Under the theme “Building Resilient and Sustainable Food Systems,” the exposition serves as a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, explore business opportunities, and foster partnerships that can contribute to the growth and development of Rwanda’s agriculture sector.
According to Dr Olivier Kamana, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, the show aims to showcase the latest advancements and technologies in the agricultural sector.
“It offers an unequalled opportunity to leverage the showcasing of agricultural technologies and innovations, access to financial and entrepreneurship opportunities to fast track agriculture sector transformation,” he said in a statement.
The Agrishow has become a flagship event in the agricultural sector, attracting farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, researchers, and international exhibitors.
This year’s show promises to be bigger and better as it has already started attracting engaging discourse.
Elie Mugisha, a modern farming and communication enthusiast says that sustainable farming and conservation agriculture are some of the issues he is expecting to acquire more knowledge about.
“You will meet expertise in fish farming who are making it a big business nowadays. Do not plan to miss this one,” he said ahead of the event.
The organizers have already received an overwhelming response from exhibitors, with various participants registering for the event so far.
They expect a diverse group of participants from within the region and beyond highlighting the international interest and recognition of Rwanda’s agricultural potential.
Visitors will expect a wide array of exhibits, including agricultural machinery, livestock, seeds, fertilizers, agro-processing technologies, and innovative solutions for sustainable farming practices.
The show will also feature live demonstrations, expert presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, making it a comprehensive and interactive experience for all attendees.
Farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the agricultural sector are encouraged to seize this opportunity to learn, connect, and explore the future of agriculture in Rwanda.
The two leaders met on the side lines of the ongoing Olympics in Paris, France, on Saturday.
In a brief statement, President Kagame said they discussed their shared commitment to fruitful bilateral cooperation, including strengthening partnerships in trade, sports, technology, and environmental protection.
The UK and Rwanda have been developing a strong commercial relationship in recent years, with growing interest in expanding trade volume.
The UK is a leading investor in Rwanda, particularly in the tea sector. More than 150 British companies are registered in Rwanda.
Additionally, the UK government is actively involved in supporting Rwanda’s business environment through initiatives like the Rwanda Investment Climate Reform Program.
{{First Meeting
}}
Saturday’s meeting was the first since Starmer’s Labour Party was voted into government earlier this month, ending the 14-year dominance of the Conservative Party.
Starmer’s ascent to the high office was, however, marked by controversy following his decision to scrap the UK-Rwanda migration deal introduced by the Conservative Party.
The UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership was signed in April 2022. The deal aimed to deter unauthorized immigration, especially people arriving by small boats, by referring the asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The migration scheme was set to kick off in July after a two-year delay occasioned by court battles and opposition from a section of Members of Parliament.
Starmer argued that the policy was neither a deterrent nor value for money. He has pledged to tackle the issue ‘upstream’ by getting rid of people-smuggling gangs behind the movements.
In response to the termination of the deal, Rwanda reaffirmed that it was committed to addressing the global migration crisis despite the setback.
“We remain committed to finding solutions to the global migration crisis, including providing safety, dignity and opportunity to refugees and migrants who come to our country,” the Government said.
Police alongside Uganda People Defence Forces (UPDF) and Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) occupied Kampala streets starting on Sunday evening in anticipation of massive anti-corruption protests.
The heavy deployment followed days of mobilizing people mostly on X to participate in anti-corruption protests which had been dubbed #MarchToParliament. The forces perceived the anti-corruption protests to be a copycat of what is transpiring in Kenya where Generation Z has put President William Samoe Ruto’s government on tenterhooks.
The police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke has now given an update revealing that the first week of the protests expected to be held every Tuesday and Thursday like it is happening in Kenya led to the arrest of 104.
According to ACP Rusoke, between July 22 and July 25, demonstrators attempted to march to Parliament in Kampala, leading to significant police intervention. He said on July 22 nine individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance and traffic regulation violations, all of whom were taken to court.
“One July 23, a total of 75 suspects were apprehended; 74 were subsequently taken to court, while one remains in police custody. On July 24, three individuals were arrested and charged with common nuisance offenses, all of whom were taken to court,” ACP Rusoke said.
