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  • Rwandan parliament debates new points-based system for traffic offences

    Rwandan parliament debates new points-based system for traffic offences

    The discussion took place on January 5, 2026, as lawmakers reviewed a draft law amending existing road use regulations. A central provision of the draft is the introduction of a points-based penalty system, which will be managed using technology.

    {{Concerns over implementation
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    MP Mukabalisa Germaine questioned how the system would operate. “Will penalties be consistent, or could a driver be penalised multiple times?”

    While supporting the system, she noted its potential benefits for insurance companies, which often require proof of good driving behaviour, but stressed the need for careful implementation.

    MP Nizeyimana Pie proposed a transitional period to help drivers adapt. “I recommend a three-month training period so drivers understand the system without immediate penalties. This will better equip them to follow the rules,” he said.

    MP Nyirabazayire highlighted that while the law links penalties to the vehicle owner, the system must ensure the person who actually committed the offence is the one penalised.

    “Points should be deducted from the record of the driver who committed the offence, not someone else. The system must ensure the right person is penalised,” Nyirabazayire added.

    MP Mukabunani Christine sought clarification on the criteria for point deductions and the process for license suspension or revocation, while MP Ngiruwosanga suggested linking the points system to existing infrastructure to prevent unfair penalties.

    {{Government clarifies system
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    The Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security Committee, Amb. Tumukunde Hope Gasatura, explained that the system is new and that additional details will be provided in a Ministerial decree.

    Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, emphasised that the points system is intended to promote responsible driving rather than serve as punishment. He explained that drivers will start each year with 15 points, which will be deducted automatically based on violations. If a driver’s points fall below one, their license will be temporarily suspended until they regain sufficient points.

    The draft law categorises traffic offences by severity, with points deducted accordingly. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident will lose six points, while failing to use a speed governor will result in a five-point deduction.

    Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries a four-point penalty, and offences such as speeding, driving without a license, or ignoring traffic signals will lead to a three-point deduction. Lesser violations, including driving an uninsured vehicle or using a mobile phone while driving, will result in a two-point deduction.

    Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, explained that the system for deducting points from drivers is not intended as a punishment, but as a measure to promote responsible behaviour among road users.
    The discussion took place on January 5, 2026, as lawmakers reviewed a draft law amending existing road use regulations.
    The discussion took place on January 5, 2026, as lawmakers reviewed a draft law amending existing road use regulations.
    The Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, and Security Committee, Amb. Tumukunde Hope Gasatura, explained that the system is new and that additional details will be provided in a Ministerial decree.
    MP Ngiruwosanga suggested linking the points system to existing infrastructure to prevent unfair penalties.
    MP Nizeyimana Pie proposed a transitional period to help drivers adapt.
    MP Mukabunani Christine sought clarification on the nature of the penalties and how they would be enforced.
  • Rwanda records 10.3% growth in industrial output

    Rwanda records 10.3% growth in industrial output

    The report shows that the formal industrial sector also posted an annual average growth rate of 6.3 per cent, signalling sustained momentum despite month-to-month fluctuations in some activities.

    Growth in November was driven largely by the electricity sector, which expanded by 14.1 per cent year-on-year, making it the biggest contributor to overall industrial growth. Electricity alone accounted for 2.8 percentage points of the annual increase, reflecting rising demand from households, businesses and industry.

    The manufacturing sector, which carries the largest weight in the index at 68.1 per cent, grew by 4.9 per cent compared to November 2024. Within manufacturing, output gains were supported by a 2.6 per cent increase in chemicals, rubber and plastic products, as well as a 1.8 per cent growth in beverages and tobacco production.

    However, the report highlights uneven performance across manufacturing sub-sectors. Textiles, clothing and leather goods contracted by 7.5 per cent, while wood and paper products, including printing, declined by 6.0 per cent, pointing to continued pressure in some traditional industries.

    Mining and quarrying recorded a 4.1 per cent year-on-year increase, maintaining positive growth despite volatility in monthly output. Meanwhile, water and waste management activities expanded by 6.6 per cent, reflecting steady growth in urban services and environmental management.

    The November figures are published using a new 2024 base year, following a rebasing exercise by NISR aimed at better reflecting Rwanda’s evolving economic structure. The rebasing captures the rapid expansion of manufacturing, utilities and other industrial activities over recent years, and aligns the index with international statistical best practice.

