Tag: HomeIrambuye

Rwanda National Police has released a report which indicates that over 64 people including 45 women and 19 men were killed by their spouses while eight men and two women committed suicide in 2016.

The deaths are attributed to domestic violence, sex related violence, property, physical and crimes of passion.

The report was released yesterday during discussions that brought together over 200 members of ‘Urunana rw’Abanyarwandakazi’ and various government organizations under the auspices of Family Magazine that focuses on ending domestic violence.

Some women who attended the talks attributed violence to lighter punishments handed to culprits and failure or fear by victims to expose their tormentors.

“In most cases women refrain from reporting their tormentors for fear of putting away the family bread winner, the husband, and other essentials such school fees for children among other needs. Besides, when culprits are released, they return with a vengeance for revenge,” said one of the participants.

Nizeye Leonie, a member of Urunana rw’Abanyarwandakazi says that exposing domestic violence boomerangs back to especially women.

“Reporting violence cases dents wives’ image in the family as family members gang against them in case the husband is punished. They so choose keep quiet.They call you a hopeless woman,” she said.

The police spokesperson, ACP Theos Badege said that releasing statistics on domestic violence doesn’t mean that all efforts to arrest the situation are in vain but rather to encourage individuals report to authorities whenever the vice looms.

Statistics from RNP Police indicate that 254 women were beaten by their husbands while husbands beaten by wives are 52 in 2016.

A former member of District Administration Security Support Organ (DASSO) in Kayonza district identified as Hategekimana Edgar is suspected of having strangled his wife Musabyimana Agnes, to death after which she fled the area. The deceased was 25.

The police spokesperson in Eastern Province, IP Emmanuel Kayigi has told IGIHE that Hategekimana, 32, is suspected to have committed the murder yesterday morning hours.

IP Kayigi explained that clashes between Hategekimana and wife erupted in the evening of Saturday 4th February 2017 around 6.00pm.

He said that Hategekimana had deserted DASSO service and lived in Bara village of Rubimba cell if Kabare sector.

Kayigi has told IGIHE that Hategekimana had two children with the deceased but their relationship soured when he got another concubine that might have caused the misunderstandings.

Kayigi said that clashes were ignited by heated arguments when Hategekimana started beating the wife who has accused him of adultery, she tried to run away but was restrained by the husband.

“It is apparent that such a fight caused the death because Hategekimana called his little brother at 5:00 hours asking him to come and stay at his house saying he had a trip,” he said.

The brother arrived at 7:00 pm with the door open and found the woman dead at the bed with signs that he had been strangled.

IP Kayigi said that residents witnessed their fight but never reached out to them considering it a minor clash. He however said that neighbours will be brought to book for keeping quiet over the incident which culminated into death.

On 3 February 2017 a two weeks long Medical outreach was concluded at Iwawa Rehabilitation Centre. The medical outreach provided Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT), Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision and Behavior Change Communication services to 1325 former street youth and drug addicted.

The just concluded medical outreach had been organised by RMH in partnership with Society for Family Health (SFH) and JPHIEGO, an international, non-profit health organisation affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University. It is part of a wider campaign aimed at fighting HIV among the youth and such activities will continue across the country according to Lt Col (Rtd) Dr Frank Rwema, in charge of medical outreach program at Rwanda Military Hospital.

The coordinator of Iwawa Rehabilitation Centre, Mr Niyongabo Nicolas expressed deep gratitude to organisers, saying that in addition to vocational training package, the youth benefited different medical services and leave the center knowing how to protect their health. “This is a gift offered to you by the Government that cares for your life. The only way you can recognise this effort is to change your life style and leave this centre determined to be good citizens”, he advised the youth.

Speaking on behalf of RMH Col Dr Osee Karangwa advised the youth to get rid of drug that endangers their future, and to embrace a new life. “You have been trained in different professions such as carpentry, construction, tailoring and others, just apply this knowledge when you are back to your villages, this will make your future very bright” he told over 4 thousand youth currently undergoing rehabilitation training.

Partners at Iwawa Army Week medical outreach thanked the RDF and Rwanda Military Hospital in particular.

A man identified as Biziyaremye Evariste, 25 , has drowned in the pool of King Fisher Hotel at Lake Muhazi beach in Gasabo district near Rwesero.

The death has been confirmed by the spokesperson of police in Kigali city, Spt Emmanuel Hitayezu.