Security has further explained that on July 25, sixteen people were arrested of which 13 were taken to court, and three are still in police security. “Overall, 104 individuals have been arrested during this period, with 100 already taken to court. Among those arrested, 13 had prior criminal charges,” ACP Rusoke said.
President Yoweri Museveni has since dubbed the anti-corruption protests as being bankrolled by foreigners with the intention to destabilize Uganda. He said if the anti-corruption protests were not having hidden intentions, he would have been informed and invited to participate as the chief walker.
According to Museveni, anti-corruption protesters are playing with fire as his regime and security agencies won’t allow anyone to throw the country into anarchy.
Police said mobilization placards that called upon Ugandans to occupy all streets in Kampala as part of their march to parliament was going to result in significant traffic congestion, disruption of trade, and disturbances to public order.
Among those arrested before the protests were Francis Zaake, Hassan Kirumira, and Charles Tebandeke from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), along with seven others.
The program was officially inaugurated in Kigali on July 26, 2024, with a focus on promoting inclusive service delivery and the proper use of sign language while interacting with patients with disabilities.
The first cohort of nurses and midwives will commence their training in early 2025, in collaboration with the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in Rwanda (NCPD).
Emmanuel Ndayisaba, Executive Secretary of NCPD, highlighted the importance of having sign language interpreters to bridge communication gaps between deaf patients and healthcare providers.
He noted that these gaps often lead to patients feeling uncomfortable discussing their health issues, which can result in inadequate health care provision.
“We face significant challenges in delivering services to people with disabilities, particularly in the healthcare setup. Patients sometimes struggle to communicate directly with doctors, a situation that should be handled with confidentiality,” Ndayisaba explained.
“Reliance on others for interpretation can lead to embarrassment and incomplete communication about health matters,” he added.
Caroline Ikiriza, an RNMU staff member, expressed enthusiasm for the training program. As one of the few healthcare workers already fluent in sign language, she is eager to share her expertise with her colleagues.
“We are here to learn so that we can train our peers. This initiative is a vital advocacy effort by RNMU to prepare training sessions for nurses and equip them with sign language skills,” Ikiriza said.
RNMU Chairperson André Gitembagara outlined the program’s objectives, emphasizing the need to address challenges faced by people with disabilities in healthcare settings, particularly in rural areas where these issues are more pronounced.
“Consider a woman coming to give birth who cannot speak or hear. Providing appropriate care in such cases is a significant challenge for nurses or midwives,” Gitembagara said.
“In rural areas, the absence of interpreters further complicates communication with healthcare providers. Additionally, some nurses and midwives themselves have disabilities,” he emphasized.
In 2023, RNMU trained 40 nurses in Kigali who work at patient reception services. The current initiative begins with training national RNMU leaders on inclusive service delivery, with plans to extend the training to district-level RNMU leaders, and eventually to hospital and health center staff.
By the end of 2025, RNMU aims to have 200 nurses and midwives proficient in sign language, with ongoing training efforts planned for subsequent years.
The meeting occurred on Thursday, July 26, 2024, before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, which bring together over 10,000 athletes from various sports disciplines.
“President Infantino and President Kagame met at FIFA’s new offices in Paris ‘to discuss ongoing cooperation and new opportunities to further develop football in Rwanda,” reads a statement from the President’s office.
During the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games, Rwanda is represented by eight individuals who will compete in cycling, athletics, swimming, and fencing.
Last year, Infantino was re-elected to head the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) for a second term running from 2023 to 2027, during the 73rd FIFA Congress held in Kigali.
President Kagame thanked him for his role in the initiative to renovate Amahoro Stadium, which is among the top stadiums in Africa.
That is the state in which I found Nadine Tuyishime, a mother of a young boy whose ordeal is a life-sobering experience.
Six years ago, her son (name withheld), was born a happy baby like many others but the joy that comes with the birth of a child was not to last long because he was born with Autism.
The boy could not express his needs or communicate well until the age of four, necessitating the continued use of diapers. He remained silent when spoken to, behaving as if he had a hearing impairment. His mode of communication was very unpredictable.
