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In May 2025, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) imposed a three-month suspension on the monthly prayer gatherings held at Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe, citing the sanctuary’s failure to meet certain regulatory standards.

RGB instructed the Kabgayi Diocese to implement specific measures before activities could resume. These included ensuring freedom of worship for all attendees, creating adequate parking facilities, establishing separate routes for pedestrians and vehicles, and providing quiet spaces where vulnerable individuals could participate in prayers undisturbed.

To comply with these requirements, the management of the sanctuary has launched comprehensive renovation works aimed at upgrading the facilities and improving safety for the large crowds who visit the site.

Father Dominique Ngendahayo Tumaine, Acting Director of the Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe Sanctuary, has told IGIHE that the renovations officially started on July 7, 2025.

'Visitors deserve freedom of movement, with clear pathways for people and designated areas for vehicles,' Father Tumaine explained. 'A new road is being constructed from the main tarmac road, passing beneath the shrine and connecting to a parking area being developed on diocesan land.
This infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance security and order.'

In addition, four large digital screens are set to be installed at various points around the sanctuary, enabling worshippers to follow services even from a distance. These will especially benefit vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and others who may find it difficult to access the main prayer grounds.

'One giant screen will be inside Ruhango Parish Church, another at the main entrance visible to people outside, a third in the parking area, and a fourth will be placed wherever else it might be required,' Father Tumaine noted.

Security measures will also include installing surveillance cameras to monitor all activities within the sanctuary premises.

Addressing concerns about the possible purchase of land from residents living near the Peace Plain, Father Tumaine clarified that for now, land acquisitions have been paused since the current available space is sufficient for implementing RGB’s recommendations. However, he indicated that additional land may be acquired in the future for further expansion of the site.

Prayer gatherings at the sanctuary in 1991. Today, the sanctuary is an important religious tourism destination, attracting pilgrims from across Rwanda and internationally. The site regularly hosts crowds exceeding 100,000 worshippers on the first Sunday of each month.

To comply with these requirements, the management of the sanctuary has launched comprehensive renovation works aimed at upgrading the facilities and improving safety for the large crowds who visit the site.

This area will host a parking lot capable of accommodating over 800 vehicles belonging to pilgrims visiting the sanctuary.

Heavy machinery is actively engaged in the ongoing works.

The Renovation Project Manager of Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe, Eng. Ndayiringira Principe, stated that the parking lot will have the capacity to accommodate over 800 vehicles.

The fence on the lower side of the shrine has been dismantled to make way for the road leading to the parking lot.

IGIHE

Golfers from Kabale, Mbarara, Kampala, Entebbe, and Tooro clubs joined their Rwandan counterparts in Kigali for a full day of competition and fellowship, marking a new chapter in the growing tradition of regional golf.

The event, proudly sponsored by BPR Bank, was created to foster stronger bonds between clubs, elevate the sport, and celebrate the values of sportsmanship while bridging communities.

Speaking at the event, Albert Akimanzi, BPR Bank Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Citizenship, highlighted the significance of the regional tournament:

'Golf has always been a central component of our community enrichment strategy. We believe that this particular event has fostered connections across clubs, borders, and cultures. We are a regional entity that is actively engaged in creating opportunities for social and economic connections. The BPR Captains Mug is our attempt to make the game even more inclusive, more competitive, and more meaningful for the East African region.'

Vice-Captain of Kigali Golf Club, Jenny Linda Kalisa, expressed her pride in seeing a successful and colorful gathering:

'This tournament has demonstrated the power of community. We are honored to be able to host local golfers and our visitors from Uganda who added flair, energy, and incredible sportsmanship. We are truly appreciative of every golfer who participated, as well as our partner sponsors who contributed to the undeniable success of this tournament. I would like to extend a special recognition to BPR Bank, our lead sponsor who once again showed their leadership in the game of golf.'

The day concluded with a lively awards ceremony that recognised winners in various categories; Roshni Shah won the Ladies 19-36 with 44 points, while Akanigi Melissa scored 37 points to win the Ladies 0-18 group. Rutamu Innocent took the Seniors category, leading his counterparts with a score of 40 points.

In the Men’s 19-28 group, Mathias Pian held strong to win with 44 points; similarly, Rwitare Derrick registered 41 points to win the Men’s 10-18 category. Rwanyonga Mathias led the Men’s 0-9 group with 40 points. Visiting golfers Musanabera Berna and Maniraguha Bernard posted 34 and 41 points, respectively, to take the visitors category.

In the overall team scores, Kigali Golf Club emerged victorious with 410 points, followed by Entebbe Golf Club with 331 points, Mbarara Golf Club with 330 and finally Uganda Golf Club with a tally of 318 points.

