The antioxidants in honey work for the benefit of a healthy heart. From heart disease prevention and keeping blood pressure in control to fighting bad fat, honey is good for your heart.
Honey also works to keep your brain healthy by fighting memory issues, anxiety and any depression troubles. It has multi-nutrients like copper, and riboflavin that keep you fit.
The natural sugar content in honey is good for your health if it is in the right quantity. If suffering from cough and cold, honey is used to combat it and at times, with other natural ingredients.
Honey can be used on your skin for general skincare, and help in healing wounds and cuts. You can call honey a superfood to solve all your troubles.
{{4 ways to use honey}}
Incorporate honey in your breakfast in simple ways like replacing sugar in milk, coffee, smoothies and tea, in oats as a sweetener, over your toast or pancakes, in warm water as an early morning energizer and so on. Your morning sugar rush is healthily managed.
A small amount of honey applied to your skin for a short while acts as a great moisturizer for dried skin. Mix it with natural ingredients that suit your skin and use it as a face pack for skincare. Apply a small amount of honey to heal your scars and wounds.
You can incorporate honey in healthy lunches and dinners like using it in salad dressings or glazing roasted dishes. You can even make healthy snacks like nutrition or granola bars by including honey in the ingredients instead of sugar.
If suffering from a cold and cough, a spoonful of honey is therapeutic. You can also add it to herbal tea, lemon water or warm water for better benefits. Mix honey with crushed ginger or clove and have a small dose from time to time to cure cough and cold.
The event, held at the Got Ramogi Hill shrines, also honored former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga with the same title.
The cultural leader, Ker Odungi Randa, conducted the crowning ceremony, presenting the leaders with traditional symbols of leadership, including a ruler’s seat, crown, elder’s cloth, shield, spear, and a whisk symbolizing peace.
The festival celebrated Luo heritage and unity, attracting participants from various East African countries and communities, including Uganda’s Alur, Acholi, Padhola, and Jo Nam groups, as well as other Luo communities from across Africa.
Museveni expressed his gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the festival’s role in fostering East African unity, urging for a stronger push towards an East African Federation to achieve regional prosperity and security.
He emphasized the shared heritage among East Africans, despite colonial-era borders, and called for greater integration.
Museveni reflected on Africa’s struggles under colonialism and praised historical leaders like Julius Nyerere and Jomo Kenyatta for their contributions to the East African integration process.
He presented Luo cultural leaders with plaques featuring historical moments, including the 1963 declaration by East African leaders to form a federation.
On his part, Ruto applauded Museveni for attending the festival on short notice, calling it a testament to his commitment to regional unity. He emphasized the importance of breaking down artificial borders to enable the free movement of people, goods, and services within East Africa.
He also reaffirmed support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the African Union chairmanship, positioning it as a step toward promoting African unity and progress.
Raila Odinga echoed these sentiments, calling for the removal of colonial-era borders that hinder regional prosperity. He stressed the importance of intra-African trade, noting that only 15% of African trade occurs within the continent compared to 70% in Europe.
Siaya County Governor James Orengo also called for practical steps towards the East African Federation, proposing free movement between Kenya and Uganda as a starting point.
As part of the festival, Ruto officially opened the Lamogi campus of Nyang’oma Technical Training College, a Ksh400 million project aimed at providing educational opportunities.
He announced the unveiling of a plaque to commemorate President Museveni’s presence at the event, symbolizing the celebration of East African unity.
The three-day festival, themed “Celebrating the Roots of Our Culture and Heritage,” featured cultural displays, including traditional dances, foods, attire, prayers, and folklore.
Participants visited historical landmarks like the Jaramogi Oginga Mausoleum and traditional Luo huts representing the community’s origins.
Later, Presidents Museveni and Ruto inaugurated the newly constructed Jaramogi Oginga Odinga stadium, a 20,000-seat FIFA-standard facility designed to boost sports in Western Kenya.
The stadium hosted a friendly football match between Kenya’s Gor Mahia and Uganda’s Kitara FC, with Gor Mahia winning 9-8 in penalties. Museveni praised both teams for their spirited performances and encouraged East Africans to create wealth through agriculture, ICT, services, and manufacturing.
The Piny Luo Festival underscored the cultural and historical ties binding East African communities while advocating for deeper regional integration and cooperation. The event also served as a platform to promote peace, reconciliation, and shared aspirations for a prosperous future.
