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The refugees, from various African countries facing instability, were unable to secure the peace and freedom they sought, with many failing in their attempts to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. Instead, they found themselves detained in Libya.

A temporary camp was established in Rwanda, where they received various forms of assistance while awaiting permanent resettlement options, including relocation to other countries.

In August, the Government of Rwanda and its partners renewed the agreement to receive more refugees and asylum seekers. In collaboration with the European Union, the capacity of the Gashora transit center was expanded, raising its accommodation limit from 500 to 700 people.

Since the program began, UNHCR reports that by September 2024, Rwanda had hosted 2,474 refugees. Most of them are from Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, though a few also come from West African countries.

By the end of September 2024, UNHCR statistics show that 1,817 refugees had been resettled in other countries, while 698 remained at the Gashora transit center. The main resettlement destinations include Canada, Sweden, the United States, Finland, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Their well-being is monitored daily by the Rwandan Government, through the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), and UNHCR, with support from partners including the European Union and Denmark.

This building in the temporary camp in Gashora is where some asylum seekers and refugees rescued from Libya are accommodated.

A New Life Begins

Many refugees have varied reasons for fleeing their home countries, with war, insecurity, and persecution being the primary drivers. These challenges forced them to seek passage from Libya to Europe by sea. However, for many, these hopes tragically ended, as they either fell into the hands of armed groups in Libya or suffered from dangerous boat journeys.

Abdallah Mohamed Altahir, a father of three from Sudan, currently lives at the Gashora transit center with his wife and children. He told IGIHE that he decided to leave Sudan due to the ongoing civil war.

“In 2023, my wife, our three children, and I decided to leave Sudan for Libya because of insecurity,” he said. “Once we reached Libya, the situation was no better than in Sudan, as armed groups constantly threatened us. Each day, new dangers arose, with no one to help us.”

Abdallah explained that he sought asylum with UNHCR in Libya and was eventually selected for resettlement in Rwanda, an option he had not anticipated.

“Coming to Rwanda was a surprise,” he said. “Arriving here felt like being lifted from a blazing fire to a safe place. For the first time, I felt genuinely welcomed, and it restored my hope in life.”

Similarly, Hussein Fakeya Abader, a young woman from Ethiopia, arrived at the Gashora camp in late 2022. She left Ethiopia for Libya due to conflict and endured hardships, including losing sight in one eye.

“Life in Libya was terrible. I saw people suffer, people killed on the streets, and others assaulted. I never want to return to Libya,” she shared.

Since arriving in Rwanda, Fakeya says her life has transformed. “When I learned I was going to Rwanda, I was very happy. After arriving, we were welcomed, settled, and even received medical care.”

At the Gashora transit center, asylum seekers and refugees live freely, receive food, and engage in recreational activities. Children attend regular classes, and adults can study English, French, Kinyarwanda, and vocational skills like driving, hairdressing, tailoring, and computing.

Although grateful for the warm welcome in Rwanda, many still hope to resettle in Western countries, where they believe they can secure a better future for themselves and their families.

When the refugees arrive in Rwanda, they are first informed about the laws governing the country and other basics.

Dris Yourdanous Aforke speaking with one of the UNHCR staff members.

Many have already adapted to life in this temporary camp.

Many have already adapted to life in this temporary camp.

Abdallah Mohamed Altahir, originally from Sudan, lives in this temporary camp in Gashora with his wife and children.

Dris Yourdanous Aforke, originally from Eritrea, has adapted to life in Gashora.

Many women in this camp have experienced violence while they were still in Libya.

At least once a week, these refugees are given meat and other essentials with support from the EU.

Their nutrition needs in this temporary camp in Gashora are taken care of.

The diet of the refugees and asylum seekers is given special attention.

In the temporary camp of Gashora, there are workers who specialize in making bread that is given to these refugees and asylum seekers.

IGIHE

Launched in 2021 under the patronage of Mrs. Maïté Relecom, the scholarship program has grown into a life-changing initiative for the children of SKOL Brewery Ltd employees.

The scholarship program provides funding not only for secondary school students but also supports those pursuing undergraduate studies and those enrolled in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs.

By covering a wide spectrum of educational needs, SKOL ensures that recipients have the resources and support to pursue both academic and practical career pathways.

