The Ugandan Ministry of Health said on Tuesday, October 20, that the woman had travelled to eastern DRC for business before passing through Uganda in early October on her way to Nigeria, where she later developed symptoms and tested positive.
'Travel through Uganda does not establish that infection occurred here,' the ministry said, adding that the location where the woman was exposed to the virus remained under investigation.
The ministry said Nigerian authorities had yet to provide detailed information about the woman's travel itinerary and clinical history to support further investigations and contact tracing.
Uganda was declared free of Ebola on August 27, 2026, after 42 consecutive days without a new confirmed case. The country recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths during the outbreak, which was caused by the Sudan virus.
DRC outbreak spreads to more provinces
The DRC is battling an outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease, a rare Ebola strain for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
The outbreak, first identified in Ituri Province in May 2026, has spread to eight provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, Bas-Uele, South Ubangi and North Ubangi.
North Ubangi was among the latest areas affected, with health authorities reporting two cases, including one death, in the Wapinda health zone in October. The province borders the Central African Republic, raising concerns about further cross-border transmission.
The geographical spread has complicated containment efforts, with health authorities relying on surveillance, isolation, contact tracing and coordination with neighbouring countries to limit further infections.
Nigeria confirms Ebola case
Nigeria confirmed its first Ebola case in a decade on October 19, involving a woman who had travelled to eastern DRC before passing through Uganda.
The patient developed symptoms on October 7, four days after arriving in Nigeria, and sought treatment at a private hospital in Abuja on October 11. Laboratory tests confirmed Ebola on October 20, and she is receiving treatment in isolation.
Nigerian authorities have identified 44 contacts, including healthcare workers and the patient's Swiss husband, who are being monitored for possible infection. Investigations are also ongoing to establish where she contracted the virus and reconstruct her travel and exposure history.
Kenya, meanwhile, has reported nine confirmed Ebola cases, including one death, according to the World Health Organization. All nine cases are linked to a single cluster originating from a Kenyan man who travelled from the DRC through Uganda and died in Nairobi on October 5.
Uganda says it has no active Ebola cases after a Nigerian woman who tested positive for the virus travelled through the country earlier this month, as an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to spread to more provinces.
'We want Zelensky to make a deal,' Trump told reporters at the White House. 'If they don't make a deal, it's just gonna get worse.'
'We have given tremendous amounts to Ukraine; we've got nothing back. Other than high diesel,' Trump said. 'The American taxpayers are tired of it.'
'It's time to make a deal,' he added, 'Russia would like to get it done.'
Trump made the appeal after U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Zelensky and European officials in Oslo on Tuesday. Zelensky reportedly said after the Oslo talks that discussions had been constructive.
Witkoff is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Russia on Wednesday and present him with an updated proposal to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, U.S. media Axios reported on Tuesday, citing a U.S. official.
Washington hopes the new proposal will 'create a pathway toward direct trilateral and broader multilateral negotiations,' the U.S. official was quoted as saying.
Trump has repeatedly criticized Zelensky in recent days, accusing him of hindering peace efforts. On Monday, Trump said Zelensky should have settled the conflict long ago and suggested replacing him as Ukraine's chief negotiator.
A side-by-side image of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Trump urged Zelensky to reach a deal with Russia to end the conflict.
Uwamahoro was honoured on October 15, 2026, during a ceremony at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, held alongside the World Food Forum and the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Braimpire Ltd, a Rwandan agribusiness company established in 2016 to strengthen agricultural value chains and connect farmers to regional and international markets.
Through the company, she has supported more than 15,000 smallholder farmers, the majority of whom are women, young people and persons with disabilities.
Braimpire works with products including coffee, tea, chilli and horticultural produce, helping farmers access wider markets while promoting value addition and reducing post-harvest losses.
Uwamahoro has also championed cross-border agricultural trade. She is recognised as the first Rwandan woman to register a company under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to facilitate trade among African countries by reducing barriers to the movement of goods and services.
Uwamahoro was honoured on October 15, 2026, during a ceremony at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
Uwamahoro has dedicated FAO's recognition to women farmers whose contributions to food production and rural livelihoods often go unrecognised.
'This recognition is deeply personal to me, but I do not see it as mine alone. I dedicate it to the thousands of women farmers in Rwanda and across Africa who wake up every day to cultivate our land, feed our communities, sustain their families and build a better future, often with little recognition,' she said.
