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Irembo, in a recent statement, indicated that the partnership aims at empowering local talent thereby propelling Rwanda to the forefront of digital innovation.

The two institutions are collaborating on an ongoing internship program that comprises 28 interns, 16 of whom are from the prestigious coding academy.

Beneficiaries of the internship partnership between Irembo and Rwanda Coding Academy.

Irembo, responsible for building and maintaining the government’s one-stop service portal, said that the cohort of interns who joined the company in March 2024 is the largest so far.

The company praised the interns for the significant strides made over the last several months, which include building and testing more than 100 services on top of the IremboGov technology portal.

'Their efforts have substantially accelerated the delivery cadence of new services and further positioned IremboGov as the one-stop portal for government services,' the statement reads in part.

Irembo noted that the interns have also contributed to advancing the company’s AI initiatives through successful experimentations. These include chatbots to answer questions about IremboGov services, assistants to improve developer productivity, and natural language processing for analytics.

'The interns are cultivating valuable teamwork and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment under the mentorship of Irembo’s seasoned engineers,' said the statement.

According to the company, the talent and skills shown by the interns reflect the high-quality education and training provided by RCA and the diverse expertise brought in through the professional internship program.

'Their work drives significant progress in Irembo’s projects, demonstrating the powerful synergy between academic learning, professional growth, and real-world application. This collaboration creates a dynamic and productive atmosphere, fostering innovation and excellence in all our initiatives,' Irembo noted.

Patrick Ndjientcheu, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at Irembo, affirmed that the ongoing partnership reflects shared vision to nurture the next generation of African tech peers.

'The interns’ achievements showcase their hard work, dedication, and the innovative spirit that drives us all. We are excited to continue this partnership, creating more opportunities for growth and innovation. Together, we are building a digitally empowered Rwanda,' Ndjientche stated.

Patrick Ndjientcheu is the Chief Product and Engineering Officer at Irembo.

Dr Papias Niyigena, Principal of Rwanda Coding Academy, also lauded the students’ contributions to Irembo’s Innovative projects.

He said the partnership highlights the strength of the institution’s curriculum and showcases students’ exceptional talent and potential.

'By collaborating with Irembo, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for our students to excel and drive technological advancements, ultimately contributing to Rwanda’s growth as a tech hub in Africa,' he said.

Irembo and Rwanda Code Academy are collaborating on an ongoing internship program that comprises 28 interns, 16 of whom are from the prestigious coding academy.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Tau, who refers taekwondo as a family sport, has made a name for herself by being the first taekwondo representative from her country Lesotho to qualify for the Olympics in 20 years. Her father John Tau, who passed away when she was young, was a national taekwondo legend.

The former beauty queen said she is upbeat after months of training, aiming to earn a medal in Paris.

'Everything is possible but it has not been easy to get to the Olympics. It requires a lot of sacrifices but with determination, dedication, prayer and good support, everything is possible,' noted Tau.

Mchezo, a Rwanda-based company which aims to invest in the future of sport and technology in Africa, has worked in partnership with the government of Lesotho in supporting Tau as she prepared to qualify for the Olympics.

Mchezo helped Tau to attend top taekwondo training sessions in Germany and Spain soon after she qualified for the Olympics in the women under 49 kg category.

Tau achieved the feat by winning at the African Qualifying tournament held in Dakar, Senegal over the weekend of 10-11 February 2024.

Her coach Hugo Tortosa, one of the youngest coaches at the Olympics aged just 24, said that her training this week will comprise 'very specific work ahead of the first fight.'

'In taekwondo you can only think about the first opponent because if you do not pass that round you cannot compete further, so we can’t think about other opponents at this time,' Tortosa added.

Mchezo Managing Director Ntoudi Mouyelo said he could not be more proud of Tau.
'From the moment we were first introduced to her to this date, we at Mchezo have never doubted her drive to excel. It was very clear from the beging that she was a cut above the rest, the kind of sports personality anyone can enjoy working with,' said Mouyelo.

About Mchezo:

Mchezo is a company focused on sports and talent development, responsible gaming and innovation with an aim of bringing dreams to life through diverse development projects across the continent.

