Category: Uncategorized

  • RRA reminds taxpayers to promptly pay property tax and motor vehicle road maintenance levy #rwanda #RwOT

    These taxes must be declared and paid by 31 December 2025.

    Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, Batamuliza Hajara, said that as the festive season approaches, taxpayers are encouraged to fulfill their obligations early to avoid potential technological disruptions in the final days, which could result in penalties for late declaration and payment.

    'We want to enhance our self-reliance. We encourage everyone to pay all their taxes early so that they can enjoy the festive season with peace of mind, without any tax-related concerns. Christmas is near, and taxpayers are advised to settle their obligations in advance so that they can enter the holidays owing nothing to the public treasury,' she said.

    Property tax

    Commissioner Batamuliza noted that from the beginning of the year, a system was open to immovable property tax declarations and payments, either in full or in quarterly installments, depending on their capacity, while knowing in advance the total amount due.

    'Since there are mechanisms that allow early declaration and gradual payment, there should be no reason for anyone to delay to the point of being penalized,' she added.

    Property tax is calculated based on the location and use of the property.

    According to the law governing sources of revenue for decentralized entities, when a property consists of land with a building, the tax is levied on the market value of both the building and the related plot. For undeveloped land, the tax is based solely on the land’s surface area.

    The tax rate is determined annually by the District Council or the City of Kigali, depending on the property’s location and use, but it must not exceed FRW 80 per square meter.

    Residential buildings and their plots are taxed at 0.5% of their market value; properties used for commercial purposes are taxed at 0.3%; while those used for industrial purposes or belonging to micro and small enterprises are taxed at 0.1%.

    Multi-Storey residential buildings receive special consideration to encourage efficient land use. A residential building with up to three storeys is taxed at 0.25% of its market value, while those exceeding three storeys are taxed at 0.1%.

    Properties exempt from immovable property tax include one building designated by the owner as their primary residence, along with its annexes located on a residential plot for a single household. The building remains considered the owner’s primary residence even if it is not occupied for various reasons; however, the land on which it is built remains taxable.

    Commissioner Batamuliza clarified that if a property has already been taxed during the year of purchase, it is not taxed again, since taxation is levied on the property itself, not on the individual.

    'As of this evening, we had surpassed 70% of declarations. Some taxpayers have declared but not yet paid, which is understandable. However, our message is directed to those who have neither declared nor paid, reminding them that the deadline is 31 December,' she added.

    Road maintenance levy

    Vehicle owners are also reminded to declare and pay the motor vehicle road maintenance levy.

    The law determining this tax was published in the Official Gazette on 29 May 2025. For the current year, the levy is applied on a pro rata basis for the remaining months following the publication of the law.

    The levy is set as follows: cars and jeeps — FRW 50,000; pick-ups, microbuses, minibuses, and buses — FRW 100,000; trucks and small trailers — FRW 120,000; and large trailers — FRW 150,000.

    Exempted vehicles include those owned by the Government of Rwanda, diplomatic missions, and international organizations that have agreements with the Republic of Rwanda.

    'These amounts may seem small, but they make a meaningful contribution to road maintenance. We remind vehicle owners to pay early, because delays may result in penalties that can be almost equal to the tax itself,' Commissioner Batamuliza said.

    Third income tax quarterly prepayment

    Time is running out for taxpayers required to make third-quarter income tax prepayments.

    This covers sales made in July, August, and September 2025. The quarterly prepayment tax is calculated from tax paid for the previous annual tax period divided by the turnover of the same tax period, times the current quarterly turnover.

    'This is designed to make it easier for taxpayers. For example, if the total annual income tax due is around FRW 200 million, quarterly prepayments mean that by the end of the year, a taxpayer may have already paid half or more of the total amount, leaving only the balance to be settled,' Batamuliza explained.

    'It is a facilitative mechanism and a legal right for taxpayers. Beyond supporting taxpayers, it also enables the government to fulfill its obligations in a timely manner.'

    Declaration of the motor vehicle levy and immovable property tax can be done through the RRA website or by dialing *800#. The third quarterly prepayment tax is declared through the RRA website via the E-Tax system.

