✓ 23-02-2021 » Daily(ereyesterday) performance table [ktpress.rw]

Rwanda Stock Exchange has launched a business guidebook that will specifically enable small and medium enterprises to sustainably address challenges and opportunities in the business sector in Rwanda. The SMEs Guidebook, authored by -Alexey K. Voynets was virtually unveiled this Tuesday February 23, 2021 by officials from Rwanda Private Sector and capital markets partners.  Officials…

KT Radio listeners will this afternoon follow a new programme that addresses education’s pressing issues during this period where COVID-19 pandemic from, time to time interrupts good continuation of in-class sessions. Coming at 2PM, the program “EdTech Monday Rwanda” is a Mastercard Foundation and Rwanda ICT Chamber initiative that aims to spark the Education Technology…

Rwanda and the People’s Republic of China this Friday signed an economic and technical cooperation grant and a debt cancellation agreement to cushion Rwanda’s economy through the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant agreement worth Renminbi (RMB) Yuan 400 million (approximately $60 million) and a debt cancellation agreement worth RMB Yuan 40 million (approximately…

[caption id="attachment_62997" align="alignnone" width="632"] Urwego Opportunity Bank. Credit Photo: Hope Magazine[/caption] Over 1,000 farmers have recovered their rights to work with and get all services from their respective banks after the government ordered the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) to scrap them off the list of loan defaulters with Urwego Community Bank. The maize farmers, from…

[caption id="attachment_62993" align="alignnone" width="800"] Celestin Ntawirema, RJSD spokesperson[/caption] A group of local journalists will next week launch an organization aimed at training YouTubers while also helping upcoming journalists to access necessary information as they build up their career. Recognized as non-profit organization, the Rwanda Journalists for Sustainable Development (RJSD) will officially launch its activities on…

The United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (UNIRMCT) has condemned in the strongest terms any denial of the Genocide against the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. A message posted on twitter, by Judge Carmel Agius, the president of UNIRMCT said: “The international criminal tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) unequivocally concluded that this Genocide was a…

[caption id="attachment_58117" align="alignnone" width="681"] L- R: Callixte Nsabimana, Paul Rusesabagina, Herman Nsengimana[/caption] A joint terrorism case trial involving Hotel Rwanda film ‘hero’ and two former spokespersons of National Forces for Liberation (FLN) will be live-streamed for the public to follow, officials have said. The joint trial will involve Paul Rusesabagina and FLN former spokesmen Callixte…

[caption id="attachment_62887" align="alignnone" width="780"] Environment conservation, activities that benefit the community will be part of CBC[/caption] Rwanda has published a new Companies Act that allows the incorporation of Community Benefit Company (CBC) for companies with primarily social objectives aimed at community development rather than the founding individual. The act that was in parliament since November…

[caption id="attachment_62883" align="alignnone" width="760"] Laurence Uwambaje, Managing Director, Umwalimu Sacco[/caption] The Teacher’s Savings and Credit cooperative, commonly known as Umwalimu SACCO has said it will enter into amicable negotiations on loan financing with private school teachers who have had issues with financing their loans due to COVID-19. The decision comes after several private school teachers have raised…

[caption id="attachment_47829" align="alignnone" width="640"] Medical practitioners at work at Rwanda Cancer Centre[/caption] A recent report on the state of Cancer in Rwanda presented early this month on World Cancer Day shows that cervical cancer (cervix uteri) remains the most dominant among the 10 cancers diagnosed in Rwanda. This is followed by breast, prostate, stomach, and…

On April 19, 2020, the Ministry of Health, report of one Miss Vivine Uwizeye picked up from her home early morning after showing severe symptoms of COVID-19 went viral. She tested positive together with her two children and a house maid. It was alleged that she was running an illegal brothel and bar in Gatenga,…

Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed arrest of a catholic priest for allegedly sexually abusing a 17 year old boy in his parish community. Father Habimfura Jean Baptiste, the parish priest of Ntarabana parish in Kabgayi diocese was arrested Thursday February 11, 2021 at Rusumo border post as he allegedly tried to escape into neighboring…

[caption id="attachment_59969" align="alignnone" width="800"] Nirere Madeleine, the current Ombudsman[/caption] The Rwanda Parliament has approved a proposed bill to amend the existing law determining the responsibilities, powers, organization and functioning of the Office of Ombudsman in Rwanda. The proposal will see the Office of Ombudsman lose some of its responsibilities in dealing with injustice but also…

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana has presented a new and revised budget framework to Parliament that will enable Rwanda to deal with the economic impacts of COVID-19. The revised budget virtually tabled to the legislative assembly will see an increase in budgets of key COVID-19 intervention areas especially in health,…

[caption id="attachment_62732" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Tour du Rwanda has been rescheduled for May.[/caption] Its Official, the International Cycling Union (UCI) has validated May 2-9 2021 as official dates for the 2021 Tour of Rwanda professional cycling competition to be held across Rwanda. The confirmation announcement was made public by the Rwanda Cycling Federation (Ferwacy) this Wednesday…

[caption id="attachment_62715" align="alignnone" width="1080"] EAMA awards launch ceremony in December 2020[/caption] Rwandans operating businesses through the Mombasa Port located on the Indian ocean in Kenya, stand a chance to win the second East Africa Maritime Awards (EAMA), officials of Kenya Ports Authority have said. The awards scheduled to take place on May 21, 2021 in…

Rwanda has received a set of robots that will support the country in decontaminating COVID-19 as part of the ongoing fight against the global pandemic. The three solar powered robots, worth $210,000 were donated on February 9, 2021 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of Japan, adding to already existing strategy…

[caption id="attachment_12473" align="alignnone" width="658"] Monique Nsanzabaganwa, the chairperson of New Faces New Voices (NFNV) Rwanda[/caption] Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, 49, was elected this Saturday as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission. She had a total of 42 votes out of 54 beating contenders-Uganda’s Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi, who got 10 votes and Djibouti’s Hasna Barkat Daoud,…

The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (Minagri) has through HortInvest project partnered with Agriterra- a development and advisory organization of the agricultural sector in the Netherlands, to improve the farming of approved strawberry varieties. The two Dutch strawberry varieties (Bravura & Furore) imported from Flevo Berry BV, a renowned strawberry breeding company in the…

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a donation of US$ 1.024million for the implementation of a project to manage customer complaints through artificial intelligence in Rwanda, Zambia and Ghana. The project announced this February 6, 2021 will also enhance financial inclusion for national banks of Rwanda, Ghana and the Commission on Free Competition and…

[caption id="attachment_19525" align="aligncenter" width="850"] The national carrier RwandAir is eying the New York route via Accra, Ghana.[/caption] Rwanda’s national carrier RwandAir has filed an application with the U.S Department of Transportation (DoT) to begin flights between Kigali and New York tapping into the growing market and traffic between the U.S and Rwanda. The application submitted…

[caption id="attachment_61101" align="alignnone" width="2048"] The Minister of Health Dr. Ngamije said COVID-19 is proving to be deadlier than thought.[/caption] Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije, has said he will take the first COVID-19 vaccine to prove the efficiency. Rwanda is one of the four countries in Africa (including South Africa, Cape Verde, Tunisia) that…

The cabinet meeting has approved offering Rwandan nationality to five people who have been contributing greatly to the country development. The five beneficiaries includes David Toovey who works with Spruik-a local Public Relations and Communications company and social media influencer and promoter of #VisitRwanda campaign. Also on the list is Yann Gwet, a Cameroonian author…

Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) has announced the arrest of Jovin Mfitumukiza who escaped from Muhanga prison at the end of last month January 2021. The nabbed suspect, and a former beneficiary of a presidential pardon (May 2o2o), had been remanded following an alleged murder of a taxi-moto operator in Shyogwe sector, a crime he allegedly committed…

[caption id="attachment_62180" align="alignnone" width="1000"] President Paul Kagame [/caption] President Paul Kagame has reminded Rwandans that they can too, be heroes of the nation if they join hands to win the current war against COVID-19 pandemic. Every February 1, Rwandans celebrate the National Heroes day an event organized to pay tribute to the people who exemplified and…

The Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour (CHENO) has said that Rwanda could soon have more persons on the list of heroes if the submitted list is approved by cabinet. There are currently three official categories of heroes in Rwanda. These include: Imanzi, Imena and Ingenzi. Imanzi category which is in two…

[caption id="attachment_29340" align="alignnone" width="940"] A piece of land in Masoro, Ndera sector of Gasabo district[/caption] Before the end of this month, new amendments in the disputed increases on land and immovable property tax regime will be announced, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning said this afternoon. The announcement comes after government at the end…

[caption id="attachment_62288" align="aligncenter" width="873"] President Biden has undone most of the deals and protocols the former President Donald Tump had removed the U.S.[/caption] The U.S Government has announced plans to ratify Kigali Amendment on phasing down super-polluting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol, a deal that the former US president Donald Trump trashed in 2017.…

The 11th Edition Rwanda Bribery Index (RBI) 2020 has found a decrease in amounts of cash involved in bribes but also an improvement of the country’s corruption perceptions. The report, virtually launched by Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda) office on Thursday, showed that bribes giving trends have reduced to reach a national average of less than…

[caption id="attachment_30658" align="alignnone" width="1085"] Potatoes farmers selling their products in Musanze[/caption] Government of New Zealand has committed NZD 4,200,000 (est Rwf3billion) to Rwanda from 2020-2023 as part of its new partnership with the Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA), in support of smallholder farmers across Africa. The contribution is part of the NZD6.8million meant for Africa…

[caption id="attachment_58614" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Rusesabagina with his former lawyers David Rugaza and Emeline Nyembo.[/caption] A joint terrorism case trial involving Hotel Rwanda film hero and two former spokespersons of National Forces for Liberation (FLN) has been postponed due to Covid19 challenges. The trial in a High Court Chamber for International Crimes was supposed to kick…

[caption id="attachment_60432" align="alignnone" width="690"] L-R: Nsabimana Callixte and Herman Nsengimana[/caption] It is already more than one year since the self-proclaimed Major and former spokesperson of National Forces for Liberation (FLN), Callixte Nsabimana was arrested in Comoros Islands in April 2019. Nsabimana was in the same month extradited to Rwanda to face justice over 16 criminal…

[caption id="attachment_62057" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Sandra Uwera CEO Comesa Business Council[/caption] The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Business Council has proposed a new digital financial inclusion program that will have to be adopted by member countries to kick start affordable, accessible and timely digital payment systems in the micro, small and medium enterprises…

The ministry of sports has said that sports activities are not permitted during the current lockdown on the city of Kigali, but exercising at home limiting oneself within the village zone remains open. The clarification comes after Kigali residents, especially expatriates who have commonly seen jogging on the streets of Kigali had raised concerns over…

[caption id="attachment_62001" align="alignnone" width="900"] President Kagame speaking at the AfCFTA signing ceremony in March 2018[/caption] President Paul Kagame has been recognised for his endless efforts put in the process, initiation and formation of the One Africa continental trade agreement- African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). AfCFTA, the largest free trade area in the world, began…

[caption id="attachment_61955" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Aline Mukansanga a tailor in Kimisagara said she will have to take new strategies as schools close[/caption] Parents have made mixed reactions over the government decision to temporarily close schools in order to stop more spread of COVID-19. On Sunday the Ministry of Education announced that all day schools in Kigali,…

           Claudine Nyirandagijimana, is a female entrepreneur and owner of La Divine International Christian School, a kindergarten and primary school located in Busanza, Kanombe sector, Kicukiro district in Kigali city. After graduating in Business Administration in 2015, she decided the following year to invest Rwf80million in establishing a school to promote Christian values which she…

[caption id="attachment_61870" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Several African leaders who have been actively involved in the realization of AfCFTA will be recognised today.[/caption] Ten African Heads of State will today be awarded for exceptional contribution to the AFCFTA process, the African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina has said. Adesina said the virtual award ceremony, which is open…

[caption id="attachment_29727" align="alignnone" width="800"] Teacher at Kazo Primary School in Kamonyi district shows a student what she should have done during school quiz. Mock exams are a much bigger quiz to prepare students to national exams[/caption] The Rwanda Education Board (REB) has announced recruitment of half of the number of trained teachers who applied to…

[caption id="attachment_61817" align="alignnone" width="660"] SKOL employees doing community work[/caption] Rwanda’s beer producer, Skol Breweries Limited, has announced plans to continue supporting Rwandans in three focus areas of social, economic, and environmental development as part of the brewery’s 2021 Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR). This comes after a successful year of CSR activities in which Skol was…

Public tertiary institutions have reported a tremendous increase in number of students applying for university scholarship compared to previous years. While ongoing classes resumed in November 2020, students who wrote, passed the 2019 national exams for A level, and applied for government scholarship had yet to know their fate until last Sunday when the Ministry…

[caption id="attachment_57882" align="aligncenter" width="711"] Like the City of Kigali, all secondary and satellite cities are expected to have their masterplans to be implemented as soon as they are approved.[/caption] All satellite and secondary cities will have the master plans fully approved by June this year the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) has said. The eight towns that…

[caption id="attachment_61705" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Fr. Ubald Rugirangoga was feted for his miraculous work by many congregants who believed in him. He filled stadiums wherever he went.[/caption] Rwandans were on Friday afternoon hit by shocking news following the death of Fr Ubald Rugirangoga- a prominent catholic priest who will be remembered for two things- diligently serving…

 Two local companies, founded by young Rwandans, have announced plans to bring an augmented and interactive experience to book reading in Rwanda. The partnership worth $10,000 between Augmented Future Ltd, a local Rwandan company and Imagine We -a local publisher house will see use of 2Dimension or 3Dimension animations added to new and existing books…

[caption id="attachment_61599" align="alignnone" width="500"] Celestin Rwabukumba, RSE boss[/caption] The Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) market has set its eyes on pushing for more investments, company listing alongside having the bourse trading activities automated with the regional platform. RSE Chief  Executive Officer (CEO) Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, who is currently Chairman of the East African Securities Exchanges Association (EASEA) said…

[caption id="attachment_61571" align="alignnone" width="1440"] Gianni Infantio, FIFA president opening the FIFA regional office in Addis Ababa - February 2019[/caption] The cabinet meeting on 4th January 2021 approved the Host Country Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to host a Regional Development Office in Kigali. The center will…

