Tag: HomeNews

  • Algerian Firm Signs Investment Deal With Rwanda

    {{An Algerian private food industry group CEVITAL Group has a signed an investment deals with Rwanda worth US$250m in agro-processing.}}

    CEVITAL Group has had US$3.5b of turnover in 2010.

    According to a press release from Rwanda Development Board(RDB), the Government represented by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the National Agriculture Export Board (NAEB) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CEVITAL Group.

    The group’s Board of Directors Chairman Issad Rebrab, said the immediate interest is to add value to Rwanda’s tea but also to set up a sugar production plant with the capacity of at least 200.00MT per year.

    In addition, CEVITAL Group is not only interested in partnering with local companies such as Inyange Industries but is also considering investing in grains and cereals processing.

    The main objective of the MoU is to document preliminary understanding of the parties’ roles and responsibilities with respect to the Project’s implementation.

    While RDB promised to continuously support the company during its operations, the National Agriculture and Export Board through its Director General Alex Kanyankore also committed to assist CEVITAL Group in its operations which will be related to agriculture exports.

    RDB CEO John Gara in his statement said that “Agriculture is still playing a significant role in Rwanda’s economy with 35% of GDP and 60% of commodity export revenues; therefore the Government of Rwanda still places urgent and strategic importance to this sector, particularly on value addition, to enable the country’s rapid economic growth. Therefore, this investment is a welcome addition.”

    CEVITAL Group is expected to commence operations in Rwanda before the end of this year.

    {{ENDS}}

  • Kanimba Advises Factories To Use Local Resources

    {{In his two day visit at Nyabihu and Rubavu districts in the Western Province, the Minister of Trade and Industry Francois Kanimba urged industrialists to utilize local resources as a way of strengthening the common man’s income and activities.}}

    In Nyabibu, Kanimba officially launched a modern market Kijote in Bigogwe sector which was constructed to the tune of Frw 300 million, he later launched trade fair show organized by members of the private sector which will last for 10 days.

    The minister also visited Maiserie a maize milling company in Mukamira sector and Pfunda a tea factory in Nyundo sector, he comended the company’s progress and urged them to work closely with tea and maize farmers cooperatives as a way to promote their produce.

    He concluded his tour at BRALIRWA a beverage company where he advised the management to use local products even though they were less in quantity.

  • ICTR To Deliver Bagosora Judgement

    {{This week, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) is expected to deliver two judgments, including that of the considered mastermind of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Colonel Theoneste Bagosora, and conduct appeals hearing involving two other individuals.}}

    Whereas State Parties of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are set to elect new judges and prosecutor of the Court.

    On December 14, the ICTR Appeals Chamber will deliver appeals judgments in the case of two former Rwandan senior military officials, including the alleged mastermind of the 1994 genocide, Colonel Théoneste Bagosora and his colleague Lieutenant Colonel Anatole Nsengiyumva.

    The other judgment involve ex-senior Rwandan official, Dominique Ntawukulilyayo.

    Bagosora, former Director of Cabinet in the Defence Ministry and Nsengiyumva, who was in charge of military operations in Gisenyi, are appealing against life imprisonment sentences imposed on them on December 18, 2008 after being convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    For Ntawukulilyayo, who was deputy governor of Gisagara in Butare prefecture, South Rwanda in 1994, is appealing the August 3, 2010 decision in which he was convicted of genocide and sentenced to 25 years in jail for his role in the April 23, 1994 massacres of Tutsi refugees at Kabuye hill in the prefecture.

    The ICTR Appeals Chamber is due to hear an appeal for Rwandan former businessman Gaspard Kanyarukiga and ex-Commander of Ngoma military camp in Butare prefecture, southern Rwanda, Lieutenant Ildephonse Hategekimana, on December 14 and 15, respectively.

    Hategekimana is appealing a life sentence imposed on him by the lower court on December 6, 2010, for genocide and crimes against humanity (murder and rape), for ordering the massacres of Tutsis who had sought refuge at the Ngoma church in Butare prefecture.