“The young man drowned in the swimming Pool. He was retrieved and taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. The incident took place on Saturday around 14:00 hours,” he said.

It is said that the deceased worked in a bar located in UTC building in Kigali town.

Rwandans in the USA have been hosted by Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana in Washington DC during a leadership retreat in which they discussed the role of Ubutwari in Rwanda’s liberation and development.

This meeting was an opportunity to celebrate Heroes Day with community leaders and to discuss the 2017 action plan for community empowerment and continued engagement with Rwanda.

As the Rwandan Diaspora in the U.S. continues to grow, community leaders are increasingly involved in ensuring that they are harnessing the potential of their community members, actively engaging them, and continuing the conversation on the diaspora’s contributions to the development of their country, Rwanda.

This retreat was also the first opportunity for the newly elected committee to meet face to face since their elections which took place in December 2016.

Professor AimableTwagilimana, the current president of the National Leadership welcomed those present and thanked them for having honored the invitation. “Your presence here is a testament to your commitment to serve our communities across the United States. I trust that we will work together to bring about the goals we set for 2017,” said Prof. Twagilimana.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Mukantabana reflected on the role of Intwari and how Rwandans are benefiting from their Heroic acts. “We are here because of the hard work of many who came before us, and the fruits we bear will benefit the generations ahead,” said Ambassador Mukantabana.

In observance of Heroes Day, Colonel Vincent Nyakarundi, the Defense Attaché to the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington, D.C. gave a talk on Ubutwari as one of the strong values of Rwandan culture. USRD leadership retreat explored Ubutwari as a pillar for community organizing and mobilizing. Ubutwari is being prepared to sacrifice your life for the greater good for your people, your communities, and your country,” said Col Nyakarundi as he reminded the leaders that being a hero doesn’t necessarily mean being in the battlefield. He urged those present to carry on their duties as community leaders with the same heroic spirit that many Rwandans have embodied in order for the nation to develop.

First Counselor Lawrence Manzi presented on the efforts of the Embassy to reach out to Rwandans across the U.S. by encouraging the creation of new structured communities, consolidating the existing ones, identifying and reaching out to untapped communities.

Mr. Manzi encouraged those present to use their skills and networks to actively contribute to the development of Rwanda by giving an example of the Atlanta community that recently committed to focusing on supporting TVET in Rwanda. “It is our duty, as leaders, to uphold and nurture the Rwanda brand. It is hallmark that our country has built. We must sustain it,” urged Mr. Manzi.

Leaders engaged in a conversation on lessons learnt from the previous years and agreed to be increasingly accountable for the responsibilities that have been bestowed upon them by their community members, maintain communication and leverage sub groups of their communities such as youth and women to drive the progress in their communities. Prof. Twagilimana concluded this session by reflecting back to the lessons learnt from the leadership of President Paul Kagame. “The exemplary leadership that we have in Rwanda must trickle down to the community level. The sacrifice of those who liberated our country must not be taken for granted,” said Professor Twagilimana.

During this meeting, participants reviewed the 2016 diaspora activities and evaluated their mobilization strategy in their respective communities. Conversation on reaching out to more Rwandans ensued, and leaders made a new commitment to increase their presence within their community and to engage many who are still isolated from communities.

Participants also held a conversation on leadership core values and shared best practices in dealing with challenges that arise in the diaspora such as genocide denial and misleading media propaganda. They re-committed themselves to increasing awareness in their communities at large by way of events such as Walk to Remember, Kwibuka, Kwibohora, Elections 2017, and going forward, the celebration of Heroes Day.

The Leadership Retreat is a yearly event that brings together all elected leaders from Rwandan communities across the United States and the embassy for discussion on how to sustain existing communities and explore avenues for further growth.

On Friday,3rd February 2017, an extraordinary Cabinet Meeting chaired by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Paul KAGAME, convened in Village URUGWIRO.

The Cabinet Meeting started by appreciating the recognition by African Union Heads of State to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul KAGAME, based on the reform report presented to them during the 28th African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa, from 30th to 31st January 2017.

Pursuant to the powers conferred upon Him by the laws, His Excellency the President of the Republic informed the Cabinet Meeting that He granted mercy for youth who were convicted and whom Rwanda Correctional Service helped to continue education and passed primary and secondary school with very high grades.

1. The Cabinet Meeting approved minutes of previous meeting of 9
th December 2016.

2. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on progress in preparations for the 14th National
Leadership Retreat and provided guidance for further improvement.

3. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on updates on development of affordable housing, the Cabinet Meeting devised strategies to fast track resolution of challenges encountered.

4. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on Food Security Situation in Rwanda and took
measures thereof.

5. The Cabinet Meeting approved the Government forest Co-management agreement
between the Government of Rwanda and Unilever Tea Rwanda Ltd.

6. The Cabinet Meeting approved the transfer of the State land in private domain located in Nyaruguru District, Southern Province to Unilever Tea Rwanda for investment in tea expansion.

7. The Cabinet Meeting approved the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
(NBSAP) 2015-2020.

8. The Cabinet Meeting approved the Report for the year 2016 on Conventions on the
International Labour Organization ratified by Rwanda.

9. The Cabinet Meeting approved the National Human Rights Action Plan of Rwanda
(2017-2020).

10.The Cabinet Meeting approved the proposed budget support to Kigali International
Arbitration Center (KIAC).

11.The Cabinet Meeting approved the following Draft Laws:

– Draft 2016/17 Revised Budget Law;

– Draft Law establishing the levy on imported goods for the financing of African Union
activities;

– Draft Organic Law repealing the Organic Law nº 07/2012/OL of 19/09/2012 determining the organization, powers and functioning of the High Council of the Judiciary;

– Draft Organic Law repealing the Organic Law nº 06/2012/OL of 14/09/2012 determining the organization, functioning and jurisdiction of the Commercial Courts;

– Draft Law establishing the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) and
determining its mission, organization and functioning.

12.The Cabinet Meeting approved the following Orders:

– Presidential Order Ratifying the Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer adopted at Kigali, on 15/10/2016;

– Prime Minister’s Order determining the functioning of the Public Private Partnership
(PPP) Steering Committee;

– Ministerial Order determining modalities for the assignment and transfer of Plant
Breeder’s rights;

– Ministerial Order determining modalities for testing the distinctness, uniformity and
stability of plant variety;

– Ministerial Order determining the format, content of register in which all information
related to the plant Breeder’s rights is recorded and the conditions to having access to such information;

– Ministerial Order determining criteria for recognizing a seed testing laboratory;
– Ministerial Order determining the procedures for seed inspection and granting of quality certificates;

– Ministerial Order determining the requirements for a person to be granted a license for importing and exporting seeds;

– Ministerial Order determining the information that a quality seed label and container have to bear and the criteria for putting seed varieties in categories and the colors of labels for each category;

– Ministerial Order determining requirements for a person to be authorized to become
quality seed producer, conditioner or dealer;

– Ministerial Order determining the procedures for evaluation, certification and registration of plant varieties, procedures for the withdrawal of certified plants from the list and its format;

– Ministerial Order determining the organization and functioning of the committee
responsible for Evaluation, Certification and Registration of plant varieties;

– Prime Minister’s Order appointing the following Military Prosecutors:

1. Capt. Vincent NDAYISABA

2. Capt. Christian KAYITARE

3. Lt. Claudine MUHAWENIMANA

– Ministerial Order appointing the following Military Judicial Police Officers:

1. 2Lt Triphonie UMUHIRE

2. 2Lt Donatien NDIKUBWIMANA

3. 2Lt Aimerance MUKESHIMANA

4. Sgt REBERO Jean de Dieu

5. Sgt MURANGIRA Joseph

6. Cpl KAMANZI Jimmy

7. Pte NSHIMIYIMANA Aimé Alex

8. Pte HAKIZIMANA Théoneste

– Presidential Order granting a leave of absence for non-specific period to Dr.
NKURUNZIZA Emmanuel, who was Director General of Rwanda Natural Resources
Authority (RNRA) and Chief Registrar of Land Titles, for him to be able to assume new
duties at the helm of Regional Center for Mapping Resources for Development in
Nairobi, Kenya;

– Presidential Order dismissing the following Police Officers from Rwanda National Police (RNP):

 Superintendent of Police (SP): 1

 Chief Inspector of Police (CIP): 4

 Inspector of Police (IP): 23

 Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP): 38

– Ministerial Order dismissing 132 Non-Commissioned Officers and Police Constables
from Rwanda National Police (RNP):

 Non-Commissioned Officers: 65

 Police Constables: 67.

