The decision followed a vote held on June 15, 2025. Of the 363 Members of Parliament who participated, 322 voted in favour of allowing the case to proceed, 29 opposed it, and 12 abstained.
Parliament had earlier established a special commission to investigate the matter. During a hearing with the commission, Mutamba admitted that the $19 million designated for the prison project was misappropriated and transferred to the account of a fictitious company. He also issued a public apology.
Despite acknowledging the mismanagement, Mutamba told the commission he is caught in a personal conflict with senior officials, including Prosecutor General Firmin Mvonde, who is spearheading the case against him.
He claimed he is being targeted for his anti-corruption efforts within the justice sector since joining the government in May 2024, alleging that Mvonde is acting out of revenge.
Mutamba further stated that a €900,000 house purchased by Mvonde in Belgium is under investigation, and questioned the prosecutor’s moral and legal authority to bring charges against him.
The officers, who have spent the past year undertaking a rigorous academic and leadership training programme, will officially graduate later this month.
The PSCSC offers a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, equipping participants with the strategic and operational skills needed for high-level roles in policing and peacekeeping.
The graduating cohort includes officers from Rwanda, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Malawi, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Namibia, and Botswana.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) CG Felix Namuhoranye, who officiated the dinner, praised the officers for their resilience and commitment throughout the demanding course.
“I congratulate you on successfully completing your studies,” he said. “Continue to uphold the courage and dedication you have demonstrated here. Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to contribute meaningfully to peace, security, and sustainable development wherever you serve.”
IGP Namuhoranye also acknowledged the role of the officers’ families in supporting their academic journey, noting that their encouragement and sacrifices were instrumental to the trainees’ success.
The Police Senior Command and Staff Course is one of the region’s premier security leadership programmes, drawing participants from across Africa and fostering regional cooperation in policing and peace operations.
According to data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the most frequently donated blood type was O+, accounting for 40,291 bags. This was followed by 3,431 units of O-, 20,007 of A+, and 1,124 of A-. Meanwhile, 15,137 units of B+ were collected, 831 of B-, 3,393 of AB+, and 169 of AB-.
O+ stood out as the dominant blood type, representing 47.75% of all donated blood. The least donated was AB-, which made up just 0.2%. In total, 58,688 people donated blood in 2024. Among them, 16,366 were women (27.89%) and 42,322 were men (72.11%).
Moïse Tuyishimire, Blood Donor Recruitment and Retention at the National Center for Blood Transfusion (NCBT), explained that men played a larger role, contributing 59,394 units, which is 70.39% of the total. Women donated 24,989 units, representing 29.61%.
By blood type, 26,564 donors were O+, making up 45.26%, while 2,246 were O-. There were 17,070 A+ donors (29.09%) and 693 A- donors (1.18%). B+ donors totaled 9,367 (15.96%), while B- donors numbered 483 (1.82%). For AB+, there were 2,111 donors (3.60%), and for AB-, just 154 people (0.26%).
Tuyishimire noted that Kigali led the country in blood donations with 27,259 units donated, accounting for 32% of the total. These came from 18,830 individuals, with men contributing 13,323 units (22.7%) and women 5,507 (9.38%).
Following Kigali, the Northern Province came second, with 14,751 blood bags (18%) donated by 10,329 people—7,753 men (13.21%) and 2,576 women (4.39%). The Eastern Province followed with 14,231 units (17%) donated by 9,572 people—7,039 men (11.99%) and 2,533 women (4.32%).
In the Southern Province, 14,150 units (17%) were donated by 10,097 people, including 7,425 men (12.65%) and 2,672 women (4.55%). The Western Province contributed 13,492 blood bags (16%) from 9,860 donors—6,772 men (11.56%) and 3,078 women (5.24%).
Age distribution also reflected strong youth engagement. Donors aged 18–25 contributed the most, with 27,080 individuals (46.10%). Those aged 26–35 were 11,242 (19.2%), and those aged 36–45 totaled 12,702 (21.6%). Donors between 46–60 years were 7,526 (12.8%), while only 138 donors (0.2%) were over 60 years old.