 The year 2020 will be remembered as a year of Coronavirus (Covid-19) that added more stress to economies, businesses, communities, and individuals to a specific level. The World Health Organisation figures show that 1 in 3 persons have a mental health problem, and with Covid-19 pandemic stress due to forced lockdowns, loss of jobs and…

Rwandan Genocide Scholar Tom Ndahiro has said that 2020 was a year of justice to Rwandans despite security threats caused by the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Ndahiro who has a relatively wide experience in regional security and documenting genocide history in Rwanda said that though Covid-19 was a security threat in itself, the pandemic lockdown…

[caption id="attachment_61504" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Test kit and other reproduction health services at AHF stand[/caption] The year 2020 has concluded with a clear concern of the youth to seek to know their status in regard to HIV/AIDS. The numbers of youths seeking to either acquire condoms or seeking to know their HIV/ Aids status at the…

Trading amongst countries in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will officially kick start its activities tomorrow January 1, 2021. An Extraordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) on the AfCFTA which took place virtually on 5 December 2020 approved the start of trading under the AfCFTA Agreement as 1 January 2021.  The initiation…

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reminded the general public to enjoy New Year’s celebrations responsibly in compliance with the government directives meant to prevent further spread of COVID-19. With nine months under Covid-19 and the festive season celebrations already in, Police Spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that Rwandans can beat the…

The normal business of plenary sessions, committee meetings at Rwanda parliament starts at 9 AM and close at 6PM. In the meeting rooms, the parliamentarians sit and meet together to decide on new policies, laws and hear proposals of government officials inside the House. Physical gatherings at parliament was halted since March 14, 2020, when…

[caption id="attachment_58884" align="alignnone" width="640"] Pastor Jean Uwinkindi[/caption] The Court of Appeal in Kigali has upheld a life sentence handed to genocide convict Pastor Jean Uwinkindi five years ago. Uwinkindi was arrested on June 30, 2010, in Kampala, Uganda and transferred to the United Nations (UN) detention facility in Arusha, Tanzania. In November 2010, the International…

Fireworks at Kigali Convention CentreCelebrating entry into the New Year with fireworks is relatively a very new tradition in Rwanda, and since 2017, at every end of year Kigalians have been getting a treat of seeing and hearing dazzling fireworks blasts from around key locations in the city. With COVID-19 now in its ninth month…

Affordable houses complete at Kinyinya suburb in Kigali city President Paul Kagame has asked government officials to consider a review on the recent increase on the land taxes regime, an issue that had raised public debate. The recent government announcement indicated an increase on land taxes (immovable properties) as hiked from the initial regime of…

[caption id="attachment_61268" align="alignnone" width="1080"] President Paul Kagame addressing the media[/caption] President Paul Kagame has said that Rwanda will officially ask South Africa to look into the need to arrest genocide fugitives who are said to be living in South Africa. Rwandan Genocide suspect Fulgence Kayishema, is believed to be hiding in South Africa along with…

[caption id="attachment_61250" align="alignnone" width="640"] EASF Director, Brig Gen Getachew Shiferaw Fayisa receives the organisation's flag welcoming new Chairperson of Council of Ministers[/caption] South Sudan entry as a full member of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) will top the 2021-2022 agenda as the organization plans to increase its forces in the region.The EASF organization currently…

[caption id="attachment_61225" align="alignnone" width="699"] Under study: Kibeho Basilica[/caption] The Catholic Church in Rwanda has appealed to all Bishops, Priests, Religious, Lay Christians, Friends of Kibeho, and all people of good Will to support its cause in acquisition of more land for the Shrine of the Virgin Mary at Kibeho. The Kibeho shrine, has since the…

SKOL Brewery Ltd has added its footprint in preventing environmental plastic pollution while introducing the first mineral water product packed in an eco-friendly returnable glass bottle. The new “Virunga Water” bottle was launched December 18, 2020 at the Skol plant located in Nzove, Nyarugenge district, in a ceremony where a new water production line was…

Friends of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) have committed continued support to the organization’s goals but also called for a replication of its exclusive methodology to other multidimensional Forces of the African Standby Force (ASF) under the African Union (AU). The EASF is one of the five AU-mandated forces comprised of 10 member countries…

[caption id="attachment_61143" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Min. Anastase Shyaka[/caption] The Ministry of local Government in partnership with United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has launched a new project that will focus on building community resilience and sustainable food security. The US$8 million project dubbed “Sustainable Market Alliance and Assets creation for…

A survey conducted by Ericsson has showed that 5G internet network will drive economic growth and human needs in the next decade but also generate $299billion in revenues in the ICT market players. According to an Ericsson survey conducted in November 2020, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region alone will be able to generate…

  The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) has called on member states to ensure timely funding contributions to enable the organization to properly implement peace and security operations in the region. The EASF is a regional organization whose mandate is to enhance peace and security in the Eastern Africa region.  It is one of the…

[caption id="attachment_61031" align="alignnone" width="800"] President Paul Kagame[/caption] President Paul Kagame has asked members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to consider an inclusive agenda that brings on board African countries as the organization looks forward to a post Covid-19 recovery plan. Established in 1961, OECD is an international organisation that works to…

Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) has called on investors to invest in the local bourse which has managed to witness newly listed companies like Cimerwa Plc, make good profits despite of the Coronavirus impact on many businesses in the country. Cimerwa Plc, listed (by Introduction) on the Rwanda Stock Market in August becoming the tenth local…

Women coffee farmers have said the Nestlé- Zoégas program not only increased the number of female coffee growers, thus increasing exports both in quality and quantity. Nestlé-Zoégas and Sucafina’s second phase of the Nescafé Plan-Coffee by women program was launched last year and is implemented by the Kahawatu Foundation, with objectives of increasing women’s participation.…

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) has committed to working with the Rwanda Network of Environmental Journalists (RNEJ) as part of it plans of extending financial support to journalists who specialize in reporting environment issues. James Fahn, Executive Director, Internews’ Earth Journalism Network a project that operates under a global media support organization- Internews said that…

[caption id="attachment_60883" align="alignnone" width="714"] Officials at the presentation of Rwanda Governance Scorecard 2020[/caption] Despite the challenges of Coronavirus Rwandans feel much safer and secure, the 7th edition report of Rwanda Governance Score card (RGS) released by the Rwanda governance Board (RGB) has showed. The RGS is a quantifiable index that gauges the state of governance…

[caption id="attachment_60877" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Dr. Donatile Kanimba[/caption] Rwanda Organization of Persons with Deaf-Blindness (ROPDB) has requested the government to place persons with multiple disabilities in a special classification category if their challenges are to be addressed individually and collectively. The organization (ROPDB) which was formed out of the existing Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB)…

[caption id="attachment_60840" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Bhavik Shah (left) washing hands at Kigarama Market[/caption] The British High Commission in Rwanda has pledged its continued support to Rwandans access the vaccines as part of its contribution in the fight against the new coronavirus globally. This commitment was made by Bhavik Shah, the Commission’s Political Attache in Kigali, who…

[caption id="attachment_12729" align="alignnone" width="675"] An irrigated farmland in Rwentanga,Nyagatare district in Eastern Rwanda. A farmers' bank will improve farming[/caption] In March this year, the ministry of agriculture pleaded with parliament to push for the establishment of a farmer’s bank to address the challenge of lack of access to agriculture financing. In response, the Agriculture Minister…

Get Safe Online (GSO) Rwanda has launched a website that will help Rwanda online technology users get information and guidance that will enable them to prevent and mitigate risks of being victims of cyber-attacks. The website www.getsafeonline.org.rw (in Kinyarwanda) containing comprehensive information on online safety and cybersecurity comes after months of GSO running online safety…

[caption id="attachment_60779" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Edward Kyazze (right) from the ministry of infrastructure, led the project stakeholders' consultative meeting[/caption] Rwanda is working on a new urban housing plan that will engage the private sector in implementing the redevelopment of unplanned settlement in the capital Kigali. The “Inclusive Redevelopment of Unplanned Settlements” project announced Monday, will enhance…

[caption id="attachment_60776" align="alignnone" width="1024"] World AIDS Day festival in Kigali, this weekend[/caption] Rwanda Biomedical Center and its partners in the fight against HIV/Aids has called on Rwandans to remember that the virus is equally a danger as COVID. Erneste Nyirinkindi, in charge of HIV/Aids information, education and behavioral change communication at RBC said that the…

President Paul Kagame has lauded the Pope and the Catholic Church for its efforts in improving its relationship with Rwanda which was tainted 26 years ago by the genocide against Tutsi in which the church played a significant role. Taking into account that the Catholic Church has only been in Rwanda for 120 years, Kagame…

President Paul Kagame has asked fellow African leaders to fully engage the private sector as a way of seeing a successful launch of the Africa continental Free Trade (AfCTA) which is supposed to officially start early next year. Two years ago, Kagame led other African leaders to sell the idea of a continental free trade…

[caption id="attachment_60721" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Pupils holding the SHRH handbook which contains accurate scientific information on reproductive health[/caption] Increased teen pregnancies has evidently become one of the crucial current societal problems in Rwanda which has left government seeking for ways to end cases of child sexual abuse. The Ministry of Health report shows that in 2017…

[caption id="attachment_60697" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Coffee cupping at NAEB[/caption] The European Union (EU) through the ministry of finance has injected over €2.5million in training coffee farmers to improve the production of high-quality coffee. The 4-year Coffee Value Chain Development (CVCD) project will be implemented by Istituto per la Cooperazione Univesitaria (ICU), together with Kahawatu Foundation and Positive…

The minister of education has said the school year 2020-2021 will be revised following the uncertainties presented by OVID-19 but warned schools to desist from taking advantage of the crisis to hike school fees. The minister’s remarks come after parliament on Tuesday raised concerns over a long post covid-19 school calendar year which pushed some…

[caption id="attachment_60682" align="alignnone" width="655"] L-R: Rusesabagina and the two FLN former spokespersons- Nsabimana and Nsengimana[/caption] The High Court Chamber of International and Cross-border Crimes has ruled in favour of having a joint trial of a terrorism case involving leaders and members of Rwanda Movement for Democratic Change- National Liberation Front (MRCD-FLN). The joint trial of…

[caption id="attachment_2765" align="alignnone" width="660"] The government has provided several scholarship packages for education students[/caption] School graduates seeking university education have been applying for a government scholarship which they have to repay once employed, but the government has given out an incentive for students in the education sector. Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente told Parliament yesterday,…

Internet banking is one of Rwanda’s strategic initiatives to enhance banking services and drive the cashless economy by 2024. A 2020 Central Bank report shows that the target has been to improve the Quality of Banking Services by Integrating Internet banking with Financial Management Information System-FMIS in 2020. According to the report, the total volume…

[caption id="attachment_8566" align="alignnone" width="680"] Elephants in Akagera National Park[/caption] The Akagera National Park has set new prices for game visits in 2021, with slight increase, discounts and retention of some prices that were set for this year. In a statement released this week, the park said effective January 15 2021 new entry fees will see…

[caption id="attachment_60612" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Yang Shengwan (far right) witnesses flag off ceremony of 2019 Rwanda Top ICT students[/caption] More top Rwanda ICT university students selected under the ‘Seeds for Future’ program will this year continue an online training as a result of the challenges of the new Coronavirus crisis. The ‘Seeds for Future’, is Huawei’s…

[caption id="attachment_60595" align="alignnone" width="680"] Kampala Pitchette Sayinzoga(L) the CEO Development Bank of Rwanda and Africa Entrepreneur Collective Rwanda Trustee Company Ltd. (AEC RT) director Julienne Oyler[/caption] The Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) has floated subsidiary financing that will be used to finance development activities for refugees living in Rwanda and their neighboring communities. The funding…

[caption id="attachment_60566" align="alignnone" width="680"] Minister of Finance and Economic Planning- Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana[/caption] Rwanda’s Minister of Finance said last week, that the Covid-19 crisis compelled the government to borrow more money which has moved the country's status from low risk to moderate risk, but this “has not changed Rwanda’s rating in debt management.” Normally countries…

[caption id="attachment_60552" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Usta Kayitesi(2nd right), RGB CEO launching the CSOs report[/caption] Rwanda Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have launched the first report on their contribution to the country's transformation which indicates that from 2018-2019, the organizations contributed a record $196million to Rwanda’s development. The report dubbed “Delivering to Rwanda’s Transformative Agenda” was published November…

The Nyarugenge Primary Court has sentenced former Prime Minister, Dr. Pierre Damien Habumuremyi to three years in jail over a case in which he was charged with financial crimes. Habumuremyi is the owner and chairman of the board of directors of Rwanda Christian University. Following a lawsuit filed by the persons from whom he borrowed…

[caption id="attachment_60455" align="alignnone" width="717"] Jacques Kabandana, Ericsson Country Representative[/caption] Digital transformation driven innovative solutions and 5G internet to propel Africa towards the digital future were some of the highlights at the 2020 Virtual Africa Tech Festival (AfricaCom) from November 9 to 12, 2020. The unprecedented event of 2020 has brought into focus the critical role…

The defense attorneys in the terrorism case involving suspects Callixte Nsabinama and Herman Nsengimana have finally agreed to have a joint trial of their clients who are accused of manning communications strategies in the terrorist group - National Liberation Front (FLN). Callixte Nsabinama was arrested in 2019 and subsequently succeeded by Herman Nsengimana, who was…

[caption id="attachment_60427" align="alignnone" width="1000"] KCB Bank General Headquarters[/caption] Atlas Mara Limited and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Group Plc has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 62.06% of issued shares in Banque Populaire du Rwanda Plc (BPR). BPR, which is run by Atlas Mara since 2016 is one of Rwanda’s most popular bank with branches reaching…

Rwanda and the Republic of Korea have signed a financing agreement worth Rwf64 billion ($66.2 million) to reinforce Rwanda’s power transmission and grid expansion. The deal was signed this morning between Rwanda’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana and the Korean Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary to Rwanda, Jin-Weon Chae, under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund.…

[caption id="attachment_60372" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Busanza estates[/caption] The Minister of Local government has announced plans to start resettling families of citizens who have been living in the disputed wetlands in Kangondo 1 and Kibiraro in Remera sector, Gasabo district, commonly known as ‘Bannyahe’. For two years, residents living in these disaster-prone and high-risk areas especially during…

