Col Deo Akiki, the Deputy UPDF Spokesperson revealed that the two were traveling in a vehicle H4DF2588 and acknowledged that the military has been hit hard with another major loss, days after the death of Defence State minister Sarah Mateke Nyirabashisti last Saturday.
“How are we expected to understand this loss in such a short time?? A minister of state (Defence) Hon Sarah Mateke, Brig Gen (rtd) Kyambadde and our Director training and Doctrine for Land Forces Brig Gen Fred Twinamasiko in accident!! All gone just like that. May the Lord strengthen their families. It is a difficult moment. MHSRP,” Deo Akiiki eulogised.
Deo Akiiki condoled with the families of the two military officers who are facing difficult moments following the tragic news.
Reknowned Blogger Frank Mwesigwa has also condoled the tragic passing on of the two soldiers.
“Brig Gen (Retired) Kyambadde and Brig Gen Fred Twinamasiko who was director Training and Doctrine for Land Forces have lost their lives in a car accident on Masaka Road. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families, friends, and comrades during this difficult time. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” he wrote on his X handle.
The Uganda government is yet to announce burial arrangements for the two fallen soldiers.
Over the years, the link between corporate governance and stock market performance has become more evident, with investors paying closer attention to a company’s governance practices before investing. Private equity investors also show a greater preference for companies that embrace good corporate governance standards.
Today, the principles of corporate governance have become essential to gain shareholder confidence and maximize shareholder value. Companies with good governance practices are better equipped to navigate economic downturns with agility.
In this context, the Capital Market Authority (CMA), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has developed the Capital Market Corporate Governance Code.
This code has been benchmarked against leading global frameworks and initiatives, including those from the OECD, IFRS, EU, the Task Force for Climate-related Disclosures (TCFD), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the virtual launch of the governance code, CMA CEO, Mr. Thapelo Tsheole said that the corporate governance code will foster investor confidence. “Confidence and integrity are crucial for the development of any capital market. Investors invest with the understanding that their money is in good hands and will remain in good hands. Good corporate governance structures inspire this confidence,” he said.
Tsheole added that Rwanda’s capital market is in competition for capital, with investors spoilt for choice, hence the need for a competitive strategy.
Investors today have expanded their focus beyond a company’s financial performance to include the financial risks and opportunities arising from broader economic, environmental, and societal challenges, as well as a company’s ability to manage and adapt to those risks.
“Our education level has increased generally but we are not yet at the level we want to be judging from what we see elsewhere,” he said.
Kagame’s comments underscored the collective nature of the effort required to elevate the education system.
“By swearing in, it means you have accepted and are ready to work for your country in this new capacity but this commitment is not solely your responsibility. This oath doesn’t mean that improving the education sector is yours alone. It is a collective responsibility and we are here to work with you and support you all through,” he emphasized.
The President highlighted the role of every Rwandan in this shared endeavor. “It is all our responsibility, the youth, the old; The task of enhancing education involves contributions from all segments of society.”
“Education is one of the most important things that help our country’s development and the Rwandan population in general. The outcomes of a strong education system also positively impact Rwanda’s interactions on the global stage,” he emphasized.
Kagame elaborated on the concept of holistic education, which blends local and international perspectives. “Holistic education involves aspects picked from Rwanda as a country and aspects picked from other countries. This approach aims to enrich students’ understanding by incorporating diverse global viewpoints, thus better preparing them to handle various challenges,” he explained.
The Head of State concluded by emphasizing that good education lays a critical foundation for personal and national advancement, noting that good education prepares people to be ready to face all the problems and challenges that they encounter.
Nsengimana was appointed Minister of Education on September 11, 2024, replacing Gaspard Twagirayezu, who became the Director General of the National Space Agency.
He was previously the Director of the Mastercard Foundation, focusing on promoting education for all through technology. Before working with Mastercard, Nsengimana was employed at Intel Corporation, an American technology company.
Security sources and eyewitnesses confirmed to the media house that these individuals held several meetings with members of the Burundi National Defense Force (FDNB) in the provinces of Cibitoke and Kayanza, regions known to have sheltered FLN elements for several years.
Participants in these meetings included Lieutenant General Hamada Habimana, commander-in-chief of the FLN rebels, as well as Major General Pacifique Ntawunguka, military leader of the FDLR.
The presence of Brigadier General Antoine Hakizimana, better known as Jeva, and Colonel Honoré Hategekimana, alias Théophile, who claims to lead the armed branch of the FLN, was also reported.
According to SOS Media, these meetings took place in places such as the Green Village Iwacu Hotel in Bukinanyana, which belongs to Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca, as well as the Mwarangabo Hotel in Cibitoke, owned by police colonel Jérôme Ntibibogora, frequently implicated in cases of abuse and assassinations of opponents.
