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  • Battle for EALA Speaker Ends Today

    {{Two Ugandan women are today contesting for the position of the SPEAKER of the third East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). }}

    The Members are Hon Dora Byamukama (Uganda) and Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa (Uganda). A new speaker shall be elected following the end of tenure of Rt. Hon Abdirahin Abdi.

    According to the Rules of Procedure (rule 7) of the Assembly on election of Speaker, the Members shall directly elect the Speaker by secret ballot from among their number on rotational basis.

    Once elected and sworn in, the Speaker who shall serve for a period of five years, shall proceed to administer oath to the Members.

    All Partner States are entitled to nine Members totalling 45. The 7 ex-officio Members include the 5 Ministers- in- charge of the EAC Affairs from the respective Partner States, the Secretary General and the Counsel to the Community.

    All Partner States have recently finalised the elections of Members with twenty of the current Members returning to the august House. Rwanda returned eight of Members while United Republic of Tanzania and Kenya returned one Member each from the 2nd Assembly. Uganda on its part voted in 6 Members of the out-going Assembly. The Assembly thus has thirty two new faces.

    The Members from Burundi are Hon Emerence Bucumi, Hon Hafsa Mossi, Hon Isabelle Ndahayo, Hon Leonce Ndarubagiye and Hon Dr. Martin Nduwimana. Others are Hon Emmanuel Nengo, Hon Jeremie Ngendakumana, Hon Frederic Ngenzebuhoro and Hon Yves Nsabimana.

    The Republic of Kenya is represented by Hon Nancy Abisai, Hon Abubakar Zein Abubakar, Hon Sarah Bonaya, Hon Peter Mathuki, Hon Mumbi Ngaru, Hon Saole Ole Nkanae, Hon Abubakar Ogle, Hon Joseph Kiangoi and Hon Judith Pareno.

    Rwanda’s representatives to the Assembly are Hon Christophe bazivamo, Hon Patricia Hajabakiga, Hon Abdulkarim harelimana, Hon Jacqueline Muhongayire, Hon Dr. James ndahiro, Hon Straton Ndikuryayo, Hon Valerie Nyirahabineza, Hon Dr Odette Nyiramilimo and Hon Pierre celesitin Rwigema.

    United Republic of Tanzania on its part has Hon Shy-Rose Bhanji, Hon Adam Kimbisa, Hon Angela Kizigha, Hon Bernard Murunya, Hon Abdullah Mwinyi, Hon Dr. Perprtua Nderakindo, Hon Makongoro Nyerere, Hon Issa Taslima and Hon Mariam Ussi Yahya.

    Uganda has Hon Dora Byamukama, Hon Dan Kidega, Hon Fred Mbidde Mukasa, Hon Bernard Mulengani, Hon Susan Nakawuki, Hon Chris Opoka-Okumu, Hon Mike Sebalu, Hon Nusura Tiperu and Hon Margaret Zziwa.

    The list is completed by the EAC Ministers, the Secretary General of the EAC and the Counsel to the Community who are the Assembly’s ex-officio Members.

    At its last day of Sitting on May 31, 2012, EALA adopted seven reports of the Standing Committees of the House cover the period July 2007 –June 2012. The Reports comprehensively inform the Assembly of the activities, programmes and projects carried out.

    The Assembly also paid tribute to outgoing Speaker, Rt. Hon Abdirahin Abdi for the excellent, focused dedicated and determined leadership exhibited during his tenure as Speaker.

    The Motion moved by Hon Patricia Hajabakiga wished the outgoing Speaker good health and a fruitful political career ahead and it received overwhelming support as tributes flowed freely.

  • Heavy Fighting Rocks Bunagana in DRC

    {{Heavy fighting continues in the DRC in the hills of Runyoni near the town of Bunagana in Rutshuru territory.}}

    DRC forces reportedly launched the attacks to dislodge rebels of the Movement of March 23 (M23) from the hills.

    According to residents of Bunagana, heavy gun fire started as early as 5 o’clock local time.

    Government forces claim that since the fighting began, the military has already taken three vital hills in the area.

    In the town of Bunagana located about 10km north-east of the venue of fighting, some residents already have taken refuge into Uganda.

    Local sources indicate that people in places between the groups and Jomba Bweza also began to flee towards Rubare and Rutshuru-center. Rebels of M23 have been occupying the hills of Runyonyi for over a month.

    In the middle of May, residents of Bunagana had fled to Uganda following clashes between the rebels and the army in their area before returning, reassured by the presence of peacekeepers and FARDC MONUSCO around hills and Runyoni Chanzu.

