Malaria is endemic in 93 countries across the world. In 2015, WHO adopted a strategy aimed at reducing global malaria incidence and mortality rates.
The strategy sets the target of reducing malaria cases by 40% by 2020, 75% by 2025, and 90% of global malaria incidence and deaths by 2030.
Speaking to IGIHE, Dr. Ngamije stated that the Global Malaria Control Programme is responsible for implementing these strategies.
He explained that this programme will coordinate partners involved in malaria control, as well as others who conduct advocacy to mobilize resources.
Partners include the Global Fund, the Presidential Malaria Initiative of the United States of America, European countries, researchers, and others.
Dr. Ngamije is a physician and public health specialist who served as Rwanda’s Minister of Health from February 2020 to November 28th, 2022, when he was replaced by Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana. Before this, he served as the Director for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases in WHO’s Country Office based in Kigali.
From 2007-2017, Dr. Ngamije spent ten years coordinating the mobilization of resources and implementation of projects funded by multilateral and bilateral partners of the Ministry of Health through a single project’s implementation unit. He has also served in various leadership positions throughout the entire Rwandan Health System since 1995.
During his time as Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ngamije led the development and successful implementation of the COVID-19 comprehensive response plan.
His appointment as the Director of the Global Malaria Control Programme is a significant step forward in the fight against malaria and recognition of the critical role that African leaders and experts play in achieving global health goals.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that both leaders discussed various areas of cooperation including trade and investment. Their discussions were also attended by ministers from both countries.
Kagame later attended a luncheon hosted in his honor.
Sheikh Thani is a friend of Rwanda and President Kagame. He has visited Rwanda several times and was in Rwanda in June 2022 to attend CHOGM as a guest of honor.
Meanwhile, Qatar nationals continue to increase investment in different areas in Rwanda.
So far, investors have set up hospitality facilities including Twin Lakes Recreational Resort, a project expected to expand through the establishment of Twin Lakes Recreational Island Hotel. It takes a 20-minute drive to reach Burera District and more than 10 minutes sailing from Ntaruka hydropower station to arrive at the islands.
Patrick Masozera and his wife Kerry Ann Kimone, from Jamaica have invested on the islands that remained unexploited for long. They established Twin Lakes Recreational Resort located in Buhembe Village, Mariba Cell, Gitovu Sector, in Burera District.
Masozera and Kerry Ann lived in the United Kingdom. In 2014, they came to Rwanda where they visited Rwanda’s attractions in Rubavu and Muhazi among other places. They later visited Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes.
As they explored the islands, one of them was thirsty but could not find anywhere to buy water. When they visited Lake Burera for the first time in 2017, the couple was impressed by its magnificence.
At the time, Kerry had a six-month pregnancy and failed to find a place to buy food or soft drink despite the strong need to re-energize her body.
As Masozera disclosed, the couple started considering the establishment of a hotel in the area or other recreational facility. He said that they took photographs of the area and returned to the UK.
After attending the Rwanda Day event that was held in Amsterdam, the couple that had traveled from London decided to return to Rwanda to invest in the land.
As Masozera said, they negotiated with residents, bought land from 30 individuals and began construction in 2019. More preparations continued in 2020 and 2021 where they used boats to take cows and other essentials to the island.
In August 2022, Twin Lakes Recreational Resort was successfully set up and has increasingly gained popularity that many tourists express interest in visiting the place.
Artiste Gaël Faye is among guests who recently enjoyed an amazing experience at the facility. Tented structures ordered from the UK have been assembled at the village for guests’ camping.
Masozera went on to explain that the facility currently consisted of tents, and two cottages, with six rooms that can accommodate between 12 and 14 guests.
He however disclosed that they have a large land where an individual can bring his/her tent to be used while exploring the area.
The tents are structured in separate units so that families can enjoy comfort in their own settings.
Masozera said that there are plans to build self-contained cottages once the land use status is changed. The entire island is lit with solar energy. The lights on the island are installed on different corners and emit light in different colours.
Guests spending nights at this island, Masozera said, wake up in the morning for bird watching experience and consume the attractiveness of Lake Burera.
