The update was revealed on March 7, 2025, during the commemoration of National School Feeding Day.
Rwanda is celebrating a decade since the launch of the school feeding program, which initially targeted secondary school students before expanding to include primary schools.
When the initiative began, it had a budget of Frw4 billion. Over time, funding has significantly increased, reaching Frw90 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Education Minister Nsengimana Joseph noted that before the program’s introduction, many students faced challenges such as long commutes, requiring them to go home for lunch and return late, which hindered their learning.
He emphasized that since the program started in 2014, students no longer encounter such obstacles, and many who had dropped out due to food insecurity have returned to school.
“When this program was introduced, we saw many students who had left school come back. It has played a crucial role in ensuring that all children have access to education and can focus on their studies,” he said.
He added that the initiative has also encouraged parents to enroll their children in school on time. Previously, some parents delayed school enrollment due to concerns about their children going hungry, increasing the risk of dropouts.
Gloria Umurerwa, a parent, said the program has significantly reduced the burden on families who previously struggled to provide lunch for their children.
“Now, I can go about my daily work without worrying about my child’s lunch. Knowing they are well-fed at school brings peace of mind. This initiative has been a great relief for many of us,” she said.
The national celebration took place at G.S Kigali, where schools that efficiently managed their budgets and implemented sustainable initiatives, such as growing their own fruits and vegetables, were recognized.
Top-performing schools at the district level received Frw800,000, while those excelling at the provincial level were awarded Frw2 million.
The insurance company made a pledge through signing the WIFR Gender Charter.
The event was graced by Annie Nibishaka, Managing Director of Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda, Betty Sayinzoga, co-founder of WIFR and Group HR Executive for Sanlam Allianz, members of the management team and staff.
Speaking at the interactive ceremony, Nibishaka emphasised that joining Women in Finance Rwanda reaffirms Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda’s commitment to championing gender inclusivity, and driving meaningful change through deliberate initiatives and measurable progress.
According to Nibishaka, the insurer reports female representation of up to 34% of the company’s workforce and an impressive 54.5% in leadership positions.
“These statistics reflect our unwavering commitment to building a balanced workforce and ensuring that women receive the support and guidance necessary for their career advancement, even in the face of unique challenges,” Nibishaka stated.
The MD further emphasized that empowering women in the workplace is not just a corporate objective but a fundamental principle embedded in the company’s culture.
“At Old Mutual, we firmly believe in the power of inclusion within the workplace. Empowering women and championing gender equality are not just ideals we aspire to—they are guiding principles reflected in our actions, decisions, and everyday commitments,” she added.
By joining Women in Finance Rwanda, Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda aims to strengthen its initiatives that support women’s professional development, mentorship, and leadership training.
Nibishaka expressed optimism that this partnership will open more opportunities for women in finance and help bridge the gender gap in decision-making roles within the sector.
Betty Sayinzoga, co-founder of WIFR, shared her excitement about Old Mutual’s new membership, recognizing the growing strength of the network.
“The network is getting bigger, with almost 20 members, it’s very important for us to be able to touch each and every company in the finance sector. Our strengths rely on the size of the network we’re building,” Sayinzoga remarked.
She also highlighted the significance of the insurance sector’s involvement, noting that industry-specific training opportunities are now available and that the upcoming launch of the WIFR Insurance Chapter will further empower women in the sector.
“For women to have access to training with CISI (Chartered Insurance Institute) and other technical insurance training is very important.
“The success of a woman is not a threat; it’s a blessing for other women. We are not competitors,” she emphasized, reinforcing the collective spirit of WIFR.
The onboarding of Old Mutual Insurance to WIFR comes with several other advantages, including members benefiting from mentorship programs, training, and scholarships.
Five staff members of the insurer are among the first cohort of 20 young professionals set to benefit from a nine-month WIFR mentorship program in partnership with Gates Consulting, which is set to kick off later this month (March).
Clementine Muhorakeye, Internal Audit Manager at Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda, expressed her excitement about joining the mentorship program.
Muhorakeye highlighted the value of learning from successful women in the financial sector, stating, “I’m really eager to interact with my mentor and gain practical experience that will not only benefit our institutions but also the wider community.”
Sonia Umwari, Marketing and Communication Manager at Old Mutual, also looks forward to the mentorship journey.
