The 29-year-old Lawal was reportedly heading to the club’s training ground at St. Mary’s Stadium in Entebbe, Central Region of Uganda, but got involved in an accident on Entebbe Road that claimed his life.
Abdul Wasike, the Vipers SC head of communications confirmed the sad news on Monday. “It is a sad day as we communicate the death of our player Lawal. We are still trying to gather more information about the accident,” said Wasike.
The Nigerian forward, who played a pivotal part for SC Vipers, joined the club in 2022 from Rwanda Premier League side AS Kigali.
He previously played in the Nigerian Premier League with Kano Pillars FC, Wikki Tourists FC and FC Nasarawa.
A section of netizens had called on the EGOT-winning artist to cancel his show in Kigali, where he headlined the second edition of Move Afrika, citing the ongoing stand-off between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo.
“I’m aware of what’s happening, and I’m aware of the calls for me not to do this show, but I really believe that the mission of Move Afrika is still important,” Legend said in a recent interview with the BBC.
He noted that fans should not suffer because of disagreements between leaders.
“It’s still important to bring international touring to Rwanda and to other places around the continent, and I didn’t want to abandon that mission just because I may not agree with everything that the leader of the country does. I don’t agree with everything the leader of my country does,” he remarked.
He added, “I don’t believe that we should punish the people of Rwanda and the people of other countries when we disagree with their leaders.”
Congolese authorities have long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that M23 fighters are Congolese citizens fighting against decades of marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking nationals.
Additionally, Rwanda has dismissed claims that it has mineral interests in the DRC, instead arguing that Congolese leadership is using the accusations to divert attention from governance and mismanagement issues.
John Legend [performed in Kigali->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/john-legend-fires-up-kigali-in-thrilling-move-afrika-concert-photos-video] on February 21, 2025, despite the pressure, unlike Grammy-winning singer Tems, whose recent cancellation over the same conflict drew criticism from Rwandan fans.
Tems was scheduled to perform in Kigali on 22 March 2025 as part of her Born in the Wild world tour, which includes stops in major African cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, and Addis Ababa. Her decision to pull out of the event sparked criticism from Rwandan fans.
Concerns over the lack of international tours in Africa have persisted for years, with some attributing it to inadequate entertainment infrastructure. Addressing this issue, John Legend emphasised the need for development in the sector.
“I think there does need to be more development when it comes to making it possible for more acts to come and tour here.”
Move Afrika, a pioneering music touring circuit by Global Citizen, aims to drive economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship across Africa through world-class entertainment events.
The 2025 tour will expand from East to West Africa, with Nigeria as the next host country.
The project also seeks to set a new gold standard for entertainment events, boosting demand for international and regional artists to tour Africa.
Mulubrhan completed the stage in a time of 3 hours, 57 minutes, and 52 seconds, securing first place in a tightly contested finish. He edged out Rotem Tene of Israel Premier Tech, who finished second, and Lorrenzo Manzin of TotalEnergies, who claimed third place. Milan Menten (Lotto) and Brady Gilmore (Israel Premier Tech) rounded out the top five.
A total of 51 riders clocked the same time as the stage winner, underscoring the intensity of the competition.
Among the Rwandan riders, Byukusenge Patrick (Java-InovoTec) was the highest finisher, securing 13th place with the same time as the leader.
Other notable Rwandan performers included Ngendahayo Jeremie (May Stars) in 17th place, Masengesho Vainqueur (Team Rwanda) in 21st, Mugisha Moise (Team Rwanda) in 28th, and Manizabayo Eric (Java-InovoTec) in 32nd.
Meanwhile, Munyaneza Didier (Team Rwanda) finished 63rd, trailing by 1 minute and 15 seconds.
Fabien Doubey of TotalEnergies leads the general classification with a time of 4 hours, 1 minute, and 43 seconds, followed closely by Milan Menten from Lotto Development Team.
Joris Delbove, also of TotalEnergies, trails by just one second, while Oliver Mattheis of Bike Aid is three seconds behind the leader. Pavel Šumpik from Devo Team Picnic sits in fifth place, four seconds back.
Eritrea’s Henok Mulubrhan holds the 12th position, 10 seconds off the lead, while Aldo Taillieu of Lotto Devo Team shares the same time in 15th place. Rwanda’s Masengesho Vainqueur ranks 26th, 21 seconds behind, with Byukusenge Patrick also in contention.
President Paul Kagame and International Cycling Union President David Lappartient officially flagged off the 17th edition of the Tour du Rwanda which started with the prologue at BK Arena on Sunday morning.
