The call, issued in a letter signed by Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, comes in response to an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump, which halted the disbursement of USAID and Center for Disease Contral funds pending review.
The funding suspension has affected numerous healthcare workers whose salaries and operations depended on American financial assistance.
“With immediate effect, all activities related to the disbursement of federal financial assistance have been paused. As a result, operations and emoluments directly supported by the U.S. government are suspended,” Dr. Atwine stated in the letter.
“However, in the meantime, we encourage contracted staff willing to continue working in the spirit of patriotism as volunteers to reach out for possible integration into the existing healthcare system,” she added.
The funding freeze has raised concerns about potential disruptions in essential health services, particularly in HIV/AIDS programs, maternal health, and infectious disease prevention. Uganda heavily relies on foreign aid, with U.S. funding playing a critical role in supporting public health initiatives.
Some affected health workers have expressed frustration over the government’s call for voluntary service.
“Many of us have families to feed and bills to pay. It’s not realistic to expect us to work without pay,” said a healthcare worker formerly supported by USAID, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Others worry about the long-term impact of the suspension on Uganda’s health system. “These programs have saved millions of lives. If funding is not restored soon, we could see a serious crisis,” said Dr. James Okello, a senior medical officer.
The Ugandan government says it is in discussions with U.S. officials to find a resolution. “We remain optimistic that engagements with the U.S. government will yield a positive outcome,” Dr. Atwine reassured, urging health workers to stay patient during the process.
However, with no immediate solution in sight, the uncertainty has left many health workers and beneficiaries anxious about the future of critical medical programs in the country.
Odinga is seeking to make history as the first Kenyan to hold the position of AU Commission Chair since the establishment of the body in 2002.
The election is set to be held on Saturday, February 16, where Odinga will face off against two other formidable candidates, including Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato.
The longstanding opposition chief was endorsed by his political nemesis, President William Ruto, for the race, turning them into allies after their clash in the 2022 presidential election.
Having unsuccessfully contested for the presidency a record five times—in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022—this race could define his legacy as his retirement beckons.
The 80-year-old has previously held key positions in Kenya, including serving as a Member of Parliament for Lang’ata Constituency for two decades and as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013 in a power-sharing government following the disputed 2007 presidential election.
With just a few days before 49 African heads of state convene in Addis Ababa to elect the next AUC chairperson, Odinga exudes a mix of confidence and pragmatism—a reflection of decades spent in the political trenches.
The AU Commission chairmanship presents the octogenarian an opportunity to cement his legacy beyond Kenya’s borders, positioning him as a continental leader at a time when Africa faces complex governance, economic, and security challenges.
Odinga has spent months crisscrossing Africa, rallying support from heads of state, foreign ministers, and diplomatic envoys. His campaign has emphasized his experience in governance, his deep-rooted Pan-African ideals, and his ability to foster unity within the AU, where he served as High Representative for Infrastructure Development from October 2018 to February 2023.
“I have spoken to all the leaders across Africa. If they agree, I will be the AUC chairperson. The vote will be cast on Saturday,” Odinga said on Monday, February 10 during an interdenominational prayer service organized by Kenya’s ODM Women’s Chapter.
With the AU’s rotational leadership principle in play, East Africa, where both Kenya and Djibouti belong, is seen as the preferred region to produce the next chair. This makes Youssouf Odinga’s strongest rival.
To secure a first-round victory, Odinga needs at least 33 votes out of 49 eligible heads of state. The election is conducted via secret ballot, meaning alliances and loyalties will be tested in the voting room. Despite his campaign efforts, Odinga knows that nothing is guaranteed.
“If I am elected, well and good; if I am not, that is also fine. Don’t I have my home?” Odinga told his supporters in Nairobi on Monday.
For Odinga, the AU Commission role represents more than just a new political chapter, it is a chance to shape Africa’s future on a grand scale. If he wins, he will oversee policies on economic integration, conflict resolution, and governance reforms across the continent. If he loses, it could mark the end of an era for one of Africa’s most resilient political figures.
Among his pledges if he wins the coveted seat is the rollout of a continental visa.
According to Odinga, the introduction of an AU visa would significantly enhance the free movement of people and goods across the continent, thereby promoting intra-Africa trade.