Kerry Ann says that she had had a desire to visit Rwanda following the tragic history the country was reported to have experienced. As he visited the country in 2014, Kerry discovered that some people did not tell her the truth about the country. The hotel was built in an area that previously had no electricity or access to safe water.
Kerry said that they were aware of those enormous challenges but did not get discouraged as they wanted to run a project with an impact to the community.
With this mindset, they started the project that attracted public attention gradually.
One of the challenges was the lack of roads along the lake but there are plans to build them. The investors recently overcame some of the barriers as the land was classified under areas designated for tourism activities.
As of today, water used at the island is still fetched using jerry cans but there is a plan to introduce a water treatment system.
However, the couple affirms that challenges are being solved gradually
{{Cow-based tourism}}
Apart from exploring the beauty of Burera, Twin Lakes introduced cow-based tourism where guests are taught to milk cows and other aspects of cow farming as one of domestic animals holding great significance in Rwanda’s culture.
Masozera revealed that they are also considering introducing the Masozera Farm Initiative, to donate cows to residents in the surroundings of the hotel.
They are mainly farmers where a cow can be a source of milk, compost and improved livelihoods.
{{Plan to build state-of-the art hotel}}
The structure of the place and anticipated projects give hope for creation of many jobs for the youth and others to supply different items. Buildings at the facility used stones available in the area. It also used water fetched by residents and stored in reservoirs as an alternative before finding a way to purify water from Lake Burera.
However, the projects to distribute safe water and electricity to residents in the surrounding communities of the hotel are in advanced stages. Masozera says that Burera is among places where tourism is not advanced where they want to take advantage of the situation to improve its visibility with eco-friendly practices.
He also disclosed that the facility wants to use food supplied by residents in the surroundings or produced from their own fields. Masozera said that they want to develop the area and build five more cottages with each having two rooms and three beds.
The project is expected to be rolled out in three phases, with the first comprising existing structures. The second will have five cottages and a multi-storey bar and restaurant while more structures will be developed in phase three.
The project was initiated from the couple’s savings but has optimism to generate returns and expand activities.
For Kerry, her dreams will come true once the project thrives and brings positive transformations in the area. Keery has expressed optimism that a state-of-the art hotel will be built in the area going hand in hand with other activities attracting more investors with projects impacting the community.
Apart from a hotel, they also want to operate a modern boat that will transport guests to the facility. The couple wants to implement the project through collaboration with other investors even though the time has not yet come. It is expected to cost US$500 million.
{{Investment opportunities in Rwanda}}
Masozera said that they detected investment opportunities in Rwanda and decided to settle in the country to follow up their project.
He explained that their visits to Rwanda impressed her wife who realized how beautiful the country is. It did not take much effort for the couple to agree on settling in Rwanda.
Kerry who worked in the health sector for over 10 years says that it is time for her to explore other opportunities even though she still stands a chance to work as a health professional licensed in Rwanda.
The 528 housing units to be constructed under UK-Rwanda Migration Partnership in Gahanga, Kicukiro District will be completed in six months at a tune of Rwf60 billion.
The deal signed in April last year paves the way for deportation to Rwanda of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally.
Through the agreement, the latter will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Braverman said that her country is awaiting the ruling of the Court of Appeal before moving forward with the implementation of signed deal.
The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Nsabimana said that a total of 1500 housing units will be constructed under this project beginning with 538 in the first phase.
As he said, these homes will be developed on 12 hectares in different phases.
The project includes recreational facilities, an early childhood development center and market among others.
Braverman commended Rwanda’s leadership for outstanding efforts to develop the country and address migration crisis.
“This is a big step forward in Rwanda increasing its existing capacity to accommodate refugees and provide humanitarian support to thousands of people around the country,” she said.
Apart from officiating the groundbreaking event, Braverman also toured Car Free Zone, Cricket Stadium and Kepler College among other projects.
During her two-day visit to Rwanda, she visited Kigali Genocide Memorial, Bwiza Riverside Homes, addressed a press conference along with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and met with President Paul Kagame with whom they discussed migration crisis.
Braverman’s visit to Rwanda was aimed at underlining her government’s commitment to the deportation deal signed last year.
