IGIHE

Tag: HomeNews

  • ICTR Transfers Uwinkindi Trial To Rwanda

    {{Rwanda received (Monday) the Dossier of Uwinkindi Jean-Bosco a Pentecostal pastor accused of helping to orchestrate the mass killings in Rwanda’s 1994 Tutsi genocide.}}

    Martin Ngoga the Prosecutor general hailed the development saying this is a win for Rwanda’s Justice system.

    The chief Prosecutor International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Hassan Bubacar Jallow presented to Rwanda’s Prosecutor general the dossier containing all criminal charges against Uwinkindi.

    This follows the request by Rwanda to try within the countrys judicial system some genocide suspects being held at the Arusha based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda ICTR.

    The ICTR chief Prosecutor Bubacar Jallow explained that the decision to transfer Uwinkindi and others to be tried in Rwanda was adopted in December 2011 following a clear transformation of Rwanda’s justice system especially the removal of the death penalty.

    Uwinkindi who had a five-million dollar reward on his head was arrested as soon as he crossed into Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo following a tipoff from the ICTR that had been tracking him.

    Uwinkindi was in 2001 indicted by the UN-backed International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) for genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide and extermination as a crime against humanity.

  • President Kibaki to Deliver Annual State of EAC Address

    {{President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya also the Chairperson of the Summit of the EAC Heads of State is expected to deliver the annual State of EAC Address at a Special Sitting on Wednesday, January 25.}}

    From January 24 to February 2, 2012 the East African Legislative Assembly will hold its plenary which is the Second Meeting of the Fifth Session of the Second Assembly due in Kampala, Uganda.

    Meanwhile, Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni is expected to address a Special Sitting on January 24.

    The Assembly to be presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon Abdirahin H. Abdi, shall during the two-week period discuss matters of legislative business including debates on bills; Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) Bill (2nd & 3rd Reading), bill, the EAC Trans-boundary Ecosystem Management Bill, 2010.

    Other bills to be debated during this period include the EAC Polythene Materials Control Bill (2nd & 3rd Reading).

    Legislative members will also receive and consider reports from various Committees of the Assembly and consider Motions and Questions brought before the House.

    EALA shall also hold briefing sessions with the Deputies Secretaries General of the EAC who shall apprise the Assembly on progress concerning Political Federation, Social Sector, Customs and Trade, Planning and Infrastructure and Finance and Administration among other areas.

  • Over 50,000 Rwandans Blind–Lt. Col. Dr.Nkurikiye

    Cataract defect

    {{Lt. Col. Dr. John Nkurikiye, the only Rwandan Ophthalmology specialist Consultant has disclosed that 67% of blind Rwandans lost sight due to Cataract disease.}}

    Dr. Nkurikiye announced the percentage during the end of the free surgery week that saw at least 60 people with cataract eye disease getting operated.

    A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light.

    According to Dr Nkurikiye, there are about 50,000 blind Rwandans in the country, adding that some of this blindness can be cured through surgery.

    Among the beneficiaries, Hamim Rutayisire, running a spare-parts shop in Gatsata narrated, “I have lived with the eye problem for over six years. At some point I had almost completely lost my sight.

    This derailed my business which suffered losses since I wasn’t able to attend to it all the time due to my eye problems. Both my eyes have been operated upon and now I can see clearly.”

    The free surgery is an outreach service of the Rwanda Institute of Ophthalmology in collaboration with The Rwanda Military Hospital.

    Meanwhile with the ever increasing interaction of citizens in the member states of East African community, caution has to be considered following a deadly and fast spreading outbreak of Trachoma infection reported in Uganda’s Moroto district with more than 5, 000 cases confirmed.

    Sister Emily Akuru, the in charge of Moroto Eye Clinic at Moroto Referral Hospital, told local media on Monday that they are overwhelmed with the number of the trachoma patients visiting the clinic diagnosing between 35 to 45 patients daily.

    Trachoma infection presents with among others, the itching of the eye, eye discharge, and swelling of the eye.

    If left untreated or not treated immediately, trachoma causes the inflammation of the conjunctivitis of the eye resulting in subsequent blindness.

    Trachoma is the world’s leading cause of preventable blindness and occurs where people live in overcrowded conditions with limited access to water and health care.

  • Police Marine Unit to Intensify Patrols

    {{With the aim of enhancing security on water bodies in the country, Rwanda National Police Marine Unit has increased patrols to deal with maritime crimes especially smuggling of goods from neighboring countries.}}

    The Marine Unit has also moved to contain maritime accidents through ensuring proper functioning of boats, use of life jackets, and that boats operators are registered in associations and have their boats insured.