    NISR noted that the IIP focuses on formal sector activity and excludes construction due to data limitations, but remains a key short-term indicator for tracking industrial trends and complementing quarterly GDP estimates.

    Workers at Mark Cables factory in Nyanza District. According to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the country’s industrial sector grew by 10.3% in November 2025 compared to the same month last year, with annual growth reaching 6.3%.
  • Qatar responds after Burundi sends conflicting signals on DRC peace efforts

    Qatar responds after Burundi sends conflicting signals on DRC peace efforts

    In a post on X, which has since been deleted, Minister Bizimana alleged that Qatar was using its influence and financial resources to dissuade the United States from taking action against Rwanda, which he accused of violating a Washington-brokered agreement.

    “It is important to stress Qatar’s negative role using its influence and cash to dissuade US from taking action,” Bizimana wrote on Sunday.

    The post sparked immediate backlash, prompting Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye to intervene.

    In a statement on X, President Ndayishimiye emphasised Burundi’s appreciation for Qatar’s longstanding bilateral relations and mediation role in the DRC.

    “It is important to clarify any misunderstanding & wrong statement regarding Qatar’s contribution in development and peacebuilding,” he wrote.

    Responding to the clarification, Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, acknowledged President Ndayishimiye’s retraction and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to regional peace and stability.

    “Guided by its principled approach, the State of Qatar remains steadfast in its commitment to peacebuilding, mediation, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, and will continue to engage constructively with all partners in support of stability and lasting peace,” Al-Khulaifi said in a post on X.

    In recent days, Burundi and the DRC have heightened their accusations that Rwanda is supporting the AFC/M23 rebel alliance in eastern DRC and have called on the international community to impose sanctions on Kigali. Rwanda has rejected the allegations, insisting that sanctions cannot resolve the problems affecting the Congolese people, for whom the conflict is primarily a local issue.

    Analysts note that Minister Bizimana’s deleted remarks targeting Qatar reflect internal political pressures and the stance of the government he represents, even as President Ndayishimiye sought to calm the situation and repair the diplomatic fallout.

    Burundi’s Foreign Minister Edouard Bizimana had publicly criticised Qatar’s role in peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
    The Burundi foreign minister's post sparked immediate backlash, prompting Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye to intervene.
    Responding to the clarification, Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, acknowledged President Ndayishimiye's retraction and reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
  • Minister Nduhungirehe calls out MONUSCO’s ‘mild’ condemnation of Masisi civilian killings

    Minister Nduhungirehe calls out MONUSCO’s ‘mild’ condemnation of Masisi civilian killings

    In a message posted on X on January 3, Nduhungirehe questioned MONUSCO’s response to a drone strike carried out by the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) in Masisi Centre, which targeted a civilian area.

    “To better understand this so-called ‘condemnation,’ which is remarkably mild, MONUSCO does not even mention its allies, the FARDC, as the perpetrators of this war crime against Congolese civilians in Masisi Centre,” Nduhungirehe wrote.

    The drone strike, which took place on January 2, reportedly killed six civilians and injured at least 41 others.

    Following the incident, MONUSCO issued a statement expressing regret and condemning attacks against civilians, including those involving drones. However, the statement stopped short of explicitly identifying FARDC as responsible for the attack.

    Nduhungirehe argued that this omission raises serious questions, particularly given MONUSCO’s own public disclosures regarding its cooperation with the Congolese army.

    “Let us recall that on November 4, 2025, MONUSCO itself informed the public on X that it had provided training to 120 FARDC soldiers in Ituri, particularly in the use of drones and heavy weapons,” he said.

    The minister’s remarks add to longstanding criticism of MONUSCO’s role and effectiveness in eastern DRC, where the mission has operated for more than two decades. Critics argue that despite its mandate to protect civilians, insecurity persists, with armed groups and state forces repeatedly implicated in abuses.

    According to the United Nations, MONUSCO has more than 16,000 uniformed personnel deployed across the DRC. The mission’s budget for the 2024/2025 financial year stood at approximately $918 million.

    Despite this long-standing presence and significant financial investment, violence against civilians, particularly in eastern DRC, continues, prompting renewed scrutiny of MONUSCO’s conduct, partnerships, and accountability.

    Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has criticised what he described as a “mild” and selective condemnation by the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) following the killing of civilians in Masisi.