The eight-day race continues on Tuesday with Stage 2, covering 112.8 kilometers from Kigali’s MIC building to Musanze.
Under the theme, “Building resilient and sustainable surgical services in Africa,” the conference emphasized the urgent need to expand surgical capacity and deliver life-saving care to underserved communities.
In his remarks, Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, disclosed the plan and highlighted the significant need for more surgeons in in the country.
“We have only 162 surgeons, yet we need a thousand. This seems like an impossible mission, but it is possible,” he said. Through the government’s “4×4” program, the number of surgical residents has grown from just three annual intakes to over 60 in 2024.
“We have expanded training sites to provincial hospitals and the plan is to decentralize them to district hospitals. By bringing training closer to the communities, we not only increase the number of surgeons but also ensure patients receive timely care without needing long-distance transfers,” Nsanzimana explained.
He assured that expanding training would not compromise quality. “Training more does not mean reducing quality. We can have both the needed numbers and the required quality standards,” he emphasized.
The minister encouraged young doctors to consider careers in surgery, highlighting the unique role of human expertise. “With advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, surgery remains one field that cannot be replaced by machines. AI will assist surgeons, but it cannot replace the human touch required for critical procedures,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Rwanda’s ability to meet its ambitious goals. “We have a plan, not just a dream. With the support of our partners and the dedication of our medical community, we will bring surgical care closer to those who need it most,” he declared.
This initiative aligns with the 76th World Health Assembly’s call in May 2023 to strengthen emergency, critical, and operative care services as part of Sustainable Development Goal 3 which stipulates ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente, representing President Paul Kagame, reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to universal surgical care.
“Surgery is not a luxury; it is a fundamental pillar of healthcare. Rwanda recognizes the critical role of surgical care in achieving universal health coverage,” he said.
He detailed the government’s roadmap to expand surgical capacity by investing in training and infrastructure.
“We are activating and expanding teaching hospitals across our communities. Our goal is to train the next generation of surgeons in areas that are geographically accessible,” he stated.
Rwanda is also collaborating with global partners to enhance surgical education. The government has partnered with Operation Smile and UNHCR Africa to equip specialists with advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries.
“These partnerships reflect our commitment to sustainable change, not only in Rwanda but across the continent,” the Prime Minister said.
Operation Smile, a key partner, is playing a vital role in decentralizing surgical care. Co-founder and CEO Kathy Magee stressed the importance of local capacity-building.
“To ensure that every child has access to care close to home, we harness the talent and resources within the country,” she said.
The organization employs a “hub-and-spoke” model to facilitate care delivery. The central hub, based in Kigali at CHUK and the Rwanda Military Hospital, supports six district hospitals in Ruhengeri, Gisenyi, Kibuye, Bushenge, Kibungo, and Rwinkwavu.
This model enables patients in remote areas to access quality surgical services without traveling to major urban centers.
“We have gained the trust of Rwanda’s leading plastic surgeons, Professor Faustin Ntirenganya and Dr. Charles Furaha. Their leadership is instrumental in shaping our five-year plan and strengthening surgical education,” Magee noted.
As the Pan-African Surgical Conference continues, Rwanda’s vision stands out as a model for the continent.
Through innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to training, Rwanda is paving the way for a future where every district hospital has a surgeon and every patient has access to life-saving surgical care.
The management of the Kigali Genocide Memorial announced the visit in a statement on Monday, noting that through a guided tour of the memorial exhibits, John Legend and his team had the opportunity to learn about the causes and consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi, as well as the incredible stories of post-genocide reconstruction.
The celebrated American singer and producer arrived in Rwanda on Friday to headline the second edition of Move Afrika at BK Arena.
Move Afrika, a pioneering music touring circuit by Global Citizen, aims to drive economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship across Africa through world-class entertainment events.
The concert in the Rwandan capital was attended by thousands of fans, including President Paul Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
This marks John Legend’s first visit to Rwanda.
{{Kigali Genocide Memorial}}
The Kigali Genocide Memorial, located in Gisozi, Kigali, serves as the final resting place for over 250,000 victims of the genocide.
Established in 2004 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the genocide, the memorial remains one of the most significant sites of remembrance in Rwanda.
The site includes detailed exhibits on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, a section on other genocides worldwide, a children’s memorial honouring young victims, and mass graves where families continue to hold remembrance ceremonies.
The memorial underscores the importance of learning from the past to prevent future atrocities.
In 2023, the Kigali Genocide Memorial, along with other key genocide memorial sites such as Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi, and Bisesero, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, further cementing its global significance as a place of reflection and education.