According to Irembo, the upgrade is informed by user feedback and designed to make accessing government services “simpler, faster, and more intuitive.”
As part of the upgrade, the company has introduced various enhancements to help citizens and businesses search for service statuses, apply for and manage service applications, and track certificates and documents online.
Over the coming months, services on the current version of IremboGov ([irembo.gov.rw->https://irembo.gov.rw/]) will gradually transition to the upgraded version ([new.irembo.gov.rw->https://new.irembo.gov.rw/]).
According to Irembo, the migration will occur in phases to ensure uninterrupted access, with groups of services moved together.
“During this time, both versions of IremboGov will remain available, and we have built features and set up clear guidance to help users navigate between them until the upgraded IremboGov becomes the main version for all government services,” the statement reads in part. The company added that users will receive updates throughout the process.
The upgraded IremboGov platform currently offers three services from IPOSITA: registration, renewal, and updating an ePoBox address.
The ePoBox provides users with a secure and convenient way to manage deliveries by storing addresses digitally, offering greater reliability compared to physical postal boxes. For businesses, it simplifies logistics and postal operations with a scalable and efficient solution, enhancing customer service.
{{Redesigned user interface
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The Irembo platform’s user interface has been redesigned to make it simpler and more intuitive, ensuring a seamless experience for all users.
{{Unified access to personal and business services
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The upgraded platform enables users who own or represent a business to link their business to their account using the business TIN.
This feature allows direct access to government services tailored for businesses, letting users manage personal and business needs efficiently from a single portal. This streamlined approach simplifies account management, saving time and ensuring an organized experience.
{{Reuse of previous certificates
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With the upgrade, users no longer need to download and scan documents repeatedly for reuse. Instead, they can upload documents once and reuse them for future applications.
Additionally, users can access and attach previously approved certificates directly from their accounts, simplifying processes and saving time.
{{Enhanced security and convenience
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Irembo emphasized that the security of personal information remains a top priority. Engineers have implemented robust measures to protect user data while giving users greater control over how their information is managed securely.
With the upgrade, users can verify their identity directly within their account, ensuring personal information remains secure and accessible only to them. This eliminates the need to re-enter National ID details for every application, saving time and enhancing the overall experience.
Additionally, users can now link an email address to their accounts for added convenience and security. This feature simplifies password recovery and ensures that important updates are delivered directly to their inboxes. Once linked, the email address is securely stored, removing the need to re-enter it when applying for services.
To explore the upgraded IremboGov platform, visit [https://new.irembo.gov.rw->https://new.irembo.gov.rw].
Tshisekedi, who had been informed about 10 hours earlier that Kagame would not be attending the Luanda meeting, decided to go to Angola on the scheduled day, even though he was aware the talks had been postponed. His intent was to create the impression that Rwanda’s president was unwilling to resolve the insecurity issues in eastern DRC and the region.
The leader of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa, told researcher Bojana Coulibaly that the DRC government aimed to defeat M23 fighters before the December 15 meeting. This, they believed, would pressure Rwanda into signing agreements favourable to Kinshasa.
Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 armed group, which Kigali denies, arguing instead that M23 is fighting for legitimate reasons and that the DRC needs to address its issues to prevent the group from remaining a persistent source of tension between the two nations. Every time M23 resurfaces, the DRC blames Rwanda.
Bisimwa stated, “The DRC government sought a victory before December 15. They put pressure on us, aiming for a success that would position them well to force Rwanda into signing Kinshasa’s terms or delaying the Luanda meeting. That was their goal.”
The DRC government allegedly devised a plan and deployed over 22,000 soldiers, supported by the FDLR (a rebel group) and Wazalendo militia, to launch attacks on M23. Bisimwa explained that M23 became aware of this and prepared adequately to defend itself.
Bisimwa noted that M23’s defensive operations stem from events starting in November 2021, when a coalition of government forces and militias attacked its positions in Lubero territory. M23 pushed them back and captured additional areas.
{{Rubaya was seized to prevent a looming threat
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In early May 2024, M23 announced it had seized Rubaya, an area rich in Coltan minerals, located in Masisi territory in North Kivu province.
Bisimwa explained that before taking Rubaya, M23 had learned that Burundian forces were training the Imbonerakure militia and other armed groups in the area, preparing them to attack civilians in regions under M23 control.