  • My commitment to you is to hold accountable those who are not delivering, Kagame

    The president made the pledge as he met residents of Musanze and Nyabihu district at the stadium of the University of Rwanda College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, (UR-CAVM) in Busogo as part of ongoing citizen outreach program.

    “My commitment to you is to hold accountable those who are not delivering. Next time I visit, you can hold me accountable for it,” said Kagame.

    As he arrived at the meeting place, President Kagame held exclusive discussions with leaders before greeting thousands of residents convened in Busoga to welcome him.

    He later told them that asbestos roofing sheets covering roofs of UR-CAVM buildings was among issues discussed.

    “The first people who are responsible are leaders, it does not absolve citizens from their role in solving their problems but solutions start with leaders. All have been mentioned. Let me start with the issue of the buildings covered with asbestos roofing sheets. We took the decision ten years ago. That is why I summoned leaders to discuss because it is the first thing appearing when you get here,” he said.

    Kagame highlighted that reasons for some issues are attributed to the budget problems even those who forgot the situation noting that it is a matter of mindsets.

    “The issues we are discussing here are not new and they are not insurmountable. We discuss them, we agree on how they will be solved but when you come back you find the problem has not been solved or has gotten worse.

    The issues of hygiene and malnutrition have been also talked about for many years. Solving the issue of cleanliness and malnutrition does not require us to wait for outside help. It is a question of mindset,” he said.

    During the interactive session, citizens raised concerns on the poor performance of milk collection centers, problems of seeds shortage, and areas in need of electricity among others.

    President Kagame promised a solution but requested them to combine efforts and play an active role in development activities.

    President Paul Kagame has requested leaders to accomplish their duties, while he interacted with residents of Burera district, Northern Province

  • First Lady Jeannette Kagame calls for concerted efforts in trauma handling

    She made the call yesterday as she officiated the opening of the two-day National Trauma Symposium that brings together organizations and individuals working in the field of mental health, as well as beneficiaries of existing initiatives in Kigali.

    The symposium is part of events marking the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and was themed: “Embracing trauma management from grassroots initiatives to institutional interventions”.

    It aimed at giving stakeholders a platform to reflect upon, assess and document best practices, lessons learned and challenges faced during the past 25 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi.

    Mrs. Jeannette Kagame said that trauma management should focus on unique aspects of the country’s history.

    “Genocide against Tutsi was committed in a specific way. That is why the wounds and trauma, sustained as a consequence, should be treated as special cases supported by knowledge and research,” she said.

    The First Lady said that rebuilding a nation whose people were facing different types of mental illnesses as a result of their horrific experiences during the Genocide against the Tutsi was challenging, but it had been achieved by men and women who had put others’ interests above their own.

    In partnership with experts dealing with trauma cases, 2000 people were trained in trauma management.

    Madam Jeannette Kagame requested that such expertize use existing programs giving people a platform to talk about history.

    She said that healing trauma is preparing children who sustained consequences of these wounds to grow with a strong commitment to preventing genocide.

    Like the liberation struggle, Jeannette Kagame said, no one should interfere in the war to heal trauma.

    The country expects a great contribution from those who studied trauma management. Remember to have attention on a special aspect of Genocide against the Tutsi within your approaches to help trauma victims. ” she said.

    First Lady Jeannette Kagame called on members of Rwanda Psychological Society (RPS), together with other partners within the field of trauma and mental health, to collectively find lasting solutions to the issue of trauma, seeking how to establish clinics and private institutions helping trauma management.

    She also highlighted the need to delegate a person dealing with trauma in public places like schools and at work

    The head of the Mental Health Division at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Dr. Yvonne Kayiteshonga revealed to participants that although the general population was dealing with various mental health issues, these issues were more prevalent among the survivors.

    She specifically pointed out that according to the Rwanda Mental Health Survey (2018) 11.9% of the general public suffers from Major Depressive Episodes, while Genocide survivors affected by this mental disorder make up 35%.

    Dr. Kayiteshonga highlighted that 3.6% of the general population are dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while Genocide survivors suffering from this disorder came up to 27.9%.

    The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG), Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana said that healing trauma takes time because it affects children of genocide survivors.

    He lauded f the Government of Rwanda’s efforts dealing with trauma cases, as consequences of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi making the country secured and giving a platform to private organizations to heal genocide wounds.

