The Wazalendo fighters were sighted entering the city through the Camp TV area in Kadutu Commune on Monday morning. However, M23 forces quickly responded, forcing the Wazalendo fighters to retreat to the hills from which they had advanced within 20 minutes.
M23 has controlled Bukavu since mid-February after expelling Congolese government forces, including the Wazalendo fighters.
Since taking over the city, M23 has tightened security measures to enable residents resume their daily activities, including business operations.
To facilitate governance and security in Bukavu and the surrounding areas, M23 established a new administration for South Kivu province on February 28.
Emmanuel Birato Rwihimba was appointed Governor, while Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge will serve as Deputy Governor in charge of politics, administration, and legal affairs. Juvénal Bushinge Gasinzira was named Deputy Governor in charge of the economy, finance, and development.
M23’s leadership, which is part of the AFC rebel alliance, has in recent months intensified its offensive against President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, which they accuse of discriminating against certain communities, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
“When the tape recorders came, the main problem was recording someone’s song on the radio and multiplying it for economic gains. Now, this technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where, or that what you have sung belongs to another person,” President Museveni stated.
The announcement was made during a meeting held last week in Rwakitura, attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, and a delegation of musicians led by Eddy Kenzo, Senior Presidential Advisor for Creatives and President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF).
President Museveni expressed satisfaction that the copyright management system has been developed to address emerging challenges in copyright protection and safeguard content creators’ rights.
The integrated system will allow creatives to register their works, monitor their usage, and receive payments for their content where applicable.
According to Dr. Joel Isabirye, Principal Development Economist at State House, musicians will register their songs, and licensed venues that play their music will be monitored by the system.
Businesses using music for entertainment, such as bars and hotels, will be required to contribute a fee, ensuring artists are compensated for their work.
“Every business that plays music for entertainment charges people to get entertained. If a bar plays Afrigo Band music, customers pay for the experience. The President and artists believe that musicians should receive a share of the revenue since their work is being used to generate income,” Isabirye explained.
Similarly, media houses will also be expected to compensate musicians for the value their music brings to radio and television stations.
“Stations that play 100% local music attract advertisements because audiences tune in for artists like Sheebah Karungi and Juliana Kanyomozi. Musicians don’t want all the advertising revenue, but they seek a fair percentage for their contribution,” Isabirye added.
To enforce compliance, bars and entertainment venues will be required to install a monitoring device as a licensing condition under the Ministry of Local Government.
The system will track music usage, and attempts to tamper with the device will trigger alerts. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Uganda Police will oversee enforcement, ensuring that all entertainment venues comply.
“This is about cooperation, and the payments will be reasonable, just a way to acknowledge that businesses use musicians’ work to generate revenue. If a bar or media house fails to comply, the system will flag them, and UCC will take action,” Isabirye noted.
For years, Ugandan musicians have struggled to benefit fairly from their work due to weak copyright laws. The new system will distribute revenue based on song play frequency rather than artist popularity.
For example, if a bar, radio, or TV station contributes Shs.1 million as a licensing fee, an artist whose song is played 60 times will receive 60% (Shs. 600,000), while the remaining Shs. 400,000 will be shared among other artists based on airplay.
“Many musicians face financial struggles when their careers decline. With this system, artists will continue to earn from their past work, even in retirement or ill health. Their families and future generations will also benefit from royalties,” Isabirye emphasized, thanking President Museveni for supporting the initiative.
The meeting was attended by UNMF members and the State House science team, led by Engineer Sheba Kyobutungi, among others.
The initiative is expected to attract compliance and collaboration from regulatory agencies, including UCC, Uganda Police, Uganda Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Local Government.
Held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, the ceremony celebrated the finest in cinema, with several stars and films setting new records in Hollywood history. From emotional speeches to milestone victories, here are the highlights of the 2025 Oscars.
{{History-making wins
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{{Paul Tazewell becomes the first black man to win for costume design
}}
American costume designer Paul Tazewell claimed the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work in Wicked. Previously nominated for West Side Story, Tazewell used his acceptance speech to acknowledge the historical significance of his win: “I am the first Black man to receive the Oscar for costume design, and I am so proud of this.”
He went on to thank the Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who gave him a standing ovation.
{{Zoe Saldaña breaks barriers
}}
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, making her the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.
In her heartfelt speech, she paid tribute to her family’s immigrant journey, stating, “I am the proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.”