Speaking during the launch of his campaign in Nairobi in August last year, Odinga lamented that traders and businesspeople in Africa are required to obtain numerous visas to travel across the continent, while their foreign counterparts can do so freely.
“My friend Aliko Dangote says that to travel across the continent, he needs 35 visas. His French competitor does not need a visa to travel with a French visa in Africa. What a shame. In Europe, you only need a Schengen visa to travel across the entire continent without a problem,” Odinga said.
He pledged to introduce the AU visa to remove the bottlenecks that have hindered free movement for decades.
If elected AU Commission Chair, Odinga also promised to pursue a Continental Air Control System to streamline air travel by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving efficiency, and enhancing coordination between countries.
Despite Odinga’s robust campaign, Djbouti’s Youssouf remains a strong contender, backed by historical voting patterns where Francophone countries often support their own.
However, Odinga has garnered support from Anglophone and reformist AU blocs, leaving the outcome uncertain and potentially hinging on last-minute alliances.
His burial in Aswan was in accordance with his personal wishes, as explicitly stated in his will. This decision was not arbitrary but deeply rooted in historical, religious, and familial significance, reinforcing Aswan’s profound connection to the Ismaili faith and Aga Khan IV’s legacy.
Aswan, a city in southern Egypt, holds immense historical importance for the Ismaili Muslim community. The region was once part of the Fatimid Caliphate, a Shia Ismaili dynasty that ruled vast territories from the 10th to the 12th centuries.
The Fatimids, who established Cairo and Al-Azhar University, played a significant role in shaping Ismaili doctrine and governance. Given this historical connection, Aswan remains a sacred location for Ismailis worldwide.
Aga Khan IV, throughout his lifetime, deeply valued the heritage and contributions of the Fatimid Caliphate to Ismaili thought and governance.
By choosing Aswan as his final resting place, he reinforced the spiritual and historical link between the present-day Ismaili community and its historical origins. This act serves as a reminder of the Ismaili faith’s longstanding presence in the region and its continuous influence on global Islamic culture.
Beyond its historical significance, Aswan also held deep personal and familial meaning for Aga Khan IV. His grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, who was instrumental in the modern development of the Ismaili community, is buried there alongside his wife, Begum Om Habibeh.
The choice to be buried near them reflects a strong familial connection and continuity of leadership within the Ismaili Imamat.
Aga Khan III was a prominent advocate for Muslim unity, education, and socio-economic development, and his contributions to the Ismaili community and the broader Muslim world were profound. Aga Khan IV carried forward this legacy by emphasizing modernization, social progress, and global philanthropy.
His burial near his grandfather and grandmother in Aswan symbolizes the continuation of their shared vision for the Ismaili community and acknowledges the historical role Aswan played in his family’s legacy.
Throughout his leadership, Aga Khan IV was known not only for his religious guidance but also for his extensive contributions to philanthropy, economic development, and global diplomacy.
His work, particularly in East Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East, focused on improving education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for marginalized communities.
His investments in Africa, particularly through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), spanned over six decades, supporting numerous institutions and projects that transformed lives. His decision to be buried in Aswan may also reflect his appreciation for Egypt’s role as a bridge between Africa, the Middle East, and the Islamic world.
Aswan, known for its serene beauty along the Nile, provides a peaceful resting place befitting a leader who dedicated his life to fostering harmony, development, and spiritual guidance.
Therefore, Aga Khan IV’s burial in Aswan, Egypt, was not a random choice but a deeply meaningful one.
It reflects the historical significance of the city to the Ismaili faith, its deep ties to his family, and his broader vision for a connected, progressive, and globally engaged Muslim community.
By resting in Aswan, he solidifies his legacy as a bridge between history and the future, between faith and modernity, and between his ancestors and future generations of Ismailis.
The Cabinet approved the changes during a meeting chaired by President Paul Kagame on Monday, February 10, 2025.
According to the Finance Ministry, the changes are part of Rwanda’s medium-term strategy to strengthen economic resilience and promote self-reliance.