As the BetPawa brand owner in Africa, Mchezo provides client services by offering a franchise to license holders. Its vision is to ensure compliance, transparency, development of the sector (betting, payments and monitoring) and investment.

About Michelle Tau:

Tau has been part of the Lesotho national team since 2013. She serves as the Female Taekwondo Anti-Doping Ambassador for Lesotho and Africa, a role promoting the importance of athletes staying healthy and drug-free.

As well as being a taekwondo champion, Tau is also a champion for women’s rights and makes it her mission to ensure that every girl and woman has the opportunity to learn how to defend themselves against gender-based violence.

Tortosa and Michelle in Senegal where she attended and competed in the Olympic Qualifiers.

Michelle Tau’s trainer Hugo Tortosa and Michelle Tau in Dakar, Senegal during the Olympic Qualifiers.

Tau during a training session ahead of the Olympics Qualifiers in February.

Michelle Tau’s trainer Hugo Tortosa & Michelle Tau in Dakar, Senegal during the Olympic Qualifiers.

Michelle Tau during one of her training sessions in Spain at the Club De Taekwondo Tortosa.

Mchezo MD Ntoudi Mouyelo

IGIHE

“I am happy to announce that I will be visiting my second home, Rwanda, soon. I will attend Afande Kagame’s inauguration ceremony. It will be, without doubt, the biggest celebration in Africa this year,” Kainerugaba tweeted.

'My love for Rwanda is because it is my cherished homeland. I hold you dear, and may God bless you always,' he added.

The announcement has generated excitement on both sides. One social media user identified as Mwene Munana remarked, “You are welcome home, son of Kampala and Kigali. The long relationship between Rwanda and Uganda has been a beacon of development for both sister nations.”

Gareth Nshuti, a Kampala based businessman echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are grateful and look forward to further cooperation between our countries.”

Kainerugaba has previously played a crucial role in mending the strained relations between Rwanda and Uganda. His diplomatic efforts have been pivotal in restoring trust and fostering dialogue, leading to a significant improvement in bilateral ties.

President Kagame’s landslide victory in the recent elections sets the stage for his continued leadership. His inauguration symbolizes not only Rwanda’s progress but also the deepening ties with Uganda.

Over the past year, bilateral trade between the two nations has increased by 15%, reflecting growing economic collaboration.

Kainerugaba’s visit is seen as a testament to the enduring friendship and partnership between Rwanda and Uganda, promising a future of enhanced cooperation and mutual growth.

Gen Muhozi (right) with President Kagame during his visit to Rwanda in 2021.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The discord reached a new low point on July 30, 2024, marking the end of Bert Versmessen’s three-year term as Belgium’s ambassador to Rwanda.

Jeune Afrique recently reported that Rwanda rejected Belgium’s latest ambassadorial nominee, a move that followed Belgium’s refusal to accept Vincent Karega, Rwanda’s designated envoy to Brussels.This Belgian diplomat had been proposed on December 11, 2023.

Rwanda’s refusal to approve this candidate led Belgium to withdraw the nomination on June 18, 2024. Consequently, Belgium is left without an ambassador in Kigali, and Rwanda has been without a representative in Brussels since Dieudonné Sebashongore’s departure over a year ago.

Despite the embassies’ continued operation, the atmosphere remains palpably tense. Rwanda’s government has accused Belgium of yielding to pressure from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country with which Rwanda has had a contentious relationship.

President Paul Kagame, in an interview with Jeune Afrique in March 2024, insisted that Rwanda would not nominate another ambassador unless Belgium clarified on why it had rejected Karega.

The president denounced Belgium’s actions as unacceptable and claimed they were influenced by the DRC’s demands.

Diplomatic experts suggest that the onus to mend the fractured relationship now lies with Belgium, which first rejected Karega without clear justification.

The strained ties are not entirely new; Belgium’s historical actions during and after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi have long strained relations with Rwanda. This historical context, coupled with Belgium’s perceived attempts to exert colonial influence, has contributed to the ongoing tension.

