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Other presidential candidates, Dr. Frank Habineza of the DGPR party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, also voted earlier in the day around 10 AM.

The RPF Inkotanyi candidate has shown confidence in winning the elections, based on the high turnout of supporters at various campaign sites.

On July 13, during a campaign event at Gahanga site in Kicukiro District, Kagame told the crowd, 'I truly feel confident that everything will go well as it should. I will return here for us to celebrate, to celebrate victory.'

Dr. Habineza, as he mentioned at the end of his campaign activities, reaffirmed on July 15 that he has a 55% chance of winning the presidency.

Mpayimana, who voted at Camp Kigali site in Nyarugenge District, told the media that he also believes in his victory and assured his supporters that they will smile when the National Electoral Commission announces the preliminary election results.

The voting process will conclude at 3 PM. It is expected that the National Electoral Commission will announce the preliminary results in the evening.

Paul Kagame has cast his vote.

Mrs. Jeannette Kagame places a ballot paper in the box after voting.

Kagame voted at SOS Kagugu polling station in Gasabo District at around 1 PM on July 15, 2024.

IGIHE

Enthusiastic voters started arriving at polling centres as early as 4:00 a.m. to exercise their civic duty. However, it was not until 7:00 a.m. that they were allowed to access polling stations and cast their votes, in line with the guidelines of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).

Over nine million registered voters are expected to cast their votes before the polls close at 3:00 p.m.

As thousands of voters continued to stream in to elect their new leaders, many were overrun with joy and excitement about exercise.

Emile Galois Kazeneza, a forward for the national men’s basketball team implored the youth to turn out in large numbers to make their choices count in the next government.

“I am very happy to be part of the 2024 elections, and I encourage the youth to participate,” said Kazeneza, who also plays for Kepler Basketball Club.

Ariella Ampoze Rurebwayire, who just turned 18, couldn’t hide her excitement as she cast her first vote in the presidential and parliamentary election.

“This is really incredible,” she beamed, “to be able to choose my own president.”

A Filipino couple who have lived in Rwanda for 29 years and acquired Rwandan nationality lauded the NEC and the Rwandan community for meticulously organizing the peaceful election.

'I am very happy, very surprised by how well the Rwandan community organized the elections—very well organized and peaceful,' Gilbert said, adding that elections in his home country are often not peaceful.

Gilbert and his wife arrived in the country in 1995. This is their third time participating in Rwanda’s elections.

Father Vincent Nsengiyuma, who cast his vote at the GS Giheke site in Rusizi District, said he was glad to contribute to the choice of the country’s leadership.

“We, as servants of God, also have the right to vote because we are citizens. Even though someone has dedicated their life to serving God, we are Rwandans and we have a say as citizens in contributing to the election of our leaders.”

Father Vincent Nsengiyuma speaks to the media after casting his vote.

The presidential election has attracted three candidates this year. The candidates are incumbent President Paul Kagame of the RPF Inkotanyi, Dr Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Phillippe Mpayimana.

Habineza cast his vote at Goupe Scolaire 2, in Kimironko, Gasabo District. He told the media that he expects to win the 2024 elections with at least 55% of the votes and secure at least 20 seats in the parliamentary elections.

Dr Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda casts his vote at Goupe Scolaire 2, in Kimironko, Gasabo District.

'My expectation as I mentioned last week is that I am hoping to get at least 55% of the vote for president and ten times more MPS. We had two MPs and hoping to have at least 20 MPs this time,' said Habineza.

Mpayimana cast his vote at the Camp Kigali polling station in Nyarugenge District, while President Kagame voted at SOS polling station in Gasabo District.

Independent candidate Phillippe Mpayimana casts his vote at the Camp Kigali polling station in Nyarugenge District

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Normally, every voter is supposed to vote from the village where he or she is registered but NEC has changed the directive in order to facilitate an easier voting process.

In a statement released on election day, Monday, July 15, 2024, the Electoral body said that some people may not have been able to transfer their names to another polling station and this should not infringe on their civic right.

'NEC announces that people who have not been able to relocate their names in the national voters’ register are allowed to vote at the nearest polling sites after verifying that they are registered on the voters’ list, and they will be added to the annex,' reads the statement.

This authorization is based on act No. 001/24 of February 19, 2024 guiding the National Electoral Commission (NEC) on regulations and provisions regarding presidential and parliamentary elections.

In the past, certain groups of people have been allowed to vote from a polling station that is near to them, not necessarily where they were registered due to the nature of their jobs.

They include essential workers such as medics, emergency service providers, and security personnel continue to operate as usual to ensure public safety and welfare. Others are journalists, students sitting for national examinations and the sick.

Election observers of Rwandan nationality, representatives of political organizations and independent candidates are also allowed to cast their ballot at the polling station they are working from.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The general election kicked off in the diaspora on Sunday, July 14, 2024, with Rwandans across 70 countries participating in the presidential and parliamentary elections.

