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Currently halfway complete, the 43.5-megawatt dam is expected to be fully operational by 2028. Once completed, it will generate electricity, support irrigation on over 20,000 hectares of farmland, reduce downstream flooding, and create a reservoir holding 803 million cubic metres of water—the fourth-largest in Rwanda.

According to Amb. Uwihanganye, the lake will stretch 67 kilometres from Nyabugogo to Vunga, reshaping the landscape of eight districts, including Nyarugenge, Rulindo, Gakenke, Muhanga, Kamonyi, Nyabihu, Ngororero, and Musanze.

Photo illustration of the new lake to be created by the Nyabarongo multipurpose dam.

The project opens up opportunities across various sectors in the capital, Kigali, and beyond.

“The opportunities are endless—from maritime transport and real estate to water sports and irrigation, all of which will revolutionise the way we connect in Kigali, the North, South, West, and beyond!” the state minister said in a post on X.

The Nyabarongo II Hydropower plant is being built between Kamonyi, Gakenke, and Rulindo districts, with the Chinese company Sinohydro serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.

Ambassador Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, Minister of State for Infrastructure, inspected the construction works on Saturday.

The project is financed through a $214 million concessional loan from China Exim Bank, stemming from a 2020 framework agreement.

Felix Gakuba, the Managing Director of Energy Development Corporation Ltd (EDCL), told parliament in late June that nearly half of the works had been completed.

'The powerhouse structure has reached its first level, and the dam’s foundation is finished. Construction of the transmission line is underway, and equipment from China is on its way,' he said.

Photo illustration of the new lake to be created by the Nyabarongo multipurpose dam.

Once complete, the dam will provide irrigation to areas along the Nyabarongo, Akagera, and Akanyaru rivers, as well as upstream zones near Lakes Cyohoha and Rweru in Bugesera District, via a major canal from Shyorongi.

The Nyabarongo Dam is expected to be a transformative project for Rwanda, combining energy, water management, agriculture, and recreation, with widespread economic benefits.

Currently halfway complete, the 43.5-megawatt dam is expected to be fully operational by 2028.

The lake will stretch 67 kilometres from Nyabugogo to Vunga.

The Nyabarongo II Hydropower plant is being built between Kamonyi, Gakenke, and Rulindo districts, with the Chinese company Sinohydro serving as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

In a communiqué dated August 29, 2025, RAB reminded owners that all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies every year and properly registered with local authorities.

The move comes in line with national laws governing the prevention and control of animal diseases, as well as ministerial regulations on the movement and management of domestic animals.

The guidelines emphasise that dogs found outside homes must be accompanied by an adult and kept on a leash. Additionally, owners are required to ensure their dogs wear muzzles or other protective equipment to prevent them from biting people.

Failure to comply with these regulations, RAB warned, will result in penalties as provided by law. The measures are particularly targeted at urban and densely populated areas where the risk of rabies transmission and dog attacks is higher.

“Anyone who violates the provisions of the laws and regulations mentioned in this announcement will be punished in accordance with the law,” said Dr. Solange Uwituze, the Acting Director General of RAB, citing Law No. 54/2008 of 10/09/2008, which governs the prevention and control of animal diseases in Rwanda, and Ministerial Order No. 009/11.30 of 18/11/2010 from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) regarding the movement of livestock and other domestic animals.

Rabies, a viral disease transmitted through bites, remains a serious public health concern globally, but it can be effectively prevented through vaccination and responsible dog ownership.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) is enforcing stricter measures for dog owners across the country to protect the public from dog bites and curb the spread of rabies.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The 54-year-old lawmaker was gunned down at midday in central Lviv. According to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office, the attacker fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. A large-scale police operation, codenamed Siren, was immediately launched to track down the suspect.

Unverified video circulating online appears to show the gunman disguised as a food courier, carrying a yellow delivery bag and leaving the scene on an e-bike. Authorities have not confirmed the footage but described the killing as carefully planned.

President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the murder as a 'horrific crime,' pledging that all security resources had been mobilised to capture those responsible.

