Rwanda is currently in the dry season, which explains the prevailing sunny conditions.
However, Meteo Rwanda predicts an increase in soil moisture during the second and third weeks of August due to anticipated rainfall in those periods.
The first week of August will see typical dry season weather with sunny days, though some regions will experience light rainfall. The forecasted rainfall for August ranges from 0 to 60 millimeters. Specifically, in the western parts of Musanze and Nyabihu districts, the eastern part of the Rubavu district, and a small part of northern Ngororero, rainfall is expected to range between 40 and 60 millimeters.
In contrast, smaller areas such as Nyungwe National Park, Rutsiro district, Ngororero, central parts of Rubavu and Musanze districts, and the northern part of Burera district can expect rainfall between 20 and 40 millimeters. Meteo Rwanda emphasized that this amount of rainfall is typical for August.
Temperature-wise, daytime highs are forecasted to range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, while nighttime lows are expected to be between 6 and 14 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are within the usual range for this time of year.
Additionally, wind speeds are anticipated to increase compared to previous months, especially in the Western Province, where strong winds are expected.
In a statement released on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, RURA Director General Evariste Rugigana said petrol will retail at Rwf1,629 per litre, down from Rwf1,663, while diesel will remain at Rwf1,652 per litre.
The new fuel prices will come into effect from 7:00 PM on August 7, 2024, for two months.
“These adjustments are based on recent fluctuations in international petroleum product prices,” Rugigana explained.
This marks the second time in a row the price of petrol has decreased since April when RURA reviewed the prices of fuel upwards.
Before the review of the prices in April, a litre of petrol cost Rwf 1,637 while diesel cost Rwf 1,632.
In July 1994, after the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) halted the Genocide against the Tutsi, over two million refugees, including Juvenal Habyarimana’s former government forces, fled to the then Zaire (currently DRC), entering through Goma and Bukavu.
These forces, upon crossing the border, regrouped with the intention of resuming the Genocide against the Tutsi. Later, the FDLR, formerly known as ALIR, emerged as a powerful force, with insurgents launching frequent attacks on Rwanda.
In an interview with Top Congo FM while seeking medical treatment in Belgium, Tshisekedi ignored these facts, instead claiming that Zaire rescued Rwanda from an impending calamity.
“DRC, by the time it held the name of Zaire, saved Rwanda from a very intensive catastrophe which would happen if we hadn’t opened borders to an influx of refugees,” he said.
Tshisekedi acknowledged that among these refugees were genocidaires who entered Congo armed, but he downplayed the impact, saying, “Unfortunately, there has been international blindness which allowed Genocide perpetrators to be among refugees and enter our territory with their weapons. They were not disarmed. Today, the burden has shifted from Rwanda to us, affecting our citizens.”
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Tshisekedi overlooked the fact that other countries also received refugees but handled the situation differently from Zaire. For instance, Tanzania disarmed those entering its territory in late April 1994. Tanzania, which was mediating between Rwanda and the RPF-Inkotanyi, arrested several high-ranking officials suspected of having played a role in the Genocide.
One notable example is Jean Baptiste Gatete, who was initially released due to protests from the Interahamwe he led but was later banned from residing in the country and fled to Zaire. Gatete was eventually arrested by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and sentenced to life imprisonment.
A widely circulated photo on the internet shows a pile of machetes confiscated at the Rwanda-Tanzania border, highlighting the stringent measures Tanzania took compared to Zaire, where genocidaires found a safe haven.
Sources indicate that Zaire’s decision to harbor genocidaires was well-informed, as they were supporters of President Habyarimana, who was a close friend of Mobutu, referring to each other as “Elder brother” and “Best friend.”
{{Refusal to negotiate with M23}}
Commenting on possibility for negotiations with M23 rebel group, Tshisekedi declared, “Listen to me well! As long as I am President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I will never sit down with representatives of M23 or AFC for negotiations. I only want to talk with Rwanda for negotiations.”
“If I want to talk with Rwanda, it’s to ask them what their problem is so they can leave us in peace. If they think there’s an issue on our side, we’ll resolve it. They mentioned the FDLR, and today we are in Luanda discussing how to cease hostilities and resolve the FDLR issue,” he elaborated.
However, Tshisekedi’s claims about resolving the FDLR issue ring hollow. For over 30 years, instead of disarming the FDLR, the Congolese government has increasingly collaborated with them.