    First Lady Jeannette Kagame has called for concerted efforts to overcome the trauma that persists among genocide survivors after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi
    Mrs. Jeannette Kagame said that trauma management should focus on unique aspects of the country’s history
    The call was made yesterday as the First Lady officiated the opening of a two-day National Trauma Symposium that brings together organizations and individuals working in the field of mental health in Kigali

  • Local leaders must either deliver or quit- Kagame

    He has made the observation today as he interacted with residents of Burera district, Northern Province.

    The Mayor of Burera district, Florence Uwambajemariya has said that the district has made a considerable step towards the improvement of citizens’ livelihoods and health and other development activities.

    She, however, raised some concerns including overcrowding in schools, inadequate workers at health centers and hospitals and the problem of drug abuse and smuggling.

    “Citizens wish to get a district hospital because the existing hospital will belong to the university. Citizens wish empowerment of our health posts and upgraded to health centers if possible,” said Uwambajemariya.

    “They want a durable solution for ravages caused by water flowing from volcanoes, the introduction of radio network towers where they are not, and ambulances at some health centers,” she added.

    President Kagame said that Rwandans know their history upon which they build progress with a view to inclusively and positively change everyone’s life.

    “There are still a lot of things within our means that are not done properly. They are repeated over time but never change in accordance with our abilities. That issue must be addressed by all means,” he said.

    President Kagame highlighted that Rwandans have no problem because they do the right thing given good leadership. He noted that weak leaders lead to the failure of anticipated results.

    “I will find time to deal with those leaders who don’t accomplish what they must deliver to these citizens. I will not dodge around; it will start from top to grass root levels of leadership,” he said.

    Kagame explained that there are some rampant problems that should have been addressed before.

    “The problem of seeds, whenever I come to Musanze, Burera, they always raise the issue of seeds, Irish potatoes seeds among other crops. It should not be a problem to be repeatedly talked about every day,” he said.

    Commenting on the health sector, President Kagame said “There was capacity building. Within examples pointed out across the world with tangible evidence, Rwanda comes among the good examples. But you find some things don’t reach citizens or they are not aware of what is available or don’t access them that they chose to seek services beyond borders. The country has the necessary abilities to offer these services.”

    “Taking examples of children crossing borders to get medical circumcision services that started in Rwanda, it is not clear that people cross the border to get things they should access here. It must stop. I don’t have a problem with you (citizens), I have it with leaders. They are going to accomplish their duties or leave and do what they want elsewhere,” added Kagame.

    The Minister of Local Government, Prof Shyaka Anastase said that Rwf 5 billion was allocated to fund development activities in Burera district and that the pace of development activities in the district rates between 8-10%.

  • We are not slaves of neighbors- President Kagame

    President Kagame has made the remarks today during his visit to Burera district, Northern Province, where he heard citizens’ concerns and exchange ideas about how to move the country forward.

    Burera borders with the Republic of Uganda.

    He explained that there is a problem of neighbors who have been on alert to cause problems to Rwanda noting that its citizens have to protect it.

    The speech has been delivered at a time when residents of Burera at times seek some services in Uganda.

    “We are not slaves of neighbors. Rwanda is not a small country or small people that can be dictated to, but leaders cause problems when they are not watchful. Most of what you go to seek outside the border, even markets, are left here. But leaders go and live in towns, the capital city and think the world ends there,” he said.

    President Kagame revealed that someone told him that they cross the border to seek bread and wondered why manufacturers don’t make bread within the district or supply them.

    He also talked on children crossing the border to get medical services yet they are available in Rwanda.

    During the recent leadership retreat, President Kagame talked about children crossing to get circumcision from Uganda yet some of the techniques to do it was emulated from Rwanda.

    Kagame has however said that when leaders don’t bring things to normal “It results in problems. We are going to fix that. Let those neighbors who want to cause trouble in our country forget that and let us focus on developing ourselves. When they are ready to work with us, we will be here and ready. What we want is to be good neighbors who trade and work well with each other.”

    “When you turned us into a garden in which you grow desired crops, we also have expectations. I hope citizens are hearing me. Leaders must understand it. It has been long for us to transform mindsets and country’s politics to current developments” he added.

    Kagame said the policy is having Rwandans working together, leaving no one behind and that whatever stands in that road should not be tolerated.