According to SOS Media, these meetings were conducted on August 29 and 30, and on September 3. They illustrate close and potentially alarming coordination between the Burundian authorities and these armed groups hostile to the Rwandan government.
In a notice on Friday, September 13, 2024, the police said the auction will take place in Gatsata, in Kigali, from October 8 to October 10, 2024,
“The auction will take place publicly where the vehicles are parked, in Gatsata. Viewing of the vehicles will begin on September 16 and end on October 3, 2024,” the notice reads, adding, “The law stipulates that a vehicle held for over a month in police parking can be auctioned.”
All individuals whose vehicles have been seized have been urged to promptly visit the location where the vehicles are parked to resolve pending issues that led to the seizure of their vehicles before they are auctioned.
Some of the reasons a vehicle may be impounded include the lack of an inspection certificate, traffic offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, and unpaid fines, among others.
Public transport vehicles and trucks are subjected to mechanical inspection every six months.
The vehicle roadworthiness inspection tests the shock absorbers, brakes (including the handbrake), axle play detection, wheel alignment and vehicle geometry, steering system, headlights, and a visual inspection of the vehicle’s body condition, among other aspects. It also tests fuel emissions to combat greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change.
Amb. Nduhungirehe made these remarks during the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at Kigali Convention Centre on September 12, 2024. The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, drew diplomats, government officials, members of the Chinese community in Rwanda, and friends of China.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Rwanda and China have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development. In recent years, this bond has grown through increased partnerships and political understanding.
Rwanda firmly upholds the One-China principle, while China has consistently supported Rwanda’s national unity and efforts to combat Genocide denial and hate speech.
China’s investments in Rwanda, which exceed $1.2 billion since 2019, span critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, real estate, and mining.
Notably, the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital to an 837-bed facility, which will form part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), is one of many infrastructure projects demonstrating China’s significant contributions. The two nations also saw a bilateral trade volume of $550 million in 2023, with China’s imports from Rwanda increasing by 86.2% from last year.
Rwanda’s cooperation with China is further strengthened through platforms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Joint Economic, Technical, and Trade Committee (JETTCO).
China is also engaged in key sectors such as agriculture, education, ICT, and infrastructure, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s social and economic transformation. A prime example is the Juncao mushroom cultivation program, which has benefitted 35,000 Rwandan farmers.
In light of this, Amb. Nduhungirehe expressed Rwanda’s deep appreciation for China’s contributions, stating, “Rwanda views China as an important and reliable partner that has significantly contributed to our socio-economic development. This collaboration has been particularly impactful in priority sectors such as infrastructure, health, energy, and education, aligning with our shared vision of mutual growth and prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun welcomed growing relations between both countries underscoring that this year holds great significance.
He was referring to recent engagements where President Paul Kagame attended the 2024 Beijing Summit of Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and co-chaired the high-level meeting on state governance.
Kagame met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping and elevated bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an important milestone in bilateral relations.
Besides, more close friendship ties have been cemented. Notably, this year, the City of Jinhua of Zhejiang Province, and the District of Musanze, became sister cities, the first ever pair of sister cities between the two countries.
“China-Rwanda relations are now at the best in history. Let’s work together to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries,” he stated.
Amb. Xuekun emphasized the need to work together to advance cooperation in various fields, and inject new momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership to create more benefits for the two peoples.
{{China’s development: A model of growth and global impact}}
Reflecting on China’s achievements over the past 75 years, Amb. Xuekun highlighted how the country has transformed from a society facing shortages of food and clothing into a global economic powerhouse under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
In 2023, China’s GDP reached $17.9 trillion, a 223-fold increase from 1952, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9% over the past 70 years. The per capita GDP rose from $194 in 1980 to $12,700 in 2023, almost matching the global average.
Over the past 75 years, China also made significant strides in improving the quality of life for its citizens. About 100 million of the Chinese population was lifted out of poverty in the past decade. Absolute poverty has been eradicated in China.
The average life expectancy increased from 35 years in 1949 to 78.6 years in 2023. With the world’s largest social security system in place, the Chinese people are enjoying a great sense of gain, happiness, and security.
According to Amb. Xuekun, China has spared no efforts in promoting ecological civilization.
In 2023, China ranked first in the global scale of renewable energy, with more than half of the world’s newly installed capacity.
For 9 consecutive years, China has produced and sold the most new-energy vehicles in the world, accounting for 60% of the world’s total in 2023.
China is now among the world’s top countries in terms of trade, manufacturing, commodity consumption and others. It has contributed more than 30% to world annual economic growth in the past decade, remaining as a robust engine of the world economy.
Among others, China has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, and adhered to the path of peaceful development. The country also established diplomatic relations with 183 countries in the world.