Initially, M23 had no plans to seize Rubaya, fearing it might be misconstrued as a bid for mineral wealth rather than protecting eastern DRC residents.
“We reported that Burundian forces were training Imbonerakure in Rubaya, teaching Congolese youth to use traditional weapons, intending to send them to areas we control to kill and cause suffering,” Bisimwa said. “When no action was taken to address the issue, we decided to intervene because the situation threatened to cause more harm than good.”
Upon taking Rubaya, M23 expelled all armed individuals operating in the mines, including children and pregnant women exploited in mining activities.
Bisimwa stated that no M23 fighters were allowed in the mines, which are now operated by the same mining companies active before May 2024.
{{The FDLR’s exploitation of Virunga park
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Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is currently under M23’s control in partnership with ICCN, a DRC government agency overseeing the park.
Bisimwa explained that M23 intervened because the FDLR rebel group was destroying the park by cutting down trees to produce charcoal, generating $100 million annually.
“Before our arrival, the FDLR controlled the park and engaged in charcoal production. A UN report confirmed they made $100 million annually from this illegal activity,” he said.
DRC soldiers and other armed groups also exploited the park, hunting its wildlife and felling trees. “Had they remained, the park would have been left barren,” Bisimwa noted.
Bisimwa told Coulibaly that local residents had begun encroaching on parkland, disrupting its ecosystems. In addition to securing the park, M23 educated residents on its conservation benefits.
“Now, we see wildlife returning, including hippos, antelope families, and gorillas. It’s a positive transformation,” Bisimwa said.
He added that, besides being a UNESCO heritage site, Virunga is a gift from God to the Congolese people, deserving of protection and preservation.
In an end-of-year address on Tuesday, President Alassane Ouattara declared that the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion stationed at Port-Bouët in Abidjan would be handed over to the Ivory Coast armed forces by January 2025.
“We can be proud of our army, whose modernisation is now effective. It is in this context that we have decided on the concerted and organised withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast,” President Ouattara announced.
France’s presence in West Africa, once robust, has been rapidly diminishing. Ivory Coast follows nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Chad in scaling back or completely severing military ties with Paris.
Notably, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger expelled French troops after military coups, shifting towards alliances with Russia.
In November, Senegal and Chad both announced the departure of French forces, signaling a shift in regional security dynamics. On December 26, France officially returned its first military base to Chad, marking the end of its military presence in the Sahel region.
The decision to remove French forces has been tied to growing local sentiments against French influence. Analysts see this as part of a broader transformation in Africa’s relationship with its former coloniser.
While France ended its colonial rule in West Africa in the 1960s, its military presence has often been viewed as a lingering symbol of external control.
In Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye recently reinforced this sentiment, citing the incompatibility of military bases with national independence.
“Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases,” Faye said in an interview commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, where French forces killed hundreds of African riflemen demanding their pay.
Faye also called for further investigations into the incident, which French President Emmanuel Macron has officially recognized as a massacre.
France’s diminishing footprint on the continent has now resulted in its expulsion from more than 70 percent of the African countries where it maintained a military presence after the end of colonial rule.
The French military’s permanent presence is now limited to Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 personnel.
A vehicle fire was first reported around 8:40 a.m. local time in the valet area of the hotel. The Cybertruck pulled up to the front to the entrance when smoke started showing and there was an explosion, Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill was quoted as saying, adding that one person inside the vehicle was killed.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a post on X that “We are investigating a vehicle fire at the entrance to Trump Towers. The fire is out. Please avoid the area.”
Officials confirmed to media that seven people suffered minor injuries as a result of the explosion, with two of them taken to a hospital for treatment.
Most people staying at Trump International have been moved to a nearby hotel, Resorts World Las Vega, said the report of KSNV television station, citing McMahill.
Videos posted on social media showed a Tesla Cybertruck engulfed in flames outside the hotel’s lobby entrance.
An official who briefed on the probe told ABC News that the Tesla Cybertruck had a load of fireworks-style mortars onboard.
Investigators are urgently working to determine a motive and whether the driver intended to set off an explosion and why, said the report, noting that “Until a motive is determined and other possibilities are ruled out, police are treating the explosion like a possible criminal act and a possible act of terror.”