    Superintendent Eugene Mushaija, of the Marine Police Unit told media, “We hope that these measures will drastically reduce maritime accidents which over the past years have claimed people’s lives.”

    Other responsibilities of the unit include recovery of property lost under water, combat trans-border crimes including drug trafficking. It also combats use of illegal fishing nets that cause extinction of some fish species.

    According to the police statement, like any other Units, Marine Unit started off with challenges of few staff and insufficient equipment but is now able to conduct operations effectively.

    “We have trained our police officers and we continue to do so. They are now equipped with maritime skills that facilitates their work,” said Mushaija.

    Through extensive training, police officers are now able to swim long distances to rescue drowning persons, conduct night navigation operations aimed at curbing illegal business on waters.

  • Genocide Suspect Beheaded Brother

    {{After days of thorough investigations, Police in Kamonyi District has arrested four suspects in connection with the cruel death of Fanuel Niyomufasha that occurred on December 28th 2011.}}

    Among the arrested include Philemon Niyitanga a brother to deceased Niyomufasha. His head was chopped off from the rest of the body and thrown in a pit latrine.

    Police reports that Niyitanga later confessed to have beheaded his brother with the help of the other three. He also offered to take police officers to where the head was buried.

    During investigations police had established that both Niyitanga and his brother had been genocide suspects who had served time in prison.

    Investigations further discovered that the two had been feuding over property for a long time that the dispute became irreconcilable.

    Police spokesperson Superintendent Theos Badege strongly denounced the act calling it stupid and gutless.

    “It’s a shame. This should not happen in society. People should always seek justice and arbitration through the right channels rather than take the law in their own hands that leads to such catastrophes,” Badege said.

    All four suspects are due to be paraded in court to answer charges. They are likely to be handed life imprisonment once found guilty.

  • Africa Loses Billions as Multinational Companies Evade Taxes

    {{A Study by a Swedish agency, Forum Syd suggests that Money taken illegally from the developing world is worth 10 times annual global aid budgets, according to a recent study by a Swedish agency, Forum Syd.}}

    Tax evasions by multinational companies in Africa is so vast that tax analysts believe that if the money were paid, most of the continent would be “developed” by now.

    But, lacking a sophisticated tax code, or the people qualified to enforce tax laws, many African countries continue to lose money that could solve most of its financial problems.

  • Video of Tourist in Contact With Gorilla Sparks Debate

    {{Recently a Video clip on Youtube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg2hCuDy2wg) showing a tourist being touched by wild mountain gorillas has captivated more than a million viewers and will likely inspire many travelers to book a trip to visit mountain gorillas themselves.}}

    However, a communiqué from the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) “While the desire to connect intimately with one of our closest relatives is an innate reaction, such close contact with this endangered species is not in the best interest of their conservation.

    Disease transmission due to contact with humans is a very real problem for mountain gorillas, some of whom have become ill as a result of their proximity to humans. Tourism and the work of scientists, researchers, and other experts with gorillas are absolutely vital to the species’ survival,” the statement read.

    For those looking to make a positive impact on mountain gorilla conservation, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project would like to suggest 10 ways in which you can help:

    {{Trek to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, DR Congo, or Uganda}}

    Without gorilla tourism, mountain gorillas might have gone extinct. The regions where mountain gorillas live are home to the densest human populations in Africa. Most of the people living in these areas are farmers, so land is critical to their livelihoods.

    However, the governments of Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo have kept the gorilla’s volcano habitat off-limits to agriculture in order to protect the gorillas, largely because the revenue gained through tourism outweighs the value of forested slopes for other purposes.

    Gorilla trekking permits are pricey ($400 in DR Congo and $500 in Rwanda and Uganda), but by purchasing permits, you’re not only buying a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with this charismatic species, you’re providing the economic incentive for the gorillas’ protection. Visit the tourism websites for gorilla trekking Rwanda and Uganda.

    {{Do not trek to see gorillas if you are sick}}

    Due to the genetic similarity between humans and mountain gorillas, gorillas are susceptible to many of the same infectious diseases that affect people. Mountain gorillas are also immunologically naïve, meaning they are particularly susceptible to human diseases because of their historic isolation from people.

    Research conducted by the Gorilla Doctors and other scientists has proven that mountain gorillas have died as a result of infections that originated in people. Infectious disease, after trauma, is the leading cause of death in mountain gorillas, accounting for 20% of acute mortality. The most common infection is respiratory disease, which can range from mild colds to severe pneumonia.

