The new facility will be unveiled during Imboni Xperience, a flagship event scheduled for July 12, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Imboni Creative venue in Kigali (KG 550 St, No. 12). The event promises an immersive celebration of fashion, artistry, and community.
According to the organisers, Imboni Xperience will bring together some of the country’s most talented fashion designers, accessory makers, and visual artists in a vibrant showcase that reflects the richness and diversity of Rwandan creativity.
The Imboni Creative Hub is a dedicated space designed to support, connect, and nurture the next generation of designers and innovators.
Described as a “home for emerging talent,” the new Creative Hub will offer young Rwandan creatives access to workshops, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities.
At the heart of the initiative is a commitment to cultivating a community-driven approach to creativity, where artisans can co-create, share expertise, and collectively shape the future of Rwandan style.
“We believe the true magic of creativity shines brightest when it’s nurtured collectively. Our goal is to uplift these passionate talents so they can craft their own futures and inspire others to do the same,” said Ibambe Johnson, who co-founded Imboni Creative alongside two others.
Through the Imboni Creative Workshop, young designers and accessory artists will gain exclusive access to hands-on mentoring and the tools they need to hone their skills, spark their creativity, and bring their visions to reality.
With this celebration of art, fashion, and community, Imboni Creative invites all to come together and embrace the spirit of collaboration at the Imboni Xperience event, where “ideas blossom, tradition meets innovation, and artistry becomes a shared journey.”
Hosted at the International School of Kigali (ISK), the festival became a rallying point for Rotarians, youth, and dignitaries who gathered to champion a cause to raise funds to procure an electric minivan to support cancer patients cared for at Bethania home care in Kinyinya.
The Festival of Sports – Rotary Edition was proudly organised by Wura Holdings Ltd, led by a committed Rotarian, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Kigali Virunga, in collaboration with Rotary Sport and the Rotary Club of Kigali Golf.
For many of these patients, treatment means a gruelling 30-kilometre journey to and from Kanombe Military hospital each day, a journey that had grown increasingly difficult without reliable transport.
Jacqueline Duniah, President of the Rotary Club of Kigali-Virunga, reflected on how a simple visit to Bethania inspired meaningful action.
“We believed that through sport, the awareness of our cancer patients’ needs could reach a wider audience. This is a continuation of our efforts, and we hope it inspires others to join us in providing solutions for our community,” she said.
Her words carried the spirit of the festival, a vibrant day filled with football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and pickleball, fencing and a variety of other games not just for fun but for a greater purpose.
The Rotary Club’s resolve turned sports into a symbol of solidarity, channelling community energy into practical support. A total of 57 million Rwandan francs was raised to support cancer patients during the event.
Among the many supporters at the event was Dr. Tunde Adelakun, President of Rotary Sport in the UK, whose presence underscored the global nature of Rotary’s reach. He brought an impassioned message about the power of sport to influence lives far beyond the field.
“Through our sporting projects, we’re raising awareness of mental health, lifestyle choices, eating well, and reducing the risks of debilitating diseases like cancer. It goes back to healthy living and doing good in the community,” Tunde said.
He went further, painting sport as a tool not only for awareness but also for youth development and leadership.
“We want to build leaders through sports. Sports are unique because they teach us rules. If from a very young age, our children understand that rules guide sports that there are offside lines, fouls, boundaries, then they will grow up respecting structure and responsibility. That’s how leaders are built,” he noted.
Tunde pledged that all future fundraising efforts through his Rotary Sport network would be focused on sporting initiatives with a purpose, pointing to the Kigali event as a model of what sport can achieve when tied to compassion.
This commitment was deeply felt by the staff at Bethania Home Care, where every day is a delicate balance of care, logistics, and hope. Sister Helena Katebera, the program coordinator, spoke of the relief this donation would bring.
“We often face different challenges, but the most pressing was transporting patients over 30km daily from our centre in Kinyinya to the treatment facility in Kanombe,” she said.
“Our old ambulance could only carry one patient. Through the support raised from this sports festival, our charity journey will continue smoothly, and this van will be a tremendous relief,” she added.