  • ‘Rwanda committed to meet food security targets by 2030’

    He has revealed it today as he officiated the launch of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) 2019 Global Food Policy Report (GFPR) at Kigali in Rwanda.

    “We are projecting to meet, by 2030, the SDGs targets of ending poverty in all
    its forms everywhere, end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture,” he Premier Ngirente.

    He thanked the leadership of IFPRI led by Dr. Shenggen Fan, for their consistent engagement in strengthening the partnership between IFPRI and the Rwandan Government and for deciding to launch the report in Kigali.

    The 2019 Global Food Policy Report indicates that poverty and food insufficiency continued to persist in 2018 due to different problems including climate change, tensions in relations and trade between countries, environment degradation among others.

    Despite improved countries’ economic development, the report revealed that governments seem to have turned the back against programs meant to promote rural development concentrating on promoting cities while 80% of poor people worldwide are from rural areas.

    Premier Ngirente highlighted that findings of this report clearly show that Rwanda is on the right path to Africa’s journey to revitalize its rural areas. He explained that, in this regard, Rwanda has made some concrete progress in rural revitalization.

    Premier Ngirente informed participants of the event that in a bid to embark on rural transformation, Rwanda has implemented the Strategic Plan for Agricultural Transformation (PSTA4) which aims at significantly increasing the productivity of different inputs invested in the agricultural sector, and promoting market linkages and value addition to agriculture produce.

    He called upon policymakers to continue empowering agriculture professionals and strengthening research in order to address existing challenges in the agriculture sector and to increase investment in agriculture as well as promoting the use of modern technologies.

    Premier Ngirente commended the report because it details, with evidenced-based facts, the urgency of rural revitalization in order to address the crisis of food insecurity in rural areas and reiterated that the Government of Rwanda looks forward to continuing its collaboration with IFPRI on its development journey.

    Shenggen Fan, the Director General of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) said that, 20 years ago, countries had adopted the program focusing on the development of rural areas but deviated later to concentrate on cities.

    He explained that economic progress through the development of cities had no positive impact on rural development heavily relying on agriculture.

    Shenggen noted that such situation shall be improved through considerable investment in agriculture which is expected to tackle the problem of joblessness facing the world. In September 2017, UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported 821 million people experiencing persistent hunger up from 804 million in 2016.

    Rwanda’s Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente has said that Rwanda is trying, by all means, to completely eradicate food insecurity and poverty by 2030

  • Minister highlights ‘Isaka-Kigali’ railway project implementation plan

    The project is much anticipated between both countries especially for Rwanda as a landlocked nation.

    The railway on Rwandan side will follow the lowland through Ngoma, Kirehe, Bugesera and Kicukuro districts.

    On Tuesday this week, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye the Minister of State in charge of Transport in the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) requested parliamentarians to pass the draft law approving agreements between Rwanda and Tanzania concerning the implementation of the railway project ‘Isaka-Kigali’ signed in Kigali on 09 March 2018.

    Uwihanganye explained that the project will greatly contribute to Rwanda’s development when completed.

    He revealed that Rwanda has already designed the master plan waiting for approval.

    “Rwanda has already made the master plan to be approved by the cabinet meeting in May this year. As you know, Rwanda promotes private investors. That is why we feel the Isaka-Kigali railway project should be executed under public –private partnerships. On the other hand, Tanzania seeks to get financing from the government only. This is how the situation is,” said Uwihanganye.

    The 532 km railway will pass through Rusumo border to Kigali city. There will be an extra part of the railway leading to Bugesera International Airport.

    The railway on the side of Rwanda will be 138 km with the rest of 394 being on Tanzania side.

    It is estimated to cost USD $3.6 billion on completion. Tanzania shall meet USD $ 2.3 billion while USD $ 1.3 billion is required on Rwanda side.

    Minister Uwihanganye said there should be no assumptions to have fixed everything by next year because Rwanda and Tanzania have not yet agreed on the source of funds.

    “It was realized that it would be hard for the government to opt for loans. It is clear how difficult it is obtaining a loan of USD $ 3.6 billion or USD $ 1.3 billion on the side of Rwanda unless other activities are halted. What is possible is to bring in private investors to reduce the debt burden for the country. This is what we are still discussing to reach consensus,” he explained.

    Uwihanganye explained that the implementation of the project will reduce transport costs by 40% hence positively impacting on Rwanda’s imports and exports.