Despite Covid-19 challenges on Rwanda’s economy, the financial sector continued to be sound and stable with sufficient capital and liquidity, the Central Bank said recently in its annual report. For total assets of financial institutions increased by 16.2% in the financial year 2019-2020 to Rwf5, 747billion of the 603 regulated financial institutions. The report shows…

Five courts in the City of Kigali will this week pilot a new model Rwanda has taken to replace a jail sentence with other forms of punishment for convicted felons, according to the Judiciary. The new out of court “mediation” model will be tried out in the primary courts of Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, and the…

The Chief Justice Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo has said that plans to publish names of persons who sexually abuse children is under consideration as requested by the parliament. Dr. Ntezilyayo said that the current legal reforms will consider this aspect but all partners in the justice sector have taken up ‘arms’ to combine efforts in addressing…

The Director-General of the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana and Dr. Thomas Kurz The Ambassador of Germany in Rwanda on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will kick start use of Sniffer dogs in tracking Covid-19 cases. The project dubbed “Scent Identification of COVID-19 using dogs” to detect people infected with…

[caption id="attachment_60301" align="alignnone" width="468"] Sergeant Robert[/caption] Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Military Prosecution Department (MPD) has started an investigation in the alleged defilement case involving one Rwanda’s musician soldier- Sergeant Major Kabera Robert a.k.a “Sergeant Robert”. The announcement made this Monday suggests that Sergeant Robert allegedly committed the crime on a female minor in his family. “The crime…

Rwandan pro cyclist, Mugisha Moise has won Cameroon’s cycling competition Grand Prix Chantal Biya For four days, the 23 year old rider maintained the Yellow Jersey and pedaled to win Stage 1, 3 and 4 at the 20th Grand Prix Chantal Biya in Cameroon which ended this Sunday. Mugisha didn’t win stage 2 but managed…

[caption id="attachment_60280" align="alignnone" width="973"] Victor Nkindi, Founder and CEO of Hooza[/caption] A Rwandan digital innovative media company, Hooza, is planning to use its mobile services product to intervene in the country’s bid to create information-based solutions to addressing the issue of increasing teenage pregnancies. With the increased access to the mobile phone in Rwanda, the…

President Paul Kagame has called on leaders of the Great Lakes Region to engage in collaborative efforts to maintain security and public health challenges currently facing the region. Kagame was addressing the 8th virtual Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) on November 20, 2020 attended by, among others, President Denis…

[caption id="attachment_39119" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Central Bank Governor John Rwangombwa[/caption] The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) Governor, John Rwangombwa has said that Rwanda’s automated financial payment systems will next year February start operating in full swing running 24 hours, seven days a week. The Rwanda integrated payments processing system (RIPPS) comprises of Automated Transfer System (ATS)…

A military court in Kigali has heard initial defence arguments and evidence of the 31 suspects charged with cases of terrorism, treason and formation of illegal armed groups with intent to destabilize peace and stability in Rwanda. The 31 suspects include their leader retired Major Habib Mudathiru, four (4) Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) low ranking…

[caption id="attachment_60253" align="alignnone" width="684"] BK Urumuri 2020 winners[/caption] Bank of Kigali, under its Urumuri initiative awarded another batch of interest-free loans worth Frw 25million to outstanding women-led business in Rwanda. The BK Urumuri Initiative, launched in partnership with Inkomoko in 2017, is part of the Bank of Kigali’s corporate social responsibility intended to empower young,…

The Rwanda Parliament on Wednesday approved draft laws approving the ratification of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASAs) between Rwanda and 5 Countries namely Brazil, Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Somalia and Tunisia. Also called air transport agreement, the air service agreement allows international commercial air transport services between signatories. In a plenary session that…

President Paul Kagame has expressed the wish for a rapid restoration of peace and stability in the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, where forces in its northern Tigray region have thrown the country into turmoil. Kagame made the remarks this Wednesday while receiving a delegation led by Demeke Mekonnen, Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of…

[caption id="attachment_58609" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Rusesabagina talking to his lawyer David Rugaza[/caption] Rwanda’s Prosecution has filed a High Court case seeking in-substance trial of Paul Rusesabagina. The case submitted this Monday also involves other 17 members of Rwanda Movement for Democratic Change- National Liberation Front  (MRCD-FLN) who allegedly worked as Rusesabagina's accomplices to commit terrorism, murder,…

The fourth group of 80 to 100 refugees and asylum seekers who were stranded in Libya will be evacuated to Rwanda this Thursday, Nov.19, 2020, adding to the previous groups that were taken in starting last year. The temporary reception of Libya refugees and asylum seekers is in line with the framework of the Emergency…

[caption id="attachment_60057" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Mobility Month Rwanda campaign[/caption] The European Union (EU) in Rwanda has awarded Rwandan citizens who choose to walk or bike to their workplaces as part of personal contribution to reducing Green House Gas (GHE) emissions in the country. The award ceremony held at the EU offices in Kigali, witnessed Rwandan journalist…

The Parliament has tasked the government to streamline issues underlying non-compliance to the Office of the Auditor General Reports, after the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report showed a decline in compliance. The PAC report showed that from 2012 to 2019, implementation of OAG recommendations dropped from 60% to 45% with an average of 6% annually.…

Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings, has died at the age of 73. Rawlings whose death was confirmed on Thursday at noon Ghanaian time had been hospitalized at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital since Sunday. Rawlings was Ghana’s military’s leader for a brief period in 1979. From 1981 to 1992 he presided over a second military government…

The Organisation of Women in Sports (AKWOS) has embarked on a programme aimed at promoting peacebuilding in families, conflict resolution and gender equity. Akwos is an organization that was set up to empower East-African women, starting from Rwanda, through sports and education to remove stereotypes that held woman back from enjoying sports. In the aftermath…

[caption id="attachment_3007" align="alignnone" width="663"] John Rwangombwa, Governor central bank[/caption] The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has released its annual report that shows the banking sector having had a successful year, despite the economy slowing down due to the new coronavirus pandemic outbreak in March. The 2019/2020 report shows that despite the COVID-19 crisis, the Bank…

Rusesabagina and his former lawyers David Rugaza and Emeline Nyembo Nyarugenge intermediate court has once again postponed an appeal hearing in the case of Paul Rusesabagina, after he sighted difficulties in meeting with his newly appointed lawyers. KTPress has also learnt that the suspect is negotiating with his former defense team which he dropped recently.…

[caption id="attachment_59386" align="alignnone" width="679"] Kabuga has been transferred to The Hague.[/caption] Rwandan genocide suspect, Félicien Kabuga will make his first appearance before the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT-Mechanism) without the participation of the public, the UN court has said. In a communique released this Monday the court said that Kabuga will stand a…

A collaboration between BioNTech and Pfizer to develop a potential Covid-19 vaccine has witnessed a breakthrough that could change the face of curbing the second wave of the global pandemic. The two next generation immunotherapy companies today announced that their mRNA-based vaccine candidate, BNT162b2, against SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated evidence of efficacy against Covid-19 in participants…

As Rwanda adjusts to a new normal in digital payments in the aftermath of COVID-19, BKTechouse has rolled out UrubutoPay, a school fees payment system that parents can use without moving. BkTechouse has launched a smart and comprehensive system that will help parents and schools to have full control over school fees payments. With Urubuto…

[caption id="attachment_59813" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Ruzima speaks during the Hamwe Festival 2020 Media Breakfast on Saturday. All Photos/Illume Creative Studio[/caption] Bill Ruzima, 20, is a performing artist who is little known in the Rwandan music industry but has been singing since age six and has always had an ambition to do what he likes most in…

Prosecution has sought an eight year sentence and a compensation fine of over Rwf890million for the former Prime Minister, Pierre Damien Habumuremyi, who is in court over dishing out unbanked cheques and betrayal of trust of his business associates. The former PM and his co- accused, Charles  Sebushyana this Friday appeared before the Nyarugenge intermediate…

Rusesabagina and his former laywers David Rugaza and Emeline Nyembo-file photo The Hotel Rwanda 'hero' Paul Rusesabagina has requested to have a new lawyer whom he "can afford to pay". On Friday, Rusesabagina appeared via video conference means in Nyarugenge Intermediate Court to appeal the 30-day remand that he was given by Kicukiro Primary Court…

[caption id="attachment_59755" align="alignnone" width="600"] Rwanda Senate-File photo[/caption] The National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC) has said that there is progress being made in unifying Rwandans but more efforts will have to be put on proper education of the young generation about the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. The commission was created in March 1999 to promote…

African Development Bank has signed a grant agreement with Rwanda to support the Rwanda Coding Academy, set up to develop top technology talent to drive a booming, innovation-driven digital economy. The grant funding agreement of $150,000 from the Rockefeller Trust Fund which the Bank administers was signed on November 5 between Rwanda’s Ministry of ICT…

The Akagera Park has embarked on fitting some of the Big Five game animals with GPS to ensure their safety and monitoring. This Thursday, the park announced it has in the past week fitted Global Positioning System (GPS) collars on five giant elephants, five lions and put Very high frequency (VHF) transmitters inside horns of nine…

[caption id="attachment_59709" align="alignnone" width="800"] Some of the products of Champion Grocers[/caption] Two Rwandan have been nominated among the finalists for 2020 Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Awards. AWIEF pan-African entrepreneurship and innovation is a non-profit initiative which nurtures and actively promotes women innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa, through its development programs of accelerators,…

[caption id="attachment_59692" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Rwanda Parliament[/caption] The Inter-Parliament Union (IPU) Governing Council has confirmed that, Rwanda will host the  next Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly and related meetings. Formed in 1889, the IPU is a global organization of national parliaments empowers parliaments and Members of Parliaments to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development. Rwanda is one of…

[caption id="attachment_59674" align="alignnone" width="702"] Kiziguro Genocide memorial under construction[/caption] The National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) has embarked on major projects to preserve genocide memory and history. One of them is Kiziguro genocide memorial site being erected near the catholic church where 5,500 Tutsi took refuge and ended being killed and dumped in…

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed on temporarily opening borders for essential services amidst standing measures taken to prevent spread of the new coronavirus. The decision was taken this Monday during a joint cross border meeting between Rwandan and DR Congo officials aimed at assessing the Covid19 situation along the Bukavu-Goma border…

[caption id="attachment_59613" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Kigeme-Nyhamagabe district: Buses taking refugees to Mahama refugee camps in Eastern Province[/caption] On the Nyungwe highway – southern province this morning, dozens of buses lined up in a convoy to transport the excited refugees who have for eight years been hosted in Kigeme camp, home to 18,000 Congolese refugees and asylum…

Teams of parliamentarians today descended the countryside to spend a full week on an outreach program intended to assess socioeconomic activities and how communities are dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. The organic law determining the functioning of the Chamber of Deputies required that the chamber organises at least two outreach visits aimed at conducting an…

[caption id="attachment_59588" align="alignnone" width="1024"] President Paul Kagame in a past event. The President on Sunday wrote a congratulation message to Cardinal Antoine Kambanda[/caption] Rwanda has concluded a week that, despite the ongoing fight against COVID-19, saw several celebrations of achievements and the Catholic Church could have found one of the most legitimate reasons to celebrate.…

The First Lady Jeannette Kagame and Chairperson of Unity Club Rwanda has called on Rwandans to take the ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ concept as a basis for rebuilding the country that was torn apart by the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. Mrs. Kagame was this morning addressing the 13th Unity Club Forum (UCForum) 2020, themed "Ndi Umunyarwanda:  Igitekerezo-ngenga cy’Ukubaho…

Rwanda Social Security Board –RSSB has published the status of subscription of the community based health insurance (CBHI) 2020/2021 which has reached 81.1% at national level as of this month. CBHI program commonly known as Mutuelle de Santé: is a solidarity health insurance system in which persons (in families) come together and pay contributions for…

A Senate committee report has showed that the eastern province has the highest number of citizens who take the law in their hands and mostly because of being victims of theft cases. The Senate Political and Governance committee was on Thursday presenting findings of its consultative meetings with government over the issue of some citizens…

The Office of the Ombudsman has given its opinion on the issue of evacuation and expropriation of businesses and activities whose owners have considered to be unjustly done. This comes after members of parliament raised citizen’s concerns over the recent government move to start relocating all persons living and business located in wetlands. During the…

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has classified Rwanda’s Gishwati Mukura Landscape as one of the few areas in the world full of life in its natural composition. The landscape was declared as UNESCO biosphere reserve during the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme (UNESCO MAB) International Co-coordinating Council meeting on October 27th-28th,…

The Ombudsman report has pointed to serious loopholes in dealing with cases of corruption at the local and central level despite increased efforts in sensitization in fighting the vices. While presenting the 2019-2020 report to both senate and chamber of deputies this Tuesday, Ombudsman Anastase Murekezi showed that citizen’s willingness to provide information on corruption…

[caption id="attachment_59411" align="alignnone" width="1080"] L-R: Ambassador Nguyen Nam Tien of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the ambassador of Korea, Jin-Weon Chae and extreme right: Ambassador Saleh Bin Suleiman Bin Ahmed AL-Harthi of the Sultanate of Oman[/caption] Three new ambassadors on Tuesday morning, presented their credentials to President Paul Kagame and committed to enhance bilateral relations…

[caption id="attachment_59401" align="alignnone" width="1080"] NPSC Vice Chairperson Council of Commissioners, Agnes Kayijire[/caption] The National Public Service Commission (NPSC) has recommended government to take tough punitive measures on officials who take unlawful decisions on jobs of civil servants resulting to government losing millions in court cases. The commission on Monday October 26 showed to parliament that government…

Parliament has passed an amended bill that extends the mandate of Abunzi community justice whose five-year term expired two months ago. Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice in Charge of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Solina Nyirahabimana who tabled the bill told parliament that the planned Abunzi elections exercise was delayed due to Covid-19…

[caption id="attachment_54721" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Mahama Refugee Camp in Kirehe District which hosts about 60,000 Burundian refugees has registered a number of COVID-19 cases.[/caption] Rwanda has this Friday registered a slightly increased number of New Coronavirus cases after new cases continue to rise in the refugee camp in the Eastern part of the country. After days…

