta has said that Rwanda enjoys cordial relations with Denmark.
Minister Biruta explained that recently signed MoU regards cooperation on asylum and migration issues highlighting that it has no clauses to send refugees from Denmark to Rwanda.
He stressed that the cooperation on asylum and immigration issues involves the management of a refugee transit camp in Bugesera but dealing with refugees’ problem in a broader perspective.
“Signing such agreements signifies that we are ready to discuss the issue but have no clauses of hosting asylum seekers illegally staying in Denmark,” he said.
Dr. Biruta further stated that agreements are entered into in adherence to international norms and provisions for human rights.
He said that refugees assisted under such circumstances need to be protected and helped to sort out their problem taking into consideration their dignity and rights.
“Any contribution to address refugees’ problems is in light of that context. It is about international norms, their dignity and rights,” he noted.
Denmark accommodates over 35,000 Syrian refugees who have been living in the country for the past ten years.
He made the revelation today during a press conference hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta to brief the media on various key local, regional and global issues.
As he made a presentation on activities carried out by Rwandan troops in Mozambique, Col Rwivanga explained that they are currently deployed in the northwest of the country in the counties of Palma, Afungi, Mueda and Awasse.
He revealed that Rwandan soldiers conducted combat operations on 24th July 2021 where they killed four rebels in Awasse and seized their guns.
“We conducted several operations between 24th and 28th July in Awasse- Macimboa and Mueda- Awasse located in Cabo Delgado where our soldiers are deployed. On 24th [July]; we killed four rebels in Awasse and seized weapons including RPG, SMG, Machine Gun and pharmaceuticals. We mounted an ambush the same day and killed more two insurgents,” he said.
The two killed rebels were riding a motorbike with number plate from Tanzania.
They were found with a laptop, and documents written in Kiswahili while their guns were also seized.
On 26th July, RDF killed five rebels and seized eight weapons. On 28th July, rebels raided RDF barracks in Awasse but were repelled as Col Rwivanga explained.
“We repelled the attack and killed one of them. As we brought back our injured soldier to Awasse, we encountered an ambush mounted by rebels and killed two of them. This is what we have done so far,” he noted.
Col Rwivanga has revealed that RDF troops have taken control of several regions where it has conducted operations since deployment to Mozambique.
“We repelled and killed enemies whenever we encountered them. Only one soldier was injured and is receiving medical attention. We have taken control of Awasse and seized all places where we conducted operations,” he said.
Col Rwivanga said the mission to Mozambique is not time-specific highlighting that it will depend on how long it will take to normalize the situation.
“We shall return after accomplishing our mission,” he affirmed.
On 9th July 2021, Rwanda started the deployment of 1000 troops of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Rwanda National Police (RNP) to Mozambique to fight terrorism and insecurity.
The situation started worsening in October 2017 when armed extremists linked the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) launched an insurgency in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique.
Since then, Mozambique Defence Armed Forces have been battling the extremists but many civilians were displaced by the fighting.
Following different attacks, the militants seized the port town of Mocimboa da Praia August 2020.
Over fifty people were beheaded by terrorists in the province in April 2020 and a similar number in November 2020.
Among others, the militants seized Palma on 24th March 2021, murdering dozens of civilians displacing more than 35,000 of the town’s 75,000 residents.
So far, intensified fight between rebels and Government soldiers for the past four years has claimed lives of 3000 civilians leaving over 800,000 displaced.
The incessant violence prompted the visit of Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi to Rwanda in April 2021 where he discussed the problem with his counterpart Paul Kagame.
The statement released by the Government of Rwanda ahead of sending troops to Mozambique reads that the deployment is a response to the request of the Government of Mozambique.
{{Related story:}}[{{What to know about RDF, RNP’s mission to quell insurgency in Mozambique }} ->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/what-to-know-about-rdf-rnp-s-mission-to-quell-insurgency-in-mozambique]
The three new envoys hosted at Village Urugwiro yesterday will represent their respective countries with residence in Kigali.
Antoine Anfré comes to Rwanda six years after the ambassadorial post has been vacant.
The last French envoy to Rwanda, Michel Flesch, left Kigali in September 2015. Since then; French interests were managed by a chargé d’affaires, an official acting as head of diplomatic mission during the absence of a substantive ambassador.
The appointment is considered a great milestone to revitalize both countries relations that had deteriorated due to the country’s reluctance to admit its role during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
On 27th May 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron made a historic visit to Rwanda.
As he arrived in Rwanda for two-day state visit; Macron visited Kigali Genocide Memorial where he paid tribute to over 250,000 victims laid there and later delivered a speech during which he admitted his country’s role in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and reiterated commitment to bring Genocide fugitives to face justice.