Rwanda has continued to make impressive progress toward self-sufficiency in blood supply. In 2024, hospitals were able to meet 99.72% of their blood needs. Typically, a unit of donated blood contains about 450 milliliters, though in some countries this can go up to 500 milliliters.
After donation, the blood is screened to ensure it is disease-free, then safely stored until it is needed. When administered, it is matched to the recipient’s blood type and the specific blood components required. Blood consists of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs and give blood its color; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help with clotting in case of injury.
There is also plasma, a yellowish fluid component of blood that is often underutilized but can be life-saving for patients who have lost a lot of fluids, such as burn victims, cancer or malaria patients, and those who have experienced severe bleeding. Rwanda collects around 40,000 liters of plasma each year, but only about 2,000 liters—or 5%—are used. The rest often goes to waste.
To address this, on July 11, 2024, the Ministry issued a new directive allowing for the export of unused plasma to ensure it is utilized more effectively abroad.
Speaking at the celebration of the National Blood Donor Day on June 14, 2025, in Musanze District, Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde reaffirmed their commitment to saving lives through donation and pledged that, if possible, the province would surpass 20% of donated blood this year.
Dr Thomas Muyombo, Head of the National Centre for Blood Transfusion at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre stated that Rwanda’s blood donation system is stable, and those in need of blood are receiving it.
He emphasized the need for continuity, noting that regular donors may eventually become ineligible due to age or health, which is why new donors are constantly needed.
He also reassured the public that donating blood is safe, mentioning that some individuals have donated more than 75 times. He explained that the body continuously produces new blood, maintaining balance and health.
Dr. Muyombo reminded the public that anyone who has received a blood transfusion due to illness must wait at least 12 months before becoming eligible to donate again, provided they are medically cleared.
Eugene Bagirishya told IGIHE that he began donating blood at 17 and has now donated over 70 times by the age of 44. He said it gives him pride to know that every time he donates, he may be saving one or two lives—and that’s why he will never stop.
A 2024 hospital survey showed that 99.72% of requested blood components were fulfilled. Of the 127,198 units needed, 126,837 were available and processed, underscoring Rwanda’s steady progress toward a reliable and responsive blood donation system.
The announcement was made on Saturday by the university’s Board of Directors, led by Prof Simon Gicharu, who also chairs the governing council and is the founder of Mount Kenya University (MKU). Prof Kabaji’s appointment takes effect on August 1.
“Prof Kabaji brings to this role immense academic experience, visionary leadership, and a deep understanding of the region’s education dynamics,” said Prof Gicharu. “His appointment marks a new dawn, not only for Mount Kigali University, but also for regional integration and academic excellence.”
Prof Kabaji, a professor at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya, is widely respected for his work in literature, cultural studies, and university leadership. He currently serves in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication and has held various administrative roles in Kenyan academia.
He holds a PhD in Folk Media and Communication from the University of South Africa (Unisa), an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master’s in Literary Studies from Kenyatta University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Literature and English from the same institution.
In his new role, Prof Kabaji is expected to serve as a key advocate for the university, championing external engagement, promoting partnerships, and supporting fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. He will also serve as a patron of creative writing, helping the institution build networks with other academic and cultural organisations.
Mount Kigali University, formerly the Kigali campus of Mount Kenya University, gained autonomy in 2023 after approval by Rwanda’s Higher Education Council. The transition allowed the institution to establish its own governance and academic structures, with a mission to expand programmes and research tailored to local and regional development needs.
“The university’s elevation to full independence is a defining milestone in Rwanda’s higher education landscape,” Prof Gicharu said, adding that the institution is now positioned to offer world-class education and attract learners from across Africa.
Prof Kabaji pledged to uphold the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and regional collaboration, saying, “I am honoured to take on this role and contribute to shaping a future-ready university that empowers young minds and transforms communities.”