{{Adrien Brody sets a unique record
}}
American actor Adrien Brody secured his second Oscar for Best Actor with his performance in The Brutalist. He is now the first person to win two Best Actor Oscars from just two nominations. Brody’s first win came in 2003 for The Pianist, a role that made him the youngest ever Best Actor winner.
In a fascinating parallel, both roles saw him portraying Holocaust survivors.
{{Sean Baker dominates the night
}}
American filmmaker Sean Baker made Oscars history by becoming the first person to win four Academy Awards in a single year for the same film. His film Anora was the biggest winner of the night, securing Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Film Editing.
Baker himself won Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture.
Mikey Madison, 25, shocked the audience by becoming one of the youngest best actress winners in Academy history, over presumed front-runner Demi Moore.
{{Latvia wins its first Oscar
}}
The animated feature Flow made history by becoming the first Latvian film to win an Oscar, triumphing in the Best Animated Feature category. The visually striking, dialogue-free film, which features a cat as its protagonist, also became the first independent film to win in the category.
The win gave Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis his first Academy Award.
{{Brazil clinches its first Oscar
}}
After five previous nominations, Brazil finally won its first Oscar for Best International Feature with I’m Still Here. The film, which tells the story of Eunice Paiva and her family’s struggle during the country’s military dictatorship, has resonated with audiences for its powerful narrative.
The film’s lead, Fernanda Torres, was also nominated for Best Actress, though the award ultimately went to Mikey Madison for Anora.
{{Other notable winners
}}
-* Dune: Part Two dominated the technical categories, securing wins for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.
-* No Other Land, a powerful documentary shedding light on Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, won Best Documentary Feature.
-* Kieran Culkin earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in A Real Pain.
-* Wicked took home multiple awards, winning Best Production Design, in addition to Paul Tazewell’s historic win for Best Costume Design.
Speaking prior to the opening session on March 3, 2025, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the Group CEO of AMREF Health Africa, highlighted the importance of African countries working together to strengthen healthcare systems. He disclosed that more than 200 health sector partners from across the world are participating in the event.
“Health is a collective responsibility. It is crucial for nations to unite and work together to create safer societies because these are the environments where outbreaks begin,” Githinji said.
He also raised concerns following the United States’ recent three-month suspension of USAID funding, urging African nations to develop independent, sustainable solutions to maintain and improve healthcare delivery.
“The real concern is not just the loss of funding but the disruption of essential health services for vulnerable populations who rely on these programs,” he added.
Githinji revealed that AMREF had been collaborating closely with USAID on a $20 million project across Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Zambia, focusing on maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, and HIV/AIDS management.
The World Health Organization’s Acting Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Andreas Ihekweazu, called for greater collaboration among African nations, emphasizing the need for local solutions.
“We still need to work together, and I believe we will find our own ways to address these challenges. We continue to encourage all countries to recognize the value of cooperation and open avenues for stronger partnerships,” he said.
Representing Africa CDC, Dr. Claudia Shilumani praised Rwanda’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges. She noted that President Paul Kagame had recently urged African leaders to seek alternative solutions in response to the USAID funding suspension.
“While I cannot speak for other countries, Rwanda has demonstrated strong leadership in navigating this crisis,” Dr. Shilumani said.
{{Rwanda’s commitment to a resilient healthcare system}}
Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, highlighted the country’s efforts to build a robust healthcare system despite external funding uncertainties.
He detailed ongoing initiatives, including expanding the healthcare workforce, investing in modern medical infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving governance within the health sector.
The Africa Health International Conference Agenda in Kigali aims to foster collaboration, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems amid evolving global health challenges.
The WHO said ver the weekend that it continues to support the national response, working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen and sustain control measures to curb the spread of the virus and halt the outbreak.
“WHO continues to support Uganda’s Ebola response efforts. Our teams are working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen surveillance, active case searching, contact listing and tracing, infection prevention and control in health facilities, case management, and community engagement to halt the spread of the virus.”
On February 5 this year, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine, announced that Uganda had kicked off clinical trials of a vaccine against Ebola Sudan.
Atwiine made the announcement just one week after the disease killed one person. The deceased was a nurse at Mulago Hospital.
She said that health workers and other people exposed to the disease were being targeted in the trial.
“It is right to test the vaccine in the condition we are in now because our health workers have been exposed, and I believe that it will have that ability. The safety trials were done, and the vaccine is safe. So now, we just want to see how protective it is because we are in the midst of the epidemic,” Atwine said.
