The lockdown saw daily infections reducing from 200 and above to 50 and 60.
During the lockdown, Dr. Kalisa Egide conducted research on its impact to reducing emissions.
Dr. Kalisa Egide is a lecturer at the University of Rwanda, Department of Science and Technology (CST) and researcher on gases polluting the air.
“I conducted analysis on ‘Coarse particles (PM10)’ caused by construction activities, smokes from combustibles and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) particles from vehicle emissions. I established that they have reduced by 14% in Kigali compared to the previous time,” he said.
Coarse particles are the relatively large airborne particles mainly produced by the mechanical break-up of even larger solid particles.
Gases polluting the air can reduce due to various reasons including limitation or the absence of vehicle movements.
Among others, Rwanda implemented several preventive measures since COVID-19 emerged on 14th March 2020. People were requested to respect social distancing, wash hands, and avoid unnecessary movements and public gatherings.
On 21st March 2020, Rwanda was the first African country to impose lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The lockdown that lasted for 40 days reduced gas emissions in Rwanda’s atmosphere by 24% as highlighted by Dr. Kalisa Egide.
The reduction in emissions was also reported in the United Kingdom, India and China.
Dr. Kalisa has told IGIHE that carbon emissions are among challenges the world is faced with considering the fact that over 7 million people die of diseases emanating from polluted air globally.
“Gas emissions from vehicles, combustibles might cause diseases like asthma and lung cancer. It also has adverse effects to national economy,” he said.
The researcher observed that the current pace of Rwanda’s development and growing population demography forecasts extreme increase in emissions if no stringent measures taken.
Dr. Kalisa said that COVID-19 has had negative effects to humans and the economy but observed that it should leave a lesson that reducing air pollutants is possible.
“It has evidenced that preventing air pollutants related consequences is possible if we concert efforts and encourage green projects,” he underscored.
The research carried out by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) in 2017, indicated that 95, 2% of cars in Rwanda are than ten years old with 56,6 % with the vehicles made before 1999 while 77,2% of them were made before 2000.
The Ministry of Health shows that 13% out of 3 million respiratory diseases recorded every year are caused by emissions.
Rwanda is the first African country that submitted a tougher climate target to the united Nations (UN), promising to cut gas emissions at least 38% % by 2030.
With technical and financial support, Rwanda estimated it could reduce its total emissions by 4.6 million tons of CO2 by 2030.
Measures include the deployment of hydro and solar energy, improving energy efficiency in industrial processes, introducing vehicle emission standards, rolling out electric vehicles and promoting on-farm biogas use.
The minister revealed this yesterday as he presented agreements determining the establishment of FEDA to the lower house of parliament which it endorsed.
Munyangeyo Théogène, the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Economy and Trade in the Lower Chamber of Parliament explained that the fund comes in handy to address challenges related to lack of capital among Rwandans and Africans in general.
“African countries experience trade deficit. Therefore, these agreements are beneficial to African countries. It is a great milestone to sharpen Rwandans’ skills and address issues pertaining to the lack of capital investment,” he said.
The cabinet meeting held on 11th November 2020, approved a Memorandum of Understanding on the hosting of the permanent headquarters of FEDA in Kigali.
Dr. Biruta said that agreements establishing the fund were signed in Cairo, Egypt on 22nd November 2020 expected to promote investment in Rwanda and Africa, address barriers hindering trade and facilitate the implementation of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).
“The agreements will also promote investment especially in our country where the fund will be headquartered whereby Rwanda will take advantage of several benefits like promoting Rwanda’s visibility as the hub for international financial institutions,” he said.
“FEDA will also open doors for Rwandan business community, connecting them to other African countries and investors. The fund will also provide jobs to Rwandans,” added Biruta.
The fund will begin operations with US$200 million initial capital provided by African Export–Import Bank (Afrexim Bank).
The fund is also expected to foster jobs creation.
Ntagengerwa revealed this following Rwandan investors visit to CAR aimed at exploring investment opportunities.
“It has been observed that the country presents investment opportunities. Upon return, they told us that the country imports a large portion of goods. There are two double chances. Rwandans can set up factories in the country or export to the country like Cameroun and France business people do,” he said.
As he recently received the delegation of 32 investors from Rwanda, CAR president, Faustin-Archange Touadéra, welcomed them to the country and promised support to tap into investment opportunities available in the country.
Rwanda’s national flight carrier, RwandAir has recently launched flights from Kigali to Bangui, the capital city of CAR expected to facilitate free movement between both countries.
Rwanda’s national flight carrier, RwandAir has recently launched bi-weekly flights to Bangui, the capital city of CAR.