She also thanked the Government of Rwanda for supporting women's leadership and entrepreneurship, noting that the opportunities provided had contributed to her growth.
Uwamahoro expressed hope that the recognition would encourage more women, particularly those in rural communities, to pursue their ambitions and recognise the value of their work.
'May this recognition remind every rural woman that her work matters, her contribution is valued and her dreams are possible,' she added.
Uwamahoro is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Braimpire Ltd, a Rwandan agribusiness company established in 2016 to strengthen agricultural value chains and connect farmers to regional and international markets.
The FAO initiative celebrates 100 women whose contributions span the agrifood value chain, including agriculture, entrepreneurship, research, education and community leadership.
Their work includes improving food security, expanding market access, protecting natural resources, preserving traditional and indigenous knowledge, and creating employment and training opportunities in rural communities.
According to FAO, the selection process attracted 609 nominations from 131 of its Members. Submissions were assessed for eligibility before candidates were reviewed and ranked by senior management, with the final list approved by the organisation's Senior Leadership Committee.
Uwamahoro was among 100 women selected from across the world, with African honourees representing countries including Ethiopia, Botswana, Benin, Tunisia, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania and The Gambia.
Uwamahoro dedicated FAO's recognition to women farmers whose contributions to food production and rural livelihoods often go unrecognised.
Speaking at the International Conference on Inclusive Insurance(ICII) 2026 in Kigali on Tuesday, October 20, Hakuziyaremye, who was the chief guest at the event, stressed that expanding insurance penetration was important but should not be treated as an end in itself.
'Our ambition must go beyond simply increasing penetration. Higher penetration is important, but it should be viewed as a means, not an end in itself. Our ultimate objective should be meaningful protection,' she said.
Her remarks come as households, farmers and businesses in emerging markets continue to face significant financial risks from climate-related disasters, health emergencies and economic uncertainty, often without adequate insurance to help them recover.
According to figures presented at the conference, only 31% of global economic losses from disasters were insured in 2023. In most emerging markets and developing economies, less than 10% of disaster losses were covered by insurance.
BNR Governor Soraya Hakuziyaremye was the chief guest at the International Conference on Inclusive Insurance (ICII) 2026 in Kigali on Tuesday, October 20.
Hakuziyaremye emphasised that the challenge was to ensure insurance products were affordable, suited to customers' needs and distributed through channels that people trust.
'The key question is not whether people need insurance; it is how we deliver the right protection at an affordable price through channels that our citizens trust,' she said.
Rwanda's FinScope 2024 survey found that close to 70% of the population had experienced risks associated with climate change, highlighting the need for stronger financial protection against shocks that can undermine livelihoods and economic activity.
For farmers, a failed harvest can threaten household income and food security. For small businesses, a disaster can destroy productive assets, while unexpected medical expenses can force families to exhaust their savings or borrow money.
The Governor argued that innovation could help insurers reach underserved populations by lowering distribution costs and using digital technologies, including insurance technology platforms, alongside established networks such as savings and credit cooperatives (SACCOs) and microfinance institutions.
She also called for stronger insurance literacy and greater transparency in policy terms and claims processes to build public trust.
'Technology alone will not close the gap,' she cautioned, stressing the importance of designing products that reflect the risks faced by underserved households, smallholder farmers and small businesses.
She identified three priorities for the industry: placing customers at the centre of product design, strengthening insurance literacy, and building trust through transparent coverage and reliable claims.
The conference has brought together participants from 58 countries to address the challenge of closing the insurance protection gap.
Rwanda seeks stronger insurance protection
Rwanda has made progress in financial inclusion, with the Governor citing a financial inclusion rate of 92%. However, she warned that access to financial services without adequate risk protection remained incomplete.
Private insurance uptake increased from 17% in 2020 to 27% in 2024, according to figures she presented. Under the National Insurance Strategy, Rwanda aims to increase overall insurance penetration from 1.9% to 5% of gross domestic product by 2035.
Hakuziyaremye highlighted the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme, which receives a 40% government subsidy on premiums, as an example of how public policy, private-sector expertise and development partnerships can help make insurance more accessible.
She called for insurance to become an integral part of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction, supported by effective regulation, consumer protection and innovative approaches to climate risk financing.
The focus on meaningful protection was echoed by Andrew Kulayige, Chairperson of the Rwanda Insurers Association (ASSAR), who argued that the industry needed to make insurance a better value proposition for the people and businesses that needed it most.