    Vehicle owners are also reminded to declare and pay the motor vehicle road maintenance levy.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/lifestyle/article/rra-reminds-taxpayers-to-promptly-pay-property-tax-and-motor-vehicle-road

  • BYD Yuan Up electric SUVs power Kimu Transport’s green transition #rwanda #RwOT

    Since launching incentives for EV use in 2020, the country has seen steady growth in their numbers, with more than 7,000 electric and hybrid vehicles now registered on its roads.

    Auto24, a prominent car dealership in Rwanda, plays a key role in this transition by importing and supplying electric vehicles, helping to reduce air pollution and support sustainable mobility.

    On December 20, 2025, Auto24 handed over eight brand-new BYD Yuan Up electric SUVs to Kimu Transport, a local passenger transport company.

    The BYD Yuan Up, launched in 2025, is a compact crossover SUV designed for urban and everyday driving. It offers an impressive range of up to 403 kilometers on a single charge.

    Charging times vary by charger type, with fast charging capable of replenishing the battery in as little as 30 minutes, or a full charge taking up to six hours with standard equipment.

    Inside, the vehicle features modern technology, including a spacious and stylish cabin, a 12-inch (30.48 cm) touchscreen infotainment system, and intuitive controls accessible directly from the steering wheel.

    It also includes a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility around the vehicle, along with other advanced safety and convenience features.

    AUTO24 Rwanda Country Manager Ivan Ruzibiza noted that the company had previously supplied hybrid vehicles to Kimu Transport two months earlier. This latest delivery marks a shift to fully electric models in support of global efforts to combat climate change.

    “We are fulfilling our commitment to Kimu Transport by delivering these cutting-edge 2025 electric vehicles,” Ruzibiza said.

    He emphasized that the Yuan Up not only helps protect the environment but also offers significant savings for operators, thanks to its 403-kilometer range.

    Jean Pierre Nkunziryayo, CEO of Kimu Transport, explained that the purchase aligns with the company’s pledge to support the government’s program to retire older, high-emission vehicles.

    “Our strong partnership with the government has evolved positively. In the past, we faced criticism for operating aging, polluting buses. Now, with these modern electric vehicles, we are actively contributing to environmental protection,” he said.

    He highlighted the operational benefits, adding that the vehicles deliver both environmental and financial advantages.

    “A full charge, costing just Rwf 26,000, provides a 403-kilometer range—far more economical than the Rwf 165,000 we previously spent on fuel for gasoline vehicles.”

    This car is one of the 2025 models available on the Rwandan market.

    Auto24 Country Manager Ruzibiza Ivan, with the CEO of Kim Transport, Nkunziryayo Jean Pierre, and one of the company’s drivers operating these vehicles.

    AUTO24 Rwanda Country Manager Ivan Ruzibiza noted that they are fulfilling their commitment to Kimu Transport by delivering these cutting-edge 2025 electric vehicles.

    The vehicle features modern technology, including a spacious and stylish cabin, a 12-inch (30.48 cm) touchscreen infotainment system, and intuitive controls accessible directly from the steering wheel.

    The car has a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility around the vehicle, along with other advanced safety and convenience features.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/byd-yuan-up-electric-suvs-power-kimu-transport-s-green-transition

  • Over Frw 1.2 billion allocated to support communities surrounding Nyungwe National Park #rwanda #RwOT

    This funding, derived from tourism revenues, will be used to implement various initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of local communities.

    The allocation is part of a broader tourism revenue sharing program, aimed at encouraging communities to actively participate in conservation efforts.

    The announcement was made on December 22, 2025, in Nyamasheke District, during the selection process for projects that will receive support under this initiative in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.

    The program, which began in 2005, aims to ensure that local communities benefit from the economic gains brought by tourism, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility for the protection of the park.

    Initially, 5% of the tourism revenue was shared with surrounding communities, but since 2017, this share has been increased to 10%.

    Alfred Habimana, the Vice Mayor of Rusizi District in charge of economic development, stated, 'In Rusizi, several cooperatives have received support, both in agriculture and livestock. Last year, 32 households living in substandard housing were provided with new homes.'

    Habimana further explained that this year, the allocated funds would be used to enhance the Rasano Health Center, upgrading it to the level of a health post. This upgrade will ease access for residents who previously had to travel 30 kilometers to the Bweyeye Health Center or 40 kilometers to the Nyabitimbo Health Center for medical services.