Founded in 2018, Bethania Home Care, operated by the Sisters of Our Lady Queen of Africa, provides food, shelter, and psychological support for over 250 patients undergoing cancer treatment. For many, it is the only place they can find care and dignity amid the hardship of illness.
The Festival of Sport was a declaration that community-driven action can lift the burdens of those most in need. As Rotarians, diplomats, and athletes came together in Kigali, they demonstrated that with the right intention, even a game can save lives.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, the two leaders met at Urugwiro Village, where they exchanged insights on pathways to stability, cooperation, and progress in the region and beyond.
“This afternoon at Urugwiro Village, President Kagame received Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for a wide-ranging discussion. They discussed the situation in the region, along with various key issues of continental and global significance. The two leaders shared insights on pathways toward stability, cooperation, and progress,” the statement reads.
Obasanjo, who currently serves as co-chair of the Panel of Facilitators for the peace process in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), plays a central role in efforts to address the ongoing crisis. He shares the leadership of the panel with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The panel was formed in March following the merger of the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes. This unified framework seeks to improve coordination among stakeholders and harmonise efforts to resolve the complex conflict affecting the eastern DRC.
In addition to Obasanjo and Kenyatta, the expanded facilitation team includes other former African heads of state: Kgalema Motlanthe of South Africa, Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic, and Sahle-Work Zewde of Ethiopia. The panel is tasked with steering peace talks between the Congolese government and the AFC-M23 rebel group, among other armed factions.
The merged process aims to promote direct dialogue, implement previously agreed measures such as the neutralisation of the FDLR militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, and engage a broader range of regional actors to support mediation efforts.
Parallel peace initiatives are also being supported by Qatar and the United States, as part of a wider international push to restore peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
Two Kigali-based yoga instructors, Rebecca Gakwaya and Steffi Mushayija, have announced plans to launch a yoga training school aimed at equipping local instructors with the skills needed to expand access to the practice across the country.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE on Saturday, June 21, as the world marked International Yoga Day, the duo revealed that they aim to have the school up and running by mid-2026.
Rebecca, who began practising yoga in 2012, and Steffi, a physiotherapist who discovered yoga’s benefits later, have been teaching community classes at Ivy Wellness Studio in Nyarutarama since returning from a yoga training course in Indonesia in 2024.
The duo’s mission is to make yoga accessible to all Rwandans, breaking down barriers of cost and misconception through their “pay what you can” classes held every Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
“Yoga is for everyone,” Steffi emphasised. “It’s not just for flexible people or Westerners, as some believe. It’s a practice that connects you to your breath and body, offering benefits from stress relief to physical health.”
Rebecca added, “Yoga is everything. In the day-to-day, we sometimes forget to breathe. You run into an issue, and the first thing that you do is kind of hold on to your breath. And the more you hold on to your breath, the more stress you encounter. It’s a tool for wellness that belongs in schools, hospitals, and workplaces.”
The duo teaches Vinyasa yoga, a dynamic style where movements flow with breath, tailored to suit beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.
Steffi noted the importance of proper guidance to prevent injuries, a concern she echoes from her physiotherapy background.
“Many try yoga once and feel pain because they push too hard,” Steffi said. “We adjust poses to meet people where they are.”
The inspiration behind the move to open a school stems from a desire to nurture more qualified local instructors who can spread the practice across the country.
“We want to create a program that trains Rwandans—by Rwandans,” said Rebecca.
“We see the demand, but we can’t reach every corner of the country. So we want to equip others who can.”
Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, emphasises the union of mind, body, and breath. Since its adoption as a UN-recognised international observance in 2014, International Yoga Day has become an annual moment to reflect on the practice’s global relevance.
Until the yoga teacher training school formally opens its doors, the pair continues to invite newcomers to their Saturday morning classes.
“The first step is to just show up,” said Rebecca. “Sit down, breathe, and feel. That’s how it starts.”
Among the most notable changes announced during a recent education conference, is a shift in the structure of senior secondary school subjects.
Moving forward, students will have only three subject choices, a significant reduction from the previous 11 subject combinations.
This article delves into these key changes and examines how they are expected to contribute to the overall advancement of education in Rwanda.
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Previously, students completing the general secondary education cycle and passing the national exams after their third year could choose from 11 subject combinations, spanning general education, technical education, vocational training, and other related fields.
