Category: Uncategorized

The colourful gathering, held at the High Commissioner’s Residence in Kacyiru, blended culinary displays, performances, fashion, heartfelt speeches and reflections on the enduring partnership between the two nations.

The evening opened with a soulful performance by singer-songwriter JP Zed, followed by the national anthems performed by the Turikumwe Choir. Guests later enjoyed a raffle in which two attendees won business-class RwandaAir tickets to attend the King’s Birthday celebrations in the UK.

Thereafter, a series of energetic performances took the stage, including a lively dance showcase by children from the Sherrie Silver Foundation. The entertainment lineup also featured Mike Kayihura and his band, Okay Bisoke, as well as late-night DJ sets by DJ Dawee and DJ Bruno, transforming the diplomatic celebration into a vibrant artistic evening.

In her keynote speech, British High Commissioner Alison Thorpe delivered warm remarks that combined diplomacy, humour and personal reflections on her first year in Rwanda. Opening her remarks in Kinyarwanda, to appreciative applause, she expressed her admiration for the country and its people.

'Rwanda has totally captured my heart, from the rolling hills to the warmth of its people,' she said, noting that the event was both a celebration of the King and of the friendship between the UK and Rwanda.

Thorpe highlighted milestones of the past year, including ministerial visits, over 20 delegations from the UK and trips across Rwanda to meet communities and see ongoing projects.

She outlined three pillars of the UK—Rwanda partnership: development, trade and investment, and people-to-people connections. This includes joint efforts in education and social protection, as well as investments by British companies exceeding £230 million (approximately 380 billion Rwandan Francs) in sectors such as energy, mobility, and technology.

The High Commissioner also spotlighted the growing creative collaboration between the two countries. A major highlight of the night was the reveal of the custom dress she wore, the winning piece of a design challenge involving eight Rwandan designers working with experts from the University of Westminster.

Thorpe wore the winning design by Inkanda House, founded by celebrated designer Patrick Muhire. Later in the evening, she also donned another dress, which took second place in the close competition, by Twinkle by Asty.

To continue supporting local artists, the envoy noted that in the new year, the British Council will be launching Creative DNA, a fashion-focused accelerator programme that showcases fashion as a viable career path for young people and a valuable driver of the creative economy.

“This is just the first step in the British Council’s long-term plans to support capacity building within Rwanda’s wider creative and cultural industries,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Muhire, who has been a pioneer of Rwanda’s fashion industry since 2008, said that the experience of working with the High Commission was both humbling and inspiring.

'I wanted to make a dress that she could never find elsewhere, a dress that represents my country,' he explained. He chose ‘inyegamo’, a traditional Rwandan material once used in home décor, to symbolise Rwanda’s heritage.

All eight designers who participated in the competition are set to travel to the UK next year for a fashion show and cultural exchange at the University of Westminster, while also exploring new markets for their creations.

'We are hoping to enter the UK market and reach a broader audience than before,' Muhire said. 'The guests invited tonight aren’t just from the UK; we also have people from France, Italy, and across the globe. Through this programme, we hope to access a larger market than we had previously.'

Representing the Government of Rwanda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, reaffirmed the strength and depth of Rwanda—UK relations.

He highlighted collaboration in governance, education, trade, peace-building, climate resilience and innovation, noting that even during moments requiring 'thoughtful dialogue and mutual understanding,' both countries have maintained open, constructive engagement.

The Minister praised the UK’s role in global climate action, a cause long championed by King Charles III, and welcomed continued cooperation through initiatives such as the Sustainable Markets Initiative. He also commended cultural and creative partnerships, especially the fashion collaboration showcased during the event.

'We remain confident that this chapter will lead to an even stronger partnership, one that contributes not only to our bilateral relations but also to regional stability and international cooperation,' he said.

The colourful gathering was held at the High Commissioner’s Residence in Kacyiru.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, cultural figures, and friends of the UK and Rwanda.