In a statement, the brewer noted that more than 265 secondary school students and 30 scholars in higher education have benefited from the scholarship program since its inception three years ago.

The impact is widely felt, with students and parents alike acknowledging the tangible relief and opportunities it brings.

One parent shared, 'SKOL’s scholarship has fully covered my children’s school fees, allowing me to direct those resources toward building our family’s future.'

As SKOL Brewery Ltd celebrates this year’s new recipients, it reaffirms its commitment to nurturing young talents as the future leaders of tomorrow.

“Through this scholarship program, SKOL not only invests in the students’ academic journeys but also in Rwanda’s continued growth and development by helping equip its future workforce with the education and skills to succeed,” the company affirmed.

As SKOL Brewery Ltd celebrates this year’s new recipients, it reaffirms its commitment to nurturing young talents as the future leaders of tomorrow.

IGIHE

Mrs. Kagame made the remarks during the Qatar Foundation’s commemoration of the 30th International Year of the Family on Thursday, October 31, 2024, highlighting the essential role of family in fostering sustainable development.

'Today’s exchange calls for reflection, but also experience, on the transformative journey that can successfully take a people from deprivation to prosperity,' Mrs. Kagame stated.

The First Lady stressed the importance of addressing poverty through a holistic lens. She pointed out that the narrative surrounding poverty often reduces individuals to mere statistics, stripping them of their resilience and potential.

Mrs. Kagame challenged the prevailing measures of economic success, such as GDP per capita, arguing they often fail to capture the true quality of life experienced by individuals, particularly in nations marked by inequality.

'If 'poor' or 'rich' are to be pertinent qualifiers of human development for entire nations, shouldn’t there be a more accurate and culturally-sensitive barometer, of the quality of one’s well-being, than the one that we currently uphold?' she posed.

The First Lady’s perspective aims to shift the dialogue from merely quantifying wealth to understanding the dynamics of prosperity and human development.

She called for a generational mindset shift regarding the term “poor country” and the associated narratives that often perpetuate stigma.

'Behind facts and figures, behind statistics, are real families, with aspirations and desires similar to everyone else’s: the health and success of our children,' she urged.

'The futures of those who have abundance are closely connected with the lives of those in need. We must recognize that our fates are interconnected… So, we must all ask ourselves: Will this generation, at last, be the one to end extreme poverty? We are equipped with the resources, incentives and I dare hope, humanity, to do so.'

Reflecting on Rwanda’s journey since liberation three decades ago, Mrs. Kagame shared the nation’s strides toward eradicating poverty through innovative governance and social policies. She pointed to significant advancements, such as Universal Healthcare (Mutuelle de Sante), which covers over 98% of Rwandans, and initiatives like the Integrated Model Villages, which provide comprehensive support to vulnerable families.

'Since 2000, the Rwandan economy has multiplied more than seven times, and Rwandans’ life expectancy has increased from 47 years to 70 years and rising,' she noted.

Mrs. Kagame also emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving these goals, thanking the Qatar Foundation for its collaboration on projects aimed at ensuring that no child is left out of education.

'We take this opportunity to celebrate the solid partnership between the Government of Rwanda and Qatar Foundation. The Zero Out of School Project, spearheaded by Education Above All, offers an encouraging prospect that no child shall miss school, by re-enrolling all dropouts. Thank you for committing to this noble cause,' she thanked the foundation.

She also highlighted the significance of environmental sustainability in Rwanda’s development agenda. With climate change posing a substantial threat, Mrs. Kagame highlighted Rwanda’s efforts that have seen access to electricity increase from 6% to 75% in just 15 years, with a focus on renewable resources.

This, she asserted, is crucial for fostering a healthy and prosperous society capable of sustaining thriving families.

The First Lady is recognised globally for her dedication to vulnerable communities. She champions family well-being through her leadership at Imbuto Foundation and other organisations she patrons. Her initiatives focus on health, education, and social protection for marginalized groups.

Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, emphasized the crucial link between family dynamics and the persistent cycle of poverty at the Qatar Foundation Summit, calling for collective action and a renewed commitment to eradicate intergenerational poverty globally.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Kindiki, 52, was sworn in during a brief ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, a day after the High Court lifted conservatory orders that had blocked his swearing-in for about two weeks following a litany of cases filed challenging Gachagua’s ouster.