The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, emphasized that a notable feature of this budget is that 91.7% of the funds will come from domestic resources, including locally generated revenues and loans that the country will repay. Only 8.3% will come from external grants.
He added that although this is officially the budget for the next fiscal year, it is closely linked to the current year and to future years as well, given that the government is in the process of implementing the second phase of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2). This five-year plan is being rolled out incrementally each year, and at this stage, the focus is on accelerating implementation.
Murangwa explained that the 2025/26 budget was allocated according to the goals of NST2 across its three pillars: economic transformation, which will receive 62.8% of the budget; social transformation, which will receive 21.7%; and promoting good governance, which will receive 15.5%.
He noted that in both the upcoming and medium-term periods, the government plans to increase productivity across all economic sectors, strengthen programs that enhance citizens’ well-being, and continue prioritizing climate action, including reducing harmful emissions.
He highlighted several key activities receiving special focus in this budget. These include repayment of national debt, the ongoing construction of the new Kigali International Airport, and the expansion of RwandAir operations.
The government will also continue school feeding programs and ensure timely procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs, such as chemical fertilizers and quality seeds. A portion of the budget is also dedicated to preparing for the 2025 UCI Road World Championships.
Specifically, the budget allocates $600 million (equivalent to over 853.6 billion Rwandan Francs) to the construction of the new Kigali International Airport.
Other priority projects for the 2025/26 fiscal year include stimulating private sector growth and youth employment by increasing investment and developing basic infrastructure in industrial zones such as those in Musanze and Muhanga.
This includes constructing a petroleum storage facility in Ruhanga, building a wastewater treatment plant for the leather factory in Bugesera, and enhancing the capacity of the Kigali dry port.
There are also plans to develop essential infrastructure in the Musanze industrial park to support pharmaceutical production using cannabis, provide basic facilities for Kigali Innovation City, and continue supporting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) initiative as a means to boost tourism revenue.
To better manage and protect the country’s natural water resources, the government will construct the Muvumba multipurpose dam, equip laboratories to monitor Lake Kivu’s behavior, and support both public and private sector projects aimed at improving access to climate finance through programs like INTEGO and the IREME fund.
In the technology sector, the budget will support the creation of a cybersecurity office, provide aid to coding schools, expand the digital ID system, and enhance the use of digital identification and authentication technologies.
In terms of urbanization and rural housing development, the government will deliver infrastructure to sites earmarked for affordable housing, complete payments for the renovation of Amahoro Stadium, refurbish the Parliament building, and expand the Muzo Model Village from 120 to 180 homes. Efforts will also continue to remove asbestos roofing from public buildings and develop updated urban planning maps for informal settlements across Rwanda.
Other planned activities include the expansion of key road networks. These include the 40-kilometer Nyacyonga–Mukoto road, a 30-kilometer road linked to the Kigali Logistics Platform, the construction of a new Nyabugogo bus terminal, and a general improvement of Kigali’s urban mobility systems.
National road upgrades will include rehabilitation of the 45-kilometer Kigali–Muhanga road, the Base–Butaro–Kidaho road, and the 10-kilometer stretch from Prince House to Giporoso to Masaka. The government also plans to build a port in Rusizi on Lake Kivu and establish a model aviation training school.
In the financial sector, new technologies will be introduced to restructure local SACCOs into district-level cooperatives, strengthening the broader banking system. The budget will also bolster the financial intelligence framework to enhance oversight of public spending.
In health, the budget includes the construction of district hospitals in Muhororo and Kabgayi, the expansion of Ruhengeri Referral Hospital, and the building of maternity wards at Kibagabaga Hospital.
Regarding peace and security, Murangwa stated that Rwanda will continue contributing to both regional and international peacekeeping missions. The country remains committed to deploying forces that support stability within neighboring countries, across the region, and on the global stage.