    {{Stay at least 7 meters away from the gorillas}}

    In order to reduce the risk of disease transmission and to avoid changing or disturbing the gorillas’ natural behavior, the Gorilla Doctors have worked national park authorities to establish the rule of staying 7 meters (21 feet) or more from the gorillas at all times.

    The gorillas themselves, especially youngsters, don’t know the rules and may approach humans, but tourists should make the effort to back away and avoid touching the animal if possible. The 7-meter rule should be observed at all times, even when gorillas leave the national park and venture on to property owned by tourist lodges and camps.

    {{Donate to conservation organizations working to protect mountain gorillas}}

    One of the most effective ways to help mountain gorillas is to donate money to organizations working on the ground to conserve the species. Numerous organizations including MGVP have spent decades finding effective methods for protecting mountain gorillas, and most rely on grants and donations to fund their work.

    When donating your money to support any cause, it’s important to evaluate the organization you’re considering supporting to determine how successful the group is in carrying out its mission.

    You should find the answers to questions like,“What methods does the organization use to accomplish its stated goals?” and “Does the organization have any data or statistics to show that its methods are having an impact?” An organization’s website and annual reports should provide this information, or you can always send an inquiry to their public information or development officer.

    MGVP is proud to be the only organization providing direct life-saving medical care to mountain gorillas in the wild. Research has shown that the work of the Gorilla Doctors and the anti-poaching efforts of the park rangers and trackers we work with is responsible for up to 40% of the growth of the human-habituated mountain gorilla population in the Virunga Massif over the last 10 years.

    {{When visiting the region, do other activities in the parks in addition to gorilla trekking}}

    The vast majority of tourists who visit the national parks where gorillas live spend a day or two trekking gorillas and then leave. However, all of the gorilla parks offer other amazing wilderness experiences. As with gorilla trekking, the revenue earned through these activities further incentivizes the governments and local people to protect mountain gorilla habitat.

    You can climb the active Nyiragongo volcano in DR Congo, home to the world’s largest lava lake, or can climb extinct volcanoes in Rwanda and Uganda, such as the snow-covered Mt. Karismibi or the fluted peaks of Mt. Sabyinyo.

    Both Rwanda and Uganda offer treks to see golden monkeys (another highly endangered primate), and in Rwanda you may also visit the gravesite and former research station of Dian Fossey. Ask your tour provider about the options available.

    {{Support local businesses and community projects around the national parks}}

    As much effort as the governments and conservation organizations put into protecting the gorillas, the support of the local people surrounding the parks is vital to ensure the preservation of gorilla habitat and the conservation of mountain gorillas. The more that local people share in tourism revenue and benefit from non-profit and community efforts in the area, the more likely they are to want to protect the mountain gorillas.

    Tourists can help by frequenting local restaurants, shops, and other businesses, or by making contributions to community projects around the park. For instance, tourists can pay to visit the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, which employs former poachers as cultural interpreters and performers.

    {{Don’t buy products made with wild animal parts}}

    While mountain gorillas are very rarely targeted by poachers, other animals living in the national parks where gorillas live are actively hunted. Poachers mostly set snares to catch small antelopes to bring home to their families for food but occasionally larger animals such as buffalo or elephants may be targeted. Gorillas often get caught in poachers’ snares set for other animals.

    Poachers presence in the forest disturbs the environment and increases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. While the main purpose of poaching is to obtain bush meat, wild animal skins, bones, and ivory may be used in crafts and other items sold to tourists. If you have any doubt about a product’s origins, don’t buy it. And certainly, in the rare instance you may see or hear of someone selling a live wild animal, report it to the national park authorities.

    {{Trek with a tour provider that donates a portion of the trip cost towards conservation efforts}}

    When researching tour packages to see gorillas, consider booking with a provider that directs a portion of their profits to support conservation projects. For example, Terra Incognita Ecotours, which offers 8-day Rwanda tours including a visit with the Gorilla Doctors, donates a portion of the trip cost to MGVP. In DR Congo, you can book packages including permits, transport, and accommodations directly through Virunga National Park, which puts profits right back into the park itself.

    {{Organize a fundraiser}}

    Can’t afford to make significant personal donation or travel to Africa? Organize or participate in a fundraiser to help raise money for mountain gorilla conservation. In the past, schools have raised money for MGVP through bake sales and fun runs.