13.The Cabinet Meeting approved amendment of the Prime Minister’s Instructions No
004/03 of 13/11/2015 determining the conditions and procedures for obtaining
Government support for affordable housing projects;

14. The Cabinet Meeting approved the agrément of proposed Ambassadors/High
Commissioners designated to represent their respective countries to Rwanda.

– Mr. RAO HONGWEI, of China, with residence in Kigali.

– Mr. RAVI SHANKAR, of India, with residence in Kampala, Uganda.

15.The Cabinet Meeting made the following appointments:

1. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

Lt Colonel NYAMVUMBA Andrew: Head of SPU

2. Rwanda Development Board

1. AKAMANZI Claire: CEO & Cabinet Member

2. HATEGEKA Emmanuel: COO

3. RWANDA MINES, PETROLEUM AND GAS BOARD

1. GATARE Francis: CEO

2. Dr MUNYANGABE Emmanuel: COO

4. Rwanda Governance Board

1. Prof. SHYAKA Anastase: CEO

2. Dr. Usta KAYITESI: Deputy CEO

3. KALISA Edward: Secretary General

5. MINAFFET

1. Embassy/Zambia, Lusaka

MUKARULIZA Monique: Ambassador

2. High Commission Ottawa/Canada:

MARARA Igor: First Counselor

3. Permanent Mission of Rwanda/UN:

KAYINAMURA Robert: First Counselor

6. MINEDUC

1. MULINDWA Sam: Permanent Secretary

2. BAGUMA Rose: DG Education Planning

7. MIFOTRA

MUSONERA Gaspard: Permanent Secretary

8. MINEACOM

MBABAZI Rosemary: Permanent Secretary

9. MYICT

Maj. GATARAYIHA Regis: Permanent Secretary

10.NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Prof. Manasseh MBONYE: Director General

11. Office of the Auditor General

HABIMANA Patrick: Deputy Auditor General

12.NIDA

MUKESHA Josephine: Director General

13. RWANDA LAND MANAGEMENT AND USE AUTHORITY

MUKAMANA Esperance: Director General and Chief Registrar of land titles

14. Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority

NGABONZIZA Prime: Director General

15.Rwanda Management Institute

1. Dr. RUBAGIZA Jolly: Deputy Director General

2. ABIMANA Fidele: Principal Senior Training Coordinator

3. GATARI Eugene: Principal Senior Research and Consultancy Coordinator:

16. Northern Corridor Integration Projects

SAFARI Innocent: National Coordinator

17. IN THE OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER/OPM

– MUNYABURANGA Cyprien: Cabinet Notes Taker

– MUNYANDINDA Emmanuel: Policy Analyst in charge of Government
Program Monitoring.

– AGABA Asaphson: Policy Analyst in charge of Cabinet Preparation.

– IRAKOZE Prosper: ICT Policy Analyst in charge of Government Program
Monitoring.

– GASHUGI Aimé Claude: Director of ICT Unit.

18.IN MINALOC

– NGENDAHIMANA Pascal: Advisor to the Minister of State in charge of Citizen
Development.

19.IN MIGEPROF

– NIYIGENA Pierre Martin: Advisor to the Minister.

20.IN MINIRENA

– UTAMULIZA Marie Chantal: Director of Finance and Administration Unit.

– HODARI Jacob: Director of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.

21.IN REAF

– GAKWAYA Harriet: Director of Finance and Administration Unit.

22.IN NIRDA

– TOTO WA MUGENZA Emmanuel: Director of Planning, Monitoring,
Evaluation and ICT Unit.

16.In AOB:

a) The Minister of Local Government informed the Cabinet Meeting that MINALOC in
collaboration with partners including RALGA, intends to organize a Local Government
Leadership Retreat under the theme: “A Citizen-Centered Local Government
Rwandans Want”.

b) The Minister of health informed the Cabinet Meeting that MINISANTE in
collaboration with MINALOC and MINAGRI are implementing the distribution of
Fortified Blended Food (FBF) to offer a balanced diet to children aged 6-24 months,
pregnant and lactating mothers in Ubudehe 1 category across the country and in
Ubudehe 2 category in 10 Districts with the highest “stunting” burden.

c) The Minister for Disaster Management and Refugees informed the Cabinet Meeting
that on 26th January 2017, accompanied by the Minister of State in charge of Public
Health in the Ministry of Health inaugurated two Health Centres in Mahama Refugee
Camp.

d) The Minister of Trade, Industry and EAC Affairs briefed the Cabinet Meeting that
agreement and sub-lease agreement for establishment of a Garment Factory in KSEZ

were signed between the Government and Albert Supply Ltd. Ground breaking for the
construction of the factory premises has been done.

e) The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion informed the Cabinet Meeting that
Rwanda will join the rest of the World to celebrate the International Women’s Day
2017. At national level, celebrations will take place in Nyabihu District, Shyira Sector,
Mpinga Cell, Vunga Village on 8th March 2017 under the theme: “Preserving the
dignity regained”.