Dancers from the Sherry Silver Foundation.

British High Commissioner Alison Thorpe with guests from the diplomatic corps.

British High Commissioner Alison Thorpe with Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.

British High Commissioner Alison Thorpe having a chat with Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe.

Turikumwe Choir performed at the party.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, cultural figures, and friends of the UK and Rwanda.

High Commissioner Alison Thorpe expressed her admiration for Rwanda and its people.

inister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, reaffirmed the strength and depth of Rwanda—UK relations.

Thorpe and Nduhungirehe toast to celebrate the occasion.

Guests enjoyed a raffle in which two attendees won business-class RwandaAir tickets to attend the King’s Birthday celebrations in the UK.

Kids from the Shelley Silver Foundation entertained the guests with their energetic and coordinated dance moves.

The entertainment lineup also featured Mike Kayihura and his band.

Celebrated designer Patrick Muhire was acknowledged for dressing the High Commissioner.

Some of the dresses made by Rwandan designers were on display.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This decision follows a shooting incident near the White House in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the death of one National Guard member and left another critically wounded.

According to a statement from the head of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency has initiated a 'full‑scale, rigorous re‑examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.'

The move follows directives from the administration of President Donald J. Trump, as part of efforts to ensure stronger vetting processes.

The 19 countries under scrutiny were identified in a June 2025 travel‑ban proclamation. Among those countries are Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, Laos, Venezuela, Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan, among others. These nations have been flagged due to concerns about national security risks, including terrorism, instability, and human rights violations.

In addition to the review, the U.S. government has also indefinitely suspended immigration processing for nationals from at least one of these affected countries: Afghanistan. The suspension will remain in place pending further review of security and vetting protocols.

Officials have stated that the re‑examination of Green Cards for nationals from these countries will involve evaluating 'country‑specific negative factors,' which are part of broader efforts to reinforce immigration security and national safety. This re‑evaluation process will include scrutiny of immigration records, criminal backgrounds, and other factors that could indicate potential threats to the U.S.

The announcement has raised concerns among immigrant‑rights advocates, who warn that such broad reviews may unfairly target individuals based solely on their nationality, rather than their individual backgrounds. Critics argue that this could lead to unjust revocations of Green Cards and disrupt the lives of immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for years, and who pose no security threat.

However, some supporters of the measure argue that these reviews are necessary to protect national security, particularly in light of recent security incidents such as the shooting near the White House. The debate surrounding this policy highlights the ongoing tension between national security concerns and the rights of immigrants, a debate that continues to shape U.S. immigration policy.

As the review process moves forward, the fate of many Green Card holders from the affected countries remains uncertain, with some potentially facing visa revocation or deportation. The move is likely to fuel further discussions on the balance between national security and human rights in U.S. immigration practices.

The U.S. government has launched a sweeping review of permanent‑residency permits, commonly known as Green Cards, issued to individuals from 19 countries recently identified as 'countries of concern.'

Rania Umutoni

The announcement was made by Trinity Metals CEO Peter Geleta during a discussion organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda (AmCham Rwanda).

Trinity Metals joined AmCham earlier this year, with Peter Geleta now serving on its board of directors. The company has also made history as the first in the Great Lakes region to export Tungsten minerals to the United States.

The discussions focused on highlighting opportunities in Rwanda’s mining sector and presenting investment prospects to American investors.

In an interview with IGIHE, Geleta said, 'We are hoping to bring the DFC [Development Finance Corporation] as an equity partner in the future. So, we thought joining the American Chamber of Commerce is very important because of the U.S. links. We are optimistic about helping Rwanda by attracting more U.S. investors to the country.'

Currently, Trinity Metals has invested $40 million in various mines, including Nyakabingo (producing Wolfram), Musha (producing Cassiterite, Coltan, and Lithium, currently under research), and Rutongo (producing Cassiterite).