In 2019, Rwanda and CAR signed cooperation agreements to promote security, economy and mining activities.
Rwanda and CAR have been for long enjoying cordial relations whereby Rwanda is helping the country engulfed by wars to restore peace. Rwandan troops have been deployed to CAR peacekeeping mission since 2014. On 20th December 2020, Rwanda deployed more special forces to CAR under existing bilateral cooperation signed in 2019.
CAR covers a land area of about 620,000 square kilometres and has an estimated population of around 4.7 million. As of 2020, the country is the scene of a civil war, ongoing since 2012.
The Central African Republic’s economy is based primarily on subsistence agriculture, with important mining and timber industries the main source of export earnings.
Diamonds are the country’s most profitable export, while agriculture occupies most of its working population.
Farmers grow cotton, coffee, and tobacco for export and crops for local markets, but economic development is handicapped by the CAR’s landlocked position, limited infrastructure, and the low education of its work-force. Poor government management and political instability have further weakened the CAR’s economic condition.
The informal sector is important in the CAR, accounting for most economic activity and a large share of the diamond trade.
CAR has had a turbulent economic history. Since gaining independence in 1960, the economy has endured intermittent periods of economic decline caused in part by poor management.
The recent opening of flights presented a huge market opportunity for businesspersons as the country heavily depends on imports.
The incident took place yesterday as Police jointly with Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) went to arrest the mother accused of crimes including incitement of public disorder and trivialization of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Idamange, 42, has been heard featuring in talk shows aired on social media platforms engaging in illegal political activities punishable by Rwanda’s laws.
Following these acts, RNP and RIB went to arrest her to investigate her acts.
RNP statement shows that the woman resisted forces that went to arrest her and injured police officer.
“Since January 31, 2021, Ms. Idamange Iryamugwiza Yvonne, 42, has exhibited behavior that mixes politics, criminality, and madness of different media platforms. This conduct invited the attention and close scrutiny of law enforcement,” reads the statement in part.
“Accordingly, this evening February 15, 2021, at around 4pm, Police jointly with Rwanda Investigation Bureau arrested Ms. Iryamugwiza on charges of serious crimes including inciting public disorder, resisting lawful arrest and aggravated assault against law enforcement officer. The suspect used a bottle to cause head injuries to the officer who was immediately taken to Kacyiru Hospital for medical attention. Further investigations are ongoing,” adds the statement signed by Police Spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera.
Celestin Hakizimana, Bishop of Gikongoro Diocese has been an Apostolic Administrator of Cyangugu Diocese for two years following the death of former Bishop of Cyangugu Diocese, Bimenyimana Jean Damascène in 2018.
Prior to his new appointment, Sinayobye served as the Rector of Grand Séminaire Propédeutique de Nyumba (Nyumba Major Seminary).
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Bishop Sinayobye revealed that he was very excited for the good news which he welcomed with humility.
“I was very surprised. It is a demanding mission beyond human capacity. I welcomed the appointment with reverent feeling to God that chose me as a cleric to serve the church and become a preacher,” he said.
“That is the oath I took. I have dedicated my whole life to serve God as man of the church. All my deeds wherever I am, will be dedicated to spreading the Gospel and bring to limelight God’s Kingdom,” added Bishop Sinamenye.
He explained that reverence to God and collaboration with colleagues, will among other things, characterize him on new duties.
“It is the prayer that capacitates me to do everything. Like everyone serving on God’s calling; remaining dedicated to God, and asking him strength is the main virtue I acquired from the Church besides collaboration with others. I will gradually get familiar with the new duty of managing a diocese. Most importantly, it is a duty that requires understanding others and collaborating with them respectfully, “highlighted Bishop Sinamenye.
He also urged Christians to uphold the church’s essence of collaboration and remain committed to serving God’s community.
IGIHE has however learnt from credible sources that Rwanda received approximately 1000 vaccine dozes that have been already used.
The WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines were received through existing agreements with partners other than the official equitable vaccine sharing initiative known as COVAX and the African Union’s Africa Medical Supplies Platform.
Rwanda is among four African countries expected to receive the first batch of vaccines through COVAX initiative. These include Cape Verde, Tunisia and South Africa. Rwanda recently received five ultra-cold freezers with the capacity to store all types of Coronavirus vaccines.
The fridges can store vaccines at -70 and -86 degrees Celsius. It is expected that Rwanda will have received 1,098,960 vaccine dozes by February 2021 to vaccinate 549 480 people.