In his inaugural speech as Kenya’s Second-in-Command, Kindiki pledged unwavering loyalty and faithfulness to President William Ruto—a quality believed to have been lacking in Gachagua, contributing to the fallout between them and ultimately resulting in his hasty removal from office.

'I commit to being loyal and faithful. I will do my best to work hard alongside my colleagues to lighten the burden you have on your shoulders,' Kindiki stated.

Kindiki is among the top candidates considered as President Ruto’s running mate for his presidential campaign in 2022. He is a seasoned lawyer and former senator who represented Tharaka Nithi County between 2013 and 2022.

He was also part of a team of lawyers who represented Ruto at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, in the crimes against humanity case related to the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The charges against Ruto were later vacated due to insufficient evidence.

President Ruto, in his remarks during the swearing-in ceremony on Friday, lauded the former Minister of Interior as a dedicated professional whose commitment to excellence has helped the country overcome daunting challenges, describing him as a tireless public servant in national leadership.

He praised Kindiki as a patriot whose dedication to cohesion, national unity, and inclusivity is beyond reproach and a loyal steward of the government’s economic transformation agenda.

As Minister of Interior, President Ruto noted, Kindiki had consistently delivered results beyond expectations.

The Kenyan Head of State urged his new deputy to serve selflessly and with dedication, loyalty, and integrity to the people of Kenya.

'My brother, serve the nation without bias or favouritism, so the people of Kenya see that we are united as one country, one people, bound by our constitutional duty,' President Ruto said.

'The people of Kenya require a patriotic public servant and consummate champion of our constitutional dispensation, our broad-based national governance framework, and the bottom-up economic transformation agenda to support the cabinet and the President in delivering in full and on time,' he added.

In his speech, the President appeared to take a dig at Gachagua, who had been accused of undermining the President and Cabinet resolutions.

President Ruto expressed frustration over feeling like a 'lonely voice' within the Executive, lacking support to effectively communicate his administration’s programs.

'I need your voice. I need your intellect to help me and members of our cabinet to profile and articulate the things we are doing,” President Ruto told Kindiki while commenting on what his administration has been missing over the past two years.

During his impeach in parliament, the former Deputy President faced 11 grounds for removal from office. A majority of the Senators upheld his impeachment on five grounds, including inciting ethnic divisions by likening the government to a sharing holding company and violating his oath of office. He was cleared of six charges, including corruption and money laundering.

Recently, Gachagua went berserk on his boss, accusing him of sponsoring his impeachment after disagreements over government policies, including additional taxes.

The former Deputy President claimed that his impeachment followed two failed assassination attempts, involving poisoning of his food, by state operatives.

He made the claims after being discharged from Karen Hospital in Nairobi, where he had been hospitalized with chest pains as the Senate debated his impeachment motion on October 17, 2024.

The 59-year-old is in court to challenge his removal from office, hoping to clear his name, as the impeachment means he cannot hold public office again or enjoy his retirement benefits.

Kindiki was sworn in during a colourful ceremony held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, a day after the High Court lifted conservatory orders that had blocked his swearing-in for about two weeks following a litany of cases filed challenging Gachagua’s ouster.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, announced the funding on Thursday, October 31, 2024. She expressed confidence in Rwanda’s response to the crisis and highlighted the UK’s commitment to saving lives and preventing further spread of the virus.

'We are proud to collaborate with the government of Rwanda, the WHO, and partners to end this outbreak. The UK contribution will support Rwanda’s impressive efforts in tackling Marburg and saving lives,' said Thorpe.

'The UK stands with the government and people of Rwanda in ending this outbreak as quickly as possible.'

Of the allocated funds, £0.5 million is designated for UNICEF to implement infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions, as well as risk communication and community engagement to educate the public about MVD and necessary precautions.

Up to £0.45 million will support an 11-person UK Emergency Medical Team providing IPC assistance to ambulance services for MVD and non-MVD patients and intensive care support in non-MVD wards.