Elon Musk, the co-founder and CEO of Tesla, said in a post on X that “The whole Tesla senior team is investigating this matter right now.”
The staunch ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump noted that “We’ve never seen anything like this.” He wrote later that “We have now confirmed that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself.”
“Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochère of Trump Las Vegas,” Eric Trump, the president-elect’s son and a leader of the Trump Organization, said in a post on X. “The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism,” he added.
The concert, dubbed “The New Year Groove & Album Launch”, ushered Rwandans into the new year while showcasing The Ben’s third album, “Plenty Love”.
The Ben, ultimately achieved his dream of organizing a concert he had envisioned but couldn’t carry out in 2009 with a high attendance from his fans, an occasion marked with emotions and sheds of tears.
The performance was organized in two segments with the first part featuring various artists he had collaborated with on songs, including Bushali, Tom Close, K8 Kavuyo, Otile Brown, Kivumbi King, Kevin Kade, Element Eleéeh, and others.
Green P, The Ben’s sibling, joined the stage along with P-Fla and Fireman, his former Tuff Gang groupmates, to perform the song “Kwicuma,” honoring Jay Polly, a member of their group who passed away in 2021.
Before The Ben took to the stage in his distinctive outfit, several upcoming artists were given the chance to showcase their talents. These included J-Sha, Phil Emon, Shemi, Yampano, and children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. Attendees of the concert left mesmerized and satisfied with the music and performances.
It was a memorable experience, highlighted by standout performances and emotional moments. It featured a mix of The Ben’s timeless hits and collaborations with various artists. Songs like “Amaso Ku Maso,” “Rahira,” and “Amahirwe Ya Nyuma” took fans back to the early days of his career.
Special performances by artists like Kivumbi King, Kevin Kade, and Element Eleéeh added excitement, with Kevin’s dance moves particularly captivating the audience.
A heartfelt moment came when The Ben broke into tears while thanking his mother and supporters, expressing gratitude for their role in his success. This vulnerability resonated deeply with the audience, showcasing his genuine connection with his fans.
Cultural pride was evident when “Naremeye” was performed alongside the traditional Itorero Inyamibwa dancers, blending Kinyarwanda dance with The Ben’s artistry.
The spiritual tone of the concert emerged during “Ndaje,” where he reflected on his gratitude for life, hinting at a future focus on faith-inspired music.
Throughout the evening, notable guests like Otile Brown and Tom Close shared the stage, while Tuff Gang members paid tribute to the late Jay Polly with an emotional performance of “Kwicuma.” The night also featured crowd favorites like “True Love,” performed with a calm and reflective energy.
The Ben’s ability to blend nostalgia, culture, and spirituality made the concert unforgettable, solidifying his place as a celebrated icon in Rwandan music.
Towards midnight, The Ben and Tom Close concluded the event with the last song, “Thank You,” a collabo between the two. They later sang a short rendition of “Genda Rwanda Uri Nziza” to express their gratitude to the country’s leadership.
The night was filled with overwhelming emotion. The Ben, deeply moved by the significance of the moment, couldn’t hold back his tears, and the audience shared in his heartfelt moment, witnessing the raw emotions of a dream realized.
Concerns raised by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) revealed that in 2023 alone, 228 houses were damaged by fire outbreaks. This trend persisted into 2024, with another 87 houses destroyed between June and August, revealing a significant gap in insurance coverage among property owners.
RHA Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe explained that the ongoing assessment seeks to address these gaps and inform future interventions.
“Over the past few months, RHA has initiated a comprehensive data collection exercise to assess the insurance status of buildings across the country. This process is still ongoing, and we are working closely with stakeholders to compile and validate the data,” he told The New Times.
The results of this exercise will clarify the disparity between insured and uninsured properties, enabling policymakers to craft more effective strategies.
Adalbert Rukebanuka, MINEMA’s Director General of Planning, Policy, and Risk Reduction, emphasized the challenges posed by urban living conditions, such as overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
These factors, combined with limited firefighting resources, exacerbate fire risks in densely populated areas. “Most of the buildings are not insured for fire risks,” Rukebanuka noted.
“Overcrowded settlements with narrow alleyways hinder firefighters, leading to greater damage and loss of life.”
Informal settlements and inadequate public awareness about fire safety contribute to the prevalence of fire-related incidents. To mitigate these risks, the RHA has engaged some insurance companies to streamline insurance access for government institutions.