    Julienne Ntakirutimana, the Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of economic development, announced that Rwf 107 million would be allocated to provide 100 pigs to residents of Mutuntu Sector.

    Ntakirutimana added, 'The remaining funds will be used to construct three new classrooms in Twumba Sector, where students previously had to walk up to four kilometers to attend school.'

    Telesphore Ngoga, an official from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), highlighted that the allocated funds should be used for projects that will generate income for local residents.

    He emphasized that a 2022 study revealed that 76% of the revenue from the tourism-sharing program was used for infrastructure development, a trend that should continue to be prioritized.

    He further noted that 24% of the funds would be directed towards infrastructure improvements, while the remaining 76% should be focused on income-generating initiatives.

    Over the past 25 years, the tourism revenue-sharing program has distributed a total of Rwf 18 billion to communities living near the parks, contributing significantly to the economic development of these areas.

    The Government of Rwanda has allocated over Rwf 1.2 billion to support development projects in the districts surrounding Nyungwe National Park.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/over-frw-1-2-billion-allocated-to-support-communities-surrounding-nyungwe

  • Prominent Rwandan figures we lost in 2025 #rwanda #RwOT

    As the year draws to a close, this sense of reflection has become part of the national mood. Beyond statistics, projects and public milestones, 2025 has reminded Rwandans that progress is shaped by people, leaders, artists, and public servants whose lives and work helped move the country forward. Their absence is felt not only in their respective fields but in the collective memory of a nation that continues to draw strength from their example and sacrifice.

    This article revisits some of the distinguished individuals who did not live to see the end of 2025, honouring the lives they lived and the lasting impact they made.

    1. Lt. Gen. Innocent Kabandana

    He was one of the generals in the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF). Lt. Gen. Innocent Kabandana, who led peacekeeping operations in the Cabo Delgado region of Mozambique, passed away on September 7, 2025, due to illness. A career military officer, he was known for his dedication and discipline, leaving behind a legacy of strong leadership and contributing to building a resilient army.

    Lt. Gen. Innocent Kabandana passed away on September 7, 2025.

    2. Ingabire Marie Immaculée

    She was well known for her advocacy for justice, fighting against corruption and injustice, particularly during her time as the Executive Director of Transparency International Rwanda. She was an outspoken voice on accountability for leaders at all levels of government. Her work extended beyond national borders, contributing to international discussions on human rights and governance. She passed away on October 9, 2025, after battling illness.

    Ingabire Marie Immaculée passed away on October 9, 2025.

    3. Alain Mukuralinda (“Alain Muku”)

    Alain Mukuralinda, also known as Alain Muku, was the Deputy Government Spokesperson and a lawyer who previously served as a national prosecutor. He also worked in music and supported artists. Beyond his professional duties, he was a mentor to young people and an advocate for talent development. He passed away on April 4, 2025, after suffering from a heart condition.

    Alain Mukuralinda, also known as Alain Muku, was the Deputy Government Spokesperson and a lawyer who previously served as a national prosecutor.

    4. Jean Lambert Gatare

    Jean Lambert Gatare became a household name among football enthusiasts for his talent in broadcasting sports. He was a respected figure in the media, especially in sports commentary, and was a key figure in advertising. He passed away on March 22, 2025, while receiving treatment in India.

    Jean Lambert Gatare was a respected figure in the media.

    5. Aissa Kirabo Kacyira

    A distinguished diplomat and urban development expert, Aissa Kirabo Kacyira served as the Mayor of Kigali and later as Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat. She played a pivotal role in Rwanda’s urban planning, advocating for sustainable city development and international partnerships that enhanced Kigali’s global reputation. She passed away on August 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and transformative urban initiatives that continue to benefit Rwanda and Africa at large.

    A distinguished diplomat and urban development expert, Aissa Kirabo Kacyira served as the Mayor of Kigali and later as Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat.

    6. Alphonse Kilimobenecyo

    Known for his significant contributions to the design of national symbols, including the national flag, currency notes, and coins, Kilimobenecyo Alphonse was one of Rwanda’s most talented artists. He passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 66.

    Alphonse Kilimobenecyo passed away on April 19, 2025, at the age of 66.