“Looking back on the history in the past 75 years, we are deeply proud of what we have achieved. And we are determined to achieve more,” noted Amb. Xuekun, underscoring the country’s commitment to world peace and development, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
The monument was installed in the north garden area at the UN offices on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, coinciding with the 79th session of the UN General Assembly which opened on Tuesday.
Mellisa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General of Global Communications at the UN, termed the installation of the monument as a permanent tribute to more than one million people who were systematically killed during the 100 days of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
“The Kwibuka Flame of Hope will burn forever as a visual reminder for the international community and all visitors coming here to the United Nations on the need to speak out and say no to hate,” Fleming stated.
“It serves as a solemn reminder of the responsibility that we, as diplomats and representatives of the international community, bear in preventing atrocities. The flame urges us to act when confronted with the early warning signs of mass violence, to ensure that the lessons of Rwanda are not forgotten.”
The Genocide followed years of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech exacerbating ethnic tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi communities in Rwanda.
The international community is blamed for its inaction to stop the Genocide which left many more victims injured and raped.
Rwanda’s Permanent Mission to the UN said the Kwibuka Flame of Hope monument “serves as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.”
The inscription on the statue “The 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda Remember – Unite – Renew” emphasizes the importance of remembering, uniting, and rebuilding as a nation to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for all Rwandans, while honouring the memory of those lost.
Responding to concerns about the risk of division within the continent, Kagame emphasized that the seats should not be held by any single nation permanently
His response was clear: “One permanent seat would have to be held by AU Commission and 2nd seat by African Country on rotational basis!!! Not held by any single country permanently.”
His remarks came after Kenyan Ambassador Martin Kimani, who leads the Center on International Cooperation (CIC), expressed reservations about the current proposal to grant Africa two permanent seats.
Kimani said, “Africa must be strategic in considering these P5 invitations for permanent Security Council seats. Without proper reforms in the AU, the U.S. offer — though welcome — would turn the Union into a club of 2 giants and 53 minnows, deepening division and fragmenting our collective intent.”
“Such changes at the UN must align with, and be secondary to, Africa’s historic journey of integration, or they will become mere feel-good measures that uphold current power structures without better safeguarding international peace, security, and African independence,” he warned.
If Africa were to be granted these two seats, it would help the continent have a stronger voice in decisions affecting its member states on security matters. A permanent seat gives its holder the power to veto decisions supported by other countries.
Kagame’s comments reflect his long-standing advocacy for a more inclusive and united Africa on the global stage. His proposal ensures that all African nations would have a chance to be represented, promoting equity and collective responsibility across the continent.
Juliana Kangeli Muganza previously worked as an analyst in the Strategy and Policy Council at the Office of the President.
She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Oxford University and a Bachelor’s degree from Drexel University in the United States.
Her previous international experience includes working as the Programme Coordinator at the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution from May 2013 to May 2014.
RDB was established by Law No. 46/2013 of June 16, 2013. It is tasked with accelerating economic development in Rwanda by supporting the growth of the private sector.
It also has the mandate to participate in the preparation and implementation of policies and strategies aimed at expediting all economic development activities and assisting both the government and the private sector in actively participating in them.
It is responsible for implementing policies and strategies to promote domestic and foreign investment in Rwanda to accelerate economic development.
Additionally, RDB is tasked with implementing policies and strategies to promote the export of value-added goods and services to regional and international markets, except for those under the responsibility of other entities.
RDB also promotes the tourism sector, participates in the design and implementation of policies and strategies related to tourism, and oversees the conservation of national parks and other key tourism sites.”
He noted that, contrary to the critics, the event drew participants from all walks of life, including individuals from the corporate sector, whom he said are often too busy to meet their “missing rib” through conventional dating.
Unlike conventional dating, which emphasizes longer, one-on-one interactions that allow people to build a deeper connection before deciding to pursue a relationship, speed dating involves meeting a large number of people in a short period to assess compatibility.
“There were so many young diplomats from international embassies in Rwanda, the corporate sector, and young entrepreneurs who don’t have time to go to bars and look for someone, or to ask their families to connect them to others. They want to meet in a more corporate environment, and that was the right place for them,” Bunyeshuri said.
He added, “People who are saying otherwise were not there and probably hate the feeling that people are falling in love.”
Bunyeshuri acknowledged that criticism and the fear of being judged are some of the challenges facing emerging trends in modern dating, especially in conservative societies.
“Speed dating in Rwanda, a very conservative country, obviously faces negative talk and criticism from people. This is expected,” he added.
“With the era of social media, anyone can say anything for likes and views. Young people should stay focused,” he emphasized.
Bunyeshuri is planning another event, which he says will take place between September and October this year.
He mentioned that he has received many requests to bring back the second edition of speed dating but cautioned those seeking to participate that finding a perfect match is not guaranteed.
“I don’t want them to think that when you come, it’s a done deal that you’re going to find someone. It doesn’t work like that—you have to make a connection,” he added.