On February 26, 2025, while addressing the UK Parliament, Collins was questioned about the recent deaths of 70 Christians who were killed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) using machetes and hammers. The bodies of these victims were discovered in a church in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province.
In response, he claimed that he had discussed the matter with Nduhungirehe in Geneva, but that Rwanda had denied all allegations. This statement further strained the already tense relations between the two nations, with Rwanda condemning it as ignorance and an attempt to mislead the world about the security crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Two day later, the UK Ambassador to Rwanda was summoned to provide clarifications on the matter.
During a media briefing on March 2, 2025, Nduhungirehe expressed his disbelief at Collins’ statement, suggesting it may have been generated using AI.
“We immediately summoned the UK Ambassador and informed him that these claims were unacceptable. We made it clear that, first of all, the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, was not telling the truth because we never discussed anything related to the ADF,” Nduhungirehe said.
He further indicated that the UK Ambassador was also shown evidence disproving the allegations. “Accusing Rwanda of collaborating with the ADF is completely unacceptable because we are, in fact, actively fighting against terrorist groups like those in Cabo Delgado. Additionally, because these statements came from the UK, a major global power, people tend to believe them without question,” he added.
He mentioned that Collins’ statements had sparked misinformation online, with some individuals claiming that Rwanda had ties to the ADF and reiterated Rwanda’s request for the UK government to issue a public statement refuting Collins’ remarks and to issue a formal apology.
“That is why we asked the UK Government to release a statement clarifying that their Minister’s claims were false and to apologize. While the Minister did send me a letter acknowledging that Rwanda had no connection to the ADF and that we never discussed the matter, he did not apologize,” Nduhungirehe stated.
“He admitted that his statements were inaccurate and that Rwanda has no ties whatsoever with the ADF, a terrorist group responsible for killing Christians in churches. Such falsehoods cannot be tolerated,” he added.
Relations between Rwanda and the United Kingdom began to deteriorate after the UK announced plans to impose sanctions on Rwanda over allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group and deploying troops in Eastern DRC. Rwanda has consistently denied these accusations and provided evidence to counter them.
Rwanda accuses the UK of hastily taking sides in the Eastern DRC conflict and has expressed concerns over the collaboration between the FDLR terrorist group and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), Burundian forces and European mercenaries.
The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) announced the new technical team on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Several candidates had expressed interest in replacing German coach Torsten Spittler, but FERWAFA selected Amrouche, who boasts extensive experience coaching various teams across Africa.
Amrouche will be assisted by Eric Nshimiyimana, who returns to the senior national team after a decade, having previously coached Rwanda’s U-20 squad. Also on the bench is German coach Dr Carolin Braun, who previously worked alongside Amrouche with Botswana’s national team.
Before his appointment, Amrouche was among five football experts working with former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger on a FIFA project aimed at enhancing talent development and establishing football academies worldwide.
A well-known figure in the region, Amrouche first gained prominence as Burundi’s national team coach from 2007 to 2012, playing a key role in sending over 15 players to European clubs, including Papy Faty and Saido Ntibazonkiza.
He led Kenya to victory in the 2014 CECAFA tournament, defeating Rwanda twice in the process. More recently, he guided Tanzania to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), fielding the youngest squad in the competition.
Amrouche holds a UEFA Pro License and was responsible for training coaches in Belgium, including Luc Eymael, who previously coached in Rwanda.
His appointment comes just 10 days before Amavubi enter a training camp in preparation for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Rwanda will face Nigeria on March 17 and Lesotho on March 24, with both matches set to take place at Amahoro Stadium.
French cyclist Fabien Doubey has been crowned the champion of the Tour du Rwanda 2025 after rain forced the cancellation of the final stage on Sunday, March 2.
The decision was made by the President of the UCI jury, citing dangerous road conditions that made it unsafe for riders to continue.
With the final stage halted with one lap remaining, the general classification standings from Stage 6 were used to determine the overall winner.
Doubey, representing TotalEnergies, had established a strong lead with a total race time of 19 hours, 35 minutes, and 12 seconds.
Eritrea’s Henok Mulueberhan finished second, just six seconds behind, while Germany’s Oliver Mattheis of Bike Aid secured third place, 11 seconds adrift.