[caption id="attachment_59322" align="aligncenter" width="1054"] A screen grab of the First Lady Mrs. Kagame addressing the virtual summit on Friday, October 23.[/caption] The First Lady Mrs Jeannette Kagame says the New Coronavirus outbreak has had an ‘unparalleled’ impact on countries and economies and it will require improved collaborations and solidarity to fully recover from the damage…

[caption id="attachment_59249" align="aligncenter" width="873"] An artistic impression of the planned housing units.[/caption] Shelter Afrique yesterday approved the development of an approximately US$400 million housing project in Kigali, in partnership with Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) and the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD). The Kinyinya Park Estate Project- composed of 10,000 integrated and sustainable large-scale houses…

The Kicukiro Primary Court has heard a prosecution appeal to extend the detention of Hotel Rwanda 'Hero’ Paul Rusesabagina. Rusesabagina was on September 17 denied bail and detained for 30 days to allow investigation into his case. He also lost bail case in appeal – October 2nd. The Prosecution on Tuesday said that they need…

[caption id="attachment_56014" align="aligncenter" width="831"] Former PM Habumuremyi (middle) in a previous court appearance.[/caption] Former Prime Minister Dr. Pierre Damien Habumuremyi today reappeared in a primary court in Kigali to battle in depth, a case of alleged financial crimes committed as President of the Board of Trustees of the Christian University of Rwanda. Habumuremyi who also before his arrest…

[caption id="attachment_48074" align="aligncenter" width="801"] Former State Minister Isaac Munyakazi sentenced to 10 years.[/caption] The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on Friday slapped the former Minister of State in-charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Isaac Munyakazi with a ten-year sentence in jail for abuse of power. The embattled former Minister, who resigned in February has since been…

[caption id="attachment_59141" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] CNLG's Yvonne Mutakwasuku during the presentation in Parliament.[/caption] The National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) has appealed to government to staff the institution with more researchers and employees who can enable the body meet its mandate. Yvonne Mutakwasuku, the Vice President of the Council of Commissioners at CNLG told…

[caption id="attachment_59138" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Top (left) Evode Uwizeyimana, Prof. Dusingizemungu and Epiphanie Kanziza are among the new Senators coming in.[/caption] President Paul Kagame has, pursuant to the constitutional powers given to him, appointed four senators to replace some of the six outgoing senators who completed their eight year mandate this October 10, 2020. Based on…

The Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has asked Parliament to advocate for the commission to get more budget support and permanent residence in Kigali so as to improve its performance in monitoring, research and services to citizens. The call was made by Marie Claire Mukasine, the NCHR Chairperson while presenting to both…

[caption id="attachment_59097" align="aligncenter" width="2171"] Facebook is under scrutiny for not doing anything about Genocide denial.[/caption] Facebook announced on Monday it was banning any content that denies the existence of the Holocaust but new information shows the company won't extend the same to other recognized genocides. The social media giant told Bloomberg that it won’t extent this service…

[caption id="attachment_38957" align="aligncenter" width="680"] Senators found that some Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) are overly congested.[/caption]   Senators have highly recommended that the government moves to implement a Presidential order allowing works of community interest as an option of serving a prison sentence, as a solution towards decongesting some of the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) facilities…

[caption id="attachment_56103" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] A farmer tending to a coffee plantation. Many on social media called for the reconsideration of Ubudehe categories.[/caption] The newly revise Government social protection scheme (Ubudehe) categories have drawn mixed feelings with citizens using social media platforms to say that the new categories are out of touch with reality and have…

[caption id="attachment_59036" align="alignnone" width="873"] Jacques Kabandana, Country Manager of Ericsson Rwanda[/caption] With its strong investment in 4G and 5G internet networks and introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) cognitive algorithms in the company’s package, Ericsson has claimed a leading position as a game-changer in the use of technology for economic development. KT Press talked to Jacques…

First Lady of Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame has expressed deep concern over increasing cases of child sexual abuse, which has moved from affecting the girl child but also the boy child. Mrs Kagame said that this is a shame which calls for something to be done through concerted efforts in the Rwandan community especially involvement of…

[caption id="attachment_10742" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Prof Dr Dusingizemungu Jean Pierre - President of Ibuka paying tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in 2017. 26 years on, Survivors still grapple with Mental Health Issues. File Photo[/caption] The umbrella association of Genocide against the Tutsi survivors Ibuka is calling for more funding and attention on…

[caption id="attachment_58817" align="alignnone" width="655"] Karongi market among the projects that caused concerns in parliament[/caption] Mukase Valentine, vice mayor  Karongi district has for another consecutive year failed to convince the parliament Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on efforts to change its management of public tenders especially the controversial cross border that has remained defunct for years. To…

In preparing for the transfer of Félicien Kabuga to the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) President Judge Carmel Agius has assigned three judges to the Trial Chamber to take on the case. The Judges are: Iain Bonomy (Presiding judge), Graciela Susana Gatti Santana, and Judge Elizabeth Ibanda-Nahamya.  The trio was selected…

A French court has given a green light to the transfer of the trial of Rwanda’s most wanted genocide financier and fugitive Felicien Kabuga, to the international criminal tribunal in Arusha Tanzania. The decision was taken this Wednesday by the Cassation court in France, reaffirming an earlier decision that was taken on the suspect but…

[caption id="attachment_58735" align="alignnone" width="873"] Masaka district hospital[/caption] The Parliament has tasked the government to seek a solution in a financial disagreement in which districts are grappling with claiming payments from services rendered in the community health insurance. On September 28, the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing which focused on the performance of districts and…

A Public Accounts Committee (PAC) assessment of the Auditor General’s report for 2018/2019, on Thursday showed that there was wasteful expenditure, poor planning and negligence to put in use government assets. The Parliament ordered the district  to repay the money spent on purchasing over 2000 bags of cement to support disaster victims but ended up…

[caption id="attachment_21701" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Extension work of Roundabout - Nyabugogo road- PAC reported shortfalls in roads construction, expropriation[/caption] City of Kigali authorities were on Wednesday faulted by Parliament Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on failure to implement community development projects. A PAC assessment of the Auditor General’s (AG) report 2018/19 showed that 35,000km of planned road…

[caption id="attachment_36801" align="alignnone" width="824"] Some embezzlement was reported in gorilla permits[/caption] Rwanda seeks to double its tourism revenues from $ 498 million last year  to $800 million in the next four years, but, it has emerged that lack of accountability and even embezzlement, to say the least, could humper this objective. On September 23 during…

[caption id="attachment_58560" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) headquarters, Kimihurura.[/caption] By May 2021 Rwandan taxpayers will not have to deal with problems of reclaiming their taxes which have been wrongly miscalculated in the e- tax collection system, Rwanda Revenue Authority has told parliament. This resolve comes after parliament on September 22 discovered that the current…

[caption id="attachment_29280" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Kigali vision city apartments. Despite recent discount of the houses, they are still beyond the purchasing power in the Rwandan society[/caption] The Rwanda Parliament has advised the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) to invest pensioner’s contributions in projects which have direct impact on their lives. The Auditor General (AG) report 2018/19…

Today Rwanda concluded the last day of the third week of September with no coronavirus related death despite recording four Covid-19 deaths throughout the long week. Today the ministry of health's COVID-19 update showed that the country registered another 22 new Covid-19 infections with 14 of them mainly from high-risk areas in Kigali city, 7…

The ministry of trade and commerce (Minicom) has been put to task to recover funds that remain missing in government coffers due to negligence in asset management, The parliament Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this week heard from the Office of the Auditor General’s (AG) report 2018/19 that the ministry has for over five years failed…

 This Sunday, Kigali city woke up to witness dwellers returning to designated streets to jog, stroll and physically exercise as part of the resuming the routine bi-month car free day which had since March been halted due to coronavirus. Due to covid-19 the Kigali Car Free day returned in a different fashion with participants who…

Rwanda has recorded another COVID-19 related mortality in the youth age bracket (the youth age ceiling being 35). Today a 26-year-old lady living in Kigali became second victim in that age bracket, following another earlier fatality involving a 24-year-old female police officer who died in South Sudan during a peacekeeping mission. The closest to this…

[caption id="attachment_58411" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Laurent Semanza  (Photo credit should read STELLA VUZO/AFP via Getty Images)[/caption] The United Nations Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) has rejected an appeal case of a Rwandan genocide, Semanza-Laurent who had requested the court to consider his provisional release. Semanza, former bourgmestre of Commune Bicumbi, now Rwamagana district is accused…

The second batch of 93 Ugandan nationals including children was today successfully repatriated back home as part of a planned series of returning Ugandans stranded in Rwanda due to coronavirus. The first group of 100 Ugandans was returned home on September 15, under a series of repatriation activities by their embassy in Kigali. The returnees…

The National Institute of Statistics (NISR) has released GDP results of the Second Quarter 2020 showing a decrease by 12.4% and the education sector as most affected. The report released yesterday said that Rwanda's GDP decline in Q2, 2020 reflects measures taken to contain COVID-19 “Economic sectors mostly affected: Education -67%, hotels & restaurants -62%,…

A Rwandan man who evaded justice for committing genocide crimes has finally been arrested in another alleged criminal act of theft. The man identified as Isaac Banyangiriki, 50, was arrested in Karama village in Ruhashya sector, in Huye district this Friday September 18, 2020. Banyangiriki has been on the run for years and a wanted…

The National Early Childhood Development Program (NECPD) is set to turn focus on involving the community in implementing nutritional programs after it has emerged that the program has challenges in reaching desired beneficiaries. The new shift  was announced by NECPD Director Dr. Anita Assimwe after the Auditor General’s (AG) report for the financial year 2018/19…

[caption id="attachment_48074" align="alignnone" width="801"] Isaac Munyakazi[/caption] Former Minister of State in-charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Isaac Munyakazi today appeared in court to face bribery charges of which his defense team said that there is no substantial evidence to prove the allegations. Munyakazi and his co- accused Abdou Gahima, are facing charges of soliciting,…

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today ordered the officials of Rwanda’s Business Development Fund (BDF) to go back and prepare their explanation on the Rwf2.8billion that was paid to separate individuals without supporting documents. The decision was taken by the committee during a public hearing this Thursday in which the institution was meant to explain…

The parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has given an ultimatum to the Higher Education Council (HEC) to clean up its poor institution management issues recorded in the Auditor General (AG) for years. The first series of online PAC hearings this year led by its new Chairman MP Valens Muhakwa, this September 16, took a turn…

 The case of 32 suspects in the Rwanda National Congress(RNC) case has resumed at a military high court in Kigali with suspects pointing fingers to their leader retired Major Habibu Mudathiru as living evidence that they were forced to join illegal armed forces. The case involving 32 suspects includes four (4) Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF)…

[caption id="attachment_58172" align="alignnone" width="975"] Beneficiaries of Empower Rwanda[/caption] Empower Rwanda, A local non-governmental organization (NGO), has launched its activities in Rwanda that will focus on empowering teen mothers to become more resilient and sustainable single parents. The NGO’s launch event was held on September 10 in Rwamagana district and was officially presided over by the…

[caption id="attachment_58122" align="alignnone" width="799"] President Paul Kagame during the AGRF Youth Town hall meeting | Kigali, 10 September 2020[/caption] Paul Kagame will today address participants at the closure of the virtual annual African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) which has been held in Kigali with over 10,000 participants online. Kagame will at 4pm Central Africa Time…

The trial of two former National Liberation Front (FLN) spokesmen Callixte Nsabimana and Herman Nsengimana resumed Thursday with prosecution pushing for cases of both terror suspected be combined in one case trial. In the case which was conducted electronically in two court rooms in Kigali, and Nyanza district; the suspect Nsabimana appeared following live from…

Skol breweries, one of Rwanda’s favorite populace beer producers has encouraged its clients to consume its products and rest assured that this doesn’t contradict existing covid19 prevention measures if taken in the right places. In an announcement released this Thursday the brewery was concerned over incidences of some local leaders misinterpreting existing covid-19 regulations on…

A Nyarugenge district court has postponed the trial case of former Minister  of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Dr. Isaac Munyakazi after a co- accused suspect failed to appear in court, September 9. Dr Munyakazi was last year involved in a scandal in his docket in which he was accused of taking…

The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has released a half year Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Statement (MPFSS) 2020, which looks promising in the financial sector despite multi-sectoral shocks due to Covid-19. The statement released this Monday indicates that Rwanda’s Economic growth averaged 7.4% (in the last 5 years) and Real GDP by 3.6% in…

[caption id="attachment_58023" align="alignnone" width="800"] L-R: Prime Minister Dr Edouard Ngirente, AGRAF 's Hailemariam Desalegn[/caption] The African Green Revolution Forum (AGRF) Board Chairman, Hailemariam Desalegn has hailed Rwanda for taking a lead in transforming agriculture growth on the continent. Desalegn, also former Ethiopian Prime Minister said that Africa’s drive to fuel agriculture at the heart of…

 A final expert assessment report on recent drainage of hot spring in Rusizi district has recommended restoration of the springs in a cheap and safe way, taking into consideration that the springs remained intact. The report released September 1, describes the local geology, problems reported, causes, and provides five ways to restore the former water…

Rwanda has received shipment of Covid19 personal protection equipment from the Arab Republic of Egypt that will be used by front line health workers in treatment of coronavirus cases in key health facilities. The donation worth $150,000 was handed over this morning at Kigali international airport (KIA) by the Egyptian envoy to Rwanda, Ambassador Ahmed…

The City of Kigali has unveiled a new and accommodative master plan that will allow city dwellers to know what and where to invest their resources. The new Kigali City Master Plan (KCMP), launched this Saturday, indicates nine key integral areas of land use which will define the city of Kigali in the next 30…

[caption id="attachment_13161" align="alignnone" width="941"] Every year Rwanda organises a Gorilla naming ceremony for every new gorilla babies. Rwanda is home to 880 mountain gorillas left on the planet[/caption] The Gorilla Naming Ceremony- Kwita Izina, will for the first time in 16 years be held online due to the current coronavirus situation that has pushed most…

[caption id="attachment_56607" align="alignnone" width="2560"] IUCN has been providing Technical Support in Forest Landscape Restoration and Integrated Water Resources Management in Rwanda[/caption] From Rwanda to Guatemala, a new report on a global challenge to plant trees has showed that fewer countries have failed to unleash their potential to restore forests while some others like Rwanda have…