The company employs over 7,000 workers. In 2024, Trinity Metals exported 2,226 tons of Wolfram, Cassiterite, and Coltan, and by 2029, it plans to increase exports to 5,201 tons.

Geleta shared, 'We’re very proud of the fact that we are Rwanda’s largest private employer, with 7,000 people. We’re also proud of our excellent safety record since we started three and a half years ago. For example, our lost time injury frequency rate is 0.12, which meets global standards. We are proud of the progress we have made, having quadrupled our output since we began.'

When the company started mining Cassiterite, it was extracting 10 tons per month. Today, it has increased to 80 tons per month in the Rutongo mines. In Musha, they started with 12 tons per month and have now reached 30 tons. In Nyakabingo, they began with 29 tons per month and now extract 100 tons per month.

Trinity Metals CEO Peter Geleta mentioned that the company is exploring contracts for shipping Cassiterite to the United States.

'We are now the largest Tungsten producer in Africa. In the next five years, we plan to invest $100 million, which will help us set up processing plants at each mine, expand our equipment, and increase our production,' Geleta said.

Trinity Metals aims to produce 250 tons of Tungsten per month from Nyakabingo in the next five years. In Musha, it will reach 100 tons, and in Rutongo, Cassiterite production is expected to grow from 80 tons to 200 tons per month.

'In Musha, we will also mine Lithium. We have already completed a drill program. In Ntunga, we are seeking investment to develop the mine sufficiently for substantial research. We are also exploring ways to bring investors in to develop the lithium mine,' Geleta added.

According to the company’s five-year plan, the workforce is expected to grow to 10,000 employees.

Recently, the first containers carrying Tungsten, processed into Tungsten powder, arrived at the Towanda market in Pennsylvania, United States. Trinity Metals had partnered with Global Tungsten & Powders (GTP), a company that processes minerals into hard metals used in various industries.

Geleta noted, 'We have a contract to send 16 containers of Tungsten per year for the next two years. They require more. We are also sending products to Austria. As we increase production, we will also increase our shipments.'

Additionally, Geleta mentioned that the company is exploring contracts for shipping Cassiterite to the United States. Currently, they export Cassiterite to Thailand.

Rwanda’s mineral exports have grown significantly since 2017. The country’s mineral exports increased from $373 million to $1.7 billion in 2024.

According to the 2024 report from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the United States invested $441.3 million in 31 projects in Rwanda. In 2024, trade between Rwanda and the U.S. reached $368.9 million, with $74.9 million in goods exchanged and $294 million in services.

These numbers reflect the contributions of 56 members of AmCham. The Chamber is now led by Ivan Mbaraga, the Executive Director of Oklahoma Christian University Rwanda Campus (OC Rwanda) and President of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda.

Mbaraga commented, 'Apart from showcasing opportunities in mining and energy, such kinds of conversations open up opportunities for young people to think broadly, such that they are able to harness opportunities not only in the Rwanda mining sector but also in the region.'

'We wanted to highlight opportunities in the mining sector for both AmCham members and those at OC. It aligns with encouraging people to participate in the mining week next month. We also wanted our students to consider broadening their horizons and thinking beyond just mining in Rwanda but across the region.'

The partnership between OC and the Rwandan Government has lasted for 19 years. By next year, over 800 students will have graduated from the university across various departments. Mbaraga views this as a significant opportunity to create diverse employment opportunities.

Mbaraga also mentioned plans to increase the number of American businesses and their affiliates in Rwanda, which will double AmCham’s investment in the next two years.

Currently, Trinity Metals has invested $40 million in various mines including Nyakabingo.

The discussions focused on highlighting opportunities in Rwanda’s mining sector and presenting investment prospects to American investors.

Ivan Mbaraga is the Executive Director of Oklahoma Christian University Rwanda Campus (OC Rwanda) and President of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda.

Dr. Twagirashema Ivan, an expert in the energy sector, addressed investors about available opportunities.