The insurance vouchers were issued on February 22, 2025, following a community service activity (Umuganda) conducted by the company’s staff, local residents, government officials, and various stakeholders.
During the exercise, participants cleaned the Kigali Golf Course and its surroundings and planted 80 additional trees, complementing the 420 trees previously planted. The initiative aligns with the company’s environmental efforts to introduce a variety of tree species, including coffee, mango, and tea.
{{A Token of Appreciation to the Community
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RUGC’s acting CEO, Gaston Gasore, expressed appreciation to the communities surrounding the Kigali Golf Course for being valuable partners in maintaining the facility’s aesthetic appeal.
“We called upon you to support us, and you turned up in large numbers. It wouldn’t be fair for RUGC to focus solely on itself, which is why we decided to show our gratitude by providing health insurance to some of you who may not afford it. It’s important that our neighbours have access to good healthcare,” Gasore stated.
The Head of Business Banking at NCBA Bank Rwanda, Nkubito Samuel, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating that supporting residents’ healthcare needs aligns with their commitment to community well-being.
“It is heartbreaking to hear about people suffering at home because they cannot afford health insurance. We welcomed this idea because the community is our primary stakeholder,” he said.
The Director General of the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), Juliet Kabera, commended RUGC and its partners for their noble initiative, which combined community service and support for vulnerable residents.
“This initiative embodies core Rwandan values, including unity, as we see people coming together and forming new friendships. It also reflects a strong work ethic and, most importantly, a spirit of generosity towards those in need,” Kabera noted.
RUGC is responsible for the management and maintenance of Kigali Golf Course, overseeing various development projects, including the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas.
This prestigious project features the Kigali Golf Course, a state-of-the-art Clubhouse, tennis courts, a running trail, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and a fine dining area. The Clubhouse also offers a range of golf accessories, including professional attire, golf clubs, and bags.
The fatal incident occurred in the western Artibonite region, where Kenyan forces were conducting an operation to neutralise gang activity. According to the Kenyan mission, officers responded to distress calls from residents in an area known as Pont-Sonde when the officer was shot.
Godfrey Otunge, the commander of the Kenyan forces in Haiti, stated that the officer was airlifted for medical treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
“Today, Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, one of our MSS officers from the Kenyan contingent was injured during an operation in Segur Savien, in the Artibonite department. The officer was immediately airlifted to Aspen Level 2 Hospital but, unfortunately, succumbed to the injuries,” Otunge said in an official statement.
Kenya has so far deployed nearly 800 police officers under the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, a UN-backed initiative aimed at restoring order in Haiti amid escalating violence.
The first contingent of 400 officers arrived in June last year, followed by 217 more in January and an additional 144 in February this year.
The mission was authorised by the United Nations Security Council in October 2023, with the goal of assisting Haiti’s government in re-establishing security in the gang-ridden country.
Although 10 countries, including Jamaica, Belize, the Bahamas, Guatemala, and El Salvador, have pledged a combined 3,100 troops for the MSS force, Kenya remains one of the few nations to have deployed officers on the ground.
Haiti has seen a dramatic increase in gang-related violence, with the UN documenting mass killings and widespread displacement. A recent report highlighted a massacre in Port-au-Prince by the Wharf Jérémie gang, in which at least 207 people were executed between December 6 and 11, 2024.
The UN estimates that over 5,600 people were killed in Haiti last year alone, while more than 17,000 have been killed or injured since gangs began tightening their grip on the country in 2022.
Gang control extends over vast areas, with an estimated 2.7 million Haitians—1.6 million of them women and children—living under constant threats of violence, extortion, and restrictions on movement.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the UN extended the MSS mission’s mandate until October 2025. The decision, made unanimously in September 2024, followed repeated warnings from experts and Haitian authorities about the urgent need for stronger international intervention.
The decision follows a series of measures that have significantly curtailed USAID operations worldwide.
In a statement, USAID confirmed that all direct hire personnel, except for those assigned to mission-critical functions, core leadership roles, or specially designated programmes, would be placed on administrative leave globally starting at 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
“Individuals that are impacted will receive specific notifications on February 23, 2025, with further instructions and information about their benefits and rights,” the agency stated.
Employees deemed essential will be informed by 5 p.m. EST the same day.
For overseas personnel, USAID has outlined plans for a voluntary Agency-funded return travel programme, ensuring access to diplomatic and other resources until their departure.
Details on retrieving personal items from former USAID workspaces and returning government-issued devices are expected to be released in the coming week.