Under the new reforms, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) has announced that students will only be able to select from three broad learning pathways: Mathematics and Science, Humanities, and Languages.
Dr. Flora Mutezigaju, the Deputy Director-General of the Rwanda Basic Education Board, explained to IGIHE that this new structure is designed to broaden students’ future career options and further develop their areas of expertise.
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Although the three learning pathways will remain, the number of subjects students study will increase based on their chosen pathway.
Each learning pathway will consist of four core subjects directly aligned with the student’s area of study, along with an additional three subjects from other fields. Additionally, students will be required to take four mandatory subjects, including ICT, Entrepreneurship, General Knowledge, Religion, and Sports.
For students in the Mathematics and Science pathway, two options will be available. One option focuses on Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology, while the other includes Mathematics, Economics, Geography, and Physics.
Humanities students will study History, Geography, English Literature, and Psychology, alongside Mathematics, French, and Kinyarwanda.
Those pursuing Language studies will focus on Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili, as well as an in-depth study of Literature and Grammar in each language. They will also study Mathematics, History, and Geography.
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Dr. Mutezigaju emphasized that the new approach will offer students a well-rounded education, equipping them with knowledge in multiple fields.
“All students will study 11 subjects, including seven related to their chosen pathway. This opens up many more opportunities for students, both in terms of post-graduation career prospects and future university studies,” she said.
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As part of the reforms, every school must offer at least two learning pathways, giving students a choice between options. An analysis is currently underway to assess which schools are capable of offering all three pathways and those able to accommodate two.
The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) has emphasized that no school will be allowed to offer the Mathematics and Science pathway unless it has the necessary laboratory facilities. REB also assured that qualified teachers would be provided, and school schedules, textbooks, and computer resources will be updated accordingly.
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Students in secondary schools will be required to take national exams in seven subjects relevant to their chosen pathway. The four additional subjects studied by all students will be prepared by the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) but administered at the school level.
Some subjects, such as ICT and Sports, will require practical exams, while the Entrepreneurship subject will involve students developing a business proposal aimed at driving change.
Scores from all subjects will be combined with national exam results for a comprehensive evaluation.
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While the proposed changes have sparked some questions, REB has confirmed that the reforms will be rolled out gradually.
Dr. Mutezigaju stated that after a thorough evaluation, the changes will begin to be implemented incrementally, starting from the fourth year of secondary school. The changes will be phased in over time, and students in the fifth year will continue with the existing structure until they graduate.
Until then, students will follow the previous curriculum system, ensuring a smooth transition to the new educational framework.
These reforms are expected to provide a more specialized, flexible, and career-focused education system, aligning with Rwanda’s broader goals of improving educational standards and nurturing talent for the future.
After six weeks of testimony and more than 30 witnesses presented by prosecutors, the defence confirmed on Monday that it will not call any witnesses, including Combs himself, and will instead introduce exhibits into evidence. Closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday.
Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to five charges: one count of racketeering conspiracy, two counts of sex trafficking, and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The charges stem from allegations that Combs ran his entertainment empire as a criminal enterprise designed to exploit and abuse women over the span of several years.
Legal experts say the decision not to present witnesses is strategic rather than unusual.
“It’s not uncommon for the defence to rest without putting anyone on the stand,” said former federal prosecutor Mitchell Epner. “They may argue that the government’s own witnesses helped their case, and they have no obligation to prove innocence — that remains the prosecution’s burden.”
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on the testimony of three women: singer Cassie Ventura, an ex-assistant referred to as “Mia,” and a former girlfriend using the pseudonym “Jane.” Ventura described being coerced into sexual encounters called “freak offs” and claimed Combs used intimidation and drugs to control her. “Jane” and “Mia” offered similar accounts.
Supporting evidence included over 50 videos and hundreds of messages, including texts between Combs and his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, discussing arrangements with women and emergency contraception. Financial and travel records also linked Combs’ corporate accounts to escort payments and luxury travel.
Among the prosecution’s most shocking claims was a 2012 arson incident involving rapper Kid Cudi’s Porsche, allegedly firebombed after Combs threatened him. A former employee testified Combs paid to suppress hotel security footage of him assaulting Ventura in 2016, potentially supporting obstruction of justice claims.