She reflected on the challenges she faced as a woman climbing the corporate ladder and her hope of learning from her seniors while also helping others learn from her challenges, noting, “The biggest challenge was challenging the status quo. I had to prove my value beyond being judged for being a woman.
As curtains came down on the event, Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda formally joined a growing list of insurance companies committed to advancing the gender parity agenda in the sector. Other members include Mayfair, Sanlam, Zep-Re, and dozens of financial institutions that have joined the foundation since its launch in 2023.
Recent partnerships have also expanded to leading financial sector players, such as Bank of Kigali, BRD, NCBA Rwanda, KIFC, Access to Finance Rwanda, EcoBank, I&M Bank, Umwalimu Sacco, Coopedu, and many others.
In collaboration with over 118 global stock exchanges and organizations, the event underscored the vital role of the private sector in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. Youths including young girls from Gashora girls school were also invited to attend the occasion.
Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, the CEO at the RSE, opened the ceremony by acknowledging the collective efforts behind the movement and highlighting the critical role of the private sector.
“Today, we stand united with our partners in an international campaign underscoring the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment,” he declared.
“Investors, shareholders, and CEOs must implement measures that guarantee inclusive workplaces, equal pay for equal work, and leadership opportunities for women,” he urged.
The event spotlighted Rwanda’s achievements in gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, Rwanda ranks among the top nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, having closed over 70% of the gender gap.
Despite this progress, Rwabukumba acknowledged the barriers that persist. “There are still pay gaps, fewer opportunities for women in leadership, and structural stereotypes that limit potential. We must focus on dismantling these barriers to build a brighter future.” he noted.
Mireille Batamuliza, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), reflected on Rwanda’s three-decade journey toward gender equality. “We no longer talk about basic education access, we discuss increasing women’s participation in STEM fields and closing gender digital gaps,” she stated.
Batamuliza called for collective action in three key areas: challenging all forms of violence and discrimination, investing in gender-transformative approaches, and promoting women’s economic empowerment.
Representing UN Women Rwanda, Tikikel Tadele Alemu, Programme Management Specialist and Head of Programmes, praised the RSE’s commitment to gender equality.
“The significance of ‘Ringing the Bell’ extends beyond a symbolic act. It is a call to action, highlighting the essential role the private sector plays in advancing gender equality,” she remarked.
Alemu underscored the importance of implementing gender-responsive policies. “We must advocate for equal pay, invest in women-led businesses, and prioritize strategic investments that empower women and girls,” she urged.
Alemu also emphasized the broader implications of gender inequality, citing findings from the 2022 Rwanda Labour Force Survey.
“The unadjusted gender pay gap in Rwanda stands at 26.2% at the hourly level and 38.5% at the monthly level. Moreover, women-owned businesses secure only 4% of the monetary value of public tenders,” she revealed. According to her, these figures highlight the urgent need to accelerate gender-responsive procurement policies.
On her part, Janice Ryu, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Representative for Rwanda and Uganda, framed gender equality as not only a moral obligation but also smart business.
“Investing in women and girls boosts productivity, organizational effectiveness, and return on investment. If we make real progress on gender equality, we could add $12 trillion to the global economy,” Ryu asserted.
She outlined the IFC’s approach to bridging gender gaps which entails increasing female leadership, promoting women’s labor force participation, enhancing access to assets and markets, supporting gender-inclusive consumer products and engaging with community stakeholders.
“We work with our partners to address barriers to entrepreneurship, including access to capital and social networks. Our support for the National Bank of Rwanda has led to legal reforms prohibiting gender-based discrimination in access to credit,” she explained.
Rwanda’s impressive record in gender parity stands in sharp contrast to global trends. While women hold over 60% of parliamentary seats in Rwanda, global progress remains slow.
A 2024 Deloitte study indicates that women hold only 23.3% of board seats worldwide and at the current pace, gender parity in the boardroom may not be achieved before 2038.
A total of 438 trainees completed the program, which covered key military skills, including enemy detection, combat strategies, map reading, and field training.
The graduation ceremony, held at Kasai Military Camp, was attended by high-ranking officials, including RDF Army Chief of Staff, Major General Vincent Nyakarundi and CAR’s Prime Minister Félix Moloua, who served as the guest of honor. The soldiers had undergone six months of intensive training.