“If you took something he wanted or didn’t do what he wanted, he would throw himself on the ground in anger to indicate his displeasure,” she reminisces.
Before Tuyishime discovered that her son was autistic, she would often discipline him physically, hoping to correct his behaviour. While this approach did lead to some changes, it also caused her son to become secluded.
“I tried to correct this by beating him, which made him stop, but he also stopped loving me. This was very hard to comprehend as a parent,” she explains.
With the help of relatives and friends, Tuyishime enrolled her son into a school of children with special needs know as Autism Rwanda Center where his ability and sense of acumen have greatly improved.
Her son is one of 11 children who recently graduated from the centre after showing great improvement in social behaviour and displaying readiness and willingness to get integrated into regular school programs.
Despite the improved ability of his son, Tuyishime has endured emotional breakdown because of a time she felt helpless regarding her son’s condition.
“He enrolled in nursery school with limited speech, but eventually, he stopped talking altogether. This was the biggest heartbreak I have ever encountered in my life,” she said with a tinge of bitterness and despair in her voice.
On a lighter note though, Tuyishime’s son has emotionally stabilized and is now ready to attend regular primary school even though he still needs constant monitoring.
Mothers of children born with Autism often think that it is a curse or condemnation for having done something wrong during the pregnancy to cause the problem.
Most of them go through emotional breakdowns because such a condition causes significant cognitive delays in growth, making it difficult for the children to keep up at the same level as their peers. They do not go through regular schooling programs like others.
However, once put in a safe environment, free from the mistreatment of those who do not understand his condition, autistic children are able to learn basic life skills such as reading and writing.
At a young age, most of these children are unable to adapt to varying conditions, their speech is blurred, they can’t easily express their needs and cry frequently.
A lot is required in transforming autistic children, especially in helping stabilize their emotions.
Parents are usually advised not to force things when they notice something unusual with their children, but rather seek adequate information about the issue and find early ways to help instead of judging without understanding.
{{What is Autism?
}}
Autism is a developmental disorder that affects the brain and nerve function, resulting in mental disabilities. It causes unusual behavior and makes it difficult for individuals to understand why they need to perform certain actions.
Those with autism often exhibit selective eating habits, struggle to control their emotions, and have difficulty understanding social interactions, sometimes remaining silent as if they do not comprehend.
They are generally averse to changes in their routine, which can lead to intense frustration when their environment is altered or when they are placed in unfamiliar situations, affecting their emotional stability.
Additionally, they face challenges with speech, sometimes repeating the same word multiple times or failing to string together coherent sentences, which contributes to cognitive delays, requiring special attention.
Medics say that there is not proven cause of Autism and most of the time it can be detected when a child is about two years old.
“Autism is typically diagnosed around two years of age because that’s when the social, behavioral and verbal dysfunction becomes clearer. Most of the time it’s diagnosed after two years especially if the child is on a milder spectrum,” says Doctor Edgar Kalimba, a senior consultant Pediatrician at King Faisal Hospital.
Currently, there are no government centres in Rwanda for people with autism apart from private institutions Autism Rwanda-Center.
Rosine Duquesne Kamagaju, the Director at the centre urges the government to establish affordable support systems for children with autism, as parents with limited means cannot access necessary assistance.
“We earnestly ask the government to continue supporting us. They help a little, but we need more substantial efforts. Parents are suffering, but these children are capable,” she said.
Duquesne Kamagaju shares the view that establishment of similar centres in other provinces is very important as some will have to make long-distance travels to access such facilities in Kigali.
At Autism Rwanda, children receive optimum care to stimulate their brains, stabilize their emotions, help them interact socially, and provide basic education as if they were in regular schools.
Murangira B. Thierry, the RIB spokesperson, stated that these incidents have occurred since 2019. However, the number of cases has shown a gradual decline: 91 cases in the 2019/20 fiscal year, 61 cases in 2020/21, 41 cases in 2021/22, a slight rise to 58 cases in 2022/23, and 46 cases in 2023/24.