    Travelers and volunteers visiting gorillas in Rwanda have sold gorilla t-shirts to raise money to pay for their trips and make a donation to MGVP. One of biggest our fans even raised $30,000 in donations and pledges by walking 228 miles from Seattle to Portland, Oregon!

    {{Spread the word about mountain gorilla conservation}}

    Anyone can make a difference for the gorillas by telling their friends, family, and colleagues about the mountain gorillas and the efforts being made to save them. Remember that even though mountain gorillas are critically endangered, their story is a positive one! Mountain gorillas are the only subspecies of non-human great ape growing in number.

    Fewer than 250 animals were counted in the mid-80s when Dian Fossey was researching the gorillas but today the population numbers nearly 800 animals. This species has a fighting chance for survival if we continue to work to address conservation challenges.

  • Woman Demands Reunion with Child

    {{A scuffle ensued recently when a woman identified as Jeannette Nyiramazimpaka demanded to be reunited with her four-years old child currently living with the father.}}

    This happened at Kabasengerezi cell, Muhima Sector in Nyarugenge District when Nyiramazimpaka claimed to have been denied access to her own child.

    The furious mother said, “I had brought the child to visit his father. However, the father refused to give him back to me saying that I am not able to take care of the son. I tried calling his phone but it has since been persistently off.”

    Theodore Rugemanandekwe, the father of the child explained to IGIHE.com that the mother brought a child complaining that she couldn’t afford taking care of the child.

    Nyiramazimpaka is allegedly married to another man.

    “The mother brought the child to me saying she wasn’t able to take care of the child. She also said the child was being mistreated by the step father.I asked her to return and take the child later in the evening after i had returned from work, but she never returned.”

    Adolphe Nsengiyumva, in charge of the children’s right at the National Commission for Human Rights (CNDP), told IGIHE.com, that a child below seven years is obliged to remain in custody of the mother.

    “If it happens that a child is not well treated, there must be negotiations between the parents otherwise the court decides the side to care for the child,” he said.

    Baransaritse Pascal, the executive secretary of Kabasengerezi cell, said that it is the first time to receive such a case.

    He said, “we use negotiations between the parents; if not the law intervenes by deciding in the favour of the child.”

  • Ngoga Says Mugesera’s Delayed Deportation Is an Insult to Genocide Victims

    {{Rwanda’s prosecutor general Martin Ngoga has condemned a delay in the deportation of Rwandan genocide suspect Leon Mugesera held in Canada, saying the delay is ‘disgrace to genocide victims’.}}

    The delay resulted from United Nations Committee against Torture highlighting further investigation into Mugesera’s concerns of fearing for his life once deported to Rwanda and that he would be given a fair trial under the Rwandan judicial system.

    Another reason for the delay is his sudden illness which Quebec tabloids attribute to a suicide attempt.

    Ngoga has rejected Mugesera’s allegations of being tortured and lacking fair trial since the accusations were baseless given progress in the Rwanda’s judiciary.

    The prosecutor general noted that torture for instance was abolished in Rwanda and that the country is a signatory to an international agreement on the same. “We have also abolished death sentence I wonder why he is making such complaints,” he remarked.

    He also criticized UN decision of delaying his deportation adding that the body wants to mislead and prolong the case yet UN’s International Criminal Court (ICC) has sent Sierra Leone war prisoners to be jailed in Rwanda.

    “I wonder how they doubt our judiciary yet they entrust us with trying other deported suspects for example the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has sent several suspects here and they’ve got fair trials,” he said.

    As Mugesera recovers from what his physicians term as severe fatigue and stress, Quebec’s Justice William Fraiberg has ordered a stay of deportation until Jan. 20, when Mugesera’s lawyers are due back in court.

  • Clinical Psychology Graduates Ignored in Job Market

    {{Clinical Psychology Students at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) claim to have been abandoned by the Ministry of Health in regard to accessing jobs.}}

    Students explained that when they were previously under the faculty of Education, they were considered for Jobs, however, when they were shifted to the faculty of medicine, they have since been ignored in the Job market.

    They complain that the ministry of health should consider them like it does for students from medicine since it is the same field.

    Rugege Geoffrey, the head of Education High Council told media that students have to know that the government’s abilities cannot handle all those problems.

    He added that once government is able, the issue of Clinical Psychology students shall be handled otherwise they have to compete for jobs just like others from different fields in the job market.

    However, unlike for students of Clinical Psychology, the Ministry of Health dispatches students from medicine department to different hospitals at the end of their university studies.