Among the graduates was 19-year-old Wassialo Nzeti, who joined the military due to her country’s ongoing security challenges. She emphasized the critical role of youth in nation-building.
“When there is security, the nation prospers. The training we received was far superior to what was previously available in our military,” she said.
Nzeti particularly valued lessons in map reading, combat tactics, and weapons handling.
“I will remain in the military because I am passionate about security matters. I will also encourage others to join since security is the foundation of everything. What I admired most about RDF is their discipline, dedication, and professionalism.”
Another graduate, Wanda Choisi, praised the training for its focus on discipline and practical skills.
“One of the most valuable lessons was map reading. Before this training, I had never studied it, but now I have mastered it, and it will be crucial in my duties.”
The newly trained soldiers have been assigned to a specialized unit responsible for rapid response in critical situations.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi expressed confidence in their ability to apply their training effectively to protect CAR.
“I trust that the skills you have acquired will be used to confront threats rather than harm the citizens you are sworn to protect. Today, you stand before us as soldiers committed to defending your country with courage,” he noted.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi acknowledged the rigorous nature of the training, emphasizing that discipline and hard work were essential in preparing them to become competent soldiers.
He also extended gratitude to the leadership of both Rwanda and CAR, as well as the military commanders of RDF and FACA, for their support in making the program a success.
Maj Gen Nyakarundi reaffirmed RDF’s commitment to training CAR soldiers, noting that 159 personnel had recently undergone advanced training, with another cohort set to begin training in the coming month.
Among the 438 graduates, 38 were women, reflecting a growing role for female soldiers in CAR’s military.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Zayirwa Jean Marie Vianney (30), Havugiyaremye Innocent (37), Ndayishimiye Phenias (34), Habimana Rachid (31), and Ukwigize Obedi (30).
The incident occurred in Gasabo District, Remera Sector, Nyarutarama Cell, specifically in Gishushu Village.
The suspects are facing charges including forming or joining a criminal gang, theft using force or threats, and aggravated theft.
RIB Spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, confirmed that the crime took place on January 29, 2025.
“On January 29, 2025, a Chinese national reported a robbery in which more than Frw50 million, two laptops, a mobile phone, a checkbook, and a passport were stolen,” stated Dr. Murangira.
Following investigations, RIB arrested the five suspects and recovered part of the stolen funds.
Among the recovered items were Frw7,597,700, $17,212, 110 Chinese Yuan, 39,900 Burundian Francs, and various other currencies. The total value of the recovered funds exceeded Frw31.5 million. Additionally, the victim regained possession of his laptops, mobile phone, and camera.
The suspects are currently being held at the RIB station in Kicukiro. Their case was officially submitted to court on February 19, 2025.
RIB has extended its gratitude to individuals who provided crucial information leading to the arrests. Dr. Murangira reiterated RIB’s commitment to combating crime.
“RIB reminds individuals engaging in criminal activities that they will not succeed. We, alongside other law enforcement agencies, remain committed to fighting crimes such as forming or joining criminal gangs, theft using force, and robbery. We encourage the public to report any suspicious activities. Criminal acts will not be tolerated, and offenders will be brought to justice,” he stated.
According to Article 224 of the Rwandan Penal Code, forming or joining a criminal gang carries a prison sentence ranging from seven to ten years.
Theft involving force or threats, as per Article 168, is punishable by a prison term of five to seven years and a fine between Frw3,000,000 and 5,000,000.
Simple theft, under Article 166, is subject to imprisonment of one to two years, a fine between Frw1,000,000 and 2,000,000, or six months of community service, or a combination of these penalties.
This innovative service is now available to subscribers across both urban and rural areas, offering Rwandans a new era of high-quality voice communication.
The VoLTE service allows 4G users to make and receive high-definition (HD) voice calls over KTRN’s advanced 4G Network. Unlike internet-based applications like WhatsApp or Skype, VoLTE works directly through a 4G-enabled smartphone without requiring additional apps.
Users simply need a KTRN 4G SIM card and a compatible device that supports VoLTE to experience crystal-clear voice quality, faster call setup, and uninterrupted browsing experience during calls.
“At KTRN, we are constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The launch of VoLTE is a major milestone for Rwanda’s telecommunications industry,” said Daeheak AN (Aaron), KTRN’s Chief Executive Officer.