  • Police Builds Houses for Homeless

    {{Rwanda National Police yesterday built six houses for the most vulnerable residents of Nyabinoni cell, Cyanika sector in Burera district.The activity is part of the Police’s two weeks campaign dubbed police week.}}

    Other activities done in Burera included giving about 100 health insurance cards while others got mosquito nets as the force’s support to vulnerable people.

    The Deputy Inspector General of Police Stanley said that protecting life and properties is an ultimate goal of the Police force, “supporting vulnerable citizens is also Police’s concern.”

    He urged Burera resident particularly the youth to refrain from drug abuse and engage in more developmental activities that would lead to improved living conditions.

    Aime Bosenibamwe the Northern province Governor lauded Police for the outstanding commitment to crime prevention in the country. He urged residents to uphold hygiene and sanitation.

    Emphasizing the need to shun drugs, Bosenibamwe stated that the vice has always been blamed to be a source of several crimes like rape and assault.

    Samuel Sembagare the Burera District Mayor urged residents to work hard and ensure food security in the district.

    Sembagare said that the district managed to discourage dealers of illicit drugs an achievement he attributed to the good collaboration of citizens with security organs.

    “Last year we destroyed about 5000 liters of illicit local beer (kanyanga), and this year we have recorded very few cases people dealing in illicit beer,” he added.

    During the event Police also destroyed about 400 liters of illicit local beer commonly known as kanyanga.

    Present also was Lieutenant Colonel David Murenzi the Rwanda Defense Forces area commander.

  • Hon. Mukaruliza Visits Bugesera to Raise EAC Awareness

    {{Today June 5, The Minister of East African Community Hon. Monique Mukaruliza will visit Ruhuha market used by both Burundi and Rwandan citizens on cross border. }}

    The minister’s 3 days visit is part of one week sensitization campaign on EAC Integration and Mainstreaming of EAC into government plans.

    The district sensitization aims to raise awareness of district mayors and staff on benefits of EAC Integration and the role of MINEAC in coordination of EAC activities in Rwanda. The sensitization campaign will target 13 districts bordering EAC Partner States.

    This exercise will also help the ministry to gain understanding of the needs of the districts on EAC integration and MINEAC will introduce the idea of mainstreaming Regional Integration into EDPRS II to mayors.

    Regional and International Economic Integration is the sixth pillar of Vision 2020 and will be incorporated into EDPRS II as a cross-cutting aspect which is envisioned to promote economic transformation through diversification of export base among other things.

    Mainstreaming EAC integration into government plans will improve coordination of EAC activities and implementation of Rwanda’s commitments which will increase benefits from EAC membership.

    It is from this context that MINEAC will prepare district officials about EAC mainstreaming and associated benefits.

    District sensitization campaign will enable MINEAC to provide districts with information on EAC and its prioritization in the next five year development plan and districts will inform MINEAC their needs, challenges and priorities.

    The exercise runs from June 3 -9, 2012. The targeted districts include Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Kirehe, Ngoma,Bugesera, Nyanza, Gisagara, Nyaruguru, Rusizi, Musanze, Burera and Gicumbi.

    In the spirit of promoting district led development, sensitization on EAC and mainstreaming will continue to other districts after this exercise.

    The ministry of East African Community will also engage the community members in the targeted districts through community Radio stations to create awareness on EAC integration opportunities and receive feedback from the community as well respond to questions and concerns on local communities on EAC issues.

  • Rasta Manzi Chops off DreadLocks

    {{After 12 years with Dreadlocks on his head, Lion Manzi has taken a tough decision and cut off his trademark hair style.

    This is the second time he has cut off his dreadlocks after a verylong time.
    Manzi says the decision he took is personal.

    “if someone takes a personal decision to have dreadlocks on his head, I believe its his personal choice and decision to cut them off,”Manzi told IGIHE.}}

  • Poacher Arrested in Virunga National Park

    {{Police at Kinigi sector in Musanze district has detained Bigega Gabriel 64 on charges of illegally hunting wild game in Virunga national park.

    Bigega was found in possession with 15kilograms of Antelope meat. The antelope was killed using a trap in collaboration with Hagumimana who later escaped arrest by park guards.

    The suspect admitted to police that he was aware that hunting was illegal saying that in the past year they have killed over 6 animals using traps.}}

  • Burundi to Improve Judicial Independence

    {{Burundi’s Judiciary is making adjustments to the sector aimed at strengthening its independence.}}

    The country’s Ministry of Justice and Attorney General with technical and financial support of the United Nations Office in Burundi (UNOB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Belgian Technical Cooperation (BTC) in Bujumbura has organized, a workshop to study plan Development capacity Building of the High Council of Magistrates of Burundi (CSM).

    The workshop is planned for 5th June.

    The activity is within the scope of support for professional development and strengthening of the independence of the judiciary in Burundi.