IGIHE

British High Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe announced the plans on Thursday during a ceremony marking the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kigali.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, cultural figures, and friends of the UK and Rwanda, with guests raising glasses in honour of the King and the enduring partnership between the two nations.

In her remarks, Thorpe highlighted the growing UK-Rwanda collaboration across development, trade, and culture, noting that the launch of Creative DNA aims to showcase fashion as a viable career path for young people while boosting Rwanda’s creative economy.

“This is just the first step in the British Council’s long-term plans to support capacity building within Rwanda’s wider creative and cultural industries,” she stated, adding, “These projects remind us that bilateral relations are about people, collaboration, creativity, and having fun.”

At the event, the envoy also celebrated the contributions of eight Rwandan designers who participated in a unique design project, creating dresses that blended UK and Rwandan culture for the High Commissioner in collaboration with experts from the University of Westminster.

Patrick Muhire, founder of Inkanda House, who emerged top in the project, described the experience as both humbling and inspiring.

'I wanted to make a dress that she could never find elsewhere, a dress that represents my country,' he explained. He chose inyegamo, a traditional Rwandan material once used in home décor, to symbolise Rwanda’s heritage.

All eight designers who participated in the programme are set to travel to the UK next year for a fashion show and cultural exchange at the University of Westminster, while also exploring new markets for their creations.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, praised the project, framing it as a symbol of the creativity and dynamism of UK-Rwanda relations.

'Initiatives such as the collaborative fashion design project between Rwandan designers, the University of Westminster, the British High Commission in Kigali, and the Rwanda High Commission in London reflect the creativity and dynamism of our bilateral ties. This is only the beginning,' he said, affirming the Ministry’s support for efforts that strengthen the country’s creative industries.

The Creative DNA programme is expected to provide Rwandan designers with opportunities to develop their skills, gain international exposure, and access new markets.

The birthday celebration featured performances by young dancers from the Sherry Silver Foundation, music by Mike Kayihura, and Alyn Sano & Band, among others.

British High Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe said the launch of Creative DNA aims to showcase fashion as a viable career path for young people while boosting Rwanda’s creative economy.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, praised the project, framing it as a symbol of the creativity and dynamism of UK-Rwanda relations.

Thorpe announced the plans on Thursday during a ceremony marking the 77th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Kigali.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, cultural figures, and friends of the UK and Rwanda.

It was a night full of fun.

Guests raised glasses in honour of the King and the enduring partnership between UK and Rwanda.

Patrick Muhire, founder of Inkanda House, who emerged top in a recent fashion design project, described the experience as both humbling and inspiring.

Some of the dresses made by Rwandan designers were on display.

Kids from the Shelley Silver Foundation entertained the guests with their energetic and coordinated dance moves.

Mike Kayihura and his band performed at the event.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The event, held at KFH, brought together parents who previously delivered premature babies at the hospital, their children, neonatal specialists, and hospital leaders. It served as an opportunity to highlight the burden of premature births, celebrate success stories, and recognise the critical role of healthcare professionals in improving survival rates.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in every ten babies globally is born prematurely. At KFH alone, between 170 and 200 premature infants are admitted annually, all requiring specialised care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The unit provides respiratory support, assisted feeding, and monitored thermal regulation through incubators to stabilise infants until they reach appropriate developmental milestones.

Dr Nkuranga John Baptist, a neonatal expert at KFH, said premature births can be triggered by multiple factors, many of which are linked to maternal health and lifestyle.

'A mother who manages her weight, reduces work-related stress, attends all eight antenatal visits, and receives timely monitoring if she has conditions such as diabetes or hypertension significantly lowers the risk of delivering prematurely,' he said. He added that women carrying multiple babies require more intensive follow-up.

Parents who shared their experiences described the emotional and physical toll of caring for premature infants. Venutse Niyonsaba, who delivered quadruplets after 14 years without conceiving, said the period was one of the most difficult in her life.