Trump administration’s push to cut USAID
The move aligns with President Donald Trump’s efforts to scale back foreign aid, which he has repeatedly criticised as wasteful.
Since regaining office, Trump has explored ways to bring USAID under the direct control of the State Department, fueling concerns that the agency could face complete dissolution.
Democratic lawmakers have voiced strong opposition to the administration’s actions. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Brian Schatz, along with Representatives Gregory Meeks and Lois Frankel, issued a joint statement highlighting that USAID’s independence is protected by law.
Senator Chris Murphy reinforced this view, stating that “a president cannot eliminate an appropriated federal agency by executive order.”
The restructuring of USAID has faced legal challenges. Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols ruled in favour of a labour union-backed request to delay the administrative leave plan.
However, on February 21, he reversed the decision, allowing the Trump administration to proceed with its plans, including a 30-day countdown for overseas USAID employees to return home.
Further complicating the situation, billionaire Elon Musk has publicly attacked USAID, following an alleged confrontation between the agency’s security personnel and Trump’s newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which Musk leads.
Musk has labelled USAID a “criminal organisation” and called for its shutdown. His post on X stating, “Time for it to die,” has intensified fears that the administration is committed to dismantling the agency altogether.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration aims to slash USAID’s global workforce from over 10,000 to fewer than 300—a staggering 97% reduction.
President Trump has claimed that “tremendous fraud” and “unprecedented levels of corruption” exist within USAID’s funding operations, reinforcing his demand for the agency’s closure.
With legal obstacles now cleared and a firm directive in place, the fate of thousands of USAID employees remains uncertain, as the agency undergoes one of the most significant shake-ups in its history.
To participate, merchants must receive payments from customers through their MoMo code and make payments to other merchants using MoMoPay. Two lucky merchants will each win a pickup truck.
Speaking at the launch, Chantal Kagame, CEO of Mobile Money Limited, said: “We are proud to launch this campaign as we celebrate a major milestone—reaching 500,000 merchants last year. We had a total of 3.3 million users of the MoMoPay services actively paying these merchants, which aligns with the government’s strategy to drive a cashless economy.
“This achievement reflects the trust that businesses across Rwanda have placed in Mobile Money as a reliable payment solution. ‘BivaMoMotima 3’ is our way of thanking them and encouraging more merchants to join the MoMoPay network for seamless, secure, and efficient transactions.”
The ‘BivaMoMotima’ campaign has been a staple of Mobile Money Limited’s commitment to driving digital financial inclusion. This third edition builds on the success of previous campaigns by specifically recognizing merchants, who play a crucial role in the ecosystem. By incentivizing the use of MoMoPay, the campaign aims to reinforce cashless payments as the preferred method for business transactions in Rwanda.
MoMoPay allows merchants to receive customer payments via a dedicated USSD code, providing a hassle-free alternative to cash transactions. With over half a million merchants already on board, Mobile Money Limited is encouraging even more businesses to register and benefit from the efficiency and security of digital payments.
Mobile Money Limited remains committed to empowering businesses and driving Rwanda’s digital economy forward, one transaction at a time.
{{About Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd}}
Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd is MTN Rwanda’s FinTech subsidiary, established on 27th April 2021 to provide and manage Mobile Money services in Rwanda. The company has about 5.1 million subscribers, over 65,000 Mobile Money agents, and over 500,000 MoMoPay merchants across the country.
With continuous innovations in services such as MoMoPay, MoKash Loans & Savings, Tap&Go bus payments, Bill Payments, International & Regional Remittances, and more, Mobile Money Rwanda seeks to maintain the lead in driving financial inclusion and supporting the digital economy in Rwanda.
Marking its fifth year as a sponsor, Amstel is set to deliver a thrilling experience for fans and participants alike.
The 17th edition of the international cycling competition kicked off on Sunday, February 23, and will conclude on March 2, 2025.
As a key sponsor, Amstel proudly awards the daily stage winner. This year, Belgian cyclist Aldo Taillieu from the Lotto Dstny Devo Team was the first to wear the coveted jersey.
Bralirwa’s management has reaffirmed its commitment to making the 2025 Tour du Rwanda an unforgettable event, just as it has done in the past four editions.
At each stage finish, spectators can look forward to enjoying a selection of Bralirwa beverages, with Amstel taking center stage as the ultimate refreshment for cycling enthusiasts.
Adding to the excitement, Bralirwa is also hosting lively “After Party” events. These celebrations will be held in Musanze, Rubavu, Huye, and Kigali on the final day of the competition, ensuring fans have a chance to celebrate in style.