For reconciliation, analysts assert that both political will and mutual respect are crucial. This diplomatic challenge echoes a similar situation from 2015 when Rwanda and France experienced strained relations. During that period, Rwanda refused to accept a new French ambassador until the relationship improved under President Emmanuel Macron.

As the diplomatic impasse continues, the path to restoring harmonious relations between Rwanda and Belgium remains uncertain, underscoring the complexities of international diplomacy shaped by both historical grievances and contemporary political dynamics.

Belgium is left without an ambassador in Kigali, and Rwanda has been without a representative in Brussels since Dieudonné Sebashongore’s departure over a year ago.

IGIHE

The fire started early Monday morning around 5 a.m. All the equipment used in daily operations, including garments, cotton, and other materials, were destroyed in the blaze.

Yves Ntabana, the Head of Corporate Affairs at C&D Products Rwanda, told IGIHE that the factory burned down completely. Everything inside was destroyed, including work tables, machines, fabric storage, and clothing materials.”

The fire was finally extinguished in the morning, although it took longer due to the factory’s large size.

In an interview, Police spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga confirmed the incident noting that the value of damaged valuables are yet to be determined.

“The fire started on the upper floor, not in the main factory area. The premises were locked, and no one was inside. A lot of property was damaged, but the extent is yet to be assessed. Fortunately, no one was injured, and no neighboring factories were affected. The cause of the fire is still unknown.”

C&D Products Rwanda is one of the leading textile manufacturers in Rwanda.

All the equipment used in daily operations, including garments, cotton, and other materials, were destroyed in the blaze.

Kigali-based Chinese textile factory has caught fire.

IGIHE

The mediation body was established to bring justice closer to the people and provide solutions to disputes without the need to go to court. Each mediation committee consists of seven volunteers at the Cell and Sector levels, known for their integrity and skill in impartially resolving disputes.

A report on the utilization of the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget indicates that mediators in the justice sector received 8,762 cases and successfully resolved more than 97% of them.

“To continue bringing justice closer to the people and to strengthen their role in resolving disputes themselves, mediators received 8,762 cases, of which 8,577, or 97.8%, were resolved, while 185 cases, or 2.2%, are still under review,” the report reads in part.

The mediation body was established in 2004 and has over the last two decades proved efficient in handling disputes in communities before they are escalated to the courts of law.

Justice Bureaus

A similar success rate was observed in the provision of legal aid services, where personnel in the Justice Bureaus acted on 4,922 out of 4,926 registered cases. This represents 99.9% of the cases received, with only four cases still pending.

The Justice Bureaus were established by the Ministry of Justice to assist citizens in accessing legal aid at no cost.

Found in every district, they are responsible for advising people on legal matters, advising Abunzi on legal procedures, monitoring and following up on their activities, coordinating the execution of court judgments, and providing legal assistance and representation in courts for poor and vulnerable people. They also handle issues related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

In March 2024, Rwanda won a Commonwealth Award for Justice due to successful programs such as the establishment of the mediation committees and the IECMS (Integrated Electronic Case Management System), which facilitates access to justice services for citizens.

The mediation committees were established to bring justice closer to the people and to provide solutions to disputes without the need to go to court.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Burundi Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ACRT) has introduced new roaming tariffs, which it describes as 'unique and competitive.' Mobile network operators are required to transparently communicate these tariffs for regional direct and roaming communications, and to provide detailed billing to ensure a reliable user experience.

'This will significantly reduce the costs of cross-border communications within the EAC,' stated ACRT in an official communiqué which took effect on August 1, 2024.

Burundi’s integration into the One Network Area is poised to impact both telecommunications and business operations positively. Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik, EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Infrastructure, Productive, Social and Political Sectors, reaffirmed this.

'The entry of Burundi will reduce the high cost of mobile roaming charges in the region and strengthen the integration process because East Africans can now communicate more easily without fear of high billing charges on mobile calls whether at home or in another Partner State,' he remarked.

Ariik also highlighted the advantages for the business community, noting, 'The ONA also promotes easier communication among the business community who have to span the entire region while transacting merchandise or services.'