Currently, the FDLR is integrated with the Congolese military in the fight against M23, with their fighters receiving uniforms, salaries, weapons, and other supplies.
Tshisekedi has often downplayed the FDLR’s existence, at times claiming they no longer pose a threat, while simultaneously collaborating with them.
Analysts argue that resolving the FDLR issue requires Tshisekedi’s government to genuinely dissociate from this group, which continues to foster insecurity and propagate genocidal ideology in the region.
RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, presided over the pass-out ceremony at the Combat Training Centre in Gabiro.
According to the RDF, the comprehensive training covered a wide range of subjects, including Marksmanship Skills, Tactics, Command and Control, Martial Arts, Physical Fitness, and Heliborne Operations.
The pass-out ceremony showcased various demonstrations, highlighting the skills and knowledge acquired by the brigade during their training. Attendees witnessed impressive displays of Tactics, Martial Arts, and live firing exercises, illustrating the brigade’s readiness and capability.
The Rwandan troops often undergo continuous training aimed at better equipping them to handle their mandate of defending the country and offering military support to other countries through peacekeeping missions.
The troops have also been involved in training other soldiers in countries such as the Central African Republic. Together with the Central African Armed Forces, the RDF trained more than 600 soldiers who were enrolled in the Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA) on Monday, August 5, 2024, after completing seven months of basic military training.
Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, attended the pass-out ceremony, which was presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra at Camp Kassaï military barrack in Bangui city.
While addressing the media, the Central African Republic’s Head of State expressed his appreciation for the successful military partnership between Rwanda and the Central African Republic.
General Zéphirin Mamadou, the Chief of General Staff of the Central African Armed Forces, affirmed that the collaboration between CAR and Rwandan troops will continue to yield positive results.
“This graduation marks the second battalion trained by military instructors from the Rwanda Defence Force, with the ultimate objective of preventing the activities of the enemies of peace. I have no doubt that the skills acquired during this course will help in protecting the country and its people,” Mamadou stated.
The deployment of Rwandan troops in CAR aims to combat armed groups threatening the government and destabilizing the country.
RDF has been one of the largest troop contributors to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) since 2014.
Recently, RGB, in collaboration with local authorities, conducted inspections to assess whether churches meet the required standards.
During an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Usta Kaitesi, the CEO of RGB, explained that in nearly two weeks of inspection, more than 13,000 churches were visited to verify their compliance.
Dr. Kaitesi revealed that some closed churches lacked minor requirements that could be quickly addressed, while others required significant adjustments.
Additionally, there were churches operating without proper authorization, with individuals or groups having opened places of worship and erected signs without the necessary permits.
Despite the large number of churches in Rwanda, Dr. Kaitesi emphasized that the issue is not the quantity but whether they meet the required standards.
“The problem is not the large number of churches. The issue is whether this number aligns with our desired standards. Are the churches built according to legal requirements? Do the leaders of these congregations have the qualifications mandated by law? These are the questions we should focus on,” she said.
The inspections aimed to ensure the safety of Rwandans attending these places of worship rather than indiscriminately closing churches.
Dr. Kaitesi highlighted that instead of having multiple non-compliant churches, it would be better to build a single, large, compliant church that accommodates all followers in a safe environment, led by qualified leaders.
Addressing claims that the closures were sudden, Dr. Kaitesi clarified that inspections and assessments of churches are conducted annually, and churches were forewarned.
“This is part of our mandate. At RGB, we have a department responsible for faith-based organizations and other registered entities. This department is divided into registration and operational monitoring and inspection. We have always conducted inspections,” she stated.
In 2018, a similar inspection resulted in the closure of over 7,000 churches for non-compliance, with a five-year grace period granted for rectifying deficiencies.
“The five-year period ended in September last year, and in December 2023, we called them to review their status and submit staff qualifications and operational plans. Some did not have strategic plans, so we asked them to improve and provide that information,” Dr. Kaitesi explained.
In May 2024, RGB again wrote to religious organizations requesting information about their church locations, leadership, and educational qualifications.
According to RGB, some organizations were given time to meet the requirements and allowed to resume operations. However, monitoring and engaging religious leaders to address issues identified during inspections continued.