A French Court of Cassation will today examine the appeal case of Rwanda genocide suspect Félicien Kabuga who is contesting being tried by international justice. Kabuga, who stands 11 counts of genocide was arrested on May 16 in Paris-Frane after 26 years of evading justice. He is currently imprisoned in the Parisian capital awaiting his…

[caption id="attachment_33118" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Gishwati - Mukura forest[/caption] The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) will this Wednesday hold a series of a global digital events to celebrate the first major milestone of the Bonn Challenge and the enormous impact of the forest landscape restoration (FLR) movement. The 5 live discussions to be streamed…

The Bank of Kigali (BK) Group has registered an increase in net incomes and assets in the second and first half financials despite facing a negative impact of coronavirus on its non-interest income, loan loss provisions and increased non-performing loans. The bank recorded a net Income of Rwf16.1 billion (US$ 17.0 million) an increase of…

Ericsson and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have entered a global partnership to bring internet connectivity in schools and providing every child with access to digital learning opportunities. The partnership launched last week will help map school connectivity in 35 countries by the end of 2023. It is part of the Giga initiative that…

A team geologist and environment experts led by Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB) has concluded its finding on the cause of the sudden disappeared of tourist hot springs in Rusizi district. The team was last week, dispatched to Nyakabuye sector, Rusizi district after media reports of dried up hot springs in the area…

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Rwanda has recommitted its support to government plans in reopening schools. UNICEF recommends that the earlier the plan, the better to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on children. The recent cabinet meeting resolved that schools which were tentatively  supposed to open in September remain closed to allow sufficient time…

The Fitch Ratings has affirmed Rwanda's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B+’ with a stable outlook.  This is the second time the international financial rating tool has rated Rwanda at the same level despite coronavirus constraints to the economy. On May 4, 2018, Fitch Ratings had the same rating which indicates that Rwanda…

The International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz has hinted on the possibility of having Rwandan Genocide suspect, Felicien Kabuga sent in Arusha -Tanzania for trial next month. Tycoon Felicien Kabuga who was the most wanted Genocide fugitive who is alleged to have provided key sponsorship to the Genocidal government in…

[caption id="attachment_50500" align="alignnone" width="1300"] Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB president[/caption] African Development Bank will this week hold a virtual annual meeting with the election of its President  on top of the two-day agenda. The meeting is scheduled to take place from August 26-27, and the bank’s Governors will on the last day elect the eighth president of…

Rwanda has taken on a new strategy to ease access to HIV/AIDS testing and treatment as part of efforts to prevent more spread of COVID-19. The new strategy to be conducted by Rwanda Biomedical Center and AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), will include availing free oral personal HIV/ AIDS treatment kits to citizens especially in high…

[caption id="attachment_57435" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Some of the fortified foods made in Rwanda[/caption] Rwanda has embarked on a new strategy to promote massive production and consumption of fortified foods as a way of decreasing stunting figures in the country. This follows the fortified foods regulation http://www.rwandafda.gov.rw/web/fileadmin/RegulationsGoverningFoodFortification.pdf which was passed in January but its countrywide implementation was…

The Central Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has maintained the key repo rate at 4.5% to allow commercial banks to continue financing businesses and households as a way of cushioning the impact of Covid19 on the economy. In its statutory quarterly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on August 12, the bank said the decision was…

[caption id="attachment_56736" align="alignnone" width="1080"] RDB CEO Clare Akamanzi (3rd left) rings counter bells to officially launch Cimerwa shares on the local market[/caption] Rwanda’s leading cement producer Cimerwa has today officially listed its shares on the local bourse changing the image and the way in which Rwanda will be measured in World Bank Ease of Doing…

[caption id="attachment_56607" align="alignnone" width="2560"] IUCN has been providing Technical Support in Forest Landscape Restoration and Integrated Water Resources Management in Rwanda[/caption] On 23 July, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released the new set of Global Standard for Nature-based solutions (NbS) that will act as a benchmark for preserving nature with intent to…

[caption id="attachment_56492" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Pelagie Kabano, who ventured in red pepper[/caption] Hildebrand Ikirumugabo 30, is a tree tomato farmer in Cyabararika cell, Muhoza sector Musanze district who has been in the business for seven years now.  He graduated in agro-veterinary but didn’t get a job and spent almost two years on the street looking for…

Rwanda’s leading Cement manufacturer, CIMERWA has received approval from the Capital Markets Authority and the Rwanda Stock Exchange to list its shares on the local bourse on August 3rd 2020. Out of the listed shares constituting 703,219,520 shares (100%), a free float of 344,575,560 shares (49%) will be available for trading to the investor community…

A draft law establishing the general statutes for public service has proposed possibilities for specialists to be able to sign more than one permanent work contract.   The draft, composed of 96 articles is part of the continued assessment on its clauses that govern working relations between a public servant and the State as the employer.…

[caption id="attachment_56351" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Anastase Bizimana, President of Abakunda Kawa Cooperative[/caption] On March 13th, the minister of agriculture informed parliament that despite the 14% growth of the sector, the agriculture sector is not moving at a fast speed as expected because of low human of which most of them are aging. Minister, Dr. Geraldine Mukeshimana…

Mukayijore who aspired for the post unopposed, won the election with 76 votes of the 80 votes from the chamber of deputies, with only four nullified votes. She will replace the gap that was left behind by former MP Ignatienne Nyirarukundo who was recently appointed to the Ministry of Local Government as State Minister in…

[caption id="attachment_25208" align="alignnone" width="2048"] An elderly citizen is helped to reach a voting site in Southern province, early 2016[/caption] Rwanda parliament has approved ratification of an Africa Union protocol that will pave way for a policy and laws to take care of elderly persons, pensioners and their families through direct government and community support. The…

Rarely seen buffalo has been sighted in Rwanda's volcano national park, the park veterinarians have said. “Yesterday Dr. Adrien spotted this rare beauty, a white buffalo (not a true albino) that has been part of a herd of 30+ ranging in Volcanoes NP, Rwanda. They were at 3,100m elevation in the Umutara region & the…

Rwanda will fully open aviation activities on August 1 under very strict conditions and measures to ensure safety of passengers, the Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente has said.  The Prime Minister yesterday told Parliament that the government is working to reopen commercial flights and this will only happen if the readiness is up to the…

Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente has said that the Covid19 pandemic could last longer than expected in Rwanda thus the government will focus on decentralized measures to prevent further spread of the virus. In this plan, Ngirente said that “the government has started working on a new protocol where activities on Covid-19 will be decentralized…

Rwanda Parliament has examined the relevance of a new draft law governing the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) which could see the commission relieved of some of its original responsibilities. The proposed law was presented Monday by the Minister of State in charge of Constitutional & Legal Affairs, Soline Nyirahabimana suggesting that…

[caption id="attachment_56153" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Justin Uwitonze, the passion fruit farmer[/caption] Rwandan fruit farmers are anticipating a buffer produce this season but have expressed concerns of lack of markets for their products as a result of impact of coronavirus on the economy. Anastase Munyaneza, 45, is an orange farmer in Rwinkwavu sector, Kayonza district who started…

[caption id="attachment_56103" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] A farmer tending to a coffee plantation.[/caption] Rwanda Coffee farmer’s federation has secured Rwf60 million in funding to purchase internationally accepted coffee packaging bags that will enable them to leverage coffee export on global markets. The funds donated to Rwanda Coffee Cooperatives Federation (RCCF) are part of efforts to sustain the…

[caption id="attachment_56010" align="alignnone" width="740"] Minister of Environment Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya[/caption] The Minister of Environment, Dr. Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya, will today appear before parliament to verbally respond to issues within her docket, concerning land use, wetland, forests and water management among others. This is the third time that Parliament summons the minister, who had previously been…

[caption id="attachment_55741" align="alignnone" width="900"] Rwf 20 of every litle of petroluem products will go to community health insurance fund[/caption] Since the establishment of the Community Based Health Insurance (CBHI) program in 2003, the Government has been injecting funds to cover health citizen’s healthcare bills by 90% and recipients contributing 10%. On average government has been…

Two credible economic reports have shown that Rwanda is among the few African countries that will manage to recover quickly from  the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis. A supplement annual report on the “economic prospects in Africa in 2020” published Tuesday July 7, by the African Development Bank (AfDB) indicates that some African economies…

[caption id="attachment_26152" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Uzziel Ndagijimana, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning[/caption] The Minister was on Tuesday of Finance and Economic Planning was this Tuesday summoned before the parliament to explain the source of gaps in financing the mutuelle program and claims of pending arrears of health insurance payments for districts. The gaps were mainly…

[caption id="attachment_55627" align="alignnone" width="1080"] MP Dr. Frank Habineza (L) and Sheikh Abdul-Karim Harerimana(Middle) at Rwanda Television[/caption] The Democratic Green party of Rwanda (DGPR) has said the existing political will of zero tolerance to corruption is a sign of a bright future. Green Party President and representative in parliament MP Dr. Frank Habineza made the remarks…

[caption id="attachment_19808" align="alignnone" width="1085"] Gasabo residents line up to subscribe for health insurance 2018, after a widescreen roadside in Bumbogo sector[/caption] The minister of finance will this afternoon appear before the parliament to verbally explain delays payments and in disbursement of funds which has affected the performance of districts budget plans. A parliamentary field report…

[caption id="attachment_24772" align="alignnone" width="873"] Rwandan carrier - RwandAir will be represented at the aviation safety forum[/caption] Rwandair has confirmed another round of special repatriation flights for Rwandans living in the United Kingdom (UK) who want to return home. Yvonne Makolo, the CEO of Rwandair told KTPress that the repatriation flight operations will be conducted on…

[caption id="attachment_55543" align="alignnone" width="718"] Dr. Pierre Damien Habumuremyi[/caption] Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed that the former Prime Minister Dr Pierre Damien Habumuremyi has been arrested for committing financial crimes committed as President of the Board of Trustees of the Christian University of Rwanda.  RIB told this reporter on Twitter that “It is true, Dr.…

[caption id="attachment_55526" align="alignnone" width="700"] Dar es Salam Port[/caption] Rwanda Private Sector Federation (PSF) has revealed that the process of solving the issues of clearing hundreds of Kigali-bound containers held at Mombasa and Dar-es-salaam is currently in high gear. The development comes weeks after Rwanda officially wrote on June 22, to both Kenya and Tanzania Ports…

[caption id="attachment_55440" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Masamba Intore[/caption] Rwanda have this evening started through traditional music and dance celebrating 26 years of liberation of Rwanda by Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) Inkotanyi, which put an end to years of divisive leadership and a subsequent genocide against Tutsi which claimed more than a million lives. KTPress brings you a…

Rwanda will have to wait until next week to get a final decision about its 2000 Kigali-bound containers held in Tanzania. Last week, KTPress reported that over 2000 containers owned by Rwandan importers and containing goods of Rwandan importers had been withheld by both Kenya and Tanzanian ports authorities over delayed cargo shipment during the…

[caption id="attachment_55405" align="alignnone" width="796"] L-R: USAID Rwanda Mission Director, Leslie Marbury and Rwanda’s Finance Minister, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana.[/caption] Rwanda and the United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have signed a five-year financing agreement to commit to Rwanda’s development efforts. The signing was done at the offices of the Ministry…

The Ministry of Local Government has set up new measures that will see worshipers in churches and mosques put on masks while singing and worshiping in their official places of gathering which have been closed due to Covid-19. The 25 regulations published by the ministry of Local Government (Minaloc), come as a follow up on…

[caption id="attachment_55386" align="alignnone" width="800"] Hinga weze supported project, BUgesera district[/caption] A United States funded project Hinga Weze has entered into a deal with Equity Bank to start offering loans worth Rwf2, 5billion to farmers, cooperatives, aggregators and agro dealers. The deal was sealed by both parties on Tuesday afternoon in Kigali and is expected to…

[caption id="attachment_7863" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Free condom distribution post in Remera[/caption] On eve of Christmas last year, James Munyakazi* (not real name) a taxi-moto operator in Kigali had managed to save Rwf50,000 for Christmas celebration. With a group of  four age-mate taxi moto riders, all below 30 years, he decided to go out for a beer…

[caption id="attachment_55295" align="alignnone" width="660"] Thierry Nshuti, BK Head of Marketing[/caption] Bank of Kigali (BK) has launched a new financial literacy program aimed at educating Rwandan youths on how to make money. The televised educative and entertaining program dubbed “BK Times” is a financial literacy clinic, which aligns with the BK motto of “Financially Transforming Lives”.…

The European Union (EU) has officially included Rwanda among its list of 15 Covid19 ‘Safe Countries' that will be permitted to enter the EU from July 1. The commission’s final announcement was made today in Brussels after a tentative draft list of 54 countries announced on June 27 and that had been discussed by EU…

  President Paul Kagame has promoted 2,282 Rwanda National Police Officers to different ranks, granted retirement and discharged 261 others.  In a statement released on Friday June 26, Kagame promoted two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) Joseph Costa Habyara and Emmanuel Hatari to the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP). The President also subsequently promoted…

[caption id="attachment_55169" align="alignnone" width="792"] Rwanda parliament[/caption] Boy, as he is known in his neighborhood is a 15-year-old firstborn with autism disease in a family of four siblings from Kinyinya, Gasabo district. The neighbors, and even his siblings call him ‘Boy’ since his name is not known to anyone, except his parents.  While his siblings are…

[caption id="attachment_7756" align="alignnone" width="1400"] Mombasa port[/caption] Rwanda private sector federation has decried reasons behind Kenya and Tanzania’s intention to slap a heavy fine on Rwanda-bound containers which are currently lying at the Mombasa and Dar-es-Salaam port as a result of coronavirus restrictions. Letters seen by KTPress shows that several containers inclusive of those under custom…

Rwanda has ratified an agreement with the Kingdom of Morocco that will enhance judicial cooperation in which a wanted criminal in any of the states will be arrested and charged effectively. Parliament Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday voted approving two laws on mutual judicial assistance in criminal matters and ratification of the extradition treaty between…