This development is expected to facilitate the free movement of persons, workers, services, and capital, as outlined in the EAC Common Market Protocol.

With Burundi’s inclusion, the One Network Area now comprises six states: Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Federal Republic of Somalia, the latest members of the EAC, are yet to join this arrangement.

Ariik emphasized the importance of full participation, stating, 'The onboarding of all eight partner states would be a big boost to our journey toward an integrated East Africa.'

The harmonized EAC roaming framework was developed and approved by the 30th Meeting of the Council of Ministers in 2014 and subsequently endorsed by the EAC Heads of State in February 2015.

This framework imposes price caps on roaming charges and calls for the removal of surcharges on cross-border telecommunications traffic originating and terminating within the East African Community.

As Burundi joins this transformative initiative, the prospect of reduced costs for calls and mobile data roaming charges across the region becomes a reality, significantly enhancing connectivity and integration within East Africa.

The Burundi Telecommunications Regulation and Control Agency (ACRT) has introduced new roaming tariffs, which it describes as 'unique and competitive.'

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The prospect of labour pain, a shadow over the luminous joy of bringing forth new life, has long been a daunting spectre for expectant mothers. However, in the heart of Rwanda, a new promise is emerging; A promise of painless labour delivery, a gentle embrace of childbirth that seeks to alleviate the agony and accentuate the joy.

King Faisal Hospital and Clinique Bien Naître at Muhima are among the few sanctuaries of health and hope in Rwanda offering the gift of painless labour delivery.

Healthcare professionals use various methods to monitor and manage pain relief during the delivery process to ensure both the mother and baby remain safe and comfortable.

While the specifics of its prevalence remain elusive, a steady truth stands tall: all referral hospitals in Rwanda, armed with skilled anaesthetists, are poised to offer this transformative experience. Even private health facilities are encouraged to follow suit.

Dr. Claude Nkundabagenzi, an obstetrician-gynaecologist and the visionary founder of Clinique Bien Naître, speaks with the gentle authority of one who has witnessed miracles.

'Painless labour delivery,' he explains, 'is the art of minimizing or eliminating pain during childbirth, allowing mothers to embrace the arrival of their child with grace and serenity.'

This art encompasses a spectrum of techniques, from the medical marvels of epidural anaesthesia to the soothing embrace of water births and relaxation practices.

At the heart of this approach lies epidural anaesthesia, a beacon of hope for many. 'The gold standard for painless childbirth remains epidural anaesthesia,' Dr. Nkundabagenzi remarks, his voice imbued with the confidence of experience.

This method, he elucidates, involves the precise administration of anaesthetic into the epidural space around the spinal cord, numbing the lower half of the body while keeping the mother awake, alert, and fully present in the moment of birth. It is a delicate balance of science and compassion, offering profound pain relief and a sense of control over the birthing process.

Yet, the journey to painless labour is not confined to epidurals alone. Spinal blocks, akin to their epidural counterparts, provide immediate and complete pain relief for shorter durations, often favoured for cesarean sections.

In rare instances, general anaesthesia steps in, enveloping the mother in a deep, restful sleep. While effective, it carries the weight of unconsciousness, a trade-off between pain relief and active participation in the birth.

Beyond the realm of medical interventions lies a tapestry of non-medical approaches, each thread woven with care and intention. The gentle caress of warm water in a birthing pool, the rhythmic patterns of Lamaze breathing, and the power of visualization form a mosaic of natural pain management techniques.

These methods empower women to reclaim their birthing experience, fostering a deep connection between body, mind, and the miracle of life.

The benefits of painless labour delivery ripple through the birthing process, touching both mother and child with their grace. For the mother, the reduction of pain and stress transforms the birthing room into a sanctuary of comfort and positivity.

'Reduced pain and stress, improved comfort and experience, better ability to participate,' Dr. Nkundabagenzi lists, each benefit a testament to the profound impact of this approach.

The emotional bonds forged in the crucible of a gentle birth extend into the postpartum period, easing recovery and enhancing the mother’s ability to nurture her newborn.