'Our task is no longer simply to expand access to insurance, but to make insurance a better value proposition, affordable and reliable for the people and businesses that need protection most,' Kulayige said.
Andrew Kulayige, Chairperson of the Rwanda Insurers Association (ASSAR), argued that the industry needed to make insurance a better value proposition for the people and businesses that needed it most.
He noted that natural disasters continued to expose substantial gaps in insurance coverage globally, leaving households, businesses and governments to absorb losses that could otherwise be covered.
Kulayige added that Rwanda was still working to address these challenges and expressed hope that the conference would help participants move beyond discussions to practical action through stronger partnerships and clear priorities.
Rwanda open to new approaches to insurance
Expanding insurance coverage could also involve combining different types of protection to make insurance more accessible and beneficial to households. Herbert Asiimwe, Head of Financial Sector Development at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, indicated that Rwanda was open to exploring ways to link community-based health insurance, known as Mutuelle de Santé, with other insurance products.
'It's indeed something for us to explore. We can work with the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) and our insurance industry and see whether we can work together and bundle this CBHI with other insurance products that help it deliver even more benefits,' he said.
He did not, however, announce a formal government initiative or an implementation plan.
The International Conference on Inclusive Insurance 2026 is taking place at the Kigali Convention Centre from October 19 to 23, bringing together policymakers, regulators, insurers, reinsurers, financial institutions, researchers, investors and development partners.
The conference is organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, BNR, Access to Finance Rwanda, ASSAR, the Rwanda Insurance Brokers Organisation, the Munich Re Foundation and the Microinsurance Network.
The gathering has brought together participants from 58 countries to address the challenge of closing the insurance protection gap.
Renate Bleich, Chair of the Munich Re Foundation, urged participants to use the conference to establish concrete partnerships, draw on evidence and commit to practical action.
'Ideas that stay in conference halls protect no one,' she said.
The conference aims to identify commercially sustainable approaches to inclusive insurance, improve access to affordable products and strengthen collaboration among governments, insurers, technology providers and development partners.
Governor Hakuziyaremye, who was the chief guest at the event, stressed that expanding insurance penetration was important but should not be treated as an end in itself.The gathering has brought together participants from 58 countries to address the challenge of closing the insurance protection gap.The focus on meaningful protection was echoed by Andrew Kulayige, Chairperson of the Rwanda Insurers Association (ASSAR), who argued that the industry needed to make insurance a better value proposition for the people and businesses that needed it most.The conference brought together policymakers, regulators, insurers, reinsurers, financial institutions, researchers, investors and development partners.
The transaction, announced on October 19, 2026, follows the receipt of the required regulatory approvals and makes NCBA a subsidiary of Nedbank.
NCBA will remain listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), with the public holding the remaining 34% of its issued shares.
NCBA operates in six African markets: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. The group serves more than 60 million customers through 122 branches.
Nedbank, which is headquartered in South Africa and listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Namibia Securities Exchange, has operations across Southern Africa, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini. It also operates offshore centres in London, Dubai, the Isle of Man and Jersey.
Through the acquisition, Nedbank is expanding into East Africa, with ambitions to extend its presence across the wider region.
Kenya's position as a financial hub, supported by established institutions, developed capital markets and a dynamic technology sector, provides a strategic entry point for Nedbank. NCBA brings a strong market reputation, digital banking capabilities, expertise in asset finance and investment banking, and an established regional network.
Together, the two financial services groups aim to support trade, enterprise growth and investment across East and Southern Africa.
NCBA assures customers of business continuity
NCBA has assured customers and employees that its operations will continue as usual following the transaction.
The bank will retain its brand, local leadership, Nairobi headquarters and customer-facing operating model. Its products, services, relationship teams, branches, digital channels and day-to-day banking arrangements will remain unchanged.
The transaction is expected to create opportunities to introduce broader banking capabilities, strengthen cross-border solutions and expand access to expertise available through Nedbank.
NCBA said the acquisition would also create opportunities for employees through skills development, knowledge sharing, innovation and career growth across a larger African financial services network.
Shareholders tendered nearly 80% of NCBA shares
According to the announcement, NCBA shareholders tendered 1,316,357,895 shares during the offer period, which closed on July 10, 2026. The shares represented 79.90% of the group's issued shares, exceeding Nedbank's target of acquiring a 66% stake.