'You can imagine the joy of finally having children after 14 years, only to find that all four need critical care, and their mother also requires surgery. It is a journey I would never wish on anyone,' she said.

Fridorine Sekiza, whose baby was born at 26 weeks and spent three months in the NICU, noted that many parents are unprepared for the experience.

'You return home after delivery, but leave your baby in the hospital. People don’t know whether to congratulate you or console you. These are difficult moments, but we appreciate the doctors who help our babies survive,' she said.

Dr Athanase Rukundo, Acting Head of Clinical and Public Health at the Ministry of Health, said premature birth remains a recognised national concern, and efforts are underway to strengthen the referral and care system.

'We are aware of challenges such as the limited number of ambulances equipped to transport premature infants, and discussions are ongoing to address this. We are also working to ensure all hospitals receive essential equipment and to increase the number of specialised staff to reduce premature infant mortality,' he said.

WHO representative Dr Theopista Kabuteni encouraged parents to adopt Kangaroo Mother Care, a method involving prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the parent and the baby to stabilise temperature, promote breastfeeding, and improve survival outcomes.

UNICEF’s Dr Manzi Emmanuel commended parents for their resilience and praised the strong collaboration between WHO, UNICEF, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and the Ministry of Health in improving child health indicators.

As part of the commemoration, KFH offered training sessions for parents on breastfeeding, Kangaroo Mother Care, and other essential practices for managing premature infants.

Ministry of Health data shows that Rwanda records between 37,000 and 40,000 births annually, with premature babies accounting for about 10%. Complications related to premature birth contribute to 36% of newborn deaths in the country, while 60% of premature infants die before reaching one year. Overall, 45% of under-five deaths occur among children born prematurely.

The event concluded with testimonies from parents and a visit to families with infants still receiving care in the NICU, during which KFH distributed gifts to all mothers.

KFH observes World Prematurity Day.

Parents of premature babies thanked the doctors who saved their children.

KFH joined the world in observing World Prematurity Day.

Parents were taught how to care for their premature infants.

Dr Athanase Rukundo, Acting Head of Clinical and Public Health at the Ministry of Health, said premature birth remains a recognised national concern, and efforts are underway to strengthen the referral and care system.

WHO representative Dr Theopista Kabuteni encouraged parents to adopt Kangaroo Mother Care, a method involving prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the parent and the baby to stabilise temperature, promote breastfeeding, and improve survival outcomes.

UNICEF’s Dr Manzi Emmanuel commended parents for their resilience and praised the strong collaboration between WHO, UNICEF, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), and the Ministry of Health in improving child health indicators.

IGIHE

The Cabinet approved the Presidential Order demonetizing old Frw 500, Frw 1000, Frw 2000 , and Frw 5000 banknotes.

This decision involves the withdrawal of these old currency notes from circulation. The notes that are being phased out include Frw 500 notes printed in 2004 and 2013, Frw 1000 notes printed in 2004 and 2015, Frw 2000 notes printed in 2007, and Frw 5000 notes printed in 2004 and 2009.

The deadline for the use of these old notes is set for 12 months. After this period, these notes will no longer be valid for transactions in Rwanda.

In addition to the demonetization, the Cabinet was briefed on the new public transport model designed to improve the efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability of transportation in Kigali. This system is intended to make urban mobility more convenient for residents, with plans for possible expansion to other urban areas in Rwanda.

Another significant topic discussed was Rwanda’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), which outlines the country’s climate action plan. This plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting climate resilience across the nation.

The Cabinet also approved a partnership agreement between the Government of Rwanda and Aegle Onco Care Center Ltd to establish nuclear medicine services at the National Cancer Center.

Several draft laws were discussed and approved by the Cabinet, including the draft law governing the National Bank of Rwanda.

Another significant approval was the draft law ratifying the loan agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the Export-Import Bank of China for the Giseke Irrigation Project.