In Rwanda, voting started at 7:00 am on Monday, July 15, and is scheduled to close at 3:00 pm.

On Tuesday, July 16, female Members of Parliament, two youth representatives, and one representative of people living with disabilities will be elected by special electoral colleges across the country.

Maraga’s Role

According to EAC Secretary-General Veronica Nduva, Maraga will lead a group of 55 observers across the country to monitor how the elections are conducted in line with existing laws.

The team will then be required to file a detailed report, highlighting key aspects of the electoral process including electoral preparedness, polling day events, and result declaration.

'The team will be assessing the level of compliance with the electoral processes and management to the international, regional, and national established laws, principles, and practices,' Maraga stated after his appointment.

'It will also be assessing adherence to the democratic principles of the EAC as enshrined in the Treaty; and offering objective recommendations for continuous improvement for the conduct of such elections.'

Yesterday, Maraga hosted mission heads from the African Union (AU), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to a breakfast engagement in Kigali. The Mission heads shared experiences on Rwanda’s preparedness for the general election.

Three candidates are vying for the presidency in Rwanda in this year’s polls. They are independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, and Paul Kagame, the incumbent president and flag bearer of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi).

Maraga served as Kenya’s Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya between October 2016 and January 2021.

The former CJ’s tenure was marked by the historic nullification of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s election in 2017. It was the first presidential election to be annulled not only in Kenya but also on the whole African continent.

A seven-judge bench led by Maraga cited illegalities and irregularities as the reason for nullifying the election results contested by opposition leader Raila Odinga.

“The greatness of any nation lies in its fidelity to the Constitution and adherence to the rule of law and, above all, respect for God,' Maraga remarked in a brief ruling.

Uhuru easily won a repeat election ordered by the Supreme Court after Odinga’s party boycotted the polls.

Maraga hosts mission heads from the African Union (AU), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) to a breakfast engagement in Kigali.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Memphis Depay is without a club (Getty)

The movie entitled 'THE HEAD' is a family drama that navigates real-life experiences surrounding family life, exploring men who would be heads of these families either staying away or neglecting their natural duties and responsibilities.

It portrays scenarios of seemingly perfect families which unravel when certain deep-rooted secrets come to light. The film delves into complexities of family dynamics, loyalty, and the struggle for identity.

The movie, featuring young Rwandan film-makers, will premiere at Club Obligato in Kampala on September 1, 2024.

Set against the backdrop of a charming, close-knit storyline, the film uses scenic beauty and the intimate community atmosphere to contrast various unifying factors between Rwanda and Uganda, fostering a deeper understanding of diverse cultures.

It features renowned actors from Umurage Art Films from Rwanda and prominent movie stars from Flair Film Promotions, a Ugandan-based dynamic and innovative film company dedicated to promoting the rich and diverse cinematic landscape in the region.

Jeniffer Nankabirwa, the Film Producer (C) enjoys a light moment with some of her team members on a street in Kigali.

According to Jeniffer Nankabirwa, the Film Producer and CEO at Flair Film Promotions, 'THE HEAD' is an educative and entertaining movie disseminating information and knowledge that contributes to the establishment and sustainability of a family.

'It speaks to fathers, mothers and children in a family setup. It’s a campaign to empower everyone to know and undertake their responsibilities as members of a family,' she said in an interview.

Charles Mugisha (R) from Umurage Art Films with his Ugandan counterparts during a shooting session in Kigali.

Nankabirwa revealed that if all goes as planned, the movie will be premiered on September 1, 2024, at Club Obligato in Kampala. It will also be premiered in Kigali at a later date.

She said that uniting with Rwandan actors was a well-thought vision to disseminate this important message to expanded horizons in the East African region and beyond.

'The ultimate goal is to work with actors from other countries including Kenya and Tanzania to reach out to larger audiences with this vital information of promoting family health amongst the public,' she noted.

Film Makers from Rwanda and Uganda are determined to take the Regions Film industry to a higher level.

When diverse talents and visions merge to create an unforgettable cinematic experience, public sensitization becomes much easier especially when it involves different beliefs and cultures.

Having successfully completed numerous shooting sessions in both countries, Nankabirwa says that efforts are underway to have the movie ready for more international showcasing.

The collaborative nature of the movie, considering the global and diverse effort to build relationships and sustainable families, suits into Rwanda’s vision of promoting the family as the smallest unit of the country’s populace.

The film crew has accomplished all shooting sessions both in Kigali and Kampala.

It also speaks volumes towards the country’s strategies in empowering the film and arts industry not only to entertain but also educate and unite their audiences, fostering a greater sense of East African unity and shared identity.

During the 9th edition of Mashiriki African Film Festival held in Kigali, in November last year, suggestions were put forward on how to collectively strengthen the film industry in the region with collaborations between actors from different countries taking centre stage.