Applications were scaled back on a pro-rata basis in line with the terms of the offer to bring Nedbank's eventual shareholding to approximately 66%.
NCBA shares are scheduled to be suspended from trading from around the close of business on October 21 until the close of business on November 2, 2026, to allow for reconciliation of the share register.
The transfer of shares to Nedbank will be conducted through a block trade on the Nairobi Securities Exchange on November 3, 2026. Settlement of Nedbank shares and the dispatch of cash payments to NCBA shareholders are also scheduled to begin on that date.
Leaders welcome the transaction
NCBA Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer John Gachora described the transaction as an endorsement of the bank's business, employees and markets.
'This is a proud moment for NCBA and a powerful endorsement of the strength of our business, our people and the markets we serve. NCBA has built a strong East African brand anchored on customer centricity and innovation,' he said.
'With the backing of Nedbank, we are now poised to boldly go after opportunities across the East African region, expand our footprint and bring to market a more sophisticated set of products. The name is the same, the people are the same, but the ambition and capabilities are tremendously magnified. This next phase in the chapter of NCBA will be one to watch.'
Nedbank Group Chief Executive Jason Quinn said the acquisition would strengthen the group's presence in East Africa and advance its African growth strategy.
'This landmark transaction establishes a significant presence for Nedbank in East Africa and marks a decisive step forward in our African growth strategy,' he said.
'By connecting two strong banking platforms across Southern and East Africa, we are creating new opportunities for our clients and shareholders, while supporting greater trade, investment and growth across the continent. We are proud to welcome NCBA to the Nedbank Group.'
About NCBA Group PLC
NCBA is a full-service banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to Corporate, Institutional, SME and Consumer banking customers. NCBA operates a network of 122 branches across five countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and the Ivory Coast.
Serving over 60 million customers, NCBA is the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers. NCBA Bank Kenya is among the leading banks by assets. The Group continues to play a key role in empowering Africa's economic ambitions. NCBA is a Market Leader in Corporate Banking, Asset Finance, and Digital Banking.
South Africa's Nedbank Group Limited has completed the acquisition of a 66% controlling stake in NCBA Group PLC, expanding its presence into East Africa and creating new opportunities for cross-border banking, trade and investment.The transaction, announced on October 19, 2026, follows the receipt of the required regulatory approvals and makes NCBA a subsidiary of Nedbank.
The head of SASA Group Rwanda, a company that provides training in fire prevention and firefighting, made the remarks in an interview with IGIHE. He explained that having firefighting equipment is not enough if people do not know how to use it or identify potential fire hazards early.
'That is why it is essential to provide people with practical training so they can learn how to prevent fires, use safety equipment and follow an evacuation plan in the event of an emergency,' he said.
His comments follow the fire that broke out at GOICO Plaza in Musanze on October 10, 2026. Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde put the preliminary value of goods destroyed at about Rwf30 billion, although assessments were still underway to establish the full extent of the losses. SASA Group Rwanda also expressed sympathy and support for traders and residents affected by the incident.
Every fire should be investigated individually
Rutagengwa explained that fires can result from various causes, including improper use of electrical installations, negligence and failure to observe fire prevention measures.
He cited the use of substandard electrical cables, connecting too many appliances to a circuit beyond its capacity, and using damaged electrical equipment as some of the potential causes.
In homes, leaving a stove or candle burning unattended, mishandling gas appliances and storing flammable materials in inappropriate places can also lead to fires.
However, he stressed that these factors should not automatically be assumed to explain every fire without a proper investigation.
'The important thing is not to assume that all fires have the same cause. Every incident should be investigated to establish what caused it, so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents from happening again,' he said.
He also noted that the absence of smoke detectors and equipment capable of extinguishing a fire at its early stages can delay detection and allow flames to spread.
Building safety starts at the design stage
Rutagengwa said building owners should consider safety from the design stage rather than waiting until construction is complete.
'Building safety should not be treated as something added after construction. It must be one of the main priorities from the moment the building is designed,' he explained.
Key measures include using electrical equipment that meets the required standards, installing cables suitable for the expected electrical load, and engaging qualified professionals.
Other important considerations include selecting safe construction materials and providing appropriate emergency exits.
He also recommended that buildings be equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and other safety devices suited to their intended use. Gas and other flammable materials should be stored in designated and appropriate locations.