“These new tax policy reforms are part of the Government’s medium-term strategy to broaden the tax base, increase revenue mobilization, and streamline tax administration in order to meet Rwanda’s development goals,” the Minister of Finance Yusuf Murangwa stated in a statement on Tuesday.
The reforms touch on multiple sectors, including consumer goods, transportation, telecommunications, tourism, and gambling. They also introduce new levies aimed at enhancing economic sustainability while ensuring the continued transformation of the country as outlined in the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2).
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a 15% excise duty on cosmetic and beauty products, including makeup, body lotion, and hair products. However, essential pharmaceutical beauty products will be exempted in consultation with the Ministry of Health.
Vehicle owners will also feel the impact of the reforms, as registration fees for all types of vehicles, including electric cars, will be increased. However, the exact figure was not immediately revealed.
Similarly, the fuel levy has been adjusted from a fixed fee of Rwf 115 per litre to 15% of the Cost-Insurance-Freight (CIF) to support road maintenance initiatives.
Mobile phone users will now have to pay 18% Value Added Tax (VAT) on mobile phones, which had been exempted since 2010. The government argues that while the exemption initially helped to boost digital penetration and smartphone affordability, the reintroduction of VAT will allow for more sustainable revenue collection without stifling smartphone access.
A similar VAT exemption introduced in 2012 on ICT equipment will also be revoked, though selected ICT devices will remain tax-free based on consultations with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
The gambling industry is set to face higher tax measures, with the tax on Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR) rising from 13% to 40%, and withholding tax on winnings increasing from 15% to 25%. The government said the move aims to encourage responsible gambling while also increasing tax revenues from the industry.
Additionally, the tourism sector will be subject to a new Tourism Levy, which imposes a 3% tax on accommodation costs. This measure aims to fund investments in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry, a critical pillar of Rwanda’s economic growth.
{{Green transportation incentives and increased excise taxes
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In a bid to encourage green mobility and reduce carbon emissions, the government has maintained a 25% import duty exemption for hybrid vehicles while introducing an age-based excise duty system. Under the new system, hybrid cars less than three years old will be taxed at 5%, those between four and seven years old at 10%, and vehicles older than eight years at 15%.
Additionally, VAT and a 5% withholding tax will be reinstated for hybrid vehicles, while fully electric vehicles will remain tax-exempt to encourage their adoption. However, this measure will only take effect in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Excise taxes have also been adjusted in other areas. The tax on cigarettes has increased from Rwf 130 to Rwf 230 per pack, along with an additional 36% tax on the retail price.
The excise duty on beer has risen from 60% to 65% of the factory price. For airtime, the tax has been raised from 10% to 12% in 2024/2025, with a gradual increase to 15% in the medium term.
{{Additional tax policy measures}}
Beyond these direct tax changes, the government has also signalled upcoming policy adjustments targeting financial services, transportation, and ICT in the next financial year.
Among the expected measures are an environmental levy on single-use plastics, new VAT charges on select fee-based financial services, and taxes on fossil fuels and road transportation services of goods.
Under the ICT sector, the government is expected to roll out the Digital Services Tax, which will be imposed on digital platforms such as Netflix, Amazon, and others.
The government has assured taxpayers that public awareness programs will be rolled out to educate citizens and businesses on these new tax provisions to facilitate a smooth transition.
“The Government of Rwanda remains committed to working closely with taxpayers to ensure a smooth transition and to foster a prosperous future for all,” the Ministry added.
The decision, which is expected to drive up costs for import-dependent industries, has already drawn sharp criticism from major trading partners, including Canada, as well as from domestic businesses.
Trump has long championed protectionist economic policies. He framed the tariffs as a step toward reviving American manufacturing.
“This is a big deal—the beginning of making America rich again,” he declared. “Our nation requires steel and aluminium to be made in America, not in foreign lands.”
Despite concerns about rising consumer prices, Trump insisted that, in the long run, the move would be cost-effective. He hinted at further trade measures, suggesting future tariffs could target pharmaceuticals and semiconductor imports.
The US, the world’s largest steel importer, relies heavily on suppliers from Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Canada, which provided over 50% of US aluminium imports last year, is expected to be the hardest hit by the new tariffs.
Canadian officials reacted with outrage, with Minister of Innovation Francois-Phillippe Champagne calling the decision “totally unjustified.”