While Combs’ defence initially floated the possibility of calling three witnesses, including a former Bad Boy Entertainment executive, lead attorney Marc Agnifilo told U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian they would rest after introducing documents and stipulations instead.
The defence is expected to file a routine motion to dismiss the case before closing arguments, a legal formality unlikely to succeed. In closing, Combs’ lawyers are anticipated to challenge the credibility of prosecution witnesses, suggesting exaggeration or motives tied to ongoing civil lawsuits.
“He can’t testify without being subjected to a withering cross-examination about other bad acts, all of which could expose him to civil liability in lawsuits brought by others,” said legal analyst Mark Zauderer.
If convicted of any charge, Combs faces a lengthy prison sentence. The jury, made up of eight men and four women, will soon be tasked with weighing a sprawling case that has combined celebrity, sex, power, and alleged criminal enterprise.
In an exclusive interview on the Long Form Podcast with host Sanny Ntayombya in Nairobi, Lumumba proposed a radical restructuring of the DRC’s governance to address systemic issues fueling the conflict, including weak state institutions, colonial-era borders, and ethnic exclusion.
Lumumba suggested that the Kinshasa administration convene an all-Congolese meeting, including all rebel groups, to discuss a confederation model inspired by Switzerland.
“A confederation that has a very loose centre, a loose centre that only takes care of defence, takes care of foreign affairs, and takes care of what I call national coordination,” he said.
He argued that granting regions autonomy in policing and policy formulation would “unburden the centre” and address grievances driving rebellions like M23, which he described as a “symptom” and “reaction” to exclusion.
Without such measures, Lumumba warned, the DRC risks becoming “more and more ungovernable,” potentially leading to de facto division despite international recognition of Kinshasa’s authority.
In Switzerland, the confederation model functions as a federal state with a strong emphasis on subsidiarity and direct democracy. It’s a system where power is distributed across three levels: the Confederation, the cantons, and the communes, each with its own specific powers and responsibilities.
The principle of subsidiarity dictates that tasks should be handled at the lowest possible level of government, and the Confederation’s powers are limited to those explicitly granted by the Federal Constitution.
This robust decentralisation ensures that cantons and communes retain significant autonomy over local matters like education and policing, while citizens actively participate in governance through frequent referendums and initiatives, fostering a bottom-up approach to decision-making that requires both a national majority of votes and a majority of cantons for key federal decisions.
The cantons are akin to states or provinces, serving as the primary administrative divisions with a high degree of sovereignty. Communes, also known as municipalities, are the smallest political units, analogous to local towns or villages.
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The M23 rebellion, fighting against decades of marginalisation and persecution of Congolese Tutsis, earlier this year captured large swathes of territory in eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
There are ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict, particularly through Qatar’s involvement in mediation and the African Union-led process, but challenges remain, with the rebels accusing the Kinshasa administration of acting in bad faith by refusing direct talks, blocking confidence-building measures such as prisoner releases, and deliberately undermining peace efforts.
Lumumba criticised the Tshisekedi administration for its reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue and for expelling East African forces that had been deployed to separate belligerents in 2023.
He further expressed concern over the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the conflict, including those linked to Erik Prince’s Blackwater, warning that external actors are exploiting the DRC’s instability to extract its natural resources.
“There are powers and principalities outside the Democratic Republic of Congo… who believe an unstable and disorderly Congo is necessary for their well-being,” he said, citing historical exploitation by colonial powers like Belgium.
Beyond the DRC, Lumumba offered insights on other pressing African issues. He praised Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré as a symbol of resistance against neo-colonialism, particularly French influence, but cautioned against oversimplifying his role.
“The jury is still out as to his actual performance,” Lumumba noted, urging that Traoré’s rise not be reduced to “empty slogans” or Russian propaganda.
He emphasised the need for a broader movement to sustain such momentum, warning that individuated leadership risks elimination, citing historical figures like Thomas Sankara and Patrice Lumumba.
On Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Lumumba lauded his disciplined governance post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, crediting him with Rwanda’s remarkable recovery, under “very difficult circumstances”.