    Two consultants have been hired to conduct a needs assessment for capacity building and developing an operational plan for capacity building of the Council of the Judiciary in Burundi.

    Participants will together analyze in depth the operation of the MSC, to define a plan to strengthen its capabilities in the pursuit of goals set out in the sectoral policy document of the Ministry of Justice 2011-2015.

  • Researchers Present Detailed Analysis of Maize Genome

    {{An interdisciplinary team, led by researchers at Cornell University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), have just published the most comprehensive analysis to date of the corn genome.}}

    The team expects the achievement to speed up development of improved varieties of one of the world’s most important agricultural commodities.

    The results should boost international efforts to increase yields, expand areas where corn can be cultivated and produce varieties better equipped to resist pests and disease.

    Funded in the United States by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the USDA, the work was a collaborative effort by scientists at 17 U.S. and foreign institutions that include the University of Wisconsin-Madison; University of Missouri-Columbia; North Carolina State University; Beijing Genome Institute; University of California, Davis and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, Mexico City, Mexico.

    The study appears in two corn genome projects published in separate reports in the June 3 online edition of the journalNature Genetics.

    “This work represents a major step forward and an important tool in the arsenal available to scientists and breeders for improving a vital source of nutrition,” said Edward B. Knipling, administrator of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.

    The analysis could also help those who develop corn yields as a source of fuel, who manage crops in the face of changing climates and who are concerned about the diminishing supply of arable land and growing populations, he said.

    “This project is a stellar example of how collaborations of scientists, here and abroad, leverage resources across multiple agencies to enable transformational research with the potential to address urgent societal needs for a bio-based economy,” said John Wingfield, assistant director for NSF’s Biological Sciences Directorate.

    It is anticipated that the tools and approaches generated in this project will enable scientists to look at genetic differences in other organisms as they respond to global climate change, human disturbance and invasive species, Wingfield explained.

    The studies’ collaborators shed light on corn’s genetic diversity, detail how it evolved and outline how corn–known as maize among scientists–continues to diversify as it adapts to changing climates and habitats.

    One study, published in the journal led by team member, USDA-ARS and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientist Doreen Ware, examines the genetic structure and the relationships and sequential ordering of individual genes in more than 100 varieties of wild and domesticated corn.

    Another study led by team member Jeff Ross-Ibarra from the University of California, Davis gives an extraordinary glimpse into how corn evolved more than 8,700 years ago from a wild grass in the lowland areas of southwestern Mexico into today’s ubiquitous international commodity.

    The researchers compared wild varieties with traditional corn varieties from across the Americas and with modern improved breeding lines. They identified hundreds of genes that played a role in the transformation of corn from its wild origins to today’s cultivated crop and show how that transition was largely achieved by ancient farmers who first domesticated it thousands of years ago.

    Last year, the economic value of the U.S. corn crop was $76 billion, with U.S. growers producing an estimated 12 billion bushels, more than a third of the world’s supply.

    Corn is the largest production crop worldwide, providing food for billions of people and livestock and critical feedstock for production of biofuels.

  • Rwanda Hailed on Child Protection

    {{Rwanda has been hailed for her upcoming accession to the Hague convention on protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption.}}

    The congragulatory message was echoed by U.S. Special Advisor for Children’s Affairs, Ambassador Susan Jacobs while she met with Inyumba Aloisea, Minister for Gender and Promotion of Family.

    They two also discussed Rwanda’s child protection initiative that has been approved by the Cabinet. Minister Inyumba and Ambassador Jacobs first met in early May when they discussed child protection at the Christian Alliance for Orphans conference in California.

    Susan Jacobs is the Special Advisor for Children’s Issues. She was a Senior Policy Advisor in the Bureau of Consular Affairs and previously served as the Bureau’s liaison to the Department of Homeland Security.

    From 2000-2003 she was the United States Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

    Ambassador Jacobs graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where she was a Regents Scholar, and later studied at Georgetown University Law School and the George Washington University.

  • Brits Celebrate 60-Year Reign of Monarch

    {{Vessels of all shapes and sizes took part in the historic pageant including royal barge Spirit of Chartwell, with the 86-year-old monarch and her proud family on board.

    About 1.25 million well-wishers packed the river’s banks in London, cheering in spite of grey skies and heavy downpours while around the country, thousands more held street parties to mark the day.

    Bedraggled Brits used to holiday deluges lined the Thames joined by foreign visitors determined to shrug off the weather and pay tribute to Her Majesty’s 60-year reign.

    The Queen defied the wind and rain without an umbrella to wave from beneath an ornate canopy on the Spirit of Chartwell as it joined a magnificent flotilla making the seven-mile trip from Battersea to Tower.}}