Youth make up 90% of these victims, with 168 individuals aged between 18 and 30, 102 under the age of 18, and 27 over the age of 30. Additionally, women constitute 75% of the trafficked individuals, while men account for 25%.
Murangira explained that the trafficked individuals include both Rwandans and foreigners transiting through Rwanda due to its well-established international transportation network.
Many are enticed by promises of jobs and other opportunities abroad, particularly in Asia, but often fall victim to human trafficking due to naivety and a lack of critical thinking, trusting strangers who offer help without expecting anything in return.
“There is an element of human gullibility because the victims often do not receive complete information from their traffickers. Some people leave to marry someone they met on Facebook or Instagram, without knowing anything more about them,” Murangira noted.
“Others are lured by promises of education or marrying wealthy men abroad. Some knowingly go to work as prostitutes under the impression that it is respectable, only to find themselves exploited,” he added.
Murangira emphasized that people should not be swayed by everything that glitters, mistaking it for gold, and should be cautious of strangers offering lucrative jobs without knowing them. As he explained, every country has unemployed citizens, noting that such offers should raise suspicion.
Regarding the tactics used, Murangira said, “The first thing traffickers do is tell the victim to keep everything secret, warning them that ‘if you talk about this, it won’t happen.’ This secrecy is intended to prevent the victim from seeking advice and questioning the trafficker’s intentions.”
He also mentioned that some individuals are intercepted at borders, appearing reluctant to disclose their destination, and are subsequently returned. Parents have also approached RIB upon noticing their children seeking travel documents under suspicious circumstances, believing they are being lured by promises of education or marriage abroad.
From 2019 to June 2024, 85 people have been rescued through collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with 79 of them being women. These individuals often used social media, particularly WhatsApp, to send distress messages back to Rwanda, prompting RIB to coordinate their rescue with other agencies.
Murangira called on the public to avoid being lured by vague promises of benefits abroad, as this provides loopholes for trafficking. He revealed that some of those rescued now work with RIB in campaigns against human trafficking.
Kabarebe made the remarks on Thursday, July 25, 2024, while taking youths from the diaspora on a tour of the Gikoba Liberation Trail in Nyagatare District, a site used by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) during its liberation struggle from 1990 to 1994.
At the time, Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe was the commander of the forces protecting the RPA leader Kagame during the war.
During the tour, Kabarebe told the Rwandan youth from various countries that during the early months of the war, there was constant fighting day and night as government forces attempted to dislodge them, but their determination helped them to prevail.
From January to May 1991, the struggle consisted of guerrilla attacks aimed at weakening and confusing the enemy, causing him to disperse his forces.
In June of that year, Kagame, who was the commander of the RPA, decided to send his troops to an area called Muvumba, choosing it because the abundant banana groves provided good cover and food to sustain the troops.
Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe revealed that they were preparing to engage in a new, entrenched form of combat rather than guerrilla attacks.
“He decided to move the troops from the mountains, changed the tactics from mobile guerrilla warfare to positional warfare. He instructed all the commanders and the soldiers to dig trenches just across here. He brought all the military leaders to show them his trench and asked them to dig their own. They were to face the enemy. The enemy well equipped with artillery, with mortars, with APCs, armored personnel carriers, helicopters, and everything,” he revealed.
Kabarebe disclosed that he was the one who dug that historic trench, which is still visible today.
“I was the commander of the force that protected the president and I am the one who dug this trench,” he added.
Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe noted that the battle was tough because then Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana had put all his efforts into fighting the RPA forces. However, sustained attacks on the government army forced the former Head of State to give some concessions, allowing for peace negotiations in Arusha, Tanzania.
“There was a time when Habyarimana sent many troops, heavily armed. The fighting was intense. Do you know what the Chief of Staff told us? He said, ‘We will never leave this place, even if we have to dig trenches under those mountains and hide there, but we will stay here.’”
“He wanted to tell us that no matter what happens, we should not leave this area and fight until we win.”
From that time, the RPA forces began to encircle the enemy, digging trenches that surrounded the government forces, cutting off all supply routes for food and other necessities, and also blocking their own escape routes.
Whoever starved first would be forced to abandon their positions.