The airline started its Addis Ababa–Kigali route in 1975 and has since become a key link for travel, trade, and cultural ties between Ethiopia and Rwanda.
“We are excited to reach such a milestone,” said the Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “Over 50 years of service to Kigali, we have expanded both our passenger and cargo operations, with increased frequencies for the benefit of our customers. This marks another demonstration of Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to serving the people of Africa.”
Ethiopian Airlines now operates 21 weekly passenger flights and three cargo flights to Kigali. These connect travelers to over 145 destinations worldwide through its Addis Ababa hub.
The airline plays a big role in linking African countries and connecting them to major cities in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.
The Kigali route supports trade, tourism, and diplomacy, helping Rwanda grow as a regional hub.
The expanded list includes key U.S. allies such as Egypt and Djibouti, The Washington Post reported on Saturday, citing a credible internal memo signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
If approved, the proposal would mark one of the largest travel-based restrictions in U.S. history, and follow an earlier executive order that targeted 19 countries, most of them in Africa and the Middle East.
The recent memo was distributed to American embassies over the weekend. It instructs governments of the listed countries to submit initial action plans by Wednesday morning and outlines a 60-day window to meet a series of enhanced vetting and cooperation benchmarks.
The targeted countries face scrutiny due to various issues, including weak identity documentation systems, high visa overstay rates in the U.S., lack of cooperation on deportations, and in some cases, the sale of citizenships with minimal requirements. It also mentions concerns about “anti-American or antisemitic activity” linked to individuals from certain nations.
The nations facing new restrictions are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Additional nations in the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific, including Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Dominica, Tonga, and Tuvalu, are also named in the memo.
The proposal builds on Trump’s recent Executive Order 14161, which imposed full travel bans on countries including Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Eritrea, Libya, the Republic of the Congo, and Equatorial Guinea, while partially restricting Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Other countries affected include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, and Venezuela.
The policy has already sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers and civil rights groups, who accuse the administration of disproportionately targeting African and Muslim-majority nations.
Many have drawn comparisons to Trump’s first-term travel ban, which was eventually upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court but remains controversial to this day.
Bintou arrived in Goma, now under the control of AFC/M23, on June 12, 2025, to assess the security situation in areas held by the group. Her findings will be presented to the UN Security Council on June 27.
In addition to talks with AFC/M23 leaders, Bintou also met with the commander of the Southern African Development Community forces in the DRC (SAMIDRC), Maj. Gen. Monwabisi Dyakopu, as well as UN peacekeepers stationed in the region.
At the conclusion of her three-day visit, Bintou stated, “When the helicopter landed at the MONUSCO base, emotions were high. But in the conversations I had, I sensed hope. I believe the ongoing peace talks will yield tangible results.”
This was Bintou’s first visit to Goma since the city was seized by AFC/M23 in January 2025. The rebel group has previously accused MONUSCO of siding with the DRC government and disregarding the views and demands of the opposing side.
The farm’s link to the market in faraway China began in 2018, when Managing Director Dieudonne Twahirwa attended the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.
“We saw strong demand for Rwandan dried chilli,” Twahirwa said. The following year, his participation in the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo further boosted his confidence.
In 2024, Gashora Farm, which is headquartered in Kigali, partnered with HAIC — Hunan Modern Agriculture International Development Co. Ltd, a subsidiary of Hunan Cereals, Oils & Foodstuffs Import & Export Group (Hunan COF) — to launch the Rwanda-Hunan Chilli Pepper Industry Demonstration Project.
Under a contract farming model, the project covers 100 hectares and spans the entire value chain — from seedling cultivation to export. In the first season after the deal was signed, 200 tons of dried chilli were shipped to China.
“The Chinese market offers more than orders. It brings stability and investment,” said Twahirwa.
The project also benefits local communities. The farm employs 15 permanent staff and up to 1,000 seasonal workers at harvest time.
