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Land is widely regarded as a valuable asset that never loses its worth, with many considering land ownership as the best way to secure wealth. Ordinarily, the government is the largest land owner the Catholic Church holds the second-largest amount of land in Rwanda.

Sources reveal that the Catholic Church first acquired land during the German colonial era, significantly expanding its holdings during the Belgian colonial period and beyond.

The land law established by Belgian colonizers in 1943 granted religious institutions, research organizations, and government entities the right to request unused land from colonial authorities, which was often provided at no cost.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Bishop Rukamba confirmed that the Catholic Church owns vast amounts of land, though he did not specify the exact amount.

However, he highlighted that a large portion of the land is used for the benefit of Rwandans.

“People say it, and it could be true because our land is not just for ourselves. For example, the government recently built schools; many of them were built on Church land. We use Church land to build schools, residences for priests, health facilities, and work with Christians or help them to exploit the land,” he said.

Data from the Ministry of Education shows that schools owned by the Catholic Church or those managed in partnership with the government total 142, accounting for 28.2% of owned schools.

Bishop Rukamba emphasized that in areas where the land is cultivated by a large number of citizens, reclaiming it could lead to significant problems for the government. Therefore, they decided to allow the citizens to continue using the land.

“There are many fields cultivated by citizens, and they give a small token in return. For example, in Save, a large number of people cultivate the land because it is one of the oldest parishes, with many people depending on that land. Removing them would cause significant issues for the government.”

Bishop Rukamba confirmed that although the land is cultivated by citizens, it remains registered under the Catholic Church.

IGIHE was unable to determine the exact amount of land owned by the Catholic Church in Rwanda, but within its nine dioceses and around 200 parishes, the Church holds substantial tracts of land used for infrastructure and other activities.

The fifth Rwanda Population and Housing Census (RPHC5) in 2022 revealed that the Catholic Church has over 5 million followers, accounting for 40% of the Rwandan population, followed by ADEPR with 21%.

Earlier this week, Pope Francis appointed Father Jean Bosco Ntagungira to replace Bishop Rukamba as the new leader of the Butare Diocese, as the latter steps into retirement.

The concept of mandatory military training for Rwandan high school graduates gained attention during recent election campaigns, with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) advocating for a year of military training after high school to instill values and foster national service.

PSD believes this initiative would enhance the youth’s understanding of their role in safeguarding the nation’s integrity.

During a press conference on Friday, August 16, 2024, the RDF leadership addressed ongoing reforms within the Reserve Force, including new pathways for youth entry into this unit. Brig Gen Rwivanga reiterated that Rwanda has not implemented a mandatory military training system.

He stated, “While some countries have compulsory military service, we offer the ‘Indangamirwa’ civic education program, which is not mandatory. Unlike other nations where military training is compulsory for all high school graduates, in Rwanda, participation is a choice.”

He also clarified that the option available in Rwanda allows individuals aged 18 and above to join the Reserve Force, which is distinct from the compulsory military training programs in other countries.

Responding to journalist’s inquiry to know whether the newly announced youth recruitment into the Reserve Force was related to the previously suggested idea of mandatory military service for high school graduates, Brig Gen Rwivanga confirmed that the two are unrelated, emphasizing that Rwanda does not have a mandatory military training programe.

Currently, the RDF has opened registration for Rwandan youth interested in joining the military service through the Reserve Force.

The Reserve Force is one of the four components of the RDF alongside the Army, the Air Force, and the Military Health Service, traditionally comprised of retired regular soldiers who continued to contribute to national security before full retirement.

The RDF has now introduced two additional pathways for entry into the Reserve Force: one for young people who meet specific criteria and another for individuals with specialized skills, regardless of age.

Recruited youth will serve in the Reserve Force, ready to be called upon for military duties as needed. The RDF has invited interested young people to register for entry into the Reserve Force, with selected candidates undergoing six months of training at Gabiro Combat Training Center.

Eligible candidates include those who have completed at least secondary education, with varying age limits depending on their educational level. Secondary school graduates must be not older than 25 years, IPRC graduates not older than 26 years, and bachelor’s degree holders aged 28 years and below.

The Ministry of Defence reported that the training completed on 16th August 2024, included specialized courses for Company Commanders, Platoon Commanders, Sergeant Majors, and Platoon Sergeants.

The rigorous program focused on enhancing military skills, leadership abilities, command and control, strategic thinking, and tactical proficiency.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the RDF’s ongoing efforts to professionalize its forces and prepare them for future challenges.

The graduation ceremony was officiated by Maj Gen Denis Rutaha, Commandant of CTC-Gabiro, on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.

In his remarks, Maj Gen Rutaha congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of career courses in building a capable and responsive military force.

“I congratulate you for this achievement and the RDF at large. The career course in RDF has a big role. Remember, the skills and knowledge acquired here today will help you to respond to the current challenges,” said Maj Gen Rutaha.

These courses are part of existing training programs designed to build a professional and highly skilled army.

Rwanda is among the nations committed to addressing the complexities of its transportation sector, such as the shortage of passenger vehicles, inadequate infrastructure, and the slow adoption of technology. While various measures have been taken over the years, achieving long-term goals for a robust transportation system remains crucial.

In an interview with IGIHE, Rugigana Evariste, the Director General of the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA), outlined significant advancements expected in Rwanda’s transportation sector over the next five years. He emphasized that during this period, the sector will see substantial improvements, including fare adjustments, new payment methods, and the introduction of innovative passenger vehicles in Kigali.