Regular reminders and follow-ups are expected to ensure compliance with insurance requirements.
The claims, which have been circulating among certain individuals, suggest that the RIB unfairly accused over 150 people, including Rwandans and foreigners, of being involved in the bank’s fraud, without sufficient evidence or proper legal procedures.
The accusations stem from a 2023 investigation into the misuse of Mastercard prepaid multicurrency cards, a service introduced by I&M Bank.
The bank had marketed the cards as a way for customers to exchange Rwandan Francs into various foreign currencies at favourable rates.
According to RIB, some individuals exploited the system by deceiving others into providing personal information, which was then used to obtain multiple cards and carry out fraudulent transactions. The stolen funds amounted to approximately $10.26 million.
Following the discovery, RIB launched an investigation, and a number of suspects were placed under investigation. Some were arrested, while others fled the country.
A total of 148 suspects have been pursued, and over 2.27 billion Rwandan Francs have been recovered, along with other assets, including properties purchased with the stolen money.
Despite the progress in the case, several individuals have claimed that they were wrongly accused and victimized by the RIB’s actions.
Among the claims, one individual, through a post on X, alleged that the investigation was manipulated by some corrupt officials who abused their power for personal gain.
However, RIB has firmly rejected these allegations, stating that its actions have always been based on law and evidence. The bureau maintains that it followed proper procedures throughout the investigation and that any claims of injustice are being used to deflect attention from the true perpetrators.
“We are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all individuals involved in illegal activities are held accountable,” RIB said while reacting to the social media seeking President Paul Kagame’s intervention.
“The allegations of wrongful targeting are baseless and part of a broader attempt to discredit our efforts.”
RIB assures the public that the investigation is ongoing, with continued efforts to bring those responsible to justice.
The forecast highlights the likelihood of average conditions in most regions, with a few areas expected to experience deviations from the Long-Term Mean (LTM).
The detailed forecast provides essential insights for farmers, planners, and citizens preparing for the month ahead.
{{Rainfall Predictions
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Rainfall during January is expected to range between 0 and 180 mm.
“The highest amounts, ranging between 150 and 180 mm, are anticipated in many parts of Rusizi and Nyamasheke Districts, as well as western parts of Nyamaguru and Nyamagabe Districts,” the agency stated.
According to the agency, the regions, including parts of southern Karongi District near Nyungwe National Park, could see slightly above-average rainfall.
Moderate rainfall ranging between 120 and 150 mm is expected in areas such as Rutsiro, Rubavu, Nyabihu, and Huye Districts, while districts like Rulindo, Kamonyi, and Gicumbi will receive between 90 and 120 mm.
Eastern parts of the country, including areas of Nyagatare, Gatsibo, and Rwamagana, are projected to experience significantly less rainfall, ranging between 0 and 30 mm.
{{Temperature Outlook
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January’s maximum temperatures are set to range between 18°C and 30°C.
The hottest areas include Bugesera District, several parts of Kigali City, and Nyagatare, with temperatures reaching up to 30°C. Cooler temperatures of 18°C to 20°C are expected in Nyabihu, Musanze, and western Rubavu Districts.
Minimum temperatures will vary between 8°C and 16°C.
“The lowest minimum temperatures, ranging from 8°C to 10°C, are expected in Nyabihu, Musanze, and Rubavu Districts, as well as parts of northern Burera District,” the report noted.
Meanwhile, areas like Nyagatare, Gatsibo, and Kirehe are predicted to experience relatively higher nighttime temperatures of 14°C to 16°C.
{{Wind Speed Forecast
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Moderate to strong winds ranging between 4 and 10 m/s are anticipated nationwide. Strong winds of 8 to 10 m/s are expected in Nyamaguru, Nyamagabe, and parts of Rusizi Districts, while most of the country will experience moderate winds of 6 to 8 m/s.
The report highlights specific zones likely to see higher wind speeds, including parts of Kigali City, Rutsiro, and Nyamasheke Districts. Regions like western Kamonyi, Gicumbi, and Bugesera will experience lighter winds, averaging 4 to 6 m/s.
Notably, while moderate winds can aid pollination and reduce heat stress, stronger gusts pose risks to infrastructure, especially in vulnerable rural areas.