Training must go beyond meeting regulatory requirements
Rutagengwa believes that a lack of knowledge about fire prevention and how to respond when a fire breaks out is one of the factors that increases the risks.
'Having a fire extinguisher is not enough if someone does not know how to use it properly or when they should immediately leave the area and call for emergency assistance,' he explained.
Some people may, for example, attempt to extinguish an electrical fire or a fire involving flammable oils with water, potentially making the situation more dangerous.
He therefore believes that training should equip people to recognise warning signs, use safety equipment correctly and evacuate buildings safely.
'Training should not be conducted merely to meet regulatory requirements. It should help people identify and prevent risks and know how to respond quickly and safely when a fire breaks out,' he said.
SASA Group Rwanda provides training in fire prevention and firefighting. Rutagengwa encourages households, schools, hotels, markets, factories and other institutions to take part in such training so that prevention becomes a culture rather than a response adopted only after an accident has occurred.
Insurance helps, but it does not replace prevention
On fire insurance, Rutagengwa said several factors may discourage people from taking out coverage, including a lack of awareness of its benefits, financial constraints and the belief that such an incident will never affect them.
A lack of understanding of insurance policy terms and compensation procedures can also undermine public confidence.
He believes insurance companies should explain their services in clear and accessible language, specifying what is covered, what is excluded and how policyholders can submit claims.
'It is important for people to understand that insurance does not prevent a fire from occurring. Rather, it helps reduce financial losses when an insured incident happens,' he said.
He added: 'However, insurance must go hand in hand with risk prevention, because protecting human life and property must come first.'
Stronger inspections and reliable data could improve prevention
Rutagengwa called for stricter safety inspections of both newly constructed buildings and those already in use, with particular attention to electrical installations, emergency exits and firefighting equipment.
He also highlighted the need to increase public awareness campaigns, make safety equipment more accessible and strengthen the capacity of emergency response services.
According to him, collecting and analysing fire incident data would help identify areas where fires occur most frequently, determine their causes and assess the losses they leave behind. This would enable authorities and other stakeholders to develop prevention measures based on reliable evidence.
'Every major fire should also be investigated to establish its cause, determine whether any regulations were violated and use the findings to prevent future incidents,' he said.
He stressed that implementing these measures requires cooperation between the government, the private sector, insurance companies and the public.
'We must understand that preventing fires costs less and protects lives better than dealing with their consequences. When we succeed in preventing a fire, we protect human lives, jobs, property and the country's economy,' Rutagengwa concluded.
Combining public training, building safety inspections and emergency preparedness could help Rwanda prevent fires and reduce their impact, according to Rutagengwa Safari, an expert in fire prevention, firefighting and emergency response.
The findings, published in Nature Communications, come from researchers at Mayo Clinic in the United States and Virginia Tech.
The study suggests that the disease can develop through different biological pathways, with each subtype carrying distinct health risks.
Some forms are closely associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, while others are linked to inherited genetic differences.
Researchers found that certain genetic subtypes were associated with a higher risk of advanced liver damage, including among people without typical metabolic risk factors.
The discovery could help doctors identify vulnerable patients earlier and improve screening and treatment strategies.
To identify the subtypes, researchers analysed genetic sequencing results and medical records from more than 4,600 patients diagnosed with MASLD.
The information included liver enzyme levels, body mass index, blood lipid measurements and other indicators of metabolic health.
Researchers also examined conditions such as diabetes, depression and sleep apnoea.
Using computer models, the team identified five groups with distinct genetic and clinical characteristics.
The findings suggest that patients who receive the same diagnosis may experience different patterns of disease progression and face different risks of complications.
MASLD develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver. Although many patients experience no noticeable symptoms, the condition can progress to inflammation, scarring and cirrhosis, which can impair liver function. Severe cases may lead to liver failure, cancer or the need for a transplant.
The study also identified associations between particular disease subtypes and conditions such as depression, sleep apnoea and migraines.
However, the findings do not establish that MASLD directly causes these conditions.
The researchers used Mayo Clinic's Research Data Atlas, which links genetic information with medical records, to identify patterns that might otherwise remain undetected.
The analysis also drew on genetic resources from the institution's Tapestry Study, involving more than 100,000 participants.
The team plans to validate the findings in larger and more diverse populations and investigate whether the subtypes respond differently to available treatments, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, medicines used for conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Researchers say the findings could eventually support earlier intervention and treatments tailored to patients' underlying biology.