'All necessary forces and means are engaged in the investigation and search for the killer,' he wrote on X, extending condolences to Parubiy’s family.

Lviv’s mayor Andriy Sadovyi warned that the assassination underscored the vulnerability of Ukrainians even far from the front lines.

'This is a matter of security in a country at war, where, as we can see, there are no completely safe places,' he said.

Parubiy rose to national prominence during the 2013—2014 Euromaidan movement, where he coordinated protest self-defence units that resisted riot police during months of demonstrations demanding closer integration with Europe. After the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych, he briefly served as secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council in 2014, at the onset of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

He later held the position of parliamentary speaker from 2016 to 2019 and was an influential member of the committee on national security, defence and intelligence. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Parubiy had also joined Ukraine’s territorial defence forces.

Political leaders paid tribute to Parubiy’s role in shaping Ukraine’s democratic path and strengthening its defences.

Former president Petro Poroshenko described his death as 'a shot fired at the heart of Ukraine,' praising him as both a loyal ally and a central figure in building Ukraine’s armed forces.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called him 'a patriot and statesman who made an enormous contribution to the defence of Ukraine’s freedom, independence and sovereignty,' adding that he 'rightfully belongs in the history books.'

Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko called the killing 'a profound loss,' urging investigators to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

Law enforcement officials have not yet identified the shooter or suggested a motive, though prosecutors have said all possible leads are being pursued, including potential Russian involvement.

Police chief Oleksandr Shliakhovskyi confirmed that at least seven shell casings were recovered at the scene and said the weapon used has not yet been identified.

As investigations continue, the killing of Parubiy — a symbol of Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty — is being seen by many in Kyiv as both a personal tragedy and a stark reminder of the risks facing the country’s political leadership during wartime.

Andriy Parubiy speaking in the Ukrainian parliament in May 2019. He was shot dead in the western city of Lviv on Saturday., August 30, 2025.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The U.S. Transportation Department on Friday rescinded funding for projects in 11 states, including 435 million dollars for a floating wind farm in California, 47 million dollars to boost an offshore wind project in Maryland, and 48 million dollars for an offshore wind terminal project in New York’s Staten Island.

“Wasteful, wind projects are using resources that could otherwise go towards revitalizing America’s maritime industry,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement.

The canceled funding will be redirected to upgrade ports and other infrastructure in the country, where possible, the Transportation Department said.

This is the latest step by the Trump administration against renewable energy sources, according to U.S. media reports.

In another development, the U.S. Energy Department decided Friday to withdraw a 716 million-dollar loan guarantee approved by the Biden administration to upgrade and expand transmission infrastructure to accommodate an offshore wind project in New Jersey.

The Trump administration has stepped up efforts cutting federal support for wind and other renewable energy sources in recent weeks, slashing funding and canceling projects approved by the Biden administration. Last week, the administration halted construction of a nearly completed offshore project near Rhode Island.

The Trump administration has canceled 679 million U.S. dollars in federal funding for a dozen offshore wind projects in the United States.

Xinhua

The U.S. Department of State said Friday in a statement that it is “denying and revoking visas from members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Palestinian Authority (PA) ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.”

The meeting also discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, but the participants were deeply divided over whether to impose further sanctions against Israel.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told a press conference that while member states broadly agree on the gravity of the situation, consensus has not been reached on concrete measures.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who chaired the meeting, said an increasing number of member states believe Israel is unlikely to change course without stronger pressure.

Outside the meeting venue, demonstrators gathered, urging Denmark and the EU to take stronger action over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

European Union (EU) foreign ministers met in Copenhagen on Saturday, and they unanimously urged the United States to reconsider its recent decision to deny entry visas to Palestinian officials.

Xinhua

Situated along two international borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rusizi enjoys the advantages of cross-border trade. To harness this potential, the government has established modern cross-border markets such as those in Bugarama and Rusizi, with investments exceeding 3.2 billion Rwandan francs. The city also benefits from a regional airport served by RwandAir, making travel and commerce even more accessible.