It is expected that health practitioners, patients with incurable diseases like blood pressure, diabetes and asthma among other respiratory diseases would be among the first group to be vaccinated in the first phase along with elders above 65 years and people whose line of duty puts them in a susceptible position.
The cost to vaccinate 60% of Rwandans is estimated at US$124 million (Rwf 121 billion).
It is reported that vaccines distributed through COVAX and African Union’s Africa Medical Supplies Platform have not yet arrived in Rwanda but delivery is expected in the near future.
The development was announced on Sunday by the Ministry of Health via Twitter account.
The Ministry also revealed that the country is using limited quantities acquired through international partnerships.
“The Ministry of Health’s National Vaccination Program has begun vaccinating high-risk groups, notably frontline healthcare staff, with WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines acquired through international partnerships in limited quantities,” reads the statement.
The statement released yesterday also shows that the initial vaccination program will be followed by a wider roll-out in the same month.
“This initial phase will be followed by a wider roll-out this month with supplies expected from the COVAX Facility and the AU’s Africa Medical Supplies Platform. Rwanda’s COVID-19 vaccination plan is ready, with infrastructure, protocols, and personnel in place,” adds the statement.
IGIHE has learnt that King Faisal Hospital staff and players of the National Football Team, Amabuvi are among people who have been already vaccinated.
Rwanda is among four African countries expected to receive the first batch of vaccines through COVAX initiative. These include Cape Verde, Tunisia and South Africa.
The confirmation followed an assessment by World Health Organization (WHO) which established that Rwanda is prepared enough to administer vaccines.
Rwanda recently received five ultra-cold freezers with the capacity to store and freeze all types of Coronavirus vaccines.
These fridges can freeze vaccines at minus 70 and 86 degree Celsius. It is expected that Rwanda will have received 1,098,960 vaccines by February 2021 to vaccinate 549 480 people.
It was expected that health practitioners, patients with incurable diseases like blood pressure, diabetes and asthma among other respiratory diseases would be among the first group to be vaccinated in the first phase along with elders above 65 years and people whose line of duty puts them in a susceptible position.
The cost to vaccinate 60% of Rwandans is estimated at US$124 million (Rwf 121 billion).
Vuki Ltd introduced sex toys in Rwanda to enable transparent acquisition of related products that were already in use without license.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, the management of Vuki Ltd explained that they launched a shop in Rwanda to help people struggling to find quality sex toys.
“We knew such products were already available in Kigali, but illegally. We wanted to regularize it in order to make sure these products meet international standards for security and health of customers. We also understood that there was a demand for adult’s toys, which is why we decided to open this business and to launch Vuki Ltd,” explains one of the managers.
Following the penetration into Rwanda’s market, and getting licensed by Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Vuki Ltd expressed delight to have been welcomed smoothly.
“Since we launched Vuki Ltd, we have not received any bad feedback from the Rwandan Market. Of course, you can imagine the atmosphere when we have opened our goods at the Custom! And when communicating with people during the process of market’s approvals, they were rather smiling and assisting.”
Vuki Ltd has a wide range of products including ‘Lingerie’, or women’s underwear. They are manufactured locally and Vuki Ltd considers it a great contribution to boosting ‘Made in Rwanda’ program. Vuki Ltd has developed partnership with a company dubbed ‘IsLo Collection’ to manufacture those garments.
According to the management, Vuki Ltd has expended much effort to produce some of products in Rwanda.
“Indeed we have launched this new category in December 2020 together with our local partner Islo. We wanted to promote made in Rwanda products and this local brand that produce high quality fashion clothes. This is why we have launched a new lingerie collection. This allows us with creativity to make products with local partner. By the way, the lingerie of this collection is custom tailored. Basically once you place your order we produce the model with the required size and deliver it within 24 hours.”
As you visit the online shop, a disclaimer appears suddenly restricting visits by minors below the age of 18. The website appears in dominant black color, seemingly, a dark room with insufficient light.
Products displayed on the platform are classified into six categories: toys, lubricants, oil massage, aphrodisiac, wellness and lingerie.
As per product’s catalogue; Toys are the shop’s main market and the product’s category which is the more demanded by women and men while Lubricants are used mainly to solve frigidity and dryness problems.
Aphrodisiac is sold for the purpose of solving some problems of sexual desire; Oil massage is meant to enhance foreplay preliminaries and bring intense arousal of the couple.
Wellness products are particularly dedicated to women, among other cups which are used as a permanent solution for periods. These include products enabling women to urinate with a standing position.
Lingerie is there to bring colour in a relationship and stimulate the desire both of men and women.
{{Women are major clients at Vuki Ltd}}
Majority of clients at Vuki Ltd are women. It is not the exclusivity of Rwanda because women occupy large global clientele due to the fact that most of toys are made for them or used on their bodies.