“Our goal is to provide advanced, reliable, and affordable communication solutions that enhance the user experience,” he added.
KTRN, which boasts the widest 4G coverage in Rwanda with more than 98% nationwide coverage, promises premium experiences with its VoLTE service.
Users can expect superior voice clarity, reduced background noise, and call setup that are three times faster than traditional 2G or 3G calls. The technology also allows seamless switching between voice and video calls, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted connection.
To celebrate this milestone, KTRN is offering three months of Free Unlimited VoLTE calls and SMS to all users with KTRN 4G SIM cards. The company has completed interconnection with all local telecom operators, enabling smooth communication between KTRN users and subscribers from other Networks operating in Rwanda. Additionally, KTRN has partnered with regional and international operators enabling seamless international Calls and SMS exchanges.
Beyond launching VoLTE, KTRN is focused on increasing the availability of compatible smartphones in Rwanda. According to Steven Ngabonziza, KTRN’s Chief Commercial Officer, the company is collaborating with leading smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Apple, Tecno, and Infinix, to ensure more devices support this service.
“We are committed to making VoLTE services and compatible devices more accessible and affordable through various partnerships,” he said.
The VoLTE service is available through KTRN retail partners-ISPs, which can be found at www.ktrn.rw/partners. Existing customers with 4G-enabled smartphones supporting VoLTE can access the service by dialing *900# or downloading the LTE RWA app from the App Store or Google Play.
With this launch, KTRN reinforces its commitment to driving Rwanda’s digital transformation by offering cutting-edge, reliable, and cost-effective communication solutions to its customers.
The uncrewed rocket, which launched from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, disintegrated mere minutes after takeoff, scattering debris over the Caribbean, including the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The 403-foot (123-metre) rocket had been expected to complete a full orbit of Earth before re-entering over the Indian Ocean. However, just like its predecessor in January, the spacecraft encountered a failure that led to what SpaceX describes as a “rapid unscheduled disassembly.”
During the test, the Super Heavy booster successfully separated and returned to the launch site, where it was retrieved using SpaceX’s innovative mechanical arm system. However, soon after booster separation, the upper stage of Starship appeared to lose stability.
SpaceX’s livestream showed the vehicle beginning to spin uncontrollably before engineers lost contact. The company later confirmed that an “energetic event” in the aft section of the spacecraft led to the loss of several Raptor engines, resulting in a complete loss of attitude control and eventual mission failure.
SpaceX issued a statement acknowledging the mishap, saying, “Final contact with Starship came approximately nine minutes and 30 seconds after liftoff. Our teams have initiated coordination with the FAA, air traffic control, and other safety officials to implement pre-planned contingency responses.”
The explosion had an immediate impact on aviation operations in the region. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforced temporary flight restrictions, causing delays at Miami International Airport (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Greg Chin, Communications Director at MIA, confirmed that departures were briefly halted due to falling debris from the failed mission. The FAA later activated a “Debris Response Area,” but normal flight operations resumed shortly thereafter.
Despite the setback, SpaceX reassured that safety measures had been in place to protect marine life and the surrounding environment, stating that debris was expected to fall within designated areas with minimal ecological impact.
This marks the second consecutive failure for SpaceX’s Starship programme in two months. In January, a similar test flight ended in disaster when the spacecraft’s engines shut down unexpectedly, leading to an uncontrolled descent. The company has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and rectify the issues before future flights.
While this failure is a blow to SpaceX’s ambitions, the company remains determined to refine Starship for future deep-space missions, including lunar landings and eventual crewed flights to Mars. With continued regulatory approvals from the FAA, further test flights are expected as SpaceX works to enhance the reliability of its next-generation spacecraft.
The meeting, held at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe, focused on regional security issues of mutual concern.
General Kainerugaba expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Sadek for his efforts in strengthening the ties between Uganda and the European Union through regular engagements.
Ambassador Sadek commended the UPDF for its pivotal role in promoting regional security and stability.
He assured General Kainerugaba of the EU’s continued support and cooperation in addressing shared challenges and advancing peace initiatives in the region.