[caption id="attachment_12043" align="alignnone" width="768"] Contractors failed to get suitable stones that can be crushed and shaped by machines[/caption] The minister of infrastructure on Tuesday appeared before parliament to explain verbally why several road and water projects  in Kigali and across the country are either substadard or incomplete despite the government spending a lot of money…

[caption id="attachment_54953" align="alignnone" width="680"] Major Mudathiru(Rtd) going to court on Monday[/caption] Seven suspects including low ranking Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) soldiers have been added on the list of 25 suspects accused of working with a click terror groups operating in the DR Congo. The soldiers (with ranks of private and corporal) and two civilians today…

[caption id="attachment_48162" align="alignnone" width="3500"] In this photo taken Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, desert locusts jump up from the ground and fly away as a cameraman walks past, in Nasuulu Conservancy, northern Kenya. As locusts by the billions descend on parts of Kenya in the worst outbreak in 70 years, small planes are flying low over…

[caption id="attachment_54884" align="alignnone" width="1080"] KOPABINYA's Donatille Mukakomeza receiving the grant on behalf og her cooperative from USAID on Friday, June 19[/caption] Donatille Mukakomeza is one of the farmers in Nyamagabe district and also chairperson of Agro-Dealers Cooperative of Nyamagabe (KOPABINYA). Though farming activities were not halted by COVID-19 lockdown, their activities in this season have…

[caption id="attachment_54832" align="alignnone" width="798"] Hard hit: Agriculture[/caption] The National institute of Statistics (NISR) has released preliminary figures which show that the economic growth slowed down while the agriculture sector was hardest hit in the first quarter of 2020 due to the Coronavirus crisis. During the first three months of the coronavirus crisis, which started in…

Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) has received 60, 000 Hepatitis C rapid tests from a local organisation - Ubuzima Foundation as support to the government's reinforced bid to elimination of the disease in Rwanda.  The donation, estimated at a value of Rwf59.4million was on Friday handed over in Kigali by the Ubuzima foundation representative Fabrice Shema…

The Network of International Non-Governmental Organisations (NINGOs) operating in Rwanda have solicited  $9.2million (approximately Rwf8.7 billion) towards efforts to fight COVID-19.  The contribution, both in cash and in kind, was directed towards seven critical sectors, with agriculture and health taking the biggest shares. In order to deal with the recovery efforts, both the agriculture and…

[caption id="attachment_39117" align="alignnone" width="1080"] John Rwangombwa. governor of National Bank of Rwanda[/caption] Rwanda has through its Central Bank successfully reopened a 15-Year treasury bond which has witnessed a subscription level of 125.9% but with a shift in appetite for bonds. The Bank said the Rwf20 billion bond was able to tap Rwf25.18 billion in total…

Jacques Rwisebura Hakizimana, 57 years, has been a community mediator for 15 years in Kigombe cell of Muhoza sector, Musanze district. He also has his full time job as a Coordinator of a local community development NGO, Developpement Rural Durable (DRD). However, in  2004 when the community elected him as the chairman of the mediation…

Rwanda parliament has examined a draft law establishing the general statute governing the public servants that will require every civil servant to take an oath irrespective of the religious belief. The revised law will determine new functions and regulations guiding the civil services sector- which include procedures of recruitment and firing, oath taking, training, contract…

[caption id="attachment_54742" align="alignnone" width="698"] L-R: Representatives of Ineza Bamboo Weaving, Aqua Ltd and Safe Santa Ltd[/caption] The City of Kigali in partnership with 1000 Alternatives Rwanda, a youth impact investment firm have awarded Rwf4.5m to top three startup inventions that will create social impact in Rwanda. Through the Kigali Employment Service Centre, the winners were…

Rwanda’s National carriers, Rwandair has announced a prolonged suspension of commercial flights into the country despite a recent cabinet meeting opening tourism and hospitality activities including holding meetings in hotels. The cabinet on June 16 reopened domestic and international tourism. However, international tourists allowed are only those on charter flights. The airline said that Rwanda’s…

[caption id="attachment_54603" align="alignnone" width="697"] Aline Gahongayire[/caption] Embattled Gospel singer Aline Gahongayire has granted permission to all bars and clubs to play her music as a way of preaching the word of God to many. Normally gospel songs are played in churches or other places of praise and worship, including scheduled concerts. For Gahongayire, this has…

Rwanda has approved the establishment of a center for nuclear technology and science which will leverage the country to compete in latest technology innovations by 2050. Parliament on Monday approved the establishment which will be witness Rwanda's collaboration with the Russians in sharing nuclear technology expertise, after a deal was reached and signed at the…

Musanze Intermediate Court in Nothern Province today listened to a bail hearing in which a Catholic Church priest, was battling his freedom after being arrested and detained for alleged sexual abuse and impregnating a 17 year old parish girl. The priest is believed to have had a sexual encounter with the victim in his parish…

A parliament field report conducted in several schools across the country has found loopholes in school feeding programs which creates a poor education environment and undermines quality of education at large.  The report was conducted between 03-14 February 2020 to assess quality of education.  The school feeding policy requires that parents contribute to the meal…

Rwanda has received a donation of over 300,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and medical equipment from His Highness (H.H) Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai. The donation which landed at Kigali International Airport on Saturday, was this morning officially handed over to Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) by Sumeet Bhardwaj,…

Rwanda has delivered donation of medical kits to support United Nations peacekeeping forces in South Sudan (UNMISS) in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation handed over by Rwandan peacekeeping forces in Juba, this June 13, included 100 COVID-19 test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) to the mission in support of international efforts…

[caption id="attachment_39250" align="alignnone" width="695"] Singita and Kwitonda Lodge in volcano national park[/caption] Zoritsa Urosevic, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Representative to the United Nations in Geneva has said that Rwanda’s measures of tourism recovery in the aftermath of COID-19 could be an example to emulate.  She was speaking at the Global Tourism and Covid-19 Webinar…

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has put in custody two military personnel over assault allegation. The alleged assault incident happened at about 1pm, June 8 in Rugarama village, Nyamata Cell, Nyamata Sector in Bugesera District. Citizens reports indicate the duo were looking for a home belonging to one Ange (who is a sex worker) but…

[caption id="attachment_54388" align="alignnone" width="799"] AERG/GAERG week-Genocide survivor students building for the homeless survivors. Several other families do not own a home[/caption] In 2013 a private contractor was tendered to build 15 houses for genocide survivors in Sumbure village, Kanazi cell, Nyamata Sector in Bugesera district, each estimated  about Rwf12 million. The contractor (Dieudonne Uwizeyimana) constructed…

Verediana Nyirabarigendera, 34, a resident  from Nganzo village located in Gakenke district, Rushashi sector of Northern Province was married to a man who woke up one day of 2017 and disappeared.   Until now, his whereabouts are unknown and the biggest concern to his wife is that the husband left several gaps in the family, including…

Rwanda has kicked off a mining inspection campaign that will inform post-Covid-19 recovery strategies while also helping to contain spread of the pandemic in this backbone industry. Among the instructions the inspection team is giving include that all mines will be required to have adequate tunnel ventilation, de-densification, screening and testing mechanisms.  Mining companies are…

[caption id="attachment_54290" align="alignnone" width="772"] Rwanda Energy Group pointed a finger[/caption] Parliament has recommended an investigation in land related issues in which both citizens and government claim land ownership thus creating an increase in land disputes and cases of compensation. A parliamentary political, gender equity and governance committee review of the Ombudsman’s report 2019-2020 showed that…

[caption id="attachment_54192" align="alignnone" width="940"] Bakwena toll road - South Africa one of important infrastructure that were financed by AFC[/caption] Rwanda has signed the ratification of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) agreement becoming the newest member in Africa to enter the continental infrastructure financing deal. Rwanda parliament today voted for the ratification which makes Rwanda the…

  [caption id="attachment_54145" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Sylvia Kayitaramirwa[/caption] Planners of the 1994 Genocide committed against Tutsi wanted to leave no one to tell the story but, while they wiped out some families, their earlier plan did not succeed to the fullest. The atrocities of the Genocide are being told by survivors who, only survived miraculously like…

Private tech developers, tour and travel agencies among other stakeholders in the tourism industry have agreed that digital tourism is the new approach that will help the tourism sector to recover from the effects of COVI-19.  This weekend during an innovative tourism and hospitality online meeting, they explored existing opportunities and new innovations that are…

 A caddie in Rwanda is missing a golf bag while a tennis player cannot wait to pick his racket to hit the yellow ball, but the wait will be over very soon. A recent statement on Cabinet Resolutions allowed non-contact sports to resume after nearly three months in COVID-19 lockdown which affected every business, sports,…

Rwanda has been chosen to lead the rest of  Africa in implementing the Giga Initiative, a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) initiative aimed at connecting every school to the internet. The initiative, launched in 2019, Giga sets the goal of providing connectivity to every school in the world where it is estimated that some 3.6…

[caption id="attachment_54065" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Among unfunded projects: Infrastructure that were affected by floods last month[/caption] The Rwanda Parliament has asked the government to consider soliciting funding for major socio-economic projects that will not be able to get a budget line as a result of the economic effects of coronavirus. The lawmakers made the call today…

The parliament has elected Valens Muhakwa as the new chairman of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He replaces the committee’s former chair Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze who was in March appointed state minister in the ministry of Agriculture after serving the office since 2018. On June 2, Bizimana Minani Deogratias was sworn in as a…

[caption id="attachment_53936" align="aligncenter" width="570"] President Paul Kagame[/caption] President Paul Kagame has participated in the first Extraordinary Intersessional Summit of the Organisation of African, Caribbean Pacific States (OACPS) calling for concerted efforts in development and poverty reduction after the current coronavirus global crisis. The 1st Extraordinary OACPS meeting held today through video conference, was chaired by…

Rwanda’s key Genocide suspect, Felicien Kabuga, who was arrested recently will stand trial at the Arusha Tanzania based International Residual Mechanism Criminal Tribunal, the Paris Court of Appeal has overruled. The court rejected health concerns that Kabuga's lawyers tabled in the hearing last week and other procedures which they said, the court did not consider.…

[caption id="attachment_53922" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Moto taxi rider having lunch at New Vision Restaurant - Kimironko[/caption] New life and hopes for business have started emerging in many restaurants in Kigali after government announced release of taxi moto transport operations among essiential services that remained closed due to coronavirus. “Motos are permitted to carry passengers except in…

[caption id="attachment_24244" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The Kangondo settlement commonly known as Bannyahe[/caption] The residents of Kanngondo slum commonly known as Bannyahe in Remera, Gasabo district adjacent to the premium residential neighborhood of Nyarutarama, have decided to push a court battle against the City of Kigali over the disputed community expropriation exercise. In this repatriation exercise, an…

A South African Health Company (RH Bophelo Limited) today cross-listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) market trading its first shares at Rwf526, alongside other eight companies on the market. This is equivalent to South African Rands R9.84 on its primary market on Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), where the company is locally listed. The opening…

Rwandans with tech or innovative business solutions will this June have an opportunity to pitch their business ideas that could help the country’s tourism and hospitality sector recover from the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Private Sector Federation (PSF) ICT and Tourism Chambers will this June 4, host an online conversation and…

Rwanda Capital Market Authority (CMA) has approved the first South African healthcare company, RH Bophelo Limited to be cross-listed on the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE). RH Bophelo entry on the local bourse makes it the 9th company to be listed on the RSE stock market but also comes at a time when another South African…

[caption id="attachment_53663" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Blue Lakes International Schools - Bugesera[/caption] Musoni Mugabo(Not real name), a teacher from a private, Secondary school in Nyamata  Bugesera district, last went to check his bank account early March when he got his salary for February. A father with 8 dependants including his wife, Musoni is no longer employed because,…

Rwanda’s cement factory Cimerwa PPC has said that it is  currently in the process of  listing its shares on the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE).  According to the newly appointed CEO of Cimerwa, Albert Kipkemoi Sigei, the company is under a process of being listed on the local bourse. Without revealing details, Sigei said; “Yes it…

The military tribunal in Kigali on Friday pronounced its decision on six suspects that are co-accused of taking part in criminal activities including raping three women and beating up residents of Kangondo 1 cell in Remera sector, Gasabo district -Kigali city The suspects had appealed against provisional detention's ruling of May 13. Defendants in this…

[caption id="attachment_53536" align="aligncenter" width="795"] Congolese delegation arriving in Rwanda[/caption] Delegations from Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have met to enhance trans-border cooperation in order to strengthen #Covid-19 surveillance and trade between the two countries. Officials from both countries met this Thursday in Rubavu district in Western Rwanda, making the first face-to-face meeting since…

Rwanda popular singer Nzaramba Eric, alias ‘Senderi International Hit’ has announced plans to release his fifth album dedicated to coronavirus frontline workers including medics, army and police.  Senderi said that the album titled “Ntampamvu nimwe yambuza gukorera u Rwanda”- literally meaning (Nothing can stop me from serving Rwanda) will be launched in Musanze district as…

The High Court Chamber of International and Cross-border Crimes in Nyanza district has sentenced to life in jail Rwandan Ladislas Ntaganzwa after it found him guilty of genocide crimes in Rwanda in 1994. Ntaganzwa was found guilty of five crimes including Genocide crime,  incitement to commit Genocide, extermination as a crime against humanity, rape as…

[caption id="attachment_53490" align="alignnone" width="720"] Daniel Trust, is President and CEO of Daniel Trust Foundation[/caption] A Rwandan-American social entrepreneur and youth advocate, Daniel Trust has through a new arts challenge set aside Rwf1million as an award to support young talented Rwandans. The new instagram challenge dubbed #DanielTrustChallenge invites talented Rwandan youth aged 18-35 who are/or want…

A man has been arrested and detained in Musanze sector, Musanze district after he was nabbed red handed masquerading as a woman in order to steal property from several homes in the district.  The man whose names were not identified allegedly masked behind female attire before embarking on drilling a hole through one of the…

[caption id="attachment_53448" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Moto taxi operators at Remera stadium[/caption] After more than two months without transporting passengers, taxi moto operators in Kigali city have started warming up for the D-Day June 1, when they return to work. Taxi motos are among the crucial services that the government has closed down since March 21st when…

The Military tribunal has postponed the bail hearing of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) soldiers accused of raping three women and beating residents of Kangondo cell in Remera sector, Kigali city. The suspects include five soldiers with rank of Private- Patrick Ndayishimiye, Fidele Nishimwe, François Gatete, John Gahirwa and Theoneste Twagirimana and one civilian- Donat ‘Rajab’…