“Standing here today, with humility and respect, by your side, I have come to recognize our responsibilities,” said Macron.
He said that France had a duty to admit the “suffering it inflicted on the Rwandan people by too long valuing silence over the examination of the truth.”
Macron said that only those who had survived the horrors “can perhaps forgive; give us the gift of forgiveness”.
The visit was seen as a good step towards the normalisation of relations between the two countries.
Anfré, 58, is a diplomat familiar with Africa.
He held different diplomatic roles where he served as the first secretary of the French Embassy in Uganda, then as editor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire (current DR Congo) and Tanzania in the 1990s.
He also served as Embassy Counsellor in London from 2011 to 2014, and as ambassador of France to Niger in 2015 among others.
Jérémie Blin has been serving as Chargé d’Affaires since 2019 prior to the appointment of Anfré.
Speaking to the media after presenting credentials, Ambassador Anfré said that both countries are entering a new era of cordial relations following the release of Duclert report and Macron’s visit to Rwanda.
“We are here to enhance cooperation with Rwanda in the areas of culture, trade and economy. We have already held discussions and made resolutions awaiting implementation,” he revealed.
Anfré reiterated commitment to build from existing foundation to promote bilateral relations rooted on mutual respect.
“Rwanda needs development partners but France also needs new partners in Africa,” he noted.
The visit of Macron to Rwanda was considered a step further to turn a new page for both countries relations.
The new era saw both countries renewing partnership that birthed cooperation in development projects where Rwanda secured Euro 60 million financing through French Agency for Development (AFD) to support the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines as well as social protection initiatives.
French also financed Rwanda’s expansion of electricity with Euro 80 million and more 5.8 million to promote vocational education and training courses.
Else, French Cultural Center has been reopened in Rwanda while other projects are in the pipeline.
Among others, Rwanda and Nigeria have maintained bilateral ties since 1962.
Both countries have cooperation in three main areas including security, air transport and technical cooperation.
The new envoy accredited to Rwanda, Aishatu Aliyu Musa reiterated commitment to continue fostering bilateral relations for mutual interests and draw attention to joint investment.
“I hope to draw much attention to prioritizing investment between the two countries to see members of Rwandan business community travelling to Nigeria and vice versa. It is my goal to make it better.”
Ambassador Omar Daair representing the United Kingdom has revealed that he held discussions with Kagame on different topics including bilateral cooperation in climate change mitigation and education among others.
Amb. Omar explained that both countries have agreements in many areas and share common understanding on regional security and climate change among others.
Kagame made the call on Wednesday 28th July 2021 at the US-Africa Business Summit – The Corporate Council on Africa.
Like this year, the previous summit also took place virtually in June 2020 due to COVID-19. The council has been considered the voice for private sector engagement between USA and Africa for a quarter century.
As he addressed participants, Kagame reflected on how COVID-19 has brought unprecedented effects and stressed the need to strengthen partnership further.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing us to adjust and adapt. We don’t know how much longer it will be with us. That is why we need even stronger partnership between Africa and the United States,” he said.
USA has committed to provide millions of COVID-19 vaccines through COVAX facility where the first deliveries have already begun to arrive in Africa.
Kagame stated that the donations are not a long-term solution to ‘a global health challenge of such a magnitude, nor do they address the issue of equity’.
“It is therefore a good sign that the United States is preparing to join with partners in Africa through the US Development Finance Corporation and other agencies, to support local manufacturing of vaccines and other pharmaceuticals,” he noted.
Kagame highlighted that Africa is doing its part with imminent entry into force of the Africa Medicines Agency treaty, which will create continental regulatory body to reinforce national regulators.
“This presents tremendous opportunity for companies on both sides of the Atlantic. We have already seen examples of how this kind of collaboration can produce innovations that impact the entire world,” he said.
“A few years ago, a small start-up from California called Zipline approached Rwanda about piloting a futuristic technology to deliver blood supplies to remote hospitals using drones,” he added.
Zipline started operating in Rwanda since 2016 with headquarters in Kayinza and Muhanga districts and makes deliveries to 260 health centers.
After proving concept in Rwanda, Kagame said, Zipline expanded not only elsewhere in Africa but also to Japan and the United States itself, where engineers and technicians from Rwanda reinforce the company’s global operations.
“The company is now valued in the billions of dollars. Let us use the urgency of this moment to identify similar opportunities for partnership between Africa and the Unites States, focusing especially on the young men and women on both our continents who see solutions, where others only see problems,” enthused Kagame.
The summit held for the 13th time brought together over 1000 leading US and African private sector executives, senior government officials and heads of state among others.