“There was no point in time when our force ever succumbed and left its defence because of hunger. Our level of resilience was very, very high,” he stated.
The war would go on for more than three years until the RPA forces captured Kigali and ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Meanwhile, during the tour, Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe urged the young people from the diaspora to emulate the patriotism of the youth who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle.
From its lush national parks teeming with wildlife, to its vibrant cities and welcoming people, Rwanda promises an unforgettable [journey->http://www.Easyride.rw]. Here’s why you should consider making Rwanda your next travel destination.
According to Forbes’ Bucket List Travel, there are as many reasons to visit Rwanda as there are people who call it home. The 26,338 square km area is home to over 14 million people, making it one of the most densely populated nations on the African continent.
Yet, it stands out as a leader in conservation efforts, (with four national parks) ranked as the third greenest place globally by The World Travel Guide, 2015.
In Rwanda, you will find tourists searching for a luxury experience, those roughing it in campsites or seeking out the country’s famous gorillas and chimpanzees- a small tip on the iceberg.
From historical inspirational museums, to incredible meals served high above the city’s lights, Rwanda is full of promise and wonder. Exploring it will leave you emotional and enlightened.
Some must-do experiences to add to your itinerary include gorilla trekking to see mountain gorillas, visiting national parks like Akagera and Nyungwe, Gishwati-Mukura for wildlife species, golden monkey trekking, boat cruises, bird sighting, to mention but a few.
You can also explore traditional dance and rich culture through visits to cultural villages like Ibyiwacu in Kinigi at the foothills of the Volcanoes National Park. Rwandan hospitality will leave an indelible memory.
Rwanda is also home to the “Big Five (wildlife species),” thanks to conservation efforts that reintroduced extinct species like rhinos and lions.
Additionally, Rwanda is one of the safest African countries, ensuring security for tourists during their stay. The country’s cleanliness and ease of access are also significant pull factors.
Notably air transport is readily at hand with Kamembe Airport and Rubavu Airstrip facilitating domestic travel while Kigali International Airport serves as the main gateway for international tourists, offering direct flights to numerous cities worldwide.
This experience is deeply felt and appreciated by tourists who have witnessed Rwanda’s attractions firsthand.
“As a tourist in Rwanda, I was captivated by the breathtaking landscape, the thrill of gorilla trekking in the misty mountains, and the warmth of the Rwandan people,” says George Tinashea from Zimbabwe.
“From exploring the vibrant streets of Kigali to relaxing by the serene shores of Lake Kivu, every moment was a beautiful blend of adventure and culture. This enchanting country is a testament to resilience and hospitality, and it left an indelible mark on my heart,” he confesses.
For Kerim Abdel Rahim from Egypt, Rwanda is a must-visit place considering the great moments he had in the country.
“Rwanda has captured my heart with its breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and warm hospitality. It’s a place where adventure meets serenity, and every moment feels like a cherished memory in the making,” he says.
This amazing experience is shared by Suzgo Chitete from Malawi and Patrick Mogani from the Central African Republic.
They both recount that the order and security in Kigali make it a compelling destination, attracting visitors for another trip to Rwanda.
Frank Muzungu, Managing Director of [Kigali Car Rentals->http://www.Kigalicitytour.com], shares his view noting that Rwanda offers a combination of nature, adventure, and culture.
“From trekking through the forest for gorillas to hanging out in Kigali visiting the [eco-parks ->http://www.gorillatourrwanda.com]where one watches hundreds of birds including the treasured grey crested cranes, doing a canopy walk and primates watching in Nyungwe forest Rwanda offers everything one would wish for,” Muzungu says.
“It’s a special place which you may want to never miss out on as you will feel emotionally attached to the land, the people, and nature. It is a country that truly reinvigorates your soul and defines the spirit of travel,” he adds.
Due to a variety of attractions and government initiatives, the tourism sector has grown significantly.
Reports from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) indicate that the sector generated growth from 1.4 million visitors in 2023, surpassing 2019 revenues with a recovery rate of 124% from the hurdles of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Domestic tourism increased to $47.7 million, contributing to increased visits to national parks which generated $35.79 million in 2023.