However, further studies are needed before the five-subtype classification can be routinely used in clinical practice.
Researchers have identified five biological subtypes of fatty liver disease, potentially opening new opportunities for earlier diagnosis and personalised treatment.
The application, dubbed 'Thrive App', was officially launched on October 17, 2026, at SOHO Fitness's Kimihurura branch in Kigali. It offers practical exercises, guidance, and challenges to help users build healthier habits, with rewards for those who complete selected activities.
The initiative comes as mental health remains a public health concern in Rwanda. In January 2026, the Ministry of Health reported that 9.1% of Rwandans experienced depression-related mental health problems in 2025.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also be challenging for people who struggle to exercise consistently, make nutritious food choices, or manage their finances.
Thrive seeks to address these challenges through activities that encourage users to adopt healthier routines and monitor their progress.
Participants at the launch said they were particularly impressed by the application's mental health exercises, which were among the first features they explored. They also welcomed its nutritional guidance, noting that the recommended foods are readily available in Rwanda.
Tsatsi Rugege, who had used the application for two days, said its locally relevant nutritional advice and mental health exercises stood out.
'Many applications provide nutritional advice, but you often find that they recommend foods that are not readily available here in Rwanda. This one, however, includes foods that you can easily find here. It also has exercises related to mental health, which I have now started practising and have found enjoyable,' she said.
The application includes exercises that encourage users to reflect on their emotional state, identify how they respond to stress and explore ways to manage it. Based on their responses, it provides guidance on steps they can take to address the challenges they face.
Rugege said the exercises helped her understand how to put into practice her desire to maintain a positive mindset.
'I have always known that I want to have the right mindset and remain happy, but I did not really know how to achieve that in practice. That is where I came to appreciate this app,' she remarked.
Beyond mental health and nutrition, the application encourages physical activity through challenges that users can complete individually or alongside others.
As part of launch activities, participants took on a challenge to walk 10,000 steps daily for one week. The application tracks their progress, with those who complete the challenge eligible for rewards, including fuel-related products, gym sessions, and other prizes.
The official launch also featured physical exercise activities, with prizes awarded to participants who completed them successfully. Two additional soft-launch events are scheduled to take place over the remaining months of the year.
Old Mutual Insurance Rwanda Managing Director Chantal Habiyakare said the partnership with SOHO Fitness was part of the company's efforts to promote well-being among its clients and the wider public.
'SOHO Fitness is one of our partners in Thrive. Having worked together for some time in other areas, we built on that relationship to bring the app to our community more efficiently. We will continue promoting it so that more people beyond our clients can benefit,' the MD said.
Thrive is available free of charge and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The application, dubbed 'Thrive App', was officially launched on October 17, 2026, at SOHO Fitness's Kimihurura branch in Kigali.The mobile app offers practical exercises, guidance, and challenges to help users build healthier habits, with rewards for those who complete selected activities.Thrive seeks to encourage users to adopt healthier routines and monitor their progress.The official launch also featured physical exercise activities, with prizes awarded to participants who completed them successfully. Participants at the launch said they were particularly impressed by the application's mental health exercises, which were among the first features they explored.
The High Court in Mombasa delivered the verdict on October 19, finding that Mackenzie and his co-accused were responsible for deaths linked to an organised fasting regime at Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County.
Justice Diana Kavedza said the prosecution had proved the murder charges against all 29 defendants beyond reasonable doubt, rejecting the defence argument that the victims had voluntarily fasted to death.
'I reject the defence of the accused persons that the victims who were all below the age of 16s voluntarily fasted to death,' the judge said.
The accused were convicted on 191 counts of murder involving 190 children and one adult. They are due to be sentenced on November 6, with a mitigation hearing scheduled for October 30.
Mackenzie, who led the Good News International Church, was accused of directing followers to starve themselves and their children in the belief that they would enter heaven before the end of the world.
The court found that religious teachings and an established hierarchy were used to enforce fasting, with children targeted first and followers prevented from escaping or accessing food.
The case emerged in 2023 after police investigated reports of missing people in Shakahola Forest. Authorities subsequently uncovered more than 400 bodies in shallow graves across the area.
Although the latest convictions concern 191 murder counts, the wider Shakahola investigation involves hundreds of deaths. Mackenzie and some co-accused also face separate proceedings connected to other alleged offences.
Kenya's Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, welcomed the verdict, praising the prosecution team for securing the convictions.