One worker, Eric Hagirimana, said: “I earn 2,500 Rwandan francs (about 2 U.S. dollars) daily, and have bought two cows.”
Jacqueline Mukantagara, a mother of four, also works at the farm. “This job helps me buy essentials and pay school fees,” she said.
Agronomist Aloys Ngambwa said the farm has centralised seedling nurseries and employs modern pest control. Improved techniques have helped it better cope with climate change and irrigation challenges.
Rwanda’s favourable climate, affordable labour force, and efficient government procedures support the project’s growth, Twahirwa said.
Chinese partner Li Ming, African business manager of Hunan COF, oversees planning, shipping, and coordination. “We faced cultural and management differences initially,” he said, “but have found common ground.”
Yields surpassed expectations, reaching 2.5 tons per hectare. Rwandan chillies have entered Chinese cities, including Qingdao, Chengdu, and Changsha, through wholesale markets, gaining consumer recognition.
HAIC’s “Mo La Ge” chilli sauce, made from Rwandan peppers, sold out immediately at a China-Africa shopping festival. Meanwhile, Chengdu hot-pot seasoning companies have started using Rwandan chillies, a sign of the produce’s deeper integration into China’s food supply chain.
The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, taking place from June 12 to 15 in Changsha, the capital city of Hunan Province, showcases similar success stories and seeks to facilitate new partnerships between African and Chinese stakeholders.
“We aim to expand planting and exports, invigorate the Chinese market, and create more jobs and foreign exchange for Rwanda,” said Li of Hunan COF.
“The Chinese market gives us more than buyers. It gives us partners,” Twahirwa said. “This partnership is transforming our business and farmers’ lives.”
The Rwandan chilli project crystallises deepening Africa-China cooperation. The rise of “Mo La Ge” chilli sauce is a clear sign of a growing bond between African farms and Chinese consumers.
Across the Asian and African continents, stories of trust, cooperation, and shared growth continue to be written.
A new initiative, Bike for Future, backed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and implemented by Plan International Rwanda, is helping girls gain vocational skills, launch small businesses, and compete in sport.
Launched in January 2024, the project is part of the wider Sport, Education and Livelihoods in Africa programme, which supports 28 initiatives across 14 countries.
In Rwanda, the focus is on using cycling to improve employability among girls and young women, particularly those facing barriers to education and work.
Through the programme, participants receive training in trades like bicycle mechanics, welding, tailoring, and electrical work, along with toolkits and financial literacy support to help them start their own businesses.
Two all-girls cycling teams have also been formed, giving young athletes the chance to train, compete, and aim for national and international events.
For 16-year-old Amina, the programme has been a turning point. Once unable to pursue her dream of becoming a professional cyclist, she now competes at the national level and hopes to represent Rwanda at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar.
“Girls need spaces to showcase their potential. Winning challenging cycling competitions has made me stronger, more hardworking and determined,” said Amina.
“I dream of representing my country in international competitions to inspire more girls to follow their dreams.
According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, one in four young people globally is not in education, employment, or training. The IOC’s Olympism365 strategy addresses this challenge by mobilising sport to foster youth education, job creation, and social engagement.
Bike for Future is one of more than 550 IOC-supported initiatives worldwide designed to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond Rwanda, the IOC is also backing similar programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean.
One such model, Campeonas 2.4, operates in Paraguay, Chile, and Argentina. It combines football training for more than 400 girls with education on gender equality, digital literacy, including technology and AI skills, and vocational guidance, particularly in indigenous and rural communities. These interventions encompass health education with a focus on sexual and reproductive rights, preparing participants for broader societal participation.
The successes of Bike for Future, Campeonas 2.4, and other community-based sport initiatives will be showcased at the invitation-only Olympism365 Summit: Sport for a Better World, taking place from 3 to 5 June in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The summit will bring together representatives from the Olympic Movement, UN agencies, development finance institutions, and civil society to share best practices and secure commitments towards leveraging sport as a powerful developmental tool.