“Canadian steel and aluminium support key US industries from defence to automotive,” Champagne stated. “This policy undermines North American competitiveness and security.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford accused Trump of destabilizing economic relations, warning that shifting trade policies put jobs at risk.
Meanwhile, industry lobbyists in Canada urged immediate retaliation, with lawmakers exploring ways to reduce dependence on the US market.
The tariffs prompted a surge in US steelmaker stock prices, with Cleveland-Cliffs gaining nearly 20%. However, broader market reactions remained subdued, as investors speculated whether Trump might later soften his stance or introduce exemptions.
Economic analysts likened the move to Trump’s 2018 tariff campaign, which initially imposed levies on steel and aluminium but later carved out exceptions for countries like Canada, Mexico, and Australia.
Dartmouth College economist Douglas Irwin suggested the latest announcement could be a bargaining tactic rather than a firm policy shift.
“The biggest question is whether Trump is using this as leverage or truly committing to long-term protectionism.”
Trump’s track record includes a history of abrupt trade policy shifts. Just last week, he announced a 25% duty on Canadian and Mexican imports before postponing enforcement by 30 days. He also introduced a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting retaliatory measures from Beijing.
Critics warn the tariffs will inflate costs for US industries reliant on imported metals, affecting sectors from construction to consumer goods. The US International Trade Commission previously estimated that similar tariffs raised domestic steel and aluminium prices by 2.4% and 1.6%, respectively.
White House officials defended the policy as a measure to curb unfair competition, particularly from China and Russia.
The administration introduced stricter regulations requiring steel to be “melted and poured” and aluminium to be “smelted and cast” in North America, aiming to prevent foreign suppliers from bypassing tariffs through third-party nations.
Nick Iacovella, spokesperson for the pro-tariff Coalition for a Prosperous America, emphasized concerns over a surge in steel imports from Mexico.
“There are still imbalances in US-Canada trade that need addressing,” he said, adding that Trump’s approach signals a broader effort to rebalance North American trade relations.
On January 29, 2025, EAC ministers convened virtually to address the security crisis in eastern DRC. The meeting came just two days after the armed group M23 seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
While the DRC’s Minister of Regional Cooperation was expected to participate, he was notably absent, despite the meeting’s critical relevance to his country’s ongoing conflict.
Minister Nduhungirehe revealed that the official explanation for the absence was a technical mishap.
“The reason that was given to us is that the DRC Minister of Regional Cooperation, who had previously confirmed his attendance, eventually connected…. to the wrong link!” he posted on X.
A second high-level meeting was held on February 7, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
This gathering, bringing together ministers from the EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), was a preparatory session for a summit of regional heads of state focused on resolving the DRC crisis.
According to Nduhungirehe, 14 ministers from six EAC countries, six SADC nations, and two states belonging to both blocs (DRC and Tanzania) were invited. While 13 ministers attended, DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, was absent and was instead represented by the country’s ambassador to Botswana.
“Here again, we were given an excuse…even two! At the beginning of the meeting, we were informed, by the DRC Ambassador to Botswana, that the DRC Foreign Minister was ‘on her way,’ but an hour later, the version had changed: she had in fact a ‘technical problem with her plane’!” Nduhungirehe said.
He further revealed that, despite these explanations, it was later confirmed that Minister Kayikwamba was in Europe at the time, lobbying for sanctions against Rwanda.
“But we now know that the Foreign Minister of DRC was all this time in Europe, begging for sanctions against Rwanda,” he added.
Rwanda and the DRC have endured strained relations for the past three years. France, Turkey, and Qatar have attempted to mediate between the two countries, but Kinshasa rejected these initiatives, insisting that the conflict should be resolved by Africans.
Nduhungirehe criticized the DRC’s stance, questioning how its officials could reject African mediation while seeking intervention from European nations such as Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
He also reiterated that the security crisis in eastern DRC is not caused by Rwanda and argued that it is unfair to hold Rwanda accountable for conflicts fueled by Congolese actors.
During the extraordinary summit of EAC and SADC heads of state on February 8, 2025, regional leaders called on the DRC government to engage in political dialogue with all conflicting parties, including M23, to establish lasting peace.