Milan Donie (Lotto Dstny) placed fourth, followed by Adria Pericas (UAE Team Emirates Gen-Z) in fifth, 25 seconds behind the leader. Joris Delbove (TotalEnergies) finished sixth, 43 seconds off the pace, while Rwanda’s Masengesho Vainqueur took seventh, 51 seconds behind.
Juan Martinez (Development Team) placed eighth, followed by Awet Aman (UCI WCC) in ninth, and Brady Gilmore (Israel – Premier Tech) in tenth, both 1 minute and 2 seconds behind.
The awarding ceremony was graced by Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire and Rwanda Development Board CEO Jean-Guy Afrika.
The 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda was flagged off by President Paul Kagame at BK Arena on February 23.
The prestigious cycling event, which has gained international recognition, brings together top cyclists from Africa and beyond, who traverse all four provinces of Rwanda as well as the City of Kigali.
The Tour du Rwanda is more than just a race; it serves as a platform to showcase Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
The event plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and economic growth, drawing visitors from around the globe and uniting Rwandans, who passionately line the race routes to cheer for their favourite riders.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, announced her passing on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
“I am heartbroken by the untimely passing of Ms. Safari Christine, Chairperson of Ibuka Netherlands. I offer my deepest condolences to her husband, Léon, and to her children,” Minister Nduhungirehe wrote in a heartfelt message on X.
“Christine, you fought a good fight for memory, reconciliation, and against genocide denial. As a former Ambassador of Rwanda to the Netherlands, who had the privilege to work with you, I will forever be grateful for your friendship, your courage, your perseverance, and your tremendous achievements,” he added.
“May your soul rest in eternal peace, together with that of our loved ones you dedicated your life to.”
Through collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands and Ibuka in the country, Christine played a huge role in initiatives such as commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi, supporting vulnerable genocide survivors, and advocating for justice.
Ibuka-Netherlands has been instrumental in identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi.
Additionally, Christine championed efforts to secure the Dutch government’s support for constructing a Genocide memorial to serve as a site for remembrance.
As a result of her advocacy, on April 19, 2023, a memorial for the Genocide against the Tutsi was inaugurated in the Netherlands.
At the time, she emphasized the significance of the memorial for herself, fellow genocide survivors, and anyone concerned with this history, highlighting its global importance.
“This memorial will help counter genocide denial and serve as an educational resource. It will be a place where we can find solace and remember our loved ones,” she stated.
“This is a major milestone for Ibuka-Netherlands. The Netherlands was the last country in Western Europe without a memorial for the Genocide against the Tutsi, despite having significantly contributed to justice efforts.”
In London on Saturday, Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a loan agreement worth £2.26 billion (approximately $2.84 billion USD) to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid the ongoing war with Russia.
During their meeting at Downing Street, Starmer reiterated Britain’s “unwavering determination” to support Ukraine, emphasizing that the country has the “full backing” of the United Kingdom.
The loan, which will be repaid through profits from frozen Russian assets, is intended to enhance Ukraine’s weapons production capacity, helping the country defend itself against continued Russian aggression.
Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the support, calling the meeting with Starmer “meaningful and warm.”
He also praised the UK’s consistent backing since the start of the conflict, confirming that the funds would be directed towards the production of weapons in Ukraine.
“This is true justice – the one who started the war must be the one to pay,” Zelensky stated.
The loan agreement follows months of discussions and was first announced in October, with the funds set to bolster Ukraine’s frontline military equipment.
Zelensky’s visit also comes ahead of a major defense summit in London, where European leaders will discuss a peace plan for Ukraine, with Starmer suggesting that such a deal would require U.S. involvement.
Zelensky’s successful negotiation with the UK contrasts sharply with his tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump just a day earlier.
On Friday, Zelensky’s visit to the White House quickly descended into discord when U.S. Vice President JD Vance demanded that Zelensky be more thankful for America’s support and pressured him to consider a ceasefire with Russia.
The exchange escalated into a shouting match, with Zelensky being asked to leave the White House early.
Trump, who had hoped to secure a minerals deal with Ukraine during the meeting, accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three” by not agreeing to Washington’s terms for peace talks.
Tensions reached a boiling point when Zelensky warned Trump that appeasing Russia would only lead to more conflict, not peace, in Europe. The meeting ended without a signed agreement, leaving the planned minerals deal unfinished, with Trump turning to social media to write, “Come back when you’re ready for peace.”