This Statement was signed By Stella Ford MUGABO

The Minister in Charge of Cabinet Affairs

A group of unidentified thugs equipped with spears, machetes and big sticks last night raided ADEPR church of Ngoma in Ngoma village of Taba parish , Huye district where they stabbed seven Christians who were praying along with other residents who intervened for help.

The incident follows a recent one where more than six ADEPR Christians in the region were severely beaten on Wednesday last week leaving one of the victims in coma.
The bishop of Taba parish ,pastor Habinshuti Samson has told IGIHE that “ Thugs with machetes entered the church as the Christians were praying and said ‘If your God does miracles, let’s see whether He can save you.”

The guard at the church Sebakungu Phillippe has told IGIHE that the raid was carried at 23:00 hours.

“ Around 23:00 hours, more than 10 people equipped with small hoes ,machetes,spears and big sticks raided the church. I tried to stop them as they followed worshipers who returned from short call when they immediately hit me with a big stick on the shoulders,” he said.

Sebakungu explained that he run to call for help from neighbours who were also hit as they arrived.

It is said that the raiders had bottles of alcoholic drinks and smoked tobacco.

Security personnel and officials in the region have this morning held a meeting with residents to investigate masterminds of the raid.

The victims who were severely injured have been taken to University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB).

Rwanda Education Board officials have told parliament that efforts to recover USD 516,000 (over Rwf 370 million) defrauded of the board as it was being wired to Nigeria for school fees of Rwandan students have remained futile.

The REB Director General, Janvier Gasana who was yesterday appearing before parliamentary commission on education, technology, culture and youth said that they followed up the case through Interpol and CID, among other detective institutions only to find that the money had already been wired to several European accounts in countries like Spain and Netherlands.

“It was decided two days ago to send a joint team from the prosecution, Interpol and the National Bank of Rwanda to liaise with security personnel in these countries and work out ways of tracking the culprits . It is still under process,” he added.

The theft was revealed in the Auditor General’s 2013/2014 report which indicated that USD 516,000 (Rwf 370 million) went missing. It was meant to foot tuition fees for 14 Rwandans studying in Nigerian universities.

On June 29th, 2015, the director of Rwanda Education Board, Janvier Gasana responded to the invitation of Public Account Committee (PAC) where he explained that they have transferred the money to the account of beneficiary university in Nigeria but was not delivered.

Gasana explained that they asked the university to give another account .The same act was repeated where it was realized that the money was not delivered to the university for the second time yet the National Bank of Rwanda system indicated that the fund was transferred.

On 10th June 2016,the spokesperson of Rwanda’s prosecution, Nkusi Faustin told IGIHE that efforts to recover the money were being worked out.

President Paul Kagame has lauded the bravery exhibited by Rwanda heroes who sacrificed their lives for Rwanda, highlighting that their exemplary characters provide strength and right vision of the country.

“We are honoring those who sacrificed their lives for moral values making us Rwandans. The power of exemple they left us, gives us right strength and vision,” said Kagame in a message to Rwandans via his twitter account.

President Kagame conveyed the message yesterday after joining Rwandans to pay tribute to Rwanda’s heroes where he laid wreaths at Heroes Square in Remera.

President Paul Kagame has joined Rwandans in the celebration of Heroes Day by paying tribute to Rwanda’s heroes laying wreaths at Heroes Square in Remera of Kigali city.

The National Heroes Day is celebrated every 1st February where government officials lay wreaths at Heroes Square in Remera in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

The celebrated heroes are classified into three categories including Imanzi comprised of unknown soldier and Major General Fred GisaRwigema; Imena including King Mutara III Rudahigwa, Rwagasana Michel, AgatheUwiringiyimana, Niyitegeka Félicitéand Nyange students. The third being Ingenzi with no recorded heroes yet.

The National Heroes Day has been celebrated nationwide in villages and has been preceded by the evening concert of celebrating Rwanda’s heroes at Remera Petit Stade where the Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi urged the youth on heroism.