Among those celebrated was Peter Asiimwe from Uganda. He won a big award for his work in helping his community and showing great leadership.
Also in the spotlight was Rwanda’s own Isimbi Alliance, also known as Alliah Cool. She’s a well-known actress and social media influencer who received an award for her efforts in promoting change and entertaining people.
The event wasn’t just about handing out awards. There was a big dinner with lots of food and drinks that reflected the diverse tastes of Africa. Everyone enjoyed themselves, chatting and laughing through the evening.
The entertainment was just as diverse. There were cultural dances and music that got everyone’s attention, showcasing the rich traditions of different African cultures.
What’s even more exciting is that this event will happen in Kigali for the next three years. It’s a big win for the city to continue hosting such important gatherings.
As everyone headed home, there was a strong feeling of unity and hope. The night was not just about recognizing what has been achieved but also looking forward to what can be done in the future.
This event promises to keep highlighting and supporting the leaders who are making a difference across Africa.
A research conducted by the Institute of National Museums of Rwanda (INMR) in 2006 revealed that Rwanda had more than 530 heritage sites. Since the research was conducted about two decades ago, several reforms have been implemented with the aim of better positioning the national heritage sites.
These changes include the merger of INMR with the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture and Rwanda Archives and Library Services to form the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) in 2020.
Today, the expanded mandate of RCHA includes conserving the sites and collaborating with the private sector to capitalize on opportunities presented by Rwanda’s culture, history, and national heritage to promote the national economy through tourism activities.
With the rise of initiatives such as the Visit Rwanda campaigns, the historic sites in Rwanda continue to witness an influx of tourists who are eager to learn about Rwanda’s history.
This is a highlight of some popular destinations in Rwanda that offer invaluable insights into the country’s rich history, culture, and resilience.
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Located in Nyanza district, Southern Province, the King’s Palace Museum offers a captivating glimpse into Rwanda’s monarchial history. This reconstructed palace beautifully replicates the traditional beehive-shaped dwelling of Rwanda’s former kings.
The museum compound is home to a herd of Inyambo cattle, descendants of the king’s prized livestock. These long-horned cattle, originating from the Ankole breed, were integral to royal ceremonies, adorned with lavish jewellery, and trained to follow commands.
While Rwanda transitioned from a monarchy to a republic in 1962, the preservation of Inyambo cattle continues under the care of the Rwanda Agriculture Board.
Visitors can explore the replica palace, gaining insights into royal life, customs, and governance. The museum also houses artifacts and exhibits that delve deeper into the history of the Rwandan monarchy.
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The Ethnographic Museum, formerly the National Museum of Rwanda, is located in Huye district in the Southern Province.
The museum was built with help of the Belgian government and opened its doors to the public in 1989. It is a rich source of information on the cultural history of Rwanda.
The museum features seven galleries that showcase a diverse range of historical, ethnographic, artistic, and archaeological artifacts, complemented by visual aids to provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of Rwandan culture.
The exhibits begin with displays on geographical and geological aspects, then artifacts related to hunting, agriculture, animal husbandry, pottery, weaving, and woodwork. The museum also highlights traditional clothing, architectural techniques, and the social significance of cattle.
In the final gallery, visitors can explore traditional customs and beliefs, as well as Rwandan history, culture, poetry, oral traditions, and cosmology.
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Located in Karongi district the periphery of Lake Kivu in the Western Province. This is the first environmental museum on the African continent.
The museum spans two floors and features a traditional herbal medicine garden on the rooftop. It displays herbal plants used to treat various illnesses, including sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea.
A large portion of the museum is dedicated to educating both domestic and foreign tourists on the significance of a sustainable environment and how they can contribute to it.
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The Rwanda Liberation Museum, also known as Umulindi w’Intwari, is located in Gicumbi District, Northern Province.
This historic site commemorates the Rwandan liberation struggle that culminated in the end of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. It houses various artefacts, documents, and multimedia displays recounting the journey from pre-genocide events to the liberation struggle led by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and subsequent rebuilding efforts.
At the site, visitors can also explore the former command bunker (trench) of the then-RPF commander, who is now President Paul Kagame.
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Campaign Against Genocide Museum is housed within the Parliament building in Kigali.