Walking through Rusizi, one quickly notices the rapid pace of development. Hotels, restaurants, and modern commercial buildings are sprouting up, signaling that tourism has become a cornerstone of the district’s economy. The area’s natural treasures—including Lake Kivu, Nkombo Island, and Nyungwe National Park—make it an attractive destination for both local and international tourists.

Rusizi is home to more than 400,000 residents, according to the 2022 census. Over 70 percent of them are under the age of 25, and more than 70 percent depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Farming remains the backbone of the district, with key cash crops such as coffee and tea, supported by agro-processing industries. Livestock farming is also widespread, with nearly 60 percent of households engaged in animal husbandry.

This strong agricultural and trading base sustains a vibrant local economy. From fish and second-hand clothing to small-scale retail, commerce thrives in the heart of the city. As a secondary hub supporting Kigali, Rusizi continues to expand its infrastructure and industry. Over the next five years, 145 kilometers of new paved roads are expected to be built, linking urban and rural areas more efficiently.

Land prices in the city have been rising sharply, reflecting its growing economic value. A plot that sold for around 10 million francs in 2023 can now fetch nearly double. Investors are drawn by the district’s unique opportunities, including Rwanda’s largest modern abattoir, completed at a cost of more than 4 billion francs, which supplies both local and regional markets.

Industries are multiplying as well, adding to the well-known cement plant, Cimerwa. Small and medium-scale enterprises are particularly well-positioned to benefit from ongoing improvements in transport, especially shipping across Lake Kivu.

A transformative project currently underway is the construction of the Rusizi Port, designed to handle four boats simultaneously—two for loading and two for unloading.

Once operational, the port will open new trade routes with other Western Province districts along Lake Kivu and strengthen links with the cities of Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC. This will allow locally produced goods to reach markets faster and cheaper, boosting trade and attracting more investment.

Speaking to IGIHE, Rusizi District Mayor Phanuel Sindayiheba highlighted the region’s immense potential.

'One of our greatest opportunities lies in cross-border trade. Lake Kivu connects us with other districts up to Rubavu. Water transport is unique because it allows us to carry large volumes of goods. Investment in water transport on Lake Kivu will significantly change the dynamics of trade and mobility,' he explained.

But Rusizi is more than just business and infrastructure. It is a community where people balance work with cultural and spiritual life.

By day, residents work hard to earn their livelihoods; by evening, they gather to pray, share meals, and celebrate the beauty of their homeland. With safe and well-maintained roads now connecting Rusizi more closely to the rest of Rwanda, the city feels closer than ever.

With its unique mix of natural beauty, booming commerce, and strategic location, Rusizi is positioning itself as a must-visit destination, and perhaps the perfect getaway for a weekend retreat.

A building that once housed the University of Rwanda’s branch in Rusizi

As you approach Rusizi City, you are greeted by expansive tea plantations that stretch across the landscape

Water transport on Lake Kivu continues to grow and expand

Lake Kivu is one of the major investment opportunities in Rusizi District

Infrastructure have been well though of

The town is clean across different corners

Rusizi is home to more than 400,000 residents, according to the 2022 census.

Walking through Rusizi, one quickly notices the rapid pace of development.

IGIHE

The modern bus terminal, which cost more than 500 million Rwandan francs, is expected to significantly benefit residents of Shyorongi Sector in Rulindo District, who have long struggled with transport challenges when traveling to Kigali.

Justin Uwiringiyimana, the General Manager of Trinity Nyakabingo Mine, said the company remains committed to supporting local communities.

'This bus station was built through a partnership between Nyakabingo Mine and Rulindo District, with the dedication of many people working on the project. The entire initiative, including surrounding works, cost around 500 million Rwandan francs. Beyond being a bus station, it is a symbol of the vision of Trinity Nyakabingo Mine and Trinity Metals as a whole to continue supporting local development and a better future,' he said.

He added that the company’s operations are anchored on seven pillars: promoting local procurement, supporting infrastructure development, creating jobs and employment opportunities, improving health and wellbeing, preventing and mitigating disasters, advancing education and skills, and strengthening community safety and security.