{{Introduction of light rail}}

Rugigana shared Rwanda’s new vision, which includes the modernization of transportation operations through the introduction of a light rail system, also known as a tramway.

“The future of transportation is very promising. We will have an efficient transport system in Kigali, with new payment methods, timely services for the public, modern bus stations, and dedicated lanes for large passenger vehicles,” he stated.

He added, “There is also a plan to introduce a tram system. We are currently finalizing a study to identify the issues in public transportation, but this will be implemented soon.” Rugigana emphasized that the new presidential term, which began on August 11, 2024, will usher in numerous improvements in the transportation sector.

Trams, commonly used in major cities across developed countries, are small trains operating on tracks, known for their efficiency in mass transportation at a low cost.

{{New fares and payment methods on the horizon}}

Rugigana also highlighted upcoming changes in fare structures and payment methods, including the implementation of a distance-based tariff system. Currently, Rwanda employs a Single Fare system, where passengers pay a flat rate for the entire journey.

“Our trials, conducted in collaboration with various institutions, including MINICT, RURA, and RISA, have shown that this technology is feasible, but we now need to establish guidelines to support its implementation,” Rugigana explained.

He assured that once this system is operational, passengers will not have to worry about being overcharged. The ongoing study, expected to conclude by September 2024, is being conducted by a South African company.

Upon its completion, new fare rates aligned with market prices will be introduced. It is important to note that these fare rates may fluctuate depending on global fuel prices.

In addition to new payment methods, there are plans to dedicate certain roads exclusively for buses during peak hours, as part of a study aimed at identifying which roads can be utilized by large buses only.

{{Future of motorcycle transportation}}

Motorcycles are one of the most commonly used modes of transport in Kigali and other parts of Rwanda, making them an integral part of any transportation discussion. Although several initiatives, such as the introduction of sanitation kits and motorcycle fare meters, have been launched in the past, not all have succeeded.

RURA emphasizes that despite the discontinuation of motorcycle meters, there are plans to reintroduce them with significant improvements to ensure both riders and passengers benefit.

“Technology in the transportation sector must be promoted in the best interest of citizens and service providers. Meters will return, but the key is to implement them properly so that both the public and motorcycle owners are satisfied,” Rugigana stated.

He further underscored the vital role motorcycles play in transporting people and the necessity of establishing regulations to ensure their efficient operation.

“We will introduce guidelines to enhance the motorcycle transport sector to ensure it continues to operate efficiently, as many people rely on it. These guidelines must support the growth of the riders themselves and ensure the safe transport of passengers,” he concluded.

Regarding the sanitation kits, Rugigana clarified that they have not been eliminated, and cleanliness remains a top priority. Discussions are ongoing to improve how cleanliness is maintained within the sector.

Traditionally, the Reserve Force was composed of individuals who had served as regular soldiers and reached retirement age, allowing them to continue contributing to national security for a specified period before full retirement.

However, the RDF has now introduced two additional pathways for entry into the Reserve Force. The first pathway is designed for young people who meet certain criteria, while the second targets individuals with specialized skills, regardless of age.

Recruited youth will serve in the Reserve Force, ready to be called upon for military duties as needed. The RDF has invited interested young people to register for entry into the Reserve Force, with selected candidates undergoing six months of training at at Gabiro Combat Training Center.

Eligible candidates include those who have completed at least secondary education, with varying age limits depending on their level of education. Secondary school graduates must be no older than 25 years, IPRC graduates no older than 26 years, and bachelor’s degree holders no older than 28 years.

Upon completing their training, recruits will be commissioned with the rank of ‘Private’ and will have opportunities for promotion based on military service regulations.

Youth joining the RDF through the Reserve Force will maintain the flexibility to combine this role with civilian employment, as they will only be called upon for military duties when necessary.

While on military duty, they will be subject to military law, and upon returning to civilian life, they will be governed by civilian laws. During their military service, they will receive a salary and benefits equivalent to those of regular soldiers of the same rank.

{{No connection with regional insecurity}}

In a press briefing held on Friday, August 16, 2024, RDF leadership clarified the purpose of this initiative. The briefing, attended by RDF Spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga and Col Lambert Sendegeya, in charge of RDF personnel, emphasized that this recruitment effort is not related to recent regional security issues.

Col Sendegeya highlighted that the decision is aimed at providing opportunities for young people who wish to contribute to national security without necessarily joining the regular forces. “The concept of the Reserve Force is not new in Rwandan society. It allows ordinary citizens to support soldiers in protecting the country’s sovereignty,” he explained.

He further elaborated, “These responsibilities require the RDF to continually strengthen its capabilities to address current and future security challenges. This is why we plan to recruit capable and willing youth into the Reserve Force, who can be mobilized when needed to support regular soldiers.”

Addressing questions from journalists regarding any connection between this decision and regional security concerns, Brig Gen Rwivanga stated unequivocally that there is no link.

“This initiative is about enhancing the professionalism of our military. We already have a well-prepared force to protect the country’s sovereignty. This recruitment offers an opportunity for those who want to join the military while continuing their civilian careers. It reflects a professional military force […] The regional security issues have nothing to do with this recruitment.”

Brig Gen Rwivanga also noted that those joining the Reserve Force due to their specialized skills will not be subject to an age limit. Additionally, Rwandans living abroad with specialized knowledge will have the opportunity to join this service and be called upon to serve when needed.