The theme of this year’s summit is “New Pathways to a Stronger US-Africa Economic Partnership” and will focus on the unique opportunity for the new US Administration and its African partners to reset and redefine their relationship, working together to shape the path for economic recovery needed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another perhaps surprising fact? While the sense of adventure is strong, travel in Rwanda is also steeped in luxury. It’s a true safari destination in that sense. This is a bucket-list journey if ever there was one, where couples can cuddle up in incredibly intimate lodges and camps set in spectacular landscapes with wildlife unlike anything you could find stateside—not to mention Pinterest-worthy design and exceptional cuisine. It’s incredibly green, and not only when it comes to the colors surrounding you.
The country is a sustainable development leader in the world, practicing many thoughtful ways of protecting the planet’s resources.
Every Rwandan honeymoon must start in Kigali (home to the international airport), which you’ll find to be one of the cleanest—and safest—cities on Earth. It’s where you’ll find the ultimate boutique hotel introduction to this great destination: The Retreat by Heaven. With its 12 solar-powered, custom-built teak dwellings complete with patios, outdoor rain showers, and colorful printed bathrobes, this bolthole is an idyllic place to rest up, get acclimated, and explore the city. (If you’re looking to spend a bit less, there’s Heaven Boutique Hotel next door.) The cuisine at the adjacent open-air, buzzing Heaven Restaurant is some of Rwanda’s best, the result of an overwhelming successful social enterprise idea.
For less of a scene, Fusion Restaurant at The Retreat offers fine-dining vibes on a smaller scale.
By day, there’s plenty to engage with—from art and culture, fashion, culinary and nature tours by Heaven taking interested parties all over the dynamic city and its surroundings, to the somber yet must-visit Kigali Genocide Memorial, which provides the difficult and moving context you’ll need to interact in this ever-healing nation. For a caffeine fix, stop by Question Coffee. But for a more intoxicating beverage, visit the 1000 Hills Distillery, Africa’s first small-batch craft distillery—it gives tours and tastings, or you can simply go for cocktails.
The Inema Arts Center is a worthy visit, as is the Kandt House Museum if you’re history buffs. Fashion fans can’t miss Rwanda Clothing Store, a jewel box of a retail gem for both women’s and men’s clothing, plus, irresistible jewelry and accessories, and gorgeous home decor, all by a young local female designer.
After a couple days in Kigali you’ll be ready to commune with nature. Some travelers like to visit Lake Kivu, which lies across Rwanda’s western border and is a serene place to relax, hike, bike, and play in the water. For wildlife lovers, however, the ideal next stop is Akagera National Park, which was recently graced with its very first luxury safari camp, Magashi, by Wilderness Safaris. The slow, smooth drive there (four hours) feels quite long from Kigali, but it’s generously scenic, a constant stream of lush, patchworked hills rolling by like a sea of green carpet. Magashi guests are the only ones allowed to enter the park’s north entrance, giving them more exclusive access to, say, a large herd of elephants playing welcome wagon.
This is an escape that feels gloriously far from the real world, romantic and natural. There are just six luxury tents, each with a king bed swathed in rose-colored mosquito netting at its heart. Large wooden decks overlook shimmering Lake Rwanyakazinga, its prolific population of hippos constantly popping their heads up like whack-a-mole to say hello as you enjoy a drink from the extensive minibar or a yoga session using the provided mat (there’s a jumprope and resistance band, too). But that’s far from the only place to chill and appreciate your surroundings—there’s also a swimming pool with a view, a fire pit, a seductively lit communal lounge, and an outdoor deck where you can appreciate animals coming incredibly close, as the camp is not fenced. Mealtimes are special highlights, since the food—from buffet breakfasts and brunches to firefly-lit multi-course dinners—is positively mouthwatering.
Of course, as idyllic as it is at camp, what you go for is outside. Twice-a-day safari excursions happen by adapted truck as well as occasionally by boat, especially just before sunset, when cruising you might feel as if you’re in Switzerland or some other misty blue and green land of untold beauty. From the water—wine or G&T in hand—you might spot crocodiles, buffalo, silver monkeys, kingfishers, antelope, zebra, or even black rhinos. Game drives turn up white-tailed mongoose, hyena, warthog, leopard, giraffe, and many more species. You might spend the morning admiring lions with their profusion of cubs, playing in a pile like puppies, suckling, yawning, nibbling and cuddling to form bonds—and not a single other vehicle or tourist around.