The Cabinet also ratified a draft law approving the Grant and Credit Facility Agreement between the Government of Rwanda and the French Development Agency (Agence Française de Développement), which will support the development of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Rwanda.

The Cabinet also approved several appointments within key government ministries and institutions. Notably, Ms. Madeleine Nirere was reappointed as the Chief Ombudsman.

Ambassador Fidelis Mironko was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, while Mr. Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.

Amb. Mironko is an experienced career diplomat with expertise in bilateral relations and international representation.

He has served in key foreign missions across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, strengthening Rwanda’s diplomatic ties.

Notable roles include Ambassador to Türkiye (2020—2023), First Counsellor at Rwanda’s High Commission in London (2015—2020), and Second Counsellor at the Embassy in Washington DC (2010—2015).

He holds a Master of Arts in Political Science (International Relations) from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from St. Cloud State University.

Meanwhile, Ndayizigiye is a seasoned Internal Auditor and Fraud Examiner with over 10 years of expertise in audit engagement, risk management, governance, fraud investigation, and financial control across diverse sectors, including public institutions, universities, banking, and energy.

He has a proven track record of strengthening internal audit systems, enhancing compliance cultures, and helping institutions achieve unqualified audit opinions.

His notable roles include serving as the Head of Internal Audit at Rwanda Energy Group (Oct 2021 prior to new appointment), Unguka Bank Plc (Apr 2019—Oct 2021), and the University of Rwanda (Jul 2016—Feb 2019). He holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Rwanda (2015) and a Bachelor of Accounting Sciences from the National University of Rwanda (2008).

The Cabinet also approved several other policies, programs, and strategies. These included the consolidated financial statements for the Government of Rwanda for the year 2024/2025, the approval of applications for mineral licenses, and the endorsement of Rwanda’s Sustainable Land Management Investment Framework (SLM-IF).

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the Agrément for several new diplomats representing Rwanda and international organizations. These included ambassadors from Qatar, Spain, Switzerland, Malta, and several other countries.

In addition to these approvals, the Cabinet was informed about upcoming events such as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which will run from 25 November to 10 December 2025.

The International Day for Persons with Disabilities, on December 3, 2025, and International Anti-Corruption Day, on December 9, 2025, will also be marked by various initiatives across the country.

The Cabinet also ratified the Treaty between Rwanda and Brazil on the transfer of sentenced persons and also ratified an agreement with the Government of Hongkong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China regarding the elimination of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion.

Ambassador Fidelis Mironko was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.

IGIHE

The meeting took place in Addis Ababa, where the conference was held, as announced by the Rwandan Embassy in Ethiopia.

After the meeting, the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA), through its X account, thanked Ambassador Karamba for warmly receiving their delegation in Ethiopia.

“Thank you Ambassador Charles Karamba, for warmly hosting the RBA delegation. Your thoughtful insights, clear guidance, and constructive conversations provided valuable perspective and greatly enriched the delegates’ engagement at the Conference,' reads the message.

The EALS is celebrating 30 years of advancing justice, regional integration, and the rule of law in East Africa. Rwanda continues to lead in developing a strong and unified legal community.

EALS is a professional association of lawyers from the East African region, founded in 1995, with its headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

It brings together legal associations from the East African Community member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Zanzibar, as well as individual lawyers from these countries, numbering over 10,000.

The mission of EALS is to promote the legal profession, protect the rule of law, advance good governance, and defend human rights in the region.

Amb. Karamba has met with delegation of Rwanda Bar Association attending EALS conference in Addis Ababa

After the meeting, the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA), through its X account, thanked Ambassador Karamba for warmly receiving their delegation in Ethiopia.

IGIHE

The Ministry of Infrastructure is expected to roll out this improved transportation system starting in December 2025.

The new system will focus on providing reliable service, with buses adhering to scheduled timetables.