Figures from the UK show that 45,756 migrants crossed to the country in 2022 through the English Channel, a higher number compared to 28,526 registered in 2021. This number represents an increase by 17,000.
These illegal migrants come from various countries in Africa, Asia and Europe.
The UK spends at least 5.5 million pounds a year on migrants where they stay in hotels while their claims are being processed.
Rwanda’s Presidency has revealed that Kagame hosted Braverman on Sunday 19th March 2023.
The deal signed in 2022 paves the way for deportation to Rwanda of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally.
The UK made the decision to discourage people crossing to the country illegally and reduce the budget spent on them every year.
Discussions between President Kagame and Braverman were attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta and British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair.
Also present were the Government Spokesperson, Yolande Maloko and Monique Mukaruliza, Strategic Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Braverman has been in Rwanda for two-day visit.
During her stay, she visited Kigali Genocide Memorial, toured different projects and addressed members of the press.
Braverman disclosed that Rwanda and UK signed additional agreement aimed at expanding the provision of support for migrants to be deported to Rwanda.
The UK believes that agreements signed with Rwanda will pave the way for a solution for increasing illegal migrants to the country.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Biruta who also participated in the press conference indicated that the country is ready to work with partners to address migration crisis.
On Sunday 19th March 2023, Braverman also officiated a ground-breaking ceremony marking the beginning of the construction for a housing project of 528 units in Gahanga.
The housing units to be built under UK-Rwanda Migration Partnership will host the migrants to be sent to Rwanda. They will be completed in six months at a tune of Rwf60 billion.
Through the deal signed between Rwanda and UK in April last year, the latter will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, she was received by the UK High Commissioner in Rwanda, Omar Daair and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation, Clementine Mukeka.
Braverman arrived in Kigali onboard RwandAir aircraft from London.
The deal signed in 2022 paves the way for deportation to Rwanda of migrants and asylum seekers staying in the UK illegally.
The UK made the decision to discourage people crossing to the country illegally and reduce the budget spent on them every year.
Braverman visits Rwanda at a time when the country is facing criticisms for the deal to deport migrants to Rwanda.
UK explains that Rwanda is a safe country where migrants and asylum seekers can enjoy a dignified life.
The assessment conducted by the United Kingdom indicated that the first batch of migrants might be deported to Rwanda in 2024.
Through the deal signed between Rwanda and UK in April last year, the latter will provide an upfront investment of £120 million to fund invaluable opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons and higher education.
These asylum seekers from African countries and others outside the continent will be treated decently like Rwandans upon arrival. It is expected that those willing to return to their mother lands will be helped to do so.
Braverman has also visited Kigali Genocide Memorial in Gisozi and is expected to meet with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vincent Biruta.
Sources reveal that she might also meet with President Paul Kagame.
Among others, Braverman will interact with startups to discuss investment and job opportunities in Rwanda.
The performance was mainly driven agriculture, industry sector and services which contributed 25%, 21% and 47% respectively while the net direct taxes accounted for 7%.
Figures released on Thursday 16th March 2023, show that agriculture grew by 2%, industry by 5% while services grew by 12%.
Besides, hotel and restaurants grew by 87%, financial services grew by 10%, information and communication by 20%, education by 17%, transport by 22% while wholesale and retail services increased by 14%.
As per figures from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), Rwanda registered GDP growth by 7.9% in the first quarter of 2022, 7.5% in the second, 10% in the third and 7.3% in the fourth quarter.
The annual growth was estimated at 8.2% in 2022 compared to 2021.
Generally, the agricultural produce dropped by 1% while agricultural exports decreased by 4%.
In the industry sector, mining and quarry exploration registered 15% growth and 11% increase in manufacturing output.
The output of the food processing industry increased by 13 percent, the output of the clothing and footwear processing industry increased by 21 percent, and the output of the metal processing industry increased by 7 percent.
NISR has revealed that the output would have increased further but it was not possible owing to the decline in construction activities which decreased by 6 percent.
According to the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the published figures are a general indicator of overall activities carried out during the year.
The casket carrying his body was taken to the cemetery after a requiem mass celebrated at Regina Pacis Parish in Remera.