    7. Claudine DeLucco Uwanyiligira

    Claudine DeLucco Uwanyiligira played a significant role in the development of the media sector in Rwanda. She was the Deputy Director-General of the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), where she was known for professionalism and capacity-building. She later worked in the United States at Global Solutions Agency LLC, overseeing projects in Africa and the Caribbean. She passed away on January 14, 2025.

    Claudine DeLucco Uwanyiligira played a significant role in the development of the media sector in Rwanda.

    8. Joseph Murekeraho

    Although not widely known, Joseph Murekeraho made contributions to social and community development in Rwanda. He served as the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education from 2007 to 2008, overseeing primary and secondary education. He passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 73.

    Joseph Murekeraho made contributions to social and community development in Rwanda.

    9. Protais Mitali

    Mitali Protais was another unsung hero whose work in Rwanda’s development space touched many lives. Whether through social initiatives, professional achievements, or community engagement, Protais’ contributions were marked by diligence and a commitment to positive change. His work continues to inspire those who carry forward similar missions.

    Protais’ contributions were marked by diligence and a commitment to positive change.

    10. Madeleine Mukanemeye (“Mama Mukura”)

    Mama Mukura was a well-known name in Rwanda, especially among sports fans, particularly those who supported the national football team and Mukura VS. Beyond her love for sports, Madeleine was known for her charitable work, caring for others without expecting anything in return.

    11. Speciose Mukabayojo

    Speciose Mukabayojo was the youngest child of King Yuhi V Musinga. She passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 93. She was one of the children who fled with King Musinga when he was exiled to Moba in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then Zaire).

    Speciose Mukabayojo was the youngest child of King Yuhi V Musinga. She passed away on October 27, 2025, at the age of 93.

    12. Josephine Murebwayire

    Josephine Murebwayire played a key role in helping survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Her contributions to the welfare of survivors and the healing of the community are remembered with deep appreciation.

    13. Natty Dread

    Natty Dread was a well-known reggae artist in Rwanda. His music touched the hearts of many, and he was an important figure in the Rwandan music scene. He passed away this year, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.

    Natty Dread was a well-known reggae artist in Rwanda.

    14. Gloriose “Gogo” Musabyimana

    “Known as ‘Gogo,’ Musabyimana Gloriose was a beloved artist in Rwanda. She passed away unexpectedly in September 2025 due to illness while on a missionary trip in Uganda, leaving a void in the music community.”

    While we mourn the loss of the individuals who contributed significantly to our country, we honour their legacies in leadership, culture, media, civil society, and beyond. Their memory will live on as we continue to build the Rwanda that we aspire to be.

    Gogo passed away suddenly while on a missionary trip in Uganda.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/people/article/prominent-rwandan-figures-we-lost-in-2025

  • Top spots to celebrate the festive season in Rwanda #rwanda #RwOT

    Here are the top destinations to celebrate the festive season in style:

    Kigali: The urban holiday heartbeat

    As the festive season begins, the capital Kigali is already aglow with lights and culinary delights. Known as one of Africa’s safest and cleanest cities, it is perfect for those seeking holiday cheer with a cosmopolitan twist.

    The Kigali Convention Centre and surrounding streets are glowing with seasonal lights that frame romantic evening strolls and festive selfies. Dotted across the city are cosy cafés and restaurants serving menus that highlight local flavours with international flair, with many offering special dishes and treats for the festive season.

    The Kigali Convention Centre and surrounding streets are glowing with seasonal lights that frame romantic evening strolls and festive selfies.

    While street food is rare due to strict public health regulations, Kigali boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Restaurants and eateries offer diverse cuisines, with neighbourhoods like Nyamirambo standing out for their culinary charm. Biryogo in Nyamirambo is a favourite for sampling local dishes such as pilau, brochettes, and traditional Rwandan staples like sweet potatoes, cassava, and hearty stews.

    For festive fine dining and lively entertainment, Kigali’s top restaurants, such as Atelier du Vin, Boho, Poivre Noir, and Inka Steakhouse, offer elegant menus that showcase seasonal ingredients, innovative twists on classic dishes, and carefully curated drinks, creating the perfect setting for celebrations with friends and family. Heaven Restaurant is a great family spot, serving modern African cuisine alongside local art.