Vuki Ltd asserts women represent at least 60% of it clientele.
“Basically, the highest proportion of our customers are women. We estimate they represent 60% of our customers even if you don’t need to precise your gender when you want to order our products. A large part of our selling is gifts for anniversary or any other occasion. For example, Valentine’s Day goes with higher demand usually.”
During Coronavirus pandemic which saw many countries imposing lockdown, the sales in sex toys increased exponentially especially between January and March last year.
For instance Italy is reported to have increased sales by 60%, France by 40%, Canada by 135%, United States by 75% while Hong Kong and Australia grew sales by 71% and 31% respectively.
Vuki has revealed that sales also flourished on Rwanda’s during lockdown.
“Indeed, we have noticed increased sells during the lock-down; sadly we had to increase the delivery rates during this lock-down but we are still operating for the happiness of our customer. It is true that being locked home can be difficult for many couples and our products can also help to maintain a good relationship,” explains the company’s management.
Vuki Ltd has highlighted that the business doesn’t dilute Rwanda’s culture noting that Rwandans have had enough sexual knowledge dating back from colonization era.
“Actually there is no really limited sexual knowledge in the Rwandan culture, but an important place for it in the traditions. This limitation has come with the colonization. The idea is not to import practices which are outside the Rwandan culture but rather promote couple’s communication, stability and flourishing,” asserts Vuki Ltd.
The management says, it is committed to respecting everyone’s privacy which prompted to dodge mass media campaign lest some clients feel offended.
To date, Vuki doesn’t have any physical office and operates exclusively through an e-commerce platform.
The company plans to explore some possibilities like having a partnership with pharmacies as dealers of its products.
The management says, the company looks forward to partner with more Rwanda companies to promote local products.
“We are looking into to increasing Made in Rwanda products, building new partnerships with Rwandan producers, in a short term, and of course, preparing Valentine’s Day.”
{{Sex and culture in contemporary Rwanda}}
Beliefs or social norms might be a constraint to openly visit the shop selling products stimulating sexual desire but interested individuals should not be condemned for their rights to visit or use them given that sexuality is a God-given passion.
Not so coincidentally, sexual relations and related practices have been areas of concern for long in Rwandan traditions. Perhaps, you might have got the wind of ‘labia stretching’ locally known as ‘Gukuna’ or ‘Gukazanura’ (a tradition involving father in law to taste how sweet the new daughter-in-law is sexually gratifying) in Rwanda’s traditional culture. Have you ever wondered why or when such traditions ended? This is a small portion of a wide range of practices transpiring from sex-related traditions in Rwanda that are rarely discussed in public but etched on many people’s hearts and implicitly or explicitly reflected through their deeds.
To this end, implicit allusion to sexual relations that also manifests in artistic works, has been a vast topic of discussion that created mixed reactions among Rwandans. Such artistic creations especially in the music industry have been attracting public attention that artistes have been actively taking heed on the topic to draw closer to public attention. For instance, ‘Rwagihuta’, is one of songs that earned Massamba Intore great fame of legendary ranking.
Releasing songs alluding to sexual relations is gradually coming of age that super star artistes are making it an optimal choice. If you are an entertainment fan, you might know them better but I recommend you to listen to ‘Saa moya’ by Bruce Melodie, ‘Ifarasi’ by Davis D, ‘Igare’ by Mico the Best to be on common ground. These songs have been brought to limelight and convey implicit message that everyone interprets her/her way. So, Vuki’s presence with products stimulating sexual desire is not an odd to Rwandans’ debated topics.
{{‘Sextoys’ turning traders into millionaires }}
At global level, sex toys have increasingly become basic products especially in developed countries in a sense that they help spouses and unmarried people to continue enjoying sexual relations in the absence of a partner.
Figures on frequently searched words, show that ‘sex toys’ are mostly searched in countries including Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Netherlands. In the meantime, China and India as the world’s most populated countries record the highest number of people using sex toys.
Tracy’s Dog, a company selling sex toys recently conducted a survey to respondents from different countries. 62% of respondents owned sex toys while 57% of the rest planned to buy sex toys in case a lockdown is imposed.
47% of respondents are from the United States of America, 32% are from Europe, 13% are from Asia, while 8% are from Australia.
In brief, several reasons have provided ground for increased users of sex toys. These include reduced price due to increased manufacturers including China producing 70% of the world’s sex toys.
Besides mass production, the quality and sophisticated technology made with these smoothened toys to help individuals reach orgasm is another reason that draw sex toys market on peak.