The resolution emphasized that Kinshasa’s military approach would not yield results. Instead, leaders urged the DRC to acknowledge and address the underlying issues that led M23 to take up arms.
The warning was issued in a communiqué on February 10 by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, condemning the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and its allies for allegedly committing atrocities against civilians.
“The AFC/M23 has heard the desperate cries of the civilian population in Bukavu. The FARDC and its allied forces continue to commit unspeakable atrocities against civilians, including assassinations and widespread looting. These crimes must stop immediately; otherwise, we will have no choice but to intervene to protect the Congolese population,” the statement reads.
Reports indicate that Bukavu has been gripped by fear following a surge in violent crimes, including targeted assassinations and looting of businesses and homes, sparking panic among residents.
M23 also refuted claims that internally displaced persons (IDPs) are being forced to return to liberated areas, asserting that those who have returned did so voluntarily under secure conditions.
Additionally, the group denied involvement in the atrocities committed at Munzene Central Prison, attributing these crimes to FARDC and its allies.
“MONUSCO must cease spreading false allegations that distort the truth and mislead public opinion. These baseless accusations only serve to inflame tensions and divert attention from the real perpetrators of these crimes,” the statement added.
The fighting in South Kivu intensified after M23 captured Goma on January 26, 2025. The group later announced plans to continue its advance toward Kinshasa but signaled a willingness to halt hostilities if the DRC government agreed to negotiations for a lasting solution.
The FARDC and its colation has reportedly suffered heavy losses after losing key cities in North Kivu, including Sake and Goma. As they retreat, soldiers have been accused of shooting civilians, committing acts of sexual violence, and engaging in looting.
The motion, lacking backing from the Socialist Party (PS) and the far-right National Rally (RN), secured only 115 votes, far short of the 289 required to unseat him, according to National Assembly Speaker Yaël Braun-Pivet.
This latest challenge followed Bayrou’s repeated use of Article 49.3 of the French Constitution to push through the Social Security financing bill.
After surviving two previous no-confidence votes, he invoked the same constitutional power on Feb. 5 to advance the bill’s second phase.
Undeterred by the failed motion, Bayrou once again employed Article 49.3 on Monday to approve the budget’s spending section for 2025.
According to Le Figaro, the bill allocates a 2.6% increase in health expenditures, raising the total to 264.2 billion euros (272 billion U.S. dollars).
Bayrou was appointed prime minister by President Emmanuel Macron on Dec. 13, following the ousting of Michel Barnier in a previous no-confidence vote.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump was asked whether Palestinians currently residing in Gaza—who, under his proposal, face forced displacement—would have the right to return. He responded, “No, they wouldn’t.”
His remarks contradict statements from his administration, including White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who previously assured that Palestinians would be “temporarily relocated.” Similarly, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday that residents would need to live elsewhere “in the interim” while Gaza undergoes rebuilding.
Pressed on where the roughly 2 million displaced Gazans would go, Trump suggested he could broker agreements with Jordan and Egypt. “I think I could make a deal with Jordan. I think I could make a deal with Egypt,” he said.
Both Jordan and Egypt have already rejected Trump’s calls to take in additional Palestinian refugees, with leaders from both countries voicing opposition. Despite this, Trump warned Monday that he could withhold U.S. aid if they refused his demand.
The president is set to meet with Jordanian King Abdullah II at the White House on Tuesday.
Trump’s plan to take over the Gaza Strip and relocate its residents has sparked widespread criticism from countries across the Middle East and beyond.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the move as a “complete violation” of the deal and ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to be fully prepared for any developments in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is holding security consultations to assess the situation.
Hamas’ military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, stated that Israel had failed to uphold its commitments, including allowing displaced people to return to northern Gaza and ensuring adequate humanitarian aid.
Until Israel complies and retroactively corrects its actions, the handover of hostages will be delayed, the group said.
Israel’s Hostages, Missing Persons, and Returnees Directorate insisted on the full implementation of the agreement, warning against any breaches.
The developments follow indirect negotiations in Qatar over the next phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19.
Under the agreement, 21 hostages have been released in exchange for Palestinian detainees, with further exchanges expected in the coming weeks.