There will be a modern traffic management system in place, which will track the buses in real-time, ensuring they are dispatched to areas where they are needed. This will guarantee that passengers receive regular service throughout all routes.

The system also aims to protect the environment, supporting Rwanda’s goals for sustainable urban development, as outlined in the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.

Recently, the Director-General of RURA, Evariste Rugigana, informed Senators about the plan to address the transportation challenges, especially in Kigali. He mentioned the establishment of a public enterprise, Ecofleet Solutions Ltd, aimed at improving public transport services.

He emphasized that currently, public transport is operated by private individuals seeking profit. Therefore, the establishment of a government company would help improve the system of passenger transportation.

He explained, “Currently, public transport is operated by private businesses that focus on making a profit. If a bus arrives at a terminal but isn’t full, it doesn’t depart. This leads to delays for passengers, as some people have to wait for the bus to fill up. We don’t want to inconvenience passengers. We want to ensure timely service even when there are fewer passengers.”

A new public transport model is set to be introduced in Kigali City with plansfor expansion to other urban areas.

IGIHE

He was accompanied by the RDF Spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga. According to the RDF, the visit took place on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Upon arrival, Maj Gen Nyakarundi was welcomed by the Commander of the 7th Rwandan Contingent, Lt Col Willy Ntagara, who briefed him on the security situation and the activities undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the region.

During his address to the troops, Maj Gen Nyakarundi conveyed messages from President Paul Kagame and the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, commending them for their professionalism and dedication to their duties.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Rwandan troops, both under the UN mandate and bilateral agreements between Rwanda and the Central African Republic, in restoring peace and improving the welfare of local communities. He urged them to remain vigilant and to uphold exemplary conduct throughout their mission.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi also provided an update on the security situation in Rwanda and the region. He assured the troops that Rwanda’s borders are well-secured against any provocation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to enhanced defense measures in place.

The 7th Rwandan Contingent in Bria operates as a tank battalion and is part of the RDF forces deployed under the MINUSCA mission. They also manage a Level 2+ hospital that provides medical services to UN personnel stationed in the eastern part of the country.

The hospital offers surgical procedures, anesthesia, emergency care, physiotherapy, radiology, internal medicine, and dental services.

The contingent’s primary duties include protecting civilians, conducting day and night patrols, and maintaining main roadways. They also engage in community outreach activities such as public service work (Umuganda), offering free medical care, and other initiatives aimed at improving the local population’s welfare.

Bria, the capital of Haute-Kotto province, is located approximately 600 kilometers from Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic. It is about a 1.5-hour flight from Bangui, but due to poor road conditions, the journey by road can take up to three days.

The province covers an area of 86,650 square kilometers, more than three times the size of Rwanda, and is home to over 120,000 residents.

A significant portion of the population in Bria consists of refugees, some of whom fled from Sudan, while others were displaced by conflicts between Muslim and Christian communities.

Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi visited Rwandan troops serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic.

Maj Gen Nyakarundi commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication to their duties.

The contingent’s primary duties include protecting civilians, conducting day and night patrols, and maintaining main roadways.

IGIHE

According to media reports, the blaze occurred at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, a densely populated residential area.

Emergency teams have worked around the clock to search for survivors, but as of now, authorities have confirmed that the death toll stands at 128, with many others still missing.

Authorities have officially ended search and rescue operations, and the focus has shifted to identifying victims and investigating the cause of the fire.

As of now, officials have not finalized the exact cause, but early reports suggest that poor fire safety measures and the building’s renovation may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

The fire has been described as particularly devastating due to the building’s overcrowded conditions and the high number of residents it housed.

The authorities have yet to provide a full breakdown of the victims’ nationalities, though it is known that the complex was home to many low-income families and some foreign workers.

A man reacts, as smoke rises while flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, in Tai Po, Hong Kong on November 26, 2025. Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Rania Umutoni