For the baby, the serenity of a mother free from the throes of pain creates a stable and nurturing environment. The steady rhythm of a heart unburdened by agony ensures a more abundant supply of oxygen, reducing the risk of complications and ushering new life into the world with calm assurance.

Yet, every rose has its thorns, and painless labour delivery is not without its risks and side effects. Commonly encountered are low blood pressure, itching, backache, and shivering.

Rarely, more severe complications like nerve damage or allergic reactions may arise.

'Most side effects of epidural anaesthesia are predictable and manageable,' Dr. Nkundabagenzi reassures, underscoring the importance of vigilant care and proper management.

The path to painless labour is paved with preparation and informed choices. Expectant mothers are encouraged to explore their options, attend childbirth classes, and engage in open dialogue with healthcare providers.

A flexible birth plan, crafted with care and supported by a dedicated birthing team, can transform fear into confidence, guiding mothers through the labyrinth of childbirth with grace.

In the broader landscape of Rwanda’s healthcare, the promise of painless labour is a beacon of hope, albeit one not yet universally accessible.

The nation’s public health insurance scheme, Mutuelle de Santé, does not yet cover the cost, a barrier for many. However, as resources grow and the tapestry of healthcare expands, there is hope that this gentle approach will become a cornerstone of Rwanda’s commitment to universal childbirth health coverage.

As Dr. Nkundabagenzi reflects on the journey of painless labour delivery, his words resonate with wisdom and compassion.

'By staying informed, preparing adequately, and maintaining open communication, expectant parents can make the experience as positive and comfortable as possible,' he says.

His vision, shared by many, is one where every mother can embrace childbirth with serenity, knowing that pain is not a requisite for bringing life into the world.

In the heart of Rwanda, the symphony of childbirth is being rewritten. The melodies of pain are giving way to the harmonious notes of painless labour, a testament to the power of medical innovation and human compassion.

And as each mother steps into the sacred dance of life, she does so with the promise of a gentle birth, where the joy of new beginnings shines brighter than ever before.

King Faisal Hospital and Clinique Bien Naître at Muhima are among the few sanctuaries of health and hope in Rwanda offering the gift of painless labour delivery.

Théophile Niyitegeka

In a significant development, Rwanda’s Frederic Kwihangana was appointed as the speaker of the association. Kwihangana is a student at the University of Rwanda and serves as the president of the University of Rwanda Law Students Association (UR-LSA).

Gideon Mwanje, a 24-year-old law student from Nkumba University in Uganda, was sworn in as the first president of LSAEA. Mwanje’s election is a notable achievement, given his dual role as the attorney general of the Nkumba University guild government. The LSAEA, which unites law students’ associations from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, aims to promote collaboration and dialogue on legal issues across these nations.

Gideon Mwanje, a 24-year-old law student from Nkumba University in Uganda, was sworn in as the first president of LSAEA.

Tanzania’s Samwel Ngelela, who was named general secretary, highlights the diverse representation within the new executive team. Esther Odipo Ayoo, president of the Kenya Law Students Association (KLSA), was also appointed as vice president of LSAEA.

The ceremonial swearing-in was conducted by Bernard Oundo, president of the Uganda Law Society (ULS) and former president of the East Africa Law Society (EALS). Oundo’s presence underscored the importance of the event, as he administered the oath to the new executive members, fulfilling the requirements of LSAEA’s constitution.

Oundo urged law students to embrace opportunities for cross-border legal practice, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration among emerging legal professionals in the region. He stressed the need for unity and joint efforts to build a strong regional legal community.

In his acceptance speech, President Mwanje expressed his commitment to fostering unity among law students across East Africa. He outlined plans to extend the association’s reach to include students from South Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mwanje and his team are actively working to help these countries establish their own national law students’ associations, paving the way for their integration into LSAEA.

With Frederic Kwihangana’s appointment as speaker, Rwanda will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this newly established association, marking a promising beginning for regional legal collaboration and development.

Frederic Kwihangana is a student at the University of Rwanda and serves as the president of the University of Rwanda Law Students Association (UR-LSA).

Sam K Nkurunziza