Construction of the Shyorongi bus station began in 2024 to reduce road accidents caused by the absence of a designated vehicle parking and boarding area.

Peter Geleta, the CEO of Trinity Metals, explained that as a mining company, it was important for them to also contribute to local development. 'We chose to build a bus terminal in Rulindo because the district did not have one,' he said.

Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali said the new bus station will be integrated into a revised travel plan between Nyabugogo and Shyorongi.

'This is a major milestone that shows we can only reach Vision 2050 if we work together. This station will transform the lives of Shyorongi residents and strengthen trade between them and Kigali. We believe it will accelerate development for the people of Rulindo,' she said.

She added that work is underway to finalize the new Shyorongi—Nyabugogo bus route, a 24-kilometer corridor that will include proper road signs, bus stops, and modern payment systems to enhance efficiency.

Rulindo District Mayor Judith Mukanyirigira thanked Trinity Metals for funding the project. She assured residents that the station will greatly improve livelihoods and trade, and urged the community to take good care of the facility.

She further noted that the new infrastructure is expected to attract more people to settle in the district, as transport had been a key obstacle for many.

Once the Shyorongi—Nyabugogo route is operational, it will be served by four large buses, which are expected to make a major contribution to meeting the transport needs of the area’s residents.

Shyorongi bus station expected to improve trade links

Directional signposts have been installed to guide passengers entering the new bus station

The Shyorongi bus station was built on land that used to be covered with bushes, which had become a hideout

The buildings within the bus station have already begun hosting various commercial activities.

Construction of the Shyorongi bus station began in 2024 to reduce road accidents caused by the absence of a designated vehicle parking and boarding area.

Justin Uwiringiyimana, the General Manager of Trinity Nyakabingo Mine, said the company remains committed to supporting local communities.

Peter Geleta, the CEO of Trinity Metals, explained that as a mining company, it was important for them to also contribute to local development.

Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the Director General in charge of Communication and Education at the City of Kigali said the new bus station will be integrated into a revised travel plan between Nyabugogo and Shyorongi.

Rulindo District Mayor Judith Mukanyirigira thanked Trinity Metals for funding the project.

IGIHE

The court confirmed a municipal decree by Orléans mayor Serge Grouard, which had refused the burial on grounds that it risked turning the cemetery into a site of denial or glorification of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Zigiranyirazo, once a prominent member of Rwanda’s former ruling elite, was convicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in 2008 before being acquitted a year later on procedural grounds.

Ibuka France noted that this acquittal did not erase his historically established role within the regime that planned and executed the genocide.

His initial planned burial on August 28 was also blocked by Orléans Mayor Serge Grouard. The Diocese of Orléans Loiret in France, citing Protais Zigiranyirazo’s role in the genocide against the Tutsi, also announced that his funeral after his death on August 4, 2025, would be held without a Eucharist and without testimonies.

According to IBUKA, attempts by his family to organize a funeral in France attended by around 400 people, many linked to the former regime, constituted a profound insult to the victims, most of whom never received proper burials.

Ibuka France accused Zigiranyirazo’s relatives and supporters of using long-standing 'conspiratorial rhetoric' to shift responsibility away from perpetrators and discredit victims’ associations.

The organization praised Mayor Grouard for personally defending the city’s decree before the court and also commended local mayors in Saran, Fleury-les-Aubrais, and Saint-Jean-de-la-Ruelle for firmly rejecting any burial in their municipalities.

Their stance, Ibuka France said, reflects a republican duty to resist denial, rehabilitation, or trivialization of the genocide.

Ibuka France further called on the French state to establish stronger safeguards to ensure that no municipal cemetery becomes a platform for denial or glorification of the genocide.

The organization also questioned how Zigiranyirazo’s body was transported to Orléans with only authorization from Niger and without the mandatory French consular permit, especially given that he had been barred from entering France during his lifetime.

'Ibuka France will continue, with strength and consistency, to fight denial and any attempt to glorify the genocide against the Tutsi,' the group said.

Protais Zigiranyirazo, is a key figure of Rwanda’s former genocidal regime.

IGIHE