The government may have to devise other initiatives to bring on-board all local traders to use mobile transactions which is hampered by mindset and excuses of inaccessibility under Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Early 2020 Rwanda’s Central Bank announced a plan to  focus on promoting citizen knowledge and uptake and use of cashless system under the slogan…

To support Rwanda’s digital transformation, Bank of Kigali Plc, the country’s leading commercial bank, has been seamlessly involved in introducing digital products on the financial market that drastically reduce turnaround time and cost of the transaction, expand the digital market base and promote financial inclusion in Rwanda and across borders. KT Press looks at some…

#EidMubarak to all our brothers and sisters celebrating in Rwanda and around the world. Wishing all of you a blessed and safe Eid al-fitr - President Paul Kagame conveyed the message to the Muslim community on Sunday.  Normally on such a day, Rwandan Muslim community gathers at Kigali Regional Stadium- Nyamirambo to hold a salat…

[caption id="attachment_53201" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Prince Charles(L) and President Paul Kagame in UK July 2019[/caption] Today, President Paul Kagame held talks with the Prince of Wales, His Royal Higness (HRH) Prince Charles on his Sustainable Markets Initiative, a new initiative aimed at supporting the global community to recover from coronavirus ( Covid-19) crisis. Kagame said on…

Rwandan Filmmaker, Zion Suleiman has managed to pull off his second family entertainment film title under the current coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in Rwanda. The new 15 minutes film dubbed ‘Left it Open’ is made in a horror genre, acted in English by three young Rwandan actors including Suleiman and Mireille Igihozo Nshuti and Ingabire Olly.…

[caption id="attachment_53083" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Rao Hongwei(Right) and Didier Shema Maboko Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports (L) handing over a bag of food items, part of the Chinese Support to one of the Kung-Fu players[/caption] The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Rwanda has donated food items worth…

[caption id="attachment_53060" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Juliet Kabera, new REMA boss[/caption] The Rwanda senate has approved appointments of Rwanda’s National Demobilized and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) and the director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) respectively.  The two officials approved on Tuesday were among recent appointments  made by President Paul Kagame.  Approved officials are Valerie Nyirahabineza, the…

When the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT) Chief Prosecutor Serge Brammertz visited Rwanda in June 2019, he promised to bring justice to fugitives accused of committing the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Brammertz yesterday told the national broadcaster that he has executed his promise of bringing one Rwandan genocide suspect, Felicien Kabuga to…

Parliament has recommended the summoning of government officials over failure to implement major development projects, in which some of funding is nowhere to be seen. The decision comes after a field visit finding collected by the parliament economic committee showed that despite billions injected in many of the projects, a good number were not implemented…

[caption id="attachment_52993" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Viateur Rukundo at work for his community[/caption] Viateur Rukundo, 32, a resident of Akamuhoza village, Tumba sector in Huye district has not hit the road to ferry passengers on his bicycle ever since the new coronavirus lockdown was mandated in Rwanda since March 21, 2020. A bicycle, like a motorcycle, is…

Rwanda's minister of Justice and State Attorney has said that the arrest of Rwanda’s most wanted genocide fugitive Felicien Kabuga in France is another level of commitment to justice and a game changer towards arresting more fugitives. Minister Johnston Busingye's remarks follow the historical arrest of Kabuga on Saturday in France after 26 years of…

This Saturday, President Paul Kagame visited areas of Nyabihu District which were recently devastated by heavy rains and floods. Kagame toured Giciye bridge which is now being reconstructed to enable pedestrians from the area to access Shyira Hospital. The President’s tour comes days after extended heavy rains last week killed 72 citizens and destroyed property…

[caption id="attachment_52887" align="alignnone" width="823"] The Auditor General Obadiah Biraro[/caption] The Office of the Auditor General has released a 2019 report that indicates more wasteful expenditure of public funds especially in Government Business Enterprises (GBEs). This Friday, May 15, 2020 submitting to both chambers of Parliament the audit report of the year 2019, the Auditor General…

[caption id="attachment_52853" align="alignnone" width="794"] Ambassador James Kimonyo(L) shows Gorillas Coffee, the Rwandan brand[/caption] Rwanda coffee farmers have managed to sell the second batch of specialty coffee on the Alibaba electronic commerce platform. The 3000 bags of roasted coffee (500grams each) packed by Gorillas Coffee Rwanda were this Thursday sold in only one second. The sale…

[caption id="attachment_52846" align="alignnone" width="679"] Rwanda parliament lower chamber[/caption] Rwanda Parliament yesterday approved an International Development Association (IDA) credit worth €91,4million to finance Rwanda’s energy sector supplemental development policy financing. The credit will be reimbursed at an interest rate of 0.75% over a period of thirty-two (32) years, after a grace period of six (6) years.…

The Military Tribunal has ruled a 30 days provisional detention for five Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) soldiers and a civilian charged with criminal counts allegedly committed in the month of March 2020. The suspects are: Privates-Ndayishimiye Patrick, Nishimwe Fidele, Gatete François, Gahirwa John & Twagirimana Theoneste.  They are charged with Civilians namely Donat 'Rajab' Ntakaziraho…

Rwanda's sole cement factory (CIMERWA PPC) has rebranded all its cement products introducing one more new cement brand (SureWall) that is essentially meant for simple home repair works. In the rebranding, Cimerwa said that its cement packages will be branded as “SURE”, a brand name that is now replacing the Sima Nyarwanda brands that have…

The trial of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) soldiers and civilians accused of raping three women after beating them up has kicked off in Kigali with the prosecution asking the military high court to detain the suspects pending further investigation. The seven suspects appeared before the Military High Court in Kanombe on May 11, 2020  are…

East African Community Partner States to have been directed to undertake standardized Covid -19 testing based on approved WHO methodologies in order to have a harmonized approach. The call was made this weekend during a Joint consultative meeting of Partner States’ Ministers and Cabinet Secretaries responsible for Health, Trade, Transport and EAC Affairs who met…

Former Miss Rwanda Jolly Mutesi is planning on releasing a new film documentary about her life before, during and after winning the beauty pageant crown in 2016. At the age of 20, Mutesi became Miss Rwanda 2016 replacing her predecessor Doriane Kundwa. At her crowning, Rwandans were still thirsty for a ‘model’ Miss Rwanda and…

The government of Rwanda is poised to inject Rwf 100 billion to start a coronavirus (Covid-19) exit process and counteract the impact of the pandemic on the economy, the Minister of Finance Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana has said. Dr. Ndagijimana said that this funding will be able to revive internal economic activities to at least 2%…

[caption id="attachment_52604" align="alignnone" width="674"] Nicola Bellomo, the EU envoy to Rwanda[/caption] The European Union (EU) has commended Rwanda for its rapid and effective response to curbing the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. EU Head of Delegation to Rwanda, Nicola Bellomo said that among its partners, Rwanda has done an outstanding job in handling coronavirus, which is worthy…

Rwanda Standards Bureau (RSB) and the local Food Drug Authority (FDA) have opened calls for more manufacturers of face masks to bridge the demand gap a nd improve access to personal protection equipment (PPEs) under the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The call comes after it has emerged that the 38 authorized PPE manufacturing firm have failed…

The National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has relaxed a limitation on the amount of money that can be withdrawn by clients in Savings and Credit Cooperatives (Sacco) across the country. BNR said in a statement on May 6, that it has scrapped its earlier restriction which limited Saccos clients from withdrawing more than Rwf150, 000 per…

[caption id="attachment_52518" align="alignleft" width="386"] An inovative mask made in Rwanda[/caption] Rwandans have only two days to apply for a grant funding between $20,000 and $40,000 for solutions that will help the community recover from the coronavirus pandemic which has affected all sectors of life. The Ministry of ICT and Innovation (Minict) and entrepreneurship development organizations…

Africa Fintech firms and banks have called for a consolidated effort to provide as much information and access to digital information as a way of evolving the payment ecosystem under coronavirus (Covid-19). The call was made during a webinar session COVID-19 Pandemic discussed by African Tech Leaders' Outlook: under the topic: “The Fintech Outlook: How…

[caption id="attachment_52488" align="alignnone" width="799"] Leapr drone prototype[/caption] A Rwandan drone company has emerged among the winners of the 2020 Lake Kivu Challenge (LKC) drone flying competitions, the first of its kind that seeks to demonstrate real use cases for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) on the African continent. In an online awards ceremony on May 5,…

Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN) with support from WomenStrong International have distributed provisions that will help communities to provide women with essential services aimed at preventing gender based violence under the cover of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The organisations, on Monday handed over the Covid-19 relief to 40 Women Space Facilitators (WSFs) and Girl Champions (GCs) in…

After successful dissemination of cashless in public transport payment systems in Kigali city, the country is going to roll out the system countrywide, Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority - RURA has said. Rwanda has since 2015 adopted a cashless transport payment system commonly known as ‘Tap&Go’ in the city of Kigali where a commuter uses a…

The Lake Kivu Challenge Drone Competition organized by the African Drone Forum (ADF) in collaboration with the government of Rwanda was held in February this year but final results and winners were not announced.  The competition which attracted 11 drone companies from across the world, was aimed to help advance the safe implementation of electric…

African Business leaders have appealed to governments to take the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) deal negotiations on July 1 seriously to enable the continent is to economically recover from the coronavirus pandemic. The call comes just two days before the planned African Union (AU) ministerial meeting to be held on the May 5-6th…

[caption id="attachment_2765" align="alignnone" width="660"] A typical modern classroom in Rwandan schools where every pupil studies using a laptop provided through the one-laptop-per child initiative. Children will stay at home until September due to COVID-19[/caption] On April 24, Acorns International School (AIS) wrote to parents asking them to raise $1,500 which is equivalent to 90% of…

[caption id="attachment_52266" align="alignnone" width="900"] Health Minister Ngamije (left) recieves dummy cheque from Airtel Rwanda MD[/caption] Airtel Rwanda has donated Rwf135m to the ministry of health in support of government efforts towards fighting against the new coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in Rwanda. The donation was handed over in Kigali on May 1, 2020 by Airtel Managing Director…

[caption id="attachment_52255" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Truck decontamination at Kiyanzi site, Rusumo border post[/caption] Rwanda has put in place a cross- border cargo transit logistics platform that will facilitate safe movement of goods and services from neighboring Tanzania. As part of the country’s Covid-19 prevention and safety measures, Rwanda has established the Kiyanzi logistics platform in Kirehe…

The International Labor Organization (ILO) has launched another COVID-19 monitor report on global labour which raised fears and concerns over the informal sector being the most affected. . The 3rd report since the outbreak of coronavirus, dubbed ILO Monitor on the labour impact of COVID-19 was released Wednesday during an online global press conference held…

[caption id="attachment_52152" align="alignnone" width="992"] Karuruma truck parking lot  - April 28[/caption] The Ministry of Trade and Industry has said that it will support Petroleum importers in Rwanda who are currently facing storage and distribution challenges as a result of low consumption under the current coronavirus lockdown. This comes after several petroleum transporters are reportedly stuck…

[caption id="attachment_52088" align="alignnone" width="1353"] An exercise by www.openculture.com[/caption] There are more than 2.5million pupils out of school in Rwanda who are in their families due to Covid-19 lockdown which started on March 21 to prevent more spread. For parents it’s a responsibility to keep their children learning so as to cope with their school life. …

[caption id="attachment_52028" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Cross border truck drivers have caused a new increase in COVID-19 cases[/caption] The Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has released directives that intend to prevent more spread of new COVID-19 pandemic which has largely affected  transborder truck drivers and their assistants according to recent records. Since April 24, the country has started…

Facebook has expanded its Coronavirus Information Centers on the continent as part of its commitment to empowering people around the world with timely and accurate news from trusted health authorities. The new countries where Facebook is launching the Coronavirus Information Center include Rwanda, Botswana, Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini,…

Through the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, which supports global conservation efforts for endangered species, a Gorilla film – “Gorillapalooza” that managed to raise $4million for the gorilla conservation initiative is now brought to you for free in virtual reality (VR).  VR is a new way of looking at reality of existing and nonexisting things through…

Some of the projects that intend to fight against erosion in Sebeya catchment include terracing Conservation works on the Sebeya landscape restoration and Integrated Water resources management project have resumed along the banks of Sebeya River bringing hope to communities as April rainy season intensifies. A partnership between government of Rwanda and collaboration with International…

KT Radio has partnered with the Rwanda Education Board(REB) to helpPrimary School pupils poceed with their courses during this COvid-19 lockdown. The lessons are being broadcast from Monday to Friday between 18h20’- 19h00. KT Radio, one of the platforms of Kigali Today Ltd has a national reach with four FM channels including 96.7FM in Kigali,…

Akagera National Park management has explained that Rwanda’ black rhino "Manny" on February 10 succumbed to gastro intestinal disorder.  The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) is ruling out other speculations of animal poaching and oppression. Manny, was one of the five (two male and three female) critically endangered eastern black rhinos which were…

Rwandans are now among eight African countries that will officially, starting this Tuesday, be able to enjoy over 60 million songs, safe save terabytes of personal content using Apple’s services, the US-based global tech giant has said on Tuesday. Apple Inc said that its services- App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and iCloud…

[caption id="attachment_51692" align="alignnone" width="705"] Officials visiting Nyandungu eco-tourism park[/caption] Despite COVID-19 lockdown, the government has allowed some companies to continue activities on major development projects that are close to deadline or are either more important for the country or may cause more damage if not finished on due time. The clearance notified to line ministries…

The East Africa Business Council (EABC) has requested member states to start rethinking sustainable ways of supporting the regional aviation business that will inevitably suffer the COVID-19 crisis.  In a statement released on April 20th, the council recognised the fact that East Africa Community member states have been  supporting the private sector at large through…

[caption id="attachment_51659" align="alignnone" width="873"] UR - Huye Campus[/caption] Rwandan scholars have recommended the core values in the motto of the University of Rwanda (UR) as the only way forward to ensure genocide promoted by intellectuals, never happens again in Rwanda.  UR Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Charles Muligande, acknowledged that failure for the former UR leadership…