Volcanoes National Park registered the highest increase of 38% in visitors, followed by Akagera National Park with a 24% increase, and Nyungwe National Park with a 10% increase. Nyungwe National Park was declared a World Heritage site in 2023.
According to Rugwizangoga, the Chief Tourism Officer at RDB, the growth results from strategies to position Rwanda as a unique high-end, low-volume, eco-tourism destination, and conservation efforts.
The country has consistently participated in top global tourism business fairs over the past 20 years, including ITB Berlin, We Are Africa, ILTM (Singapore, Cannes, and Virtuoso), where Rwandan travel agencies engage with tourism buyers.
Rwanda’s capacity to attract top hospitality global brands such as One&Only, Singita, Radisson, and Marriott, the promotional role played by Visit Rwanda partnerships, as well as incentive opportunities for local and international investors are also key factors for such incredible growth.
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 29 years ago, Luladey Takele Teshome has been captivated by the world of art since childhood. Over the years, she has developed a passion for telling unique stories through artistic cultural curation, aiming to inspire positivity in society.
Luladey moved to Kigali about six years ago, where she has continued to explore her creativity through various mediums, including painting, design, photography, and ink sketching. She is currently the Art Project Management Consultant at the British Council, after several years in Rwanda’s education sector.
IGIHE caught up with the sassy artist at the Mundi Centre in Kicukiro district, where she is showcasing a solo art project she has been working on over the last two years.
Luladey explains that the collection of artwork dubbed “Blue Circle” depicts her journey of discovery and rediscovery. The artwork conveys different emotions, aiming to inspire people to experience life as a full circle, embracing both lows and highs with optimism.
“The circle is the emotional circle – the growth that we are going through. Wherever we are today is not where we are going to be tomorrow. Sometimes you feel the peak, sometimes you feel the low, and sometimes you are just on the journey,” Luladey stated.
“There are pieces that are about my highs, the things that make me happy, the things that make me hopeful. And then there are lows that make me feel sad, vulnerable and lonely,” she added.
She explains that the blue colour is used to depict different emotions in her drawings and paintings having changed its identity over time.
“The blue colour has been associated with concepts such as tranquillity, stability, trust, loyalty, and spirituality. It’s often considered a calming colour, evoking feelings of peace and serenity,” she says.
Luladey’s exhibition at Mundi Centre features several paintings and 11 ink sketches.
She is passionate about one of the paintings titled “Blue Moon,” “A blue moon is something that comes once in a season. It signifies that whenever we experience peaks or lows, each moment is as present as you can be, and can only be lived once. If you’re sad about something once, you won’t be sad about the same thing at the same level every single time. It will shift over time.”
More than a hundred artists attended the first day of the three-day solo exhibition on Thursday, July 25, 2024.
The highly interactive session was more than just a moment to appreciate art; it was also a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to network and challenge each other in pursuit of their dreams.
“I would want us as artists and the general public to give ourselves a challenge to overcome something we wanted to do but didn’t. We have the capacity to break that barrier in our way. So just lift that up and do what you said you will do,” Luladey said, citing her solo exhibition as a big win.
Artists Jackson Manzi and Carley Cyuzuzo lauded Luladey’s work and urged other colleagues in the industry who didn’t manage to attend the exhibition to take advantage of the remaining two days to learn something new from Luladey’s creativity.
“Any artist willing to come will learn something from her. She is a good artist – she’s really good at what she does. The message she’s giving out is good for anyone who wants to feel the love and feel free,” Cyuzuzo noted.
The exhibition continues on Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27, 2024.
Unlike Thursday’s exhibition, which was limited to invited artists, Friday and Saturday’s exhibitions will be open to the public.
The Friday session is scheduled to start at 11 am and run until 9:00 pm, while Saturday’s session will close at 5:55 pm.
The Saturday session will be special and will feature a talk between Luladey and another artist, Sophie, from 1 to 3 pm. Afterwards, the floor will open to a highly engaging session dubbed “create, critic, and connect.
Luladey’s captivating paintings and drawings will be available for acquisition throughout the three-day expo. Prices range from $251 to $940.