Additionally, £0.6 million is allocated for expert support to bolster the overall response. This includes surge support for UN agencies to address key gaps through the Standby Partnerships mechanism, as well as technical expertise based within the British High Commission to guide the UK’s support for Rwanda’s Response Plan.

Lastly, £0.4 million is directed to the WHO Africa Regional Office for the procurement of essential supplies, including MVD test kits.

UK experts in Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers have been involved since the early days of the outbreak, supporting the Ministry of Health in Rwanda to launch a groundbreaking Marburg treatment trial. This trial, facilitated in partnership with the WHO and other agencies, is expected to contribute valuable insights into potential treatments for Marburg Virus Disease.

Funding has also been directed to key partners, including the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), to aid vaccine and therapeutic trials led by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health. These trials aim to develop effective preventative measures and treatments, supporting both current efforts and future readiness.

The UK’s support extends to research that examines the origins and zoonotic transmission of the Marburg Virus, crucial for understanding and managing future outbreaks.

The UK-Rwanda collaboration comes amid growing global health concerns, with a recent discovery of a more contagious strain of Mpox in London underscoring the urgency of effective containment strategies.

The British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Alison Thorpe, announced the funding on Thursday, October 31, 2024. She expressed confidence in Rwanda’s response to the crisis and highlighted the UK’s commitment to saving lives and preventing further spread of the virus.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Right from kickoff, Amavubi charged forward, determined to reverse their fortunes. Just two minutes into the game, Kevin Muhire launched a powerful attempt, narrowly missing the target but setting the tone for an aggressive offensive.

As the game settled, Rwanda’s Olivier Dushimimana, affectionately nicknamed “Muzungu,” took the stage. At seven minutes, he claimed the game’s first corner kick, pressuring Djibouti’s defense and rallying the crowd.

The breakthrough came swiftly in the 10th minute when Muzungu drove a sleek tap into the net, throwing the crowd into ecstatic celebration. Muzungu, who was arguably the game’s standout player in its opening stages, nearly doubled the lead three minutes later with a powerful cross that Djibouti’s defense narrowly blocked.

On 23 minutes, he made no mistake, once again finding the net to double Amavubi’s lead and solidify his status as the match’s early hero.

His two goals provided much-needed confidence to Rwanda’s midfield trio comprising of Bosco Ruboneka and Gilbert Mugisha, whose creativity and agility brought balance to the squad after a disappointing first leg encounter.

Though Amavubi’s pace waned slightly toward the end of the first half, they almost clinched a third goal in stoppage time, with Muzungu, again narrowly missing a hat-trick opportunity before the half time whistle.

As the second half prepared to commence, excitement erupted as President Paul Kagame entered Amahoro Stadium. The Head of State’s arrival energized both players and fans alike, elevating the atmosphere to a fever pitch.

The second half began with Rwanda maintaining their offensive pressure. Kevin Muhire came close to extending the lead in the 57th minute but missed a one-on-one chance with the Djibouti goalkeeper.

Djibouti’s attempts at retaliation were quickly quashed by Gorilla FC’s skilled goalkeeper Gad, who denied Djibouti a glimmer of hope at the hour mark.

Rwanda appeared to seal their third goal when Mugisha scored at the 78th minute, but the celebration was cut short by an offside call. The close call only intensified Rwanda’s determination.

As the second half prepared to commence, excitement erupted as President Paul Kagame entered Amahoro Stadium.

As the game neared its end, Amavubi showed relentless resolve to secure their place in the next round. In the 90th minute, Mugisha skillfully delivered a through pass to Arsene Tuyisenge, who confidently slotted in Rwanda’s third goal, ensuring an aggregate victory and a resounding near qualification.

With three minutes of added time, Rwanda held their line firmly, finishing the game with a decisive 3-1 on aggregate. The final whistle marked a triumphant moment, as Amavubi kept their CHAN qualification dreams alive and set their sights on the next challenge.

The next game in this campaign will be a showdown with the winner of the Kenya and South Sudan tie, slated for November 3, 2024 at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

For Rwanda, this match was more than a win; it was a declaration of resilience, team spirit, and national pride and some fans say, Amavubi stands ready with their eyes fixed firmly on a place in the finals jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania between February 1 to 28, 2025.