Lumumba also addressed the ongoing conflict in Sudan, describing it as a “war of egos” between leaders like Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo. He lamented the destruction of Sudan’s infrastructure and economy, warning that the proliferation of mercenaries and drones could lead to a “society that will take generations to revive.”
He called for stronger African Union intervention to resolve such conflicts, criticising the organisation’s reliance on external funding.
Reflecting on global perceptions of African leadership, Lumumba expressed dismay at U.S. President Donald Trump’s public berating of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over claims of “white genocide” during his visit to America in May.
He described the incident as painful but suggested Ramaphosa’s calm response may have mitigated the humiliation.
“When history is written, [Trump] will be the one who will be humiliated,” he said, though he questioned the timing of Ramaphosa’s U.S. visit.
Lumumba’s overarching message was a call for African unity to counter neo-colonialism and internal dysfunction. He criticised African elites for their selfishness and lack of patriotism, which he said perpetuates a “culture of scarcity” and impunity.
Quoting the late Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah, he urged the continent to speak with one voice diplomatically and economically to resist external exploitation.
“A united Africa will immunise us from the diabolical machinations of others,” he said. “A disunited Africa will be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
Kabila, who had been living in exile since late 2023, returned to the rebel-controlled eastern region of the DRC in May 2025 and was received by the AFC/M23 leaders.
Over the last several weeks, he has been holding discussions in Goma with various Congolese groups, including religious leaders, politicians, and civil society members, listening to their ideas on how peace could be achieved in the DRC, particularly in the eastern region where AFC/M23 leaders accuse the Kinshasa administration of exclusion.
After spending more than a month in Goma, on June 24, 2025, Kabila travelled to Bukavu, where he plans to hold further consultations with the Congolese people.
As Kabila explained in a message delivered to the Congolese before his return to the DRC, his talks are based on 12 pillars that he believes will help the country achieve lasting peace.
The pillars include reconciliation among Congolese people, ending the war, improving relations between the DRC and neighbouring countries, dismantling armed groups, and ending authoritarian rule.
The DRC government, however, accuses Kabila’s activities in the eastern part of the country of fueling the conflict. It has initiated proceedings against him for charges including treason, involvement in an unauthorised armed group, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The airline’s proactive response aims to provide flexibility and support to travelers affected by the disruptions.
The waiver, coded “WBRIW1DFSME,” allows passengers to make one free change to their travel dates until September 30, 2025.
RwandAir encouraged affected customers to contact its reservations team at reservations@rwandair.com or their travel agent for assistance in rescheduling their journeys.
“We’re pleased to offer this complimentary rebooking waiver to all affected passengers,” the airline stated in its update, emphasizing its commitment to passenger convenience during the crisis.
The cancellations, announced on Monday night, affected flights WB300 and WB303 between Kigali and Doha, as well as all services to and from Dubai.
The decision followed Qatar and the United Arab Emirates’ closure of their airspace in response to a significant military escalation in the Gulf.
Qatar’s air defense systems intercepted multiple Iranian missiles over Doha, launched by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a strike targeting U.S. forces at Al Udeid Air Base.
The IRGC described the operation as retaliation for alleged U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Qatar reported no casualties, but the airspace closures disrupted air travel across the region.
Following a brief suspension, Qatar Airways and Dubai Airports have confirmed the resumption of operations.
The 80-year-old leader is set to pick nomination papers this Saturday at the NRM Electoral Commission offices, aiming to retain his positions as NRM chairman and the party’s presidential flag bearer.
NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi confirmed during a press conference that Museveni will personally express interest and collect nomination forms for both the party chairperson role and the presidential candidacy.
“Like other candidates, the President and National Chairman of NRM will express interest and also pick nomination forms by himself,” Dr. Tanga told journalists.
The process for expressing interest and collecting nomination forms for all NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) positions will run from June 26 to July 1, with candidate nominations scheduled for July 4.
Meanwhile, the NRM and other parties are actively vetting and clearing candidates, including those for parliamentary and district chairperson positions, a process that entered its second week on Monday.
The January 2026 elections will see Ugandans vote for both the president and lawmakers. Museveni has led Uganda since 1986.