This movie is one of several recent productions that have highlighted the growing talent and unique storytelling emerging from both Rwanda and Uganda.

Such productions can serve as platforms to pass on important communication while still enabling the recipients to enjoy and grasp the message in an entertaining way.

Jeniffer Nankabirwa is an award winning movie star in Uganda.

Sam K Nkurunziza

In a statement released Sunday, July 14, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) identified Crooks as a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles south of Butler, where Trump was holding his rally.

Crooks is reported to have opened fire from a nearby building rooftop, causing panic in the crowd. Photos and videos that went viral on social media moments after the shooting showed Trump holding his bloodied ear before dropping to the ground, where Secret Service agents helped him take cover.

U.S. Secret Service agents converge to cover Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pa.

Trump was rushed off stage, but not before boldly pumping his fist into the air and twice telling the crowd to “fight!” He was then taken by car to a hospital in the Pittsburgh area.

Later, he posted on social media that he had been hit by a bullet in the upper part of his ear.

'I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump’s campaigners said the Republican was doing 'fine' after the shooting.

Authorities have since confirmed that one person was killed and two others were left in critical condition after the shooting.

Crooks was killed by Secret Service agents at the scene and the FBI has promised investigations into the shocking incident.

Media reports indicate that Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.

Preliminary investigations show that he was registered to vote as a Republican, according to a listing in Pennsylvania’s voter database that matched his name, age, and a Bethel Park address.

This year’s presidential election would have been his first voting.

President Joe Biden, who is seeking a second term in the forthcoming polls, condemned the shooting incident, adding that he was grateful Trump is 'safe and doing well.'

'Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it,' Biden said in a statement.

Trump, a member of the Republican Party, is running for a second, non-consecutive term in the November 5, 2024, general election after losing to Biden in the 2020 polls.

Photos and videos that went viral on social media moments after the shooting showed Trump holding his bloodied ear before dropping to the ground, where Secret Service agents helped him take cover.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Polling in the diaspora was conducted at 160 stations in 70 countries, including 44 embassies.

A total of 77,138 voters in the diaspora, comprising 41,243 males and 35,895 females, had registered to vote in this year’s general election, according to the National Electoral Commission (NEC). By press time, many had already turned up to cast their votes.

Overall, 9,071,157 Rwandans, including 4.2 million males and 4,845,417 females, are eligible to vote in this year’s general election.

Rwandans living in Saudi Arabia turned out in large numbers at the Embassy of Rwanda in Riyadh to cast their votes. Embassy officials said the Rwandans “were excited to exercise their civic right in voting for leaders of their choice.”

A long queue was witnessed at the Embassy of Rwanda in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as Rwandans turned out in large numbers to exercise their civic duty.

A Rwandan citizen casts his vote at the Embassy of Rwanda in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

By 7 am (Rwandan time), Rwandans in Belgium and Luxembourg mobilized in large numbers to participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Rwandans living in Belgium mobilized in large numbers to make their choices count in the polls.

Twenty-six-year-old Mike Ntasinzira could not hide his excitement to vote for the first time. He said, “We didn’t engage in politics a lot back home, but in recent years, I have become closer to the community and got interested in learning more about my country.”

In Gothenburg, Sweden, voting was a family affair as children escorted their parents to the polling stations.

“I am a first-time voter and I am super excited. It has been raining, but today I feel blessed and really happy to contribute in choosing the good leaders of our country and our future,” said 25-year-old Sonya Isimbi.

A family waits patiently on the queue to vote at Gothenburg in Sweden.

Long queues were also witnessed at Rwandan embassies in Kampala, Uganda; Nairobi, Kenya; Dar es Salaam, and Rabat in Morocco, as citizens came out to exercise their civic rights.

Rwandans queue at the Rwandan Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, to vote in this year’s general election.

In Germany, voting took place in Berlin and Kaiserslautern, where enthusiastic Rwandans turned out to make their choices count in this year’s polls.

Rwandans living in Germany cast vote for their President and Members of Parliament on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

Like other Rwandans living in the Central African Republic, members of Rwanda’s security forces who are in the country on a mission to restore peace were elated to also participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections.

The diaspora was the first group to vote in the general election. Locals are scheduled to vote for the President and Members of the house (Chamber of Deputies) on Monday, July 15 2024.

Early risers pose for a photo after casting their votes in Sweden.

On July 16, 24 female Members of Parliament, two youth representatives, and one representative of people living with disabilities will be elected by special electoral colleges across the country.

Three candidates are vying for the Presidency in Rwanda in this year’s polls.
They are independent Candidate Philippe Mpayimana, Frank Habineza, the leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and Paul Kagame, the incumbent president and flag bearer of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi.

Rwandans in Tanzania turn out in large numbers to elect their president and MPs in this year’s general election.

Wycliffe Nyamasege