    Regarding Kanyarukiga, the lower court convicted him of genocide and extermination as a crime against humanity on November 1, 2010. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in massacres of Tutsis at Nyange Parish in Kivumu commune, Kibuye prefecture (western Rwanda), on April 16, 1994.

  • President Kagame In Uganda

    {{The President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame has this afternoon held private talks with his Ugandan counterpart President Yoweri Museveni at State House.}}

    Reliable sources say that President Kagame flew this morning to Uganda aboard the new Rwandair Boeing 737-800.

    Kagame is in Uganda for a two-day visit to attend theYoung Achievers’ Awards ceremony that is taking place tonight at Speke Resort Munyonyo where he has been honoured with a Lifetime Award.

    President Kagame has been awarded for his continued efforts to the country’s sustainability and development and strong efforts to recognize the youth.

    The event has attracted different dignitaries from Uganda, including President Yoweri Museveni, ministers, ambassadors and the Buganda kingdom’s Nabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda.

    President Kagame was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister of Local Government, James Musoni and the Minister of Gender and Family Affairs, Allosia Inyumba.

    Meanwhile Kagame has also awarded this year’s overall winner of the Young Achievers Award Nelson Tugume, the co-founder and Chief Executive officer of Inspire Africa.

    The initiative principally targets young and successful entrepreneurs in Africa, whose desire is to enthuse other young people willing to make it to the summit of the business world.

    The ceremony was held at the Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo and was meant to award different young Ugandan achievers as winners, including the tabloid private newspaper ‘Redpepper’, New Vision’s Nigel Nassar, and others from various fields including the media, music, arts, fashion and culture as well as leadership and governance.

    In his speech President Kagame challenged the young achievers that, “when you think you can then you can but when you think you can’t then you are right, but we should all think we can.”

    In an interview with igihe.com Tugume commended the award saying, “This is very achievement that we need to continue in Africa.”

    In his remarks after receiving the award, Tugume overwhelmingly testified, “I used to be taxi conductor but I said I have to make a change.”

    The biggest category which that was in the song of the year, was Wilson Bugembe jostling against Judith Babirye, Dangelo Busuulwa, Exodus and Jackie Ssenyonga.

    The Young Achievers Award is an initiative designed to create a platform for harnessing talent, show case excellence and innovation among Ugandan citizens aged between 18 and 35 years, and equally inspire others to get involved and pursue their dreams.

    The award was designed as an intervention to address the pressing issue of unemployment among the youth through promotion of the concept of job creation and alternative skills training programs particularly vocational skills.

  • Amavubi Striker Karekezi Applauds Zanzibar Heroes

    {{Olivier Karekezi of Rwanda’s national team striker, has announced that the game with Zanzibar Heroes was the best as compared to Kirimanjaro Stars which they faced in the first match.}}

    Karekezi while speaking to the press said that they faced a tough opposition from the Heroes who dominated the game most of the time.

    “We underrated the team, but things went differently in the field, Heroes were best side compared to all the teams that we played, I congratulate the team for the development,” he pointed out.

    Karekezi added that Heroes have good defenders, midfielders but lack sharp strikers, compared to the Kilimanjaro Stars, who have only good midfielders.

    “I am sure the team would be better if they maintain the current status, they have so many young, tough and skillful players.”

  • Illegal Group Sabotaging Mining at Kayonza

    {{In the Eastern Province, Kayonza District in the area called Rwinkwavu, a small group that named itself; Imparata is reportedly sabotaging mining activities in the area.}}

    Reliable sources say that during night hours they attack mine sites owned by the organization legally authorized to carryout mining in the area. They steal minerals and sell them to unknown people in the same area.

    Rwinkwavu minerals were discovered by Belgian brothers Gargarathos in 1930, and mining started in 1939 by Ridell and Gastrell (also Belgians).

    The mines are now owned by Wolfram Mining and Processing Company (WMP).

  • Ngoga To Head EAC Prosecutors Department

    {{Martin Ngoga({pictured above}), the Republic of Rwanda Prosecutor General has been appointed to head the East African Prosecutors department.}}

    According to the recommendations reached during the East African Association of Prosecutors (EAAP) conference held in Kigali, Ngoga will be assisted by Tanzanian Prosecutor General Dr. Eliezer Mbuki Feleshi as his Vice President.