    Top hotels are spread across the city for anyone seeking a calm retreat, offering comfortable rooms, festive dining options, and panoramic views of Kigali’s twinkling hills, perfect for relaxing between celebrations.

    For a bit of adventure, head to Fazenda Sengha on Mount Kigali. Enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, and archery while soaking in breathtaking views of the city.

    Lake Kivu: Peaceful waters & sunset dreams

    If your ideal holiday blends slow mornings, lake breezes and spectacular sunsets, Lake Kivu is hard to beat. One of Africa’s great lakes, it’s framed by hills and dotted with emerald islands that seem designed for lingering afternoons.

    Rubavu (Gisenyi) is the liveliest lakeside town during the festive season, with Lake Kivu Serena Hotel offering beachfront parties, live music and beach picnics under twinkling stars. The lake’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, boat cruises and even coffee plantation tours that take in both scenic views and Rwanda’s celebrated coffee culture.

    Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.

    For a quieter, more intimate escape, the town of Karongi is ideal. Walk hand‑in‑hand along the shoreline at sunset, enjoy romantic meals at lakeside cafés, and savour fresh fish from the water, perhaps served in unique lakeside venues such as Tam Tam Bikini, where boat hulls double as tables against the backdrop of setting suns.

    Volcanoes National Park: Christmas in the clouds

    For a holiday that feels truly transformative, head north to Volcanoes National Park, home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. This misty terrain of bamboo forests and volcano ridges is perfect for a Christmas morning trek that few destinations can rival.

    Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its misty mountains, bamboo forests, and mountain gorillas.

    Once you’ve met a gentle silverback and his family, there’s no better way to feel thankful and awed during the season. Beyond gorillas, Golden Monkey trekking, birdwatching and volcano hikes add rich layers to your mountain adventure.

    Volcanoes National Park is home to the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

    Luxury lodges like Bisate Lodge and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest set the tone for your evenings with warm fires, gourmet meals and landscapes that glow pink and gold at dusk. Not far from the park, the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village offers festive cultural immersion through traditional dance, music and crafts, a heartfelt way to connect with Rwandan heritage.

    Akagera National Park: A New Year’s safari celebration

    When the calendar flips to New Year’s Day, trade misty visions for the golden savannah of Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda. This restored wilderness harbours East Africa’s Big Five, lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos, and boasts scenic lakes and wetlands that support abundant birdlife.

    A pride of lions at Akagera National Park.

    Guided game drives at dawn and dusk cast you into iconic African landscapes, while a boat safari on Lake Ihema offers a gentle New Year’s start with hippos and crocodiles lounging by the water’s edge. Camp options like Ruzizi Tented Lodge and Magashi Camp bring safari luxury to life with firelit dinners and star‑filled skies.

    Nyungwe Forest: A green holiday adventure

    For a lush rainforest Christmas or New Year’s getaway, Nyungwe Forest National Park is unmatched. One of Africa’s oldest rainforests and a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nyungwe brims with biodiversity, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys and over 300 bird species.

    The Canopy Walkway in Nyungwe Forest soars high above the treetops, offering breathtaking views of lush rainforest, vibrant birdlife, and the rolling hills beyond. It offers a thrilling and unforgettable way to experience one of Africa’s oldest forests

    The Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the forest floor, offers breathtaking perspectives over verdant treetops, and guided chimpanzee treks bring you up close to our closest animal relatives. Stay at One&Only Nyungwe House, set amidst tranquil tea plantations with spa moments and refined cuisine, a restorative way to close out the year.

    Hidden gems to enrich your festive break

    Rwanda’s festive charm goes beyond its headline attractions, offering experiences that are equally rich and memorable.

    In Nyanza, visitors walk through the King’s Palace Museum, admire the regal Inyambo cows, and immerse themselves in Rwanda’s royal history. The town’s calm streets and cultural sites make it a peaceful stop for those seeking a more reflective holiday experience.

    Rwandan traditional dancers entertain guests at the King’s Palace Museum.

    Musanze invites exploration of the ancient Musanze Caves, where dramatic limestone formations reveal landscapes shaped by volcanic forces over millennia. The surrounding hills offer scenic trails, making it a perfect spot for hiking and photography.