The advisory warns of traffic disruptions during the two-day event. “On March 7, the marathon will kick off with an overnight run known as “The Double Double,” starting at 8:30 PM and continuing until morning. On March 8, the road will remain busy from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM as runners compete in various categories,” the advisory reads.
To minimize inconvenience, police are advising motorists to avoid the RN6 road and instead use the Muhanga-Karongi-Nyamasheke-Rusizi route during these hours. “We encourage the public to plan ahead and use alternative routes to avoid delays,” the statement stated.
Police officers will be deployed along the marathon route to direct traffic and assist road users. Authorities are calling for cooperation to ensure the safety of both participants and motorists. “Our priority is to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic while ensuring the marathon proceeds without incident,” police emphasized.
The Nyungwe Marathon is an annual event that has grown in popularity since its launch in 2012 with just 15 participants. Known for its simplicity, the marathon does not award trophies or track times. Instead, it focuses on the experience of running through the breathtaking landscapes of Nyungwe National Park.
Eric Pohlman, the marathon’s founder, highlighted the event’s unique spirit. “Every year, more people join us after hearing how memorable it is to run between Nyungwe’s tall green trees and beneath its true blue sky,” he said.
This year’s marathon features a variety of categories to accommodate different levels of endurance. The most demanding event, “The Double Double,” spans 106 kilometers and is expected to take approximately 14 hours.
It begins at the West Gate (Kamembe side entrance) and ends 400 meters past the park’s western exit near the RDB visitor center.
The Full Marathon, covering 53 kilometers, starts at the East Gate (Kigali side entrance) and follows the same finish line. The Half Marathon covers 22 kilometers, beginning at the intersection with the road south to Burundi, while the Half Half Marathon is an 11-kilometer run starting near the Bird Lookout Platform.
Cycling enthusiasts are also included in the event. The Half Century Cycle, covering 53.5 kilometers, begins at the Kibati Entrance on the park’s east side. The Full Century Cycle, spanning 107 kilometers, starts and ends near the RDB visitor center on the western side of the park.
In addition to the races, the marathon offers an opportunity to engage with the local community. Participants are encouraged to meet local entrepreneurs who employ community members.
With police ensuring traffic management and the marathon team preparing for a smooth event, organizers are encouraging the public to plan accordingly and follow all traffic guidelines.
Court heard that while studying for a PhD in law at the University of Oxford, Mugambe arranged for a young woman to work as her slave as part of a deal with the Ugandan deputy high commissioner.
She is accused of taking “advantage of her status” and forcing the alleged victim to act as her maid and look after her children.
Becoming emotional, she took tissues to wipe her face and said: “I’m sorry but it’s too much, you can’t just take lies and we worked for our careers.”
Mugambe is accused of stopping the young Ugandan woman from holding down steady employment and taking “advantage of her status” over her.
The 49-year-old, who was studying for a PhD in law at Oxford University at the time, denies four charges against her. Mugambe, who is also a High Court judge in Uganda, is alleged to have forced her to work as her maid and provide childcare.
During Thursday’s proceedings, Mugambe’s defence barrister, Paul Raudnitz KC, asked her if she arranged the woman’s travel intending to exploit her in the UK.
The defendant replied: “I never exploited [the woman] in Uganda, why would I exploit her in the UK?” She then became emotional, and carried on speaking through tears.
Mugambe was then asked if the woman ever “worked under a threat of penalty or consequence from you”, to which she replied “no”.
When asked if she had ever agreed with others to “intimidate said the woman to stop her giving evidence” during the trial, she replied: “No, I would never do that.”
Earlier on Thursday, Mugambe told jurors she was emotional because she was in shock after she attended a police station voluntarily and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.
The defendant acknowledged that when the police first came to her, made some ‘misrepresentations’ having been asked if she had lied by Caroline Haughey KC, prosecuting.
Haughey said the ‘misrepresentations’ were ‘lies’ adding that they’re not flexible facts, they’re deliberate untruths.
The prosecution said Ms Mugambe’s explanation was that she had been “shielding people” was another lie, adding that “the person you were shielding was yourself.” Mugambe retorted that the prosecution’s claim was “not true”.
“My understanding was, if I said she’s not supposed to be here, it would get her in trouble,” the defendant told the court.
Mugambe denied conspiring to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law, facilitating travel with a view to exploitation, forcing someone to work, and conspiracy to intimidate a witness.