'The best judgment we would ever get,' Ingonga said, describing the outcome as a significant moment for the prosecution.
The ruling has brought some relief to families who lost relatives in the tragedy. Francis Wanje, who lost eight family members, including two grandchildren, told Reuters that the verdict gave him confidence in the judiciary.
The Shakahola case has intensified calls for closer oversight of religious organisations in Kenya, where the tragedy raised questions about how Mackenzie's activities continued despite earlier encounters with authorities.
Mackenzie denied forcing his followers to starve. His lawyer, Lawrence Obonyo, said that the defence planned to appeal the convictions.
The November 6 sentencing will determine the punishment for Mackenzie and his 28 co-accused, while other proceedings connected to the wider tragedy continue.
Self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie looks on during his court appearance at the Mombasa Law Court in Mombasa, Kenya, on Monday, October 19.
The force's Director General, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, made the call on October 19 during the opening of the EASF Logistics Map Exercise (MAPEX) 2026 at Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, Bugesera District.
The exercise, taking place from October 19 to 31, brings together military, police and civilian personnel from EASF member states and partner institutions to test logistics planning and coordination for peace support operations and disaster response.
Addressing participants, Rwivanga said operational readiness should be measured by whether forces can deploy on time, arrive with the required capabilities and maintain their operations for as long as a mission demands.
'A force is not truly ready because it has been assembled. It is ready when it can deploy in time, arrive with the right capabilities, sustain itself in the operational environment and accomplish its assigned mission,' he said.
The exercise is designed to examine the force's ability to translate its existing structures and commitments into an effective response to emergencies.
Rwanda's Chief of Defence Staff, General Mubarakh Muganga, said the exercise would help identify logistical gaps and strengthen coordination among contributing countries.
'The success of this exercise will ultimately depend on our ability to translate the lessons identified into tangible improvements in our logistical systems, planning processes and operational readiness,' he said.
Under the theme 'Project, Deploy, Sustain,' participants are expected to assess logistical requirements, identify capability gaps, examine deployment options and improve coordination among contributing countries.
Rwivanga, a former spokesperson for the RDF who took over as Director General of the regional force in May, said logistics should be treated as a strategic capability rather than an administrative function supporting military operations.
'In contemporary operations, logistics is not a supporting afterthought. It is a strategic capability, an operational multiplier and, in many circumstances, the difference between mission success and mission failure,' he noted.
He called for stronger supply-chain resilience, equipment maintenance, medical evacuation arrangements, fuel management, logistics information systems and predictable financing to ensure deployed forces can remain operational.
The Director General also emphasised the need for countries to identify available capabilities before planning missions, rather than relying on resources that may not be mobilised when required.
Disaster response among priorities
The exercise also seeks to improve the EASF's ability to respond to humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters, including crises linked to extreme weather.
Rwivanga singled out El Niño-related disasters as a concern, saying the force must be prepared to respond when emergencies affect any of its member states.
'I can assure you that Scenario Seven is at the heart of the EASF today because of the El Niño phenomenon. We know we can predict that disasters are likely to occur in any of our Member States. Our readiness to respond to such a crisis is paramount,' he stressed.
He said deployments during humanitarian emergencies must be guided by assessed needs, host-country priorities, civilian protection and coordination with disaster management institutions and humanitarian partners.
The EASF comprises nine countries and has military, police and civilian components. Its role includes supporting regional responses to security challenges and authorised peace support operations. Its member states are Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda.
As the exercise continues until October 31, the focus will be on turning identified logistics gaps into concrete actions that strengthen the EASF's ability to respond to emergencies across the region.
For Rwivanga, the ultimate test of preparedness lies not in plans drawn on paper but in the force's ability to act when lives are at stake.
'Our region will not be judged by the plans we have written. No. We will be judged by the lives we protect. We will be judged by the suffering we alleviate. And lastly, by the stability we restore,' he stated.
EASF Director General, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, spoke on Monday, October 19, during the opening of the EASF Logistics Map Exercise (MAPEX) 2026 at Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, Bugesera District.The exercise, taking place from October 19 to 31, brings together military, police and civilian personnel from EASF member states and partner institutions to test logistics planning and coordination for peace support operations and disaster response.Rwanda's Chief of Defence Staff, General Mubarakh Muganga, said the exercise would help identify logistical gaps and strengthen coordination among contributing countries.