    The Twin Lakes of Burera and Ruhondo provide a tranquil lakeside escape. Visitors enjoy boat rides, hiking, and birdwatching, all set against the stunning backdrop of volcanic peaks, creating a serene and restorative festive experience.

    In the south, Huye pulses with cultural richness. The Ethnographic Museum showcases Rwanda’s art, history, and traditions, while nearby coffee plantations provide aromatic journeys into one of the country’s most celebrated exports.

    The Ethnographic Museum in Huye showcases Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage through art, historical artefacts, and traditional exhibits.

    For nature enthusiasts, Gishwati‑Mukura National Park, Rwanda’s newest forest reserve, offers immersive forest hikes, primate spotting, and vibrant wildlife experiences, making it an ideal destination for conservation-minded travellers during the festive season.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/lifestyle/article/top-spots-to-celebrate-the-festive-season-in-rwanda

  • Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas membership surpasses 700 amid expanded luxury amenities #rwanda #RwOT

    The increase follows recent upgrades to Kigali’s international golf course, which now includes additional facilities such as tennis courts, a gym and expanded clubhouse amenities designed to serve golfers and sports enthusiasts alike.

    Speaking at the annual members’ appreciation event, Donel Rama, Golf Operations Manager at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas, said the expansion has significantly increased both usage and membership.

    'At present, the facility can host up to 1,000 people, depending on the nature of the activities taking place. We currently have 726 registered members, including 566 active golf players,' Rama said.

    Membership is offered under several annual subscription categories, tailored to different user needs. These range from packages for regular golfers to options targeting wellness users and families, as well as special rates for junior players.

    The packages include Platinum Membership at Frw 5 million per year, Golf Membership at Frw 4 million, International Premium Membership at Frw 3.25 million, Elite Wellness Membership at Frw 2.6 million, and Social Membership at Frw 1.6 million. Corporate Membership, which allows up to five individuals to share access, is priced at Frw 29.5 million annually.

    Junior golf training programmes are also available, with fees set at Frw 400,000 for children under 12 years, Frw 600,000 for those under 15, Frw 800,000 for those under 18, and Frw 2 million for youths aged between 19 and 25.

    In a move aimed at widening access, Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas has begun introducing selected services for non-members, marking a shift towards greater public engagement with the facility.

    As part of this initiative, the golf course will host New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31, 2025, with members of the public allowed entry at a fee of Frw 100,000. The event, sponsored by Sensitive Group and featuring DJ Marnoud, will grant attendees access to a range of on-site services as they usher in the New Year.

    Management of the Rwanda Ultimate Golf Course (RUGC), which oversees the development, said the move is part of a broader strategy to increase utilisation ahead of the planned resumption of Phase II of the project, estimated to cost about $140 million.

    The second phase is expected to include residential units surrounding the golf course and a high-end hotel. Once implemented, the investment is projected to generate average annual returns of about 13 per cent over a 15-year period.

    Golf players renew their membership every year.

    As of December 2025, membership at Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas exceeds 700.

    Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas management says the facility can accommodate events with over 1,000 attendees.

    Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas holds annual celebrations for its members.

    In a move aimed at widening access, Kigali Golf Resorts & Villas has begun introducing selected services for non-members, marking a shift towards greater public engagement with the facility.

    IGIHE

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/kigali-golf-resorts-villas-membership-surpasses-700-amid-expanded-luxury

  • Stella Rusine Nteziryayo named new CEO of BRD #rwanda #RwOT

    Nteziryayo succeeds Kampeta Pitchette Sayinzoga, whose six-year tenure saw BRD undergo significant institutional growth, strengthened financial performance, and expanded its role in mobilising both domestic and external capital to support Rwanda’s national development priorities.

    During the past six years, data show that BRD’s total assets grew from Frw 157 billion to over Frw 1.02 trillion, while the loan portfolio increased from Frw 167 billion to Frw 710 billion. Annual profitability turned around from a loss to a profit of Frw 22.8 billion, reflecting improved financial sustainability. The bank also achieved a fourfold leverage effect, mobilising three additional francs from external sources for every franc invested by the government.