A few days at Magashi and you will have settled nicely into safari life. But for as small as it is, Rwanda offers many different landscapes begging to be experienced. A helicopter could be arranged back to Kigali or, to extend the honeymoon, to the sumptuous tea plantation–adjacent One&Only Nyungwe House, backing up to the striking and serene jungle canopies of Nyungwe Forest National Park, where one offering is trekking to view wild—and shockingly humanlike—chimpanzees.
Whatever you do, make sure the grand finale takes place in the Virunga Mountains of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda’s northeast, where inimitable primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey famously studied and lived aside mountain gorillas for decades. The over-the-top opulent options in that region are plenty, providing the cherry on top of a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. Wilderness Safaris opened magical Bisate Lodge in 2017, and in 2019 Singita debuted Kwitonda Lodge, and One&Only followed with Gorilla’s Nest.
The latter feels more like a true luxury resort than an African camp, though your ecstatic drumming welcome feels wholly authentic. The property sits in a eucalyptus grove, landscaped beautifully with exotic imported roses and indigenous flora, the stories of which you can discover on a nature walk or mountain biking. With 21 individual dwellings up on stilts (the idea was not to cut a single tree) and hidden amid nature, there’s an incredible emphasis on pampering and privacy. A heated infinity pool with a state-of-the-art gym and pool bar, an indulgent spa using local ingredients such as coffee for out-of-this-world body scrubs, and ever-changing many-course meals informed by Rwandan flavors elevated for international appetites ensure the feeling is super-high-end and sophisticated.
At Kwitonda Lodge, an entirely different energy pervades. Sitting at the base of the Virunga Mountains, you’ll see a handful of jagged peaks and untamed grassy expanse serving as a buffer zone slash front yard to the eight suites, as deluxe, plush, and design porn-y as anywhere you’ve ever seen. By night, butlers escort couples back from the main lodge—encased in local cut stone and lined with curvaceous locally made terracotta brick and hand-woven accents—since buffalo are known to wander around (there’s even the occasional elephant or gorilla). Community is important here, and quite evident. There are large-scale artworks of many mediums, oil to vibrant paper scroll beads, and copper-clad lighting, creating an otherworldly yet incredibly comfortable atmosphere—rustic yet refined.
The standalone suites, featuring the same natural yet premium materials, are even more appealing to both the eye and body. They’re essentially the dream African abode. The warm palette of cozy textiles, leather, and wool play beautifully with the spectacle outside the massive picture windows (complete with window seats for reading, snuggling, or sipping vino or craft cocktails made at the chic kitchenette), not just nature at her best but also a private heated plunge pool and outdoor fireplace. The expansive bathrooms are host to not only a large soaking tub, showers (indoor and out), and double vanities, but a massage bed complete with incense and Tibetan singing bowl to set the mood. Heavenly spa treatments are done right there, ideally after your gorilla trek.
Speaking of, couples are educated by the staff conservation officer and wildlife specialist ahead of their trek. Before dinner—the meals at Kwitonda are endlessly delightful, with lovingly prepared tapas-style lunches and bright, vibrant dinners that might include a warm take on Caesar salad with crispy camembert cheese and broad beans, and gnocchi made of the iconic local potatoes with ginger butternut puree—you’ll get the lowdown on what to expect in an artifact-, book- and photograph-riddled conservation lounge alongside other guests. You’ll even get outfitted head-to-toe in the best protective, waterproof gear and, early the next morning, sent off with a perfect picnic lunch.
Of course, as much as there is to experience at Kwitonda House, not just eating happily but trying cooking interactions, basket weaving, stick making lessons, yoga, cycling, and visiting the Arakabo Nursery on-site (it’s here that much of the produce you savor is grown), the gorilla trek is the pinnacle. That journey is to some extent shaped by your guides, all of whom are incredible, and some of whom might have even known Fossey personally. But the gorillas are the ones actually in charge. For the trek, you’re put into a group of up to eight and assigned a gorilla group, the head of which is a dominant silverback male who, if you’re lucky enough to see his 400-pound self, will imprint in your mind forever.
The only sure thing, however, is that each outing is guaranteed to be unique and endlessly special. The first part involves some amount of hiking—fortunately you’ll hire a local porter to carry your hefty pack—that might be a breeze or could be a bit strenuous, through deep mud, weaving in and out of bamboo thickets and lush greenery, or maybe climbing higher into the Virunga Mountains. You might hear the gorillas first (after all they have almost two dozen different vocalizations) or maybe smell them, or you could even be greeted by a toddler beating his chest playfully. Once you reach them, you’ll get one life-affirming hour to observe their familiar behaviors, listen to their communications, and be moved by their intimate interactions—especially touching if there’s a baby in the group.