The building was the epicenter of the liberation struggle and the museum was erected in its precincts to offer deeper learning of the political events that led to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The museum tells the story of the Rwandan Patriotic Army’s 600-man battalion that was based at the Parliament to protect RPF-Inkotanyi dignitaries who were monitoring the implementation of the Arusha peace accord negotiated with Juvénal Habyarimana’s regime.
However, the implementation of the accord was interrupted after the shooting of President Habyarimana’s plane shortly before the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi which claimed more than a million lives.
The museum showcases the role of RPA in ending the Genocide and restoring peace.
It provides a comprehensive overview of the Genocide against the Tutsi, including its planning, execution, and aftermath.
Additionally, the museum emphasizes Rwanda’s journey towards healing and reconciliation. It serves as a stern reminder of the past and a catalyst for building a brighter future.
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Situated in Kigali, The Rwanda Art Museum is a vibrant cultural hub showcasing contemporary art from Rwanda and beyond.
Previously known as the Presidential Palace Museum, this unique space offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of Rwandan creativity.
The museum aims to foster appreciation for both traditional and modern art forms. It also serves as a platform for artists to connect and share their work.
{{Rwesero Art Museum
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The Rwesero Art Museum, located in Nyanza district, stands as a unique cultural institution.
Originally constructed as a palace for King Mutara III Rudahigwa, it was repurposed into an art museum after the king’s untimely death before occupancy.
The museum houses a diverse collection of Rwandan art, showcasing the nation’s artistic talent and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore a range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and other creative expressions.
The museum’s location within a former royal palace adds a historical dimension, allowing visitors to appreciate the interplay between Rwanda’s past and present.
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The Kandt House Museum, situated in the heart of Kigali, offers a captivating journey through Rwanda’s rich history.
The museum is named after Richard Kandt, a German physician, explorer, and writer believed to be the first European to have thoroughly documented the geography and wildlife of Rwanda. The facility sits at his former residence.
A large section of the museum is dedicated to showcasing Rwandan life in all aspects – social, economic, and political way before and the colonial times.
A snake and crocodile exhibition at the facility is regularly held to help educate the general public about human-wildlife interaction.
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Located in Nyabigoma, Northern Province, Iby’iwacu Cultural Village offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Rwandan culture and traditions.
The village provides an authentic experience of rural Rwandan life, and many tourists flock to the site to share in the local people’s home and heritage treasures, including their lifestyles, activities, artefacts, and ways of living.
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Ndaba Rock is a captivating natural landmark located in Karongi district in the Western Province. The rock’s name is derived from a legendary tale of greed and misfortune.
It is believed that a man named Ndaba lost his life while attempting to retrieve honey from a cave inside the rock. The man’s demise gave the site its name and added to its mystique.
Beyond its mythical allure, Ndaba Rock offers stunning natural beauty, including cascading waterfalls and lush vegetation.
According to a report released by the National Institute of Statistics (NISR), total exports saw a slight increase from US$ 223.73 million in June 2023 to US$ 225.61 million in June 2024, reflecting a modest growth of 0.84%.
However, domestic exports declined by 0.21%, while re-exports increased by 4.15%. Despite this increase in exports, it was insufficient to counterbalance the substantial rise in imports, which surged by 18.39%, raising from US$ 538.23 million in June 2023 to US$ 637.23 million in June 2024.
Several categories experienced significant growth in imports. The value of food and live animal imports increased by 49.62%, rising from US$ 79.23 million in June 2023 to US$ 118.54 million in June 2024.
Similarly, imports of beverages and tobacco grew by 51.83%, and mineral fuels saw a 54.49% increase.
Additionally, imports of chemicals and related products rose by 32.09%, and manufactured goods classified chiefly by material saw a growth of 13.33%.
Examining the export goods by category, food and live animals exports rose by 24.35%, from US$ 19.87 million in June 2023 to US$ 24.71 million in June 2024. In contrast, exports of beverages and tobacco dropped sharply by 33.57%. Crude materials, inedible except fuels, also declined by 19.56%.
On the other hand, the export of chemicals and related products increased by 60.42%, and manufactured goods classified chiefly by material grew by 15.06%.
Rwanda’s main export partners in June 2024 were the United Arab Emirates, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and China.
Exports to the United Arab Emirates slightly decreased from US$ 111.74 million in June 2023 to US$ 107.68 million in June 2024. Exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo grew marginally, while exports to China showed a minor decrease.