    Over the same period, BRD’s investments contributed to a wide range of national priorities. Notable achievements included connecting over 500,000 households to electricity, raising export volumes from 80 metric tonnes to 8,566 metric tonnes, and issuing Rwanda’s first sustainability-linked bond, which raised Frw 63.5 billion for impact-driven projects. In education, the digitalisation of the Government student bursary scheme enabled faster disbursements and expanded support for post-graduation bursary reimbursements.

    Nteziryayo, currently a member of BRD’s Board of Directors, brings over a decade of experience in macroeconomic policy, debt management, fiscal strategy, and sustainable finance. She previously served as Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, where she played a central role in shaping Rwanda’s medium-term economic framework, coordinating sovereign financing, and enhancing fiscal sustainability.

    Her appointment is expected to ensure continuity and provide deep institutional insight as BRD embarks on its next phase of growth, further supporting Rwanda’s development across sectors, including infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, affordable housing, green finance, and exports.

    BRD, established in 1967, continues to play a key role in providing long-term, tailored financing to sectors critical for Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, aligned with Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation.

    Stella Rusine Nteziryayo has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), ushering in a new phase for the institution as it continues to support the country’s socio-economic transformation.

    Wycliffe Nyamasege

    Source : https://en.igihe.com/business-62/article/stella-rusine-nteziryayo-named-new-ceo-of-brd

  • The €50,000 Argument: How a Fight at Home Wiped Out a Fortune in the Market #Rwanda #RwOT

    It didn’t begin on a trading screen. It began in the kitchen.

    A sharp word. A misunderstood tone. A silence that felt heavier than shouting. By the time the door closed behind me, I wasn’t thinking about charts, support levels, or stop-losses. I was replaying sentences, defending myself in imaginary arguments, and nursing a bruised ego. The market opened without me—and by the time I noticed, €50,000 was gone.

    This is not a story about blame. It’s a story about attention.

    Distraction Is the Most Expensive Emotion

    Markets don’t care if you’re angry, tired, or heartbroken. Prices move with or without your consent. But your ability to respond—to cut losses, to take profit, to do nothing when nothing is required—depends entirely on clarity of mind.

    That morning, clarity was impossible. I sat in front of the screen, eyes open but unfocused. I missed the signal I’d waited days for. I hesitated where decisiveness was required. I broke my own rules—rules written precisely to protect me from moments like this.

    The loss didn’t come from volatility. It came from distraction.

    The Myth of Compartmentalization

    We like to believe we can separate life from work, emotions from execution. Traders talk about discipline as if it’s a switch you flip. But the truth is harsher: you bring your whole self to every decision. If your home is on fire, your judgment will smell like smoke.

    That argument with my wife didn’t just affect my mood; it narrowed my perception. I became reactive instead of responsive. I wanted the market to “make it back,” to soothe the sting of the morning. Revenge trading is just emotional bargaining in another costume.

    And markets are merciless negotiators.

    What €50,000 Really Buys You

    Money lost in the market hurts, but the lesson it purchases can be invaluable—if you accept the receipt.

    That €50,000 taught me that emotional risk is real risk. That relationship health is a trading edge. That the most sophisticated strategy collapses if the person executing it is compromised.

    It taught me to respect the invisible variables: sleep, stress, unresolved conflict. These don’t show up on candlesticks, but they determine how you read them.

    The Hardest Stop-Loss to Place

    After that day, I added a rule more important than any technical indicator: If my personal life is unstable, I don’t trade. No exceptions.

    It sounds simple. It’s not.

    Stepping away feels like weakness when you’re wired to hustle. But the strongest decision that day would have been to close the laptop, pick up the phone, and fix what was broken at home. The market would still be there tomorrow. My capital—and my marriage—might not survive repeated neglect.

    The Quiet Recovery

    The recovery didn’t start with a winning trade. It started with an apology. With listening instead of explaining. With acknowledging that success in public means nothing if you’re failing in private.

    When calm returned at home, it returned to the screen. Not because the market changed—but because I did.

    Final Lesson

    If you trade, invest, build, or lead—understand this: your personal life is not separate from your performance. It is the foundation of it.

    A fight with your wife can cost you €50,000. Not because she distracted you—but because you ignored the cost of being emotionally unfit to decide.

    In the end, the most expensive losses aren’t always on the chart. They’re the ones that teach you, too late, where your real risk exposure was all along.