Words can’t do the experience justice—it’s something you truly must live to understand. Epic is an understatement. At the end of your adrenaline-filled excursion, when you return to Kwitonda Lodge, you’re met with a hot steaming towel, warm gluwein, and a staffer to remove your muddy boots and exchange them for plush slippers. You and your love might retreat to your suite for quiet reflection or a fevered recounting of the day’s highlights, take a dip, book another hike or trek to see golden monkeys, indulge in massages, or simply relax over some excellent South African wine and another memorable dinner. In many ways, it doesn’t get more adventurous or exciting than Rwanda.
{{This article written by Kathryn Romeyn was first published by BRIDES. }}
One day after the publication, Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) which funded the project has refuted allegations related to mismanagement of funds allocated to the project.
The story reads that Rwanda Development Board (RDB) set up a joint committee in January 2018 to manage the funds and oversee the execution of the project.
It is said that ‘the team would expropriate the then 9-hole Kigali Golf Course and secure funds to hire an international contractor to construct a world-class golf course and a clubhouse with international standards’.
As the story goes; a French firm, Gregori International & Gary Player was awarded a US$4 million contract to design and construct new 9-holes and repair the existing 9-holes.
Later on, RDB handed over the project to RSSB as the beneficiary of the expected magnificent golf course that would add value to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
It is said that RSSB sought go ahead from the Minister of Finance to invest into the facility where it was authorized to register a private company with RDB that would run the project.
The company dubbed Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course LTD (RUGC) was created on August 9, 2019, three days after the RSSB Board Resolution authorizing its creation with a share capital of Rwf19.6 billion.
Alain Ngirinshuti was appointed the Board Chairman of RUGC while Josue Dushimimana was named the Managing Director.
Other members of the management committee include Ntwali Kevin Habineza, Brian Kirungi and Patrick Gihana Mulenga appointed board members. The committee was supposed to report to RSSB.
Taarifa reported that the committee was dogged by funds misuse, issuing tenders without competitive bidding and releasing payments without documents to back up invoices submitted by suppliers among others.
Towards the end of August 2019, RSSB increased the budget for the project from US$4 million to US$16 million but the course had not yet been completed by June 2020 when the CHOGM was initially scheduled in Kigali.
{{RSSB stand }}
Following publication of this story, RSSB has released a two-page statement providing details about the case.
The statement reads that the project aligns with Rwanda’s vision 2050 to become a tourism destination where ‘Rwandan authorities identified the existing Kigali Golf Course as an opportunity to create an iconic high-end facility which would meet the highest international standards, and which could eventually lead to a significant increase of domestic and international tourism’.
RSSB explained that RUGC was created to manage the project but denied allegations that tenders were offered illegally.
“All tenders were executed in accordance with best practices and value for money,” reads part of the statement explaining that RUGC is a private company that does not need to follow public institutions’ process.
RSSB further stated that key decisions such as hiring the main contractor Gregory International, were overseen by a joint development committee appointed by RDB; composed by RSSB, RDB, Rwanda housing Authority (RHA), Kigali City and Kigali Golf Club (KGC).
“ As the initial budgeting of the project of US$4 million was not sufficient to build a PGA standard course, the scope and the budget were revised to US$11 million and the scope of the initial tender was extended by the technical Committee and the Steering Committee composed by RSSB, RDB, RHA, Kigali City and KGC,” adds the statement.
RSSB has stated that the incredible coordination and collaboration of Rwanda public authorities saw the Golf Course construction completed in December 2020, as confirmed by the Course Architect, the project Supervisor and the Technical Committee.
Construction activities took one year and half, according to RSSB which revealed that the construction of a PGA standard golf course can take more than two years depending on the weather and soil type among other factors.
RSSB says that RUGC has been working on small upgrades and maintenance of the Golf Course as well as further developments around it since December.
It is said that the maintenance contract will be executed in the first years after delivery by Gregory International as the Golf Course construction company.
{{Chemicals destroyed the Golf Course}}
Early June this year, Taarifa published a story that some of RUGC employees negligently sprayed the Golf Course with harmful chemicals which destroyed grasses.
RSSB has revealed that the contractor is liable for damages caused.
“The golf course was scheduled to open at the end of June 2021, but due to an incident by selective herbicide that damaged part of the course, RUGC only opened the practice range end of June 2021, for golfers who provided positive feedback on the work carried out by RUGC and its partners. The contractor is contractually fully liable for all damages caused by that incident,” RSSB explained in the statement.
“After observing significant recovery of the course, RUGC was planning to open the entire Golf Course at the end of July 2021, but it has been postponed following new measures against COVID-19. RUGC will communicate on the official new opening date after the end of the lockdown.”
The current golf course sits on 65 from the initial 17 hectares before expansion.