It was attended by his family, friends, senior RDF Military Officers and Generals among others.
The condolence message from President Paul Kagame and Commander in Chief (C-in-C) of RDF to the family of the late Gen Marcel Gatsinzi was read in Kinyarwanda by Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira. He said that it was an extremely sad moment for the family, RDF and the country.
He commended late Gen Gatsinzi for his commendable service and exemplary achievements while serving the country in different capacities.
Children of late Gen Gatsinzi attested that their father always encouraged them to be fond of the nation.
“He continued to encourage us to work for the country and contribute to its development. I voice my sincere appreciation to top military officers present here and President of the Republic. Despite the passing of our father, we are aware that we are in a large family. We shall follow his footsteps and assure that we won’t disappoint you,” said Daniel Gatsinzi.
“If he was able to stay with us at this moment, he would say ‘thank you and I love you’. We also thank you and love you from the bottom of our hearts,” added the son of late Gen Gatsinzi.
Gen (Rtd) Marcel Gatsinzi breathed the last on Monday 6th March 2023. He succumbed to natural at a hospital in Belgium where he was receiving treatment.
Gen Marcel Gatsinzi served in various leadership roles for the army and the country including serving as Rwanda’s Minister of Defence from 2002 to 2010, and as the Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugee Affairs from 2010 to 2013.
Gen Marcel Gatsinzi was born in Muhima, Nyarugenge District in 1948.
He attended Primary School at Sainte Famille and pursued secondary education at Saint André where he studied Latin and Science courses.
He later joined the military at the age of 20.
Gatsinzi spent two years undergoing military training at “Ecole Supérieure d’Officiers Militaires (ESM)” where he graduated with the rank of Lieutenant in 1970.
He served as an instructor, and attended different professional training in Belgium between 1971 and 1976 at “Institut Royale Supérieure de Défense”.
During the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Gtsinzi was at the rank of Colonel and was the commander of Non-Commissioned Officers School in Ngoma Commune, current Huye District.
Following the shooting down of former President Juvénal Habyarimana’s airplane on 6th April 1994, Gen Gatsinzi was named Defence Chief Staff replacing Gen Maj Augustin Nsabimana who died with Habyarimana.
He assumed the duties for ten days before dismissal by the then interim government and was replaced by Col Augustin Bizimungu.
By the time RPA soldiers captured Kigali, Gatsinzi had the rank of Brigadier General and was living in Kigeme camp along with other soldiers.
He left the camp for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through Rusizi.
Gatsinzi stayed in DRC for one month before returning to Rwanda where he joined RDF. Upon joining the army, he was given the rank of Colonel.
Gatsinzi served as the Deputy Army Chief of Staff, Commander of Military Police and Headed the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
He held the rank of Major General at the time.
In 2004, Gatsinzi was promoted to General and became the first soldier to rise to to the rank.
He served as the Minister of Defence between 2022 and 2010.
In October 2013, Gen Gatsinzi was sent to retirement along with five other generals.
The Head of State was delivering remarks on Thursday 16th March 2023 at the 73rd Congress of the World’s Football Governing Body (FIFA) held at BK Arena.
Kagame thanked FIFA for having selected Rwanda as a host of the congress bringing together 211 member associations.
“This is a great honour because you could have chosen to go elsewhere,” he said.
Kagame stated that, through the leadership of Infantino, the World Cup presented opportunities for increased participation of African.
“I first got to know Gianni around eight years ago when he was campaigning to lead FIFA. I was convinced by his values and by his vision for the positive role that football can play in society. He was the leader FIFA needed at that moment and everything I have seen from that time until now assures me that he deserves to continue to lead this organization,” he said.
“Under the new FIFA World Cup format, the slots available for African teams will almost double, creating even more engagement and visibility on our continent. What is important is the plan to continue developing and anchoring football in Africa,” added Kagame.
The President maintained that the African Cup of Nationals is not a little tournament stressing that the difference between a successful player in Africa and Europe has nothing to do with talent.
“Often, the difference between a successful player in Africa and Europe is not talent. It is the lack of quality infrastructure, training and support,” he underscored.