As a result, sex toy traders have been reaping big, and expect bigger returns in the future. For instance, the value of sex toys market was valued at over US$ 25 billion in 2018, increased to over US$ 26.6% billion in 2019 and over US$ 30$ billion in 2020. The market is estimated at US$ 48.2 billion in 2027.
There are no official sources showing the current status of sex toys trade on African continent, because many countries (excluding South Africa and few others) don’t authorize the use of sex toys due to cultural constraints and beliefs against such practices. However, sex toys are present on the continent.
Continuous use of such toys secretly might lead to several health risks and damage body parts over the application of substandard toys.
The incident took place on Thursday night in Kabahinda cell, Mururu sector when armed gangsters brought residents together and stole their money. It is said that gangsters escaped after stealing Rwf 30,000.
The vice mayor for economic affairs in Rusizi district, Kankindi Leoncie has told IGIHE that thieves shot and injured one resident who got suspicion that they are not soldiers.
“We have started activities to comfort residents. We visited residents yesterday and reminded them to provide information on time using designated official phone number. Security officials have launched investigation into the case,” she said.
“The resident who survived is getting medical attention at Gihundwe Hospital. There is hope to recover quickly because he was not severely injured,” added Kankindi.
She reassured residents that investigations are underway to hold masterminds accountable.
He revealed this yesterday as he took over from Dr. Musafiri Papias Malimba during a ceremony held at UR headquarters in Gikondo witnessed by the Ministry of Education, Dr. Dr Uwamariya Valentine.
Prof was appointed by the cabinet meeting held on 2nd February 2021, four months after the predecessor Phillip Cotton ended his tenure and temporarily replaced by Dr Musafiri Papias Malimba who once served as the Minister of Education.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Musafiri presented several achievements of the university since established in 2013 and reminded his successor of duties ahead to manage the university faced with several challenges including hardships brought by Covid-19 pandemic and poor funds management as indicated by the Auditor General’s report.
The new Vice Chancellor, Prof Lyabanje thanked the Government of Rwanda for bestowing trust upon him.
“We are pleased that His Excellency President Paul Kagame and the Government of Rwanda trusted Rwandans to manage the university and particularly granting me, the chance to do so,” he said.
Prof Lyambabaje committed to promote quality education in close collaboration with colleagues.
“When you speak to people around, they have a negative perception that today’s graduates are not competent enough compared to the past. I am not sure if it is an exaggerated reality but we have to accept that time changes. The more technology evolves, the harder we must utilize it with all efforts so that graduates are able to leverage that technology to efficiently accomplish their duties at work,” he said.
“Continuously striving for quality education, is one of areas we should prioritize in a way that embeds research to facilitate lecturers and students to sharpen knowledge,” added Lyambabaje.
Among others, the new Vice Chancellor expressed commitment to draw emphasis on efficient funds management.
“Another area of focus is related to funds management. It is necessary to work with the Auditor General, our staff and other relevant institutions to do what is required. As I told you, when you think I am misusing funds contributed through taxes to educate students, it is your rights to file a complaint through the Auditor General inquiring into why I am not fulfilling promises,” he said.
Prof Lyambabaje also highlighted that they will streamline internal audits to ensure proper management of financial and human resources.
In a bid to advance quality education, he revealed plans to develop partnerships with private universities to training their lecturers, and work with local and regional research centers, uplift sports and cultural activities at the university as well.
The Minister of education, Dr. Uwamariya Valentine said that the Government expected Prof Lyambabaje to promote quality education at the University of Rwanda and contribute to research geared towards transforming national economy.
“The University of Rwanda has a clear vision and goals which he comes to cement. Most importantly, we want quality education to get boost at the university and carry out its mandate of transformational research positively impacting national economy,” she noted.
Prof Lyambabaje was born in 1960. He studied at the National University of Rwanda from where he went to pursue Master’s Degree in Canada.
Lyambabaje holds a Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics and a Doctorate in Mathematics from University de Rennes in France.
He has served in different capacities in Rwanda’s public sector. Among these, in 1999, he was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.
In 2000 he was appointed Minister of Commerce, Tourism Industry, Investments Promotion and Cooperatives, a position he held until 2003.
He supervised the formulation of policies for the ministry and in particular Rwanda Tourism Policy.
He also contributed to the regional integration process through active participation in regional ministerial meetings, including those of the East African Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
From April 2014 to 2015, he served as a senior researcher at the University of Rwanda in the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
He also served as an Associate Professor of Statistics in the Institute of Applied Sciences Ruhengeri.
Prof Lyambabaje has been recently serving as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