    In the conference Prosecutors vowed to work closely and combining efforts in order to bring better services to the people they serve.

    It was drafted that the next meeting of the Prosecutors in this regard will be held in August next year.

  • Female Radio Journalist Scoops JCI Award

    {{Emma-Claudine({photo above}) a journalist at Radio Salus based in the Southern Province has this weekend scooped Junior Chamber International (JCI) Rwanda award in its latest business plan competition dabbed ‘{terimbere}’.}}

    Claudine is among the first three journalists that started with this radio station. “I am among the three journalists who started with Radio Salus and I could ask myself why Rwanda has few women in media.”

    She said she wanted to change women’s behaviour by starting up a radio station where women could voice out their grievances and thoughts to be recognized. Claudine thus submitted in a detailed business plan with intension to gain experience and support.

    “I thought that by starting women radio station will bring about behavior change in women and see them getting involved in all activities and media as well,”Claudine noted.

    Claudine is among 13 winners including those just initiating their business ideas plus others already in business in 700 business ideas that were submitted to JCI to compete in June this year.

    The journalist said she has six years experience in journalism, currently a member of Women’s Edition of Population Reference Bureau and according to her business plan she wants financial assistance worth five hundred eighty dollars to set up the business.

    During the same event the new JCI Rwanda Board of Directors were inducted and sworn in. They will run the organization in the year 2012.

    In her speech commenting to the new board, the outgoing JCI Rwanda President Lydie Hakizimana said, “your passion will inspire me and motivate me in the next years to come after here.”

    She was replaced by Albert Nzamukwereka that will drive the organization over the year 2012.

    The new Youth Minister, Jean Philibert Nsengimana as the chief guest challenged the winners saying, we want to see you changing the little millions you will get into the huge amounts.

    Youth Minister(L) shaking hands with NUR representative as 2011 JCI president Lydie looks on
  • CECAFA: Uganda Pounds Rwanda

    {{In the finals of the 2011CECAFA that brought together Rwanda’s Amavubi and Uganda Cranes, and after 120 minutes game, Rwanda has been finally defeated today.}}

    In the strong efforts revealed between two national teams; they equalized 2 by 2 during the 120 minutes game and finally Uganda scored 3 goals against Rwanda’s 2 goals in a penalty shootout.

    Amavubi striker Olivier Karekezi made a blunder and scored a goal on his side plus Isaac Isindi shooting in the next goal for Uganda while on the Rwandan side Meddie Kagere rescued the team by scoring 2 goals before penalties.

    Uganda National team the Cranes took the trophy and $30,000 while Rwanda scooped $20,000. Sudan pocketed $10,000.

    Zanzibari President Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein handed the trophy to Cranes captain Andy Mwesigwa.

  • ‘I can’t Survive On Music Only’–Kitoko

    {{Patrick Kitoko Bibarwa a renowned local musician has started an events management company as a way of improving his income.}}

    The musician popular for his hits songs; Ikiragi (deaf), Bella and agacecuru (dream girl) has formed the company known as Ikobe in partnership with two friends. They aspire to improve the quality of events held locally.

    “I make an average amount of money in my shows and sales but its not sustainable, that’s why I have to move into other ventures that mostly address gaps in the entertainment sector, yet for a start a proper events company would improve the situation,” he advised.

    Kitoko further argues that in Rwanda most local events are organized in a substandard manner due to various factors, the most common being poor sound systems often handled by incompetent deejays and lack of appropriate organization.

    In addition, Kitoko wants to use the best. “just wait and see, soon I will start using beauty models, qualified deejays and talented masters of ceremony, trust me every show I will conduct will be worth it,”

    Meanwhile, Kitoko responded to a question sparking curiosity among his fans, below are the excerpts.

    {{Igihe.com}}: tell us more about your latest song Akabuto (seed) is it really a woman you slept with according to what the majority conclude?

    {{Kitoko}}: I can’t imagine people would go to an extent of thinking like perverts, hell no, I didn’t sleep with any woman, I wish this was the right time to unleash the real meaning of the song but since its new, let them continue to be curious since it makes them listen to the song more.