Kagame stressed the need for collaboration between federations and associations to reach common objectives quickly and observed that today’s world needs sports that unites people.
“What the world needs is to see more of the positive spirit of sportsmanship in pour politics rather than bringing political divisions into sports. […] We need to keep bad politics out of sports,” he stated.
Kagame pointed out an example alluding to the way criticisms increased when Qatar was selected to host the World Cup 2022 until it ended successfully.
“As we saw last year, in the constant hypocritical criticisms at the World Cup; instead of asking why is it being held there, first ask why not?” he wondered.
“Unless we are talking about a kind of entitlement that only some of us on this globe deserve to enjoy. It is about keeping some people in their place but that kind of attitude should have been left far behind in history by now,” added Kagame.
The Head of State also said that athletes have rights to object to what personally affects them and their communities.
“They certainly do. Politics in sports reflects the problems that society faces. When fans throw bananas at African football players or taunt a female referee; that is because of a negative social environment that feeds those wrong behaviours.
We need to work together to ensure that the game is inclusive and respectful of everyone,” he stated.
On 2nd October 2010, Qatar was selected as a host for World Cup 2022.
On 5th May 2011, the former FIFA Vice President, Jack Warner made revelations that the process involved corruption.
It was reported that Qatar offered US$1.5 million bribe to the African Confederation Cup (CAF), which was led by Issa Hayatou at the time to vote for its Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
On 25th September 2013, The Guardian reported that many workers from Nepal faced mistreatment in the country under what was termed as a form of ‘slavery’.
On 18th November 2013, Amnesty International released a report pointing out problems of workers receiving peanuts yet they are employed in multibillion construction projects.
In 2014, The Observer reported that 400 migrants from Nepal died during contraction works in Qatar since it was selected to host the World Cup in 2010.
In February 2021, The Guardian reported that 6,500 migrants during construction of a stadium. Figures had been provided by embassies.
Qatar claimed that the figures were false because some of those people succumbed to natural cause with no connection to projects related to preparations for the World Cup 2022.
Sources confirming correct figures indicated that only 3 out of 37 employees hired to build a stadium died doing related works between 2014 and 2020.
As for other countries that hosted the World Cup, South Africa (2010), Brazil (2014) and Russia (2018) registered two, eight and 21 deaths respectively.
Apparently, the critics were disappointed to see Qatar hosting the World Cup given that such incidents are put in shoulders of construction companies in Europe instead of blaming the country.
Qatar said that 30,000 foreigners were hired during the construction of stadiums.
He was elected on Thursday 16th March 2023 during the 73rd FIFA Congress at BK Arena in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Rwanda becomes the first African country to host a congress coinciding with elections of FIFA Congress.
The Swiss-Italian,53, has been leading FIFA since 2016. He was elected for the second term in 2019.
Following his unopposed re-election, Infantino thanked all supporters and pledged continued contribution to the development of football across the world.
“Let me simply thank all of you. Those who love me, you are many, and the few who hate me, I love you all. Being FIFA president is a big honour and privilege but also a huge responsibility,” he said.
“I’m truly humbled and touched by your support, and I simply promise you that I will continue serving FIFA, serving football all over the world, serving all 211 Member Associations of FIFA. Leadership is obviously about listening and learning, and I think I am learning every day,” added Infantino.
He urged member associations to count on his commitment and collaboration to develop football.
“Leadership is also about acting, and I’m certainly there to act so you can continue to trust on my commitment, and the only thing I am asking you is to continue working hard together to unite the world with football,” said Infantino.
Since 2016, Infantino made several reforms to restore the image of football that had been mired by corruption scandal for the past 20 years.
The scandal also led to the resignation of former FIFA President Sepp Blatter in 2015.
Among others, Infantino has helped the body to achieve financial self-sufficiency and increased the budget to support member associations.
Particularly, Infantino has announced FIFA’s projected income of US$11billion in this tenure, compared with US$7.5bn in the last four-year cycle between 2019 and 2022.
Infantino is also reputed for giving opportunity to countries with less advanced football by increasing teams expected to participate in the World Cup 2026 from 32 to 48.