[caption id="attachment_51564" align="alignnone" width="741"] DR Sabin Nsanzimana, the Director-General Rwanda Biomedical Centre-Left- preaching by example.[/caption] Rwanda has recommended its citizens to wear face masks as local firms are set to start manufacturing them as soon as possible. Rwanda’s Health Minister Dr. Daniel Ngamije said that the government asked private companies to manufacture face masks to…

Rwanda being under Covid-19 lockdown, did not stop artists and actors from thinking and providing the community with content that helps them remember and pay repect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide commited against Tutsi this Kwibuka 26. Radio, television and most importantly social media became an important medium this year, because the pandemic…

[caption id="attachment_48162" align="alignnone" width="3500"] In this photo taken Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, desert locusts jump up from the ground and fly away as a cameraman walks past, in Nasuulu Conservancy, northern Kenya. As locusts by the billions descend on parts of Kenya in the worst outbreak in 70 years, small planes are flying low over…

[caption id="attachment_51364" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Kigali Special Economic Zone, one of the major business establishments in East Africa- Photo Cyril Ndegeya[/caption] The East Africa Business Council (EABC) has recommended to governments of the East African Community member states to take financial measures that will mitigate the impact of coronavirus in the community member states. In it’s…

[caption id="attachment_51338" align="alignnone" width="720"] Walking against gender-based violence in Ruhango district[/caption] Molly (Not real name) looks young, with a slim body; very funny with a little humor. By her looks, no one can imagine that she has had experience as traumatic as rape at her age. At 17, she was raped and became pregnant. She…

[caption id="attachment_51262" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Genocide Commemoration-Geneva, Switzerland[/caption] Rwandans in diaspora, and back home, have adjusted to the restrictions that imposes the new coronavirus pandemic as they pay respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide committed against Tutsi. During the Kwibuka26 week that concluded yesterday, the embassies managed to organize the diaspora community in their…

Africans with bankable solutions or ventures to address the coronavirus pandemic have a chance to win up to $50,000 worth of in-kind prizes in the upcoming AfricaVsVirus Challenge. The online challenge sponsored by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its partners will be open to entrepreneurs, companies, civil society organizations and governments next week from April…

[caption id="attachment_50544" align="alignnone" width="639"] Chemistry session in laboratory, Lycee de Kigali[/caption] Rwanda Education Board (REB) has indicated that the response of students and parents to available elearnig tools that were put in place to help students keep revising their courses has been increasingly positive. Figures shared by REB indicate that visits on the eLearning website…

[caption id="attachment_51100" align="alignnone" width="469"] Eugenie Mujawamariya[/caption] The 1994 Genocide committed against Tutsi cost life of more than 1 million Tutsi in three consecutive months, of April, May and June before it was stopped by the Rwanda Patriotict Army (RPA) Inkotanyi. The attrocities behind it, will explain why you always have an impression that the Genocide…

[caption id="attachment_51000" align="alignnone" width="873"] A component of Kigal Green city project[/caption] Rwanda and Germany have signed a financing agreement worth more than €52.1million (Rwf53billion) to support sustainable urban development, decentralization and promotion of growth and export-oriented small and medium size business. The agreement, electronically signed on Monday between Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning…

[caption id="attachment_50968" align="alignnone" width="800"] Genocide survivor at a place of exhumation of Genocide victims for decent burial[/caption] Rwandan authors have emphasized the importance of documenting events of what happened during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, with emphasis on educating future generations. The State Minister in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, Edouard Bamporiki said that…

Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has released directives prohibiting traders from hiking prices of household utilities like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Gas dealers hiked prices after the first 14-day covid-19 lockdown was announced on March 21 and extended by 15 days. In the second 15-day lockdown period, RURA said that effective this Tuesday, gas retail…

[caption id="attachment_47920" align="alignnone" width="497"] One Web Satellite[/caption] On March 27, OneWeb, a global communications company with a mission to bring connectivity to everyone everywhere, filed a bankruptcy relief case to a U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, citing failure to raise money from donors and its core business being affected by…

[caption id="attachment_50763" align="alignnone" width="1000"] The flame of Hope during a Kwibuka event. Rwandans and friends of Rwanda will not have an opportunity to come together physically to commemorate the 26th anniversary of the Genocide committed against Tutsi due to Covid-19 lockdown[/caption] The National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG) has made changes that will…

The Trade and Development Bank (TDB) has come on board to rescue African countries with support to procure essential medical supplies, and bail out regional financial institutions facing liquidity challenges. TDB is a multilateral, treaty-based, investment-grade development financial institution, with assets of more than $ 6billion with several funded projects across 21 African countries, including…

[caption id="attachment_50751" align="alignnone" width="696"] Pierre Celestin Rwabukumba, CEO Rwanda Stock Exchange[/caption] Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE) has said that during this coronavirus pandemic, its trading activities will remain online but with a projection of increased investments and trade volumes. “We have taken precautionary measures to avoid physical contact. Orders are sent online by stock brokers and…

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization(WHO) has congratulated President Paul Kagame for his effort to ensure early preparedness of the country to face Coronavirus and commitment to discussing with continental leaders the need to embrace battle of the pandemic selflessly. “For months, African leaders have prepared for the arrival of COVID-19.…

Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has recalled sale of locally made hand sanitizers products (BEU) after producers failed to meet the markets standards. The cancellation of the locally made product comes at a time when demand for hand sanitizers in Rwanda has increased as a result of hygiene measures to fight coronavirus infections. In…

[caption id="attachment_50645" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation by this couple, one of the donors in this initiative[/caption] Partners in the COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator, an initiative spearheaded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Wellcome, and Mastercard in fight against coronavirus have pledged a $20 million grant in the effort to find treatment to the…

[caption id="attachment_50635" align="alignnone" width="1400"] Woman using sanitizer at home[/caption] Fighting Coronavirus - Covid-19 has become a global concern and with 75 cases since mid last month, Rwanda is also very much concerned. Despite the country being under lockdown since March 21, some businesses remained operational because they provide essential goods and services that people need…

As global Coronavirus (COVID-19) numbers continue to rise across the globe, to keep people safe, FaceBook has announced plans to raise funds in support to the United Nations Foundation/ World Health Organization (UNF/WHO) COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. “We are working with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Foundation to launch a Facebook Fundraiser in the…

[caption id="attachment_50544" align="alignnone" width="639"] Senior 4 Students in a Chemistry course at Lycee de Kigali.[/caption] With more days ahead into the current coronavirus lockdown, Rwanda Education Board (REB) has moved to free YouTube lessons to keep students up to speed with visual online education. In order to actualize this, REB decided to join the YouTube…

[caption id="attachment_37263" align="alignnone" width="583"] Water Billing. A commercial field officer will not be able to come home to issue a bill during Covid-19 lockdown[/caption] The month of March is ending and many Rwandans remain under the coronavirus national lockdown which has entered its second week. Water bills are some of the utilities that have to…

The message sent on the ministry’s Twitter handle comes after Rwandans have spent slightly over a week under a national lockdown decree which was announced on the evening of March 21, after the first Coronavirus case was reported in Rwanda on March 14. “During this Coronavirus period, we (ministry) are asking married couples to remember…

[caption id="attachment_50500" align="alignnone" width="864"] Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB president[/caption] African Development Bank has launched a record breaking $3 billion “Fight COVID-19” Social Bond for African countries, whose economies are currently largely under a slow down as a result of the global pandemic. The new bond meant to help the continental business recovery from Coronavirus, follows another…

[caption id="attachment_11747" align="alignnone" width="913"] Thousands of genocide survivors have no genitalia as they were cut off or damaged completely during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, it was announced on Sunday - May 13,2018[/caption] The National Commission against Genocide (CNLG) has said that the 26th commemoration of genocide against the Tutsi will go on as…

World Health Organisation (WHO) has in partnership with WhatsApp and Facebook launched a dedicated messaging service to keep the global community up to speed with trusted sources of information on coronavirus. The service unveiled yesterday is planned to be accessible in key global and widely used languages - English, French, Spanish and Arabic. The WHO…

The African Management Institute (AMI) is conducting a free 'COVID -19 Business Survival Bootcamp' for small African business owners with the aim of equipping businesses with practical tools to face challenges of the pandemic.   AMI, which offers tailored tools and training to meet needs of business, in 15 countries including Rwanda, says that the short…

[caption id="attachment_50272" align="alignnone" width="1500"] The flame of hope at Kigali Genocide memorial. It will not be possible to gather her for this Kwibuka 26, unless there are very positive change in slow down of Covid-19[/caption] Ibuka, the umbrella organization that connects associations of survivors of the 1994 genocide against Tutsi has asked Rwandans to respect…

Apple Inc has announced plans of opening its App Store to 20 new countries this year, including Rwanda among the African countries on the list. The company yesterday, announced this move on its developer portal, marking the latest expansion of Apple’s current App marketplace in 155 countries around the globe. All Apple physical stores worldwide…

[caption id="attachment_50229" align="alignnone" width="1080"] CHIC, one of the commercial building in Kigali[/caption] The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) has released figures that show the 2019 gross domestic product (GDP) estimates, calculated using the 2017 benchmark, increased by 9.4%. Rwanda's economy was projected to grow by 7.8% in 2019, based on the economy's robust…

[caption id="attachment_50254" align="alignnone" width="280"] Felicien Kabuga[/caption] Next month, Rwandans and the rest of the world will begin commemorating 26 years since the 1994 genocide against Tutsi was committed in Rwanda claiming over one million lives. Several genocide suspects have been arrested and brought to justice locally and in other countries, but majority of the genocide…

Rwanda has for the second day in a week gone luck to end a day without a new recorded Coronavirus case. "No new coronavirus cases were identified. The total remains confirmed cases remain seventeen," the ministry of health said this evening. Since the confirmation of the first coronavirus case on Saturday March 14, Rwanda recorded…

In a bid to control spread of Coronavirus, Rwanda Bankers Association (RBA) has instructed that all banks to no longer allow third party cheque payments for the next three months. The decision of the association comes at a time when banks have taken individual measures to avoid more Coronavirus infections by asking clients to keep…

[caption id="attachment_50163" align="alignnone" width="750"] The children can continue with their courses at home now, provided internet. Photo Unicef[/caption] Rwanda Education Board (REB) has doubled its capacity in using e-learning systems, as a way of working around the coronavirus epidemic which has affected the school calendar this semester. At the outbreak of the first coronavirus case…

[caption id="attachment_50156" align="alignnone" width="1687"] Gorilla SIlverback in Rwanda's habitat[/caption] With the uncertainty on whether wildlife are immune to Coronavirus, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has decided to keep the country's growing wild animals away from researchers as the virus takes bite of all aspects of human life. In a statement released this Friday RDB said that…

The ministry of Local Government has double-tightened measures leaving no loose ends for the Coronavirus to spread in the public. Soon after registering the first case on March 14, the Prime Minister's office passed directives prohibiting public gatherings including religious ceremonies and urged citizens to work at home. Several public and private institutions followed suit…

At the time when Coronavirus is thwe talk of the city, a Rwandan filmmaker has a new film that will help families learn to stick together in the hardest moments. The new film, 'One Last Night' written, produced and directed by Suleiman Zion featuring local actors and shot from local scenes in Kigali, will be…

[caption id="attachment_50078" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Peter Vrooman-US Ambassador to Rwanda[/caption] The U.S. Embassy Kigali has said it will equally help Rwanda and its own citizens living in Rwanda to remain safe and cope up with the ongoing global covid19 crisis which has put pressure on Rwanda’s economy. In a statement released on Twitter US  Ambassador to…

In a bid to cope with the current Covid-19 pandemic and prevent an economic shock, the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has eased the normal bank loaning procedures for both banks and its clients. In a statement released Wednesday evening BNR asked banks to relax their grip on loan repayment conditions of clients affected by…

In the wake of the covid19 outbreak, Rwanda Stock market index (RSI) and shares index (ALSI) have remained constant despite the country recording eight cases since March 14, 2020. Before the first case was reported, the trading week closed on Friday 13th March, 2020 with trading session recording a total of Rwf13, 577,600 worth of…

[caption id="attachment_50019" align="alignnone" width="595"] Nyarugenge Pension Plazza which hosts the Ministry of environment[/caption] In the wake of a decision limiting citizen movement as a measure to contain the rapid spread of Coronavirus, government institutions have now strengthened the use of digital services to keep business moving on. The move is part of the government precautions…

[caption id="attachment_49815" align="alignnone" width="640"] A farming project in Kirehe district[/caption] The ministry of agriculture has asked parliament to push for establishment of a farmer’s bank to address the challenge of lack of access to agriculture financing. The national bank of Rwanda Monetary Policy and Financial Stability Statement (MPFSS) 2020 showed slow growth in the agriculture…

[caption id="attachment_49872" align="alignnone" width="680"] Clare Akamanzi, CEO RDB at the breakfast meeting[/caption] Rwanda Development Board (RDB) has clarified that preparation to host the 2020 Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting (CHOGM) is still on and instead Rwanda is warming up to take advantage of the $700m investment and trade deals that will be unveiled…

[caption id="attachment_49868" align="alignnone" width="774"] Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Minister of Trade and Industry[/caption] The ministry of trade has assured parliament that issues surrounding cross border markets will be solved as soon as possible to have the projects further reduce imports from neighboring countries. This assurance comes after the minister was summoned more than three times to explain…

[caption id="attachment_49852" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Ngabitsinze Jean Chrysostome[/caption] In October 2018, the Rwanda parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) got a man to replace its former iron hand chairman, Juvenal Nkusi, who run the committee held government official accountable for more than eight years. [caption id="attachment_49845" align="alignleft" width="401"] Beline Uwineza[/caption] The longest serving Parliamentarian Nkusi, from Social…

Rwanda has launched a major fight against malaria that will use drones to totally whip out mosquito lava before they get a chance to nest into adult insects. The new spray program launched on Tuesday, March 10, 2020 by the ministry of health, is set to be piloted by Charis UAS- a local Drone Company…

[caption id="attachment_49666" align="alignnone" width="699"] The private sector made a humble request to government institutions to consider paying them on time[/caption] The Rwanda Private sector has proposed strong penalties to be levied against government entities which don’t pay entrepreneurs on time thus causing a major shock in sector’s role in the economic development. This is one…