China remained a dominant import partner, with imports raising from US$ 105.77 million in June 2023 to US$ 135.22 million in June 2024.
Kenya followed with a dramatic increase in imports, rising from US$ 25.77 million to US$ 130.44 million. Imports from India also grew from US$ 59.45 million to US$ 67.38 million.
In a press briefing last year, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, Soraya Hakuziyaremye, explained that addressing the trade deficit is a long-term journey.
She highlighted measures such as the Made in Rwanda initiative, launched in 2018, which has boosted the production of locally made products, reducing reliance on imports.
Additionally, she emphasized the country’s goal to increase exports, whether from industrial or agricultural products.
The Norwegian firm sold its 54% stake in the project to Fortis Green Fund I Rwanda Holdings Ltd and Axian Energy Green Ltd.
According to the company, the transaction marks Scatec’s exit from the Rwandan market and is part of its broader strategy to optimize its investment portfolio.
“We continue to deliver on our strategy to consolidate our portfolio through divestment of assets in non-core markets, and recycling capital into new investments in renewable energy. We are very satisfied with the closing and would like to thank the teams in Scatec, Fortis, Axian, and other parties involved for a successful transaction.
“We are confident that the new owners will take good care of the solar power plant and continue to deliver clean renewable energy to the Republic of Rwanda for many years to come,” Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog stated.
The buyout supports Fortis Green’s Green Fund I and marks AXIAN Energy’s entry into the Rwandan market.
Fortis Green’s Managing Director, Benito Grimaudo, noted that the acquisition will contribute to development of green energy in Africa. AXIAN Energy’s CEO, Benjamin Memmi, said the acquisition is part of the company’s strategy to diversify its renewable energy assets and contribute to sustainable energy solutions.
The three companies signed the buyout agreement in December 2023, and the deal was scheduled to close before the end of 2024.
The solar power plant, located at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwamagana, began operations in 2014.
The project includes over 28,000 solar panels on a 50-acre site and has significantly improved access to clean energy in Rwanda, serving approximately 140,000 residents.
The generated power was sold under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the state-owned utility, Electricity, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA).
This event aimed to honor the hard work and commitment of ISCO security guards, who play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of BK’s smooth operations. Their dedication not only protects BK assets but also significantly contributes to a positive customer experience. The event provided a platform to formally acknowledge their contributions and celebrate their achievements.
The day commenced with a warm welcome and introduction by BK’s culture team, setting a festive tone for the event. Attendees enjoyed a hearty breakfast, followed by interactive sessions focused on customer experience best practices. These sessions were designed to refresh and enhance the guards’ skills in providing exceptional service to BK’s customers.
One of the highlights of the event was the recognition ceremony, where the top 10 ISCO security guards from various branches were honored for their exemplary performance. This gesture was a token of appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
The event featured engaging speeches from members of BK’s senior management, including Joseph Gondwe, Chief People and Culture, and Sarah Mutawogora, Head of Culture Transformation.
Their addresses highlighted the importance of customer experience and the invaluable role that security guards play in achieving BK’s goals.
“We appreciate the work that you do, providing security for our bank and being the first faces our customers see when they come to get our services. You are our front officers and true BK ambassadors,” said Joseph Gondwe, Chief People and Culture at Bank of Kigali.
ISCO’s senior management also took the stage, expressing their gratitude to BK for organizing the event and reaffirming their commitment to ongoing collaboration. The Director of Security Services, Ruhinda Charles, thanked BK for the amazing gesture of sharing Umuganura festivities with ISCO, noting that BK has many shareholders but chose ISCO to celebrate with them.
“Looking at the 30 years we have worked with BK, we have had the best collaboration, and this gesture today shows that we are going to continue to work together and reach more milestones with our collaboration,” he said.
The Human Resource Manager, Eric Muzungu, who was also present mentioned that ISCO prioritizes not only their clients but also their staff. He acknowledged the various challenges faced and the importance of recognizing and supporting their team.
This celebratory event is not just a one-time celebration but part of a continuous initiative to enhance customer experience and recognize the efforts of those who contribute to BK’s success.
Plans are already underway to extend this initiative to upcountry branches, ensuring that excellence is celebrated and encouraged throughout the organization.
The Umuganura event was a heartfelt and impactful celebration of the ISCO security guards’ dedication and hard work.