Sam K Nkurunziza

Recently, M23 and the Congolese Army (FARDC) were asked to observe a ceasefire, but fighting persists in Masisi territory, North Kivu. The latest Luanda talks called for Rwanda to reduce its security measures, contingent on DR Congo addressing the FDLR threat to Rwanda.

In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, discussed challenges in the Rwanda-DRC talks, Rwanda’s security measures that concern DR Congo, and potential solutions. He highlighted that FARDC consistently violates agreements, with recent fighting reportedly provoked by FARDC and its allied FDLR and Wazalendo forces.

“The information we have on recent clashes is that Wazalendo and FDLR attacked M23 bases, provoking a response. This pattern has recurred as DR Congo’s government uses such groups in violation of ceasefire agreements, prompting M23 to retaliate,' Nduhungirehe noted.

He emphasized that Rwanda’s security measures remain necessary due to FARDC’s continued alliance with the FDLR. Nduhungirehe explained that President Tshisekedi’s threats against Rwanda and his collaboration with the FDLR, which includes individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, leave Rwanda no choice but to prioritize defence.

The Solution Lies in Dialogue with M23

Nduhungirehe reiterated that Rwanda’s stance in Luanda talks has been for DR Congo to address grievances by engaging directly with M23, representing Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese, primarily Tutsis, who have long faced persecution and discrimination.

'The Congolese government needs to address this internal issue, involving M23 and the larger Congolese community, through direct dialogue,' the minister added.

When asked whether DR Congo’s reluctance to dismantle the FDLR undermines Rwanda’s participation in the talks, Nduhungirehe remarked, 'There’s no political will to eliminate the FDLR. Even in Luanda, where strategies to dismantle the FDLR were discussed, reports emerged that the FDLR continued to receive arms and hold military meetings with Congolese officials. Recent attacks branded as efforts to root out the FDLR were superficial and intended to appease international audiences.'

On October 30, experts from Rwanda, DR Congo, and Angola met in Luanda to refine plans to counter the FDLR, which will be submitted to foreign ministers from both countries for approval. However, Congo’s government continues to view Rwanda and M23 as the primary issue, downplaying the FDLR threat.

In a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE, Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, discussed challenges in the Rwanda-DRC talks, Rwanda’s security measures that concern DR Congo, and potential solutions.

IGIHE

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, October 31, 2024, a three-judge bench lifted the conservatory orders issued by a magistrate court in Kerugoya, which temporarily suspended the swearing-in of Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President following his hasty nomination and approval by the National Assembly.

In its ruling, the bench argued that the office of Deputy President cannot be vacant.

“Allowing the conservatory orders to stand will leave the office of the Deputy President vacant… This court firmly holds that no court should issue orders that have the effect of suspending the operation of any provision of the Constitution, as such an outcome is clearly not envisioned by the document itself,” the judges ruled.

The court directed that the consolidated cases challenging Gachagua’s impeachment be mentioned on November 7, 2024, and noted that the ousted Deputy President is at liberty to file an appeal against the judgment.

Earlier, Gachagua had moved to the Court of Appeal seeking orders to stay proceedings at the High Court, but his request was declined.

In his appeal, Gachagua argued that he was dissatisfied with last week’s ruling that the three-judge bench hearing his petition at the High Court was properly constituted.

Gachagua is the first Deputy President in Kenya’s history to be removed from office through an impeachment process.

He was removed from office on October 17, 2024, after the Senate upheld the resolutions of the National Assembly to impeach him, despite his failure to testify at his impeachment trial after his lawyer stated that he had been taken to the hospital.

A majority of the Senators upheld his impeachment on five grounds, including inciting ethnic divisions and violating his oath of office. He was cleared of six charges, including corruption and money laundering.

The 59-year-old, who played a key role in President Ruto’s election in 2022, recently accused the Kenyan Head of State of sponsoring his impeachment after disagreements over government policies, including additional taxes.

Gachagua’s impeachment means he cannot hold public office again, and he also loses any retirement benefits.

Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment means he cannot hold public office again, and he also loses his retirement benefits.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

With the aim of driving progress towards SDG7 (affordable and clean energy), the AEE will focus on furthering the Africa Power Vision goals and objectives, and is organized by Informa Markets.

Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Director — Energy, Informa Markets said that this Expo represents a significant milestone for Africa’s energy sector since for the first time, high-level audiences, including government ministers, regulators, and utility CEOs, will come together to collaborate on transformative strategies for Africa’s energy future.

It also seeks to encourage investment in renewable energy projects and accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across the continent.

Boasting a top-calibre line-up, this event is set to become a regular feature on Africa’s energy and utilities calendar. Our specific thanks go to Tetracore for demonstrating their commitment to the sustainable growth of the industry in their role as a Gold Conference Sponsor,' Yesufu said.

Scheduled to take place from November 4 to 6 at the Kigali Convention Centre, the AEE promises to be a truly Pan-African event that features more than 150 exhibitors representing the continent’s rapidly expanding energy sector.

The Expo will bring together high-level audiences, including government ministers, regulators, and utility CEOs

Exhibitors include providers of renewable and clean energy, transmission and distribution, energy consumption and management, backup generators and critical power, and smart solutions.

Some of the international actors expected to attend include National Energy Regulatory Authorities in Tanzania, Morocco, Nigeria, Malawi, Uganda, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Ghana, to mention but a few.

The 3-day event includes a Technical Seminar that will serve as a knowledge hub to learn and share industry best practices and scientific developments, and several roundtable discussions that will delve into some critical issues requiring attention from various stakeholders.

An exclusive Leadership Summit, themed 'Investments, integration, infrastructure, and governance to fuel the energy transition’, features an impressive line-up of esteemed speakers, interactive deep-dive sessions, roundtables, and networking opportunities.

Under discussion at the Leadership Summit will be critical themes shaping Africa’s energy future, including the development of a roadmap to universal electrification and the creation of robust policy frameworks through the African Single Electricity Markets.

Speakers will explore enhancing feasibility studies and business plans to reduce financial risks in large-scale infrastructure projects, as well as the significant role of innovation in advancing last-mile rural electrification through decentralized renewable energy (DRE).

Additionally, experts will discuss strategies for designing effective carbon market mechanisms that reduce emissions while boosting investment.

The potential of green hydrogen in facilitating a low-carbon transition, the importance of financing energy access, and the role of gas-to-power infrastructure as a catalyst in the energy transition will also be key focus points.

The 2024 Africa Energy Expo kicks off in Kigali on Monday, November 4, 2024

Sam K Nkurunziza

The beauty queen appeared at Kicukiro Primary Court, where she faced multiple charges, including driving without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol, damaging public infrastructure, and fleeing the scene.

The prosecution informed the court that the defendant had been drinking at a bar identified as “Atelier du Vin” around midnight before driving home. They alleged that due to her limited driving skills and high level of intoxication, she crashed into an electricity pole and a tree.

According to the prosecution, after the crash, she allegedly fled the scene but later returned to retrieve her phones, only to find the police had arrived. She reportedly then claimed that she was not the driver of the vehicle.

The prosecution also noted that this was not her first offence, pointing out that she had previously been cautioned and apologized for similar behaviour on September 23, 2024. They urged the court to find her guilty of all charges.

The prosecution stated that Muheto’s blood alcohol level was measured at 4.00, while the legal limit is 0.8.

Accompanied by three lawyers, Muheto pleaded guilty to three charges but denied the prosecution’s allegations that she fled the scene after causing an accident.

'I admit to driving under the influence, driving without a license, and causing the accident, but I do not admit to fleeing,” Muheto said in her defence.

She explained that after the crash, she moved aside due to the crowd that had gathered but remained nearby, awaiting the police.

One of her attorneys argued that Muheto accepts responsibility for her actions, has apologized, and has cooperated with the authorities throughout the investigation. He added that she had a provisional driving license, meaning she was aware of traffic regulations, although she made the mistake of driving without a full license.

The defence attorney pointed out to the court that the electricity pole and tree Muheto struck are still standing, indicating that she did not flee. He asserted that if she had intended to escape, she would have done so immediately after the crash, as she had the means to drive away.

The prosecution is seeking a one-year and eight-month jail term for Muheto: six months for drink-driving, two months for driving without a permit, and one year for fleeing after causing an accident.

Miss Muheto admitted to driving under the influence and causing an accident but denied fleeing the scene.

IGIHE