With growing enthusiasm from players and clubs alike, plans are already in motion for the next edition of the BPR Captain’s Mug, which is scheduled for September this year.

Golfers from Rwanda and Uganda came together on Saturday, July 12, for the inaugural BPR Captains Mug Inter-Club Challenge at Kigali Golf Resort and Villas.

The event, proudly sponsored by BPR Bank, was created to foster stronger bonds between clubs, elevate the sport, and celebrate the values of sportsmanship while bridging communities.

Albert Akimanzi, BPR Bank Head of Marketing, Corporate Affairs and Citizenship, makes his remarks at the event..

Vice-Captain of Kigali Golf Club, Jenny Linda Kalisa, expressed her pride in seeing a successful and colorful gathering.

The event was proudly sponsored by BPR Bank.

IGIHE

Industrial parks have been instrumental in boosting investment, increasing exports, and expanding job creation across the country. Rwanda is currently home to over 1,300 industries, the majority of which are small and medium-sized enterprises.

A recent report by the Office of the Auditor General for the fiscal year ending June 2024 noted that eight industrial parks remain underutilized due to inadequate basic infrastructure.

Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Antoine Marie Kajangwe, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said that a feasibility study estimated the total cost of fully developing all industrial parks to be over $130 million, a figure that cannot be mobilized at once.

'We reached an agreement with MINECOFIN and other relevant institutions to proceed with a strategic and phased development. Over the next five years, we will focus on completing infrastructure in four priority industrial parks,' Kajangwe said.

The parks prioritized in the initial phase are located in Musanze, Rwamagana, Muhanga, and Bugesera.

'For the 2025/26 fiscal year, we have secured Frw 10 billion to support infrastructure development in these four sites, including compensation for affected residents where resettlement is necessary,' he added.

Currently, Rwanda hosts eight industrial parks and two Special Economic Zones, one in Bugesera and the other in Kigali.

Since 2017, industrial output has tripled from Frw 591 billion to Frw 1.68 trillion, driven largely by value-added manufacturing.

To date, more than 230 factories are fully operational within the industrial parks, while an additional 98 are still under construction.

Employment in the industrial sector has also grown significantly, with the workforce increasing from 180,000 in 2017 to 259,000 in 2024.

In the 2023/2024 fiscal year alone, the manufacturing sector contributed more than Frw 495 billion in tax revenues.

Industrial parks have been instrumental in boosting investment, increasing exports, and expanding job creation across the country.

IGIHE

Crystal Ventures Ltd (CVL) is a leading investment company and the largest private sector employer in Rwanda, with a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries including Inyange Industries, NPD Ltd, ISCO Security, Real Contractors, and East African Granite Industries.

In a statement released on Tuesday, July 15, the company’s Board of Directors and Management expressed confidence in Barigye’s leadership, citing his extensive cross-sector experience and strong track record in delivering operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable growth.

'Mr. Barigye is a seasoned leader with broad experience across multiple sectors, and a strong track record of driving operational excellence, innovation and sustainable growth,' the statement read.

Barigye steps into the new role after more than five years at the helm of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), where he successfully led efforts to position Rwanda as a Pan-African financial hub.

Under his stewardship, KIFC gained global recognition and attracted strategic international partnerships and investments that bolstered Rwanda’s financial ecosystem.

Barigye’s appointment also marks a notable return to familiar ground, having previously served as a Senior Executive at Crystal Ventures Ltd from 2008 to 2014. The board expressed pride in welcoming him back into the fold.

'We’re especially proud to welcome him back as an alumnus of CVL and are confident that under his leadership, with valuable global and local perspective, CVL will continue to thrive and advance its strategic goals,' the statement added.

Founded in 1995 as Tri-Star Investments Limited and rebranded to Crystal Ventures Ltd in 2009, CVL has grown into a leading investment firm in Rwanda. Its diversified portfolio spans key sectors such as engineering and infrastructure, construction materials, fast-moving consumer goods, hospitality, security services, agriculture, and mining, with operations expanding across several African countries.

Beyond profitability, CVL is known for its commitment to national development, having played a pivotal role in Rwanda’s post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi economic recovery by investing in ventures that create wealth and improve lives.

Barigye steps into the new role after more than five years at the helm of the Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC), where he successfully led efforts to position Rwanda as a Pan-African financial hub.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Developed by the U.S.-based company Gilead Sciences, Lenacapavir underwent Phase III trials, with key interim results reported in June and September 2024. The results demonstrated that the drug was 99.9% effective in preventing HIV infection. It received FDA approval for HIV prevention in June 2025.

Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programs at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, highlighted the significance of this new prevention method at the ongoing conference in Kigali.

'Lenacapavir PrEP is a really important innovation that can be taken every six months to prevent new HIV infections,' said Dr. Doherty. 'We are pleased to bring new WHO guidelines on this long-acting injectable prevention option to the IAS meeting here in Kigali.'

The new WHO guidelines also recommend the use of rapid diagnostic tests to simplify and improve access to PrEP before, during, and after treatment. This helps in efficiently monitoring infections.

The Global Fund and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) have committed to supplying lenacapavir to at least nine early adopter countries starting in early 2026, with Rwanda currently engaged in discussions on how to access and roll out the drug.

'The medicine will be provided free of charge initially, but countries will need to invest in healthcare workers and delivery systems to support its distribution,' Dr. Doherty explained. 'Over time, prices are expected to be comparable to or slightly above current oral PrEP costs.'

The initial global target is to reach two million users per year, with plans to expand coverage based on demand and forecasting.

The injectable is expected to be especially impactful among populations with high HIV transmission rates, including men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people, prisoners, as well as adolescent girls, young women, and pregnant women.

'This intervention could be a game-changer in reducing HIV infections in key populations and vulnerable groups,' Dr. Doherty said.

Rwanda has made remarkable strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS. According to the Ministry of Health (MINISANTE), the latest data shows only 7 out of every 100 daily deaths in Rwanda are HIV-related, down from 20 a decade ago.

Rwanda has surpassed the United Nations 95-95-95 targets by reaching 96% of people living with HIV knowing their status, 98% of those on treatment, and 98% achieving viral suppression, which effectively prevents onward transmission.

Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana told IGIHE that Rwanda is already transitioning from daily multi-pill regimens to simpler treatments, including monthly pills and now long-acting injectables like lenacapavir.

'We are moving from multiple daily pills to once-a-day dosing and soon to monthly or bi-annual injections. This shift aligns with our national HIV strategy and promises to improve adherence and health outcomes,' Dr. Nsanzimana said.

The IAS Conference on HIV Science is the world’s premier forum for sharing cutting-edge HIV research and innovations.

The 2025 edition, themed 'Breakthroughs amid Crisis: the Future of HIV Innovation,' gathers about 4,000 global experts focused on accelerating equitable access to new prevention and treatment options despite funding challenges.

The IAS Conference on HIV Science is the world’s premier forum for sharing cutting-edge HIV research and innovations.

Dr. Meg Doherty, Director of Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programs at the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva, highlighted the significance of this new prevention method at the ongoing conference in Kigali.

Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana told IGIHE that Rwanda is already transitioning from daily multi-pill regimens to simpler treatments, including monthly pills and now long-acting injectables like lenacapavir.

The 2025 edition, themed 'Breakthroughs amid Crisis: the Future of HIV Innovation,' gathers about 4,000 global experts focused on accelerating equitable access to new prevention and treatment options despite funding challenges.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Ingabire, who is facing six criminal charges, appeared before the court seeking provisional release. Originally from Rubavu District, she identified herself as a mother of three and a politician.

Her lead lawyer, Gatera Gashabana, told the court that while some issues had been addressed, the unresolved matter of legal representation remained.

He also raised concerns that Ingabire currently has no means to communicate with her family abroad. Gashabana argued that denying her the legal counsel of her choice contradicts her rights and could negatively affect her defense.

Despite the objections, Ingabire told the court she was willing to proceed with the hearing, though she emphasized that her right to legal representation had been violated due to the Rwanda Bar Association’s refusal to accredit the Kenyan lawyer.

The President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Moïse Nkundabarashi, previously told IGIHE that the request by Kenyan lawyer Osiemo for temporary accreditation was rejected based on the principle of reciprocity.

According to him, Kenya does not allow Rwandan lawyers to practice there, and Rwanda has thus adopted a similar stance.

Ingabire faces charges including forming a criminal gang, inciting unrest, attempting to harm state authority, spreading misinformation or inciting hatred against the government, plotting to commit crimes against the state, and organizing demonstrations. Ingabire denied all allegations, stating that she is a Rwandan politician and mother who has no ill intentions toward Rwanda.

Ingabire argued the case should be dismissed due to alleged judicial interference in prosecutorial matters, in contradiction with the Constitution. Ingabire pointed out that she is being prosecuted in connection to a case dating back four years, which has already been tried by the High Court. She was previously interrogated but not indicted, raising questions about the timing and motivation behind her arrest.

Gashabana explained that under Article 106 of the Criminal Procedure Code, courts can summon additional parties to a trial if new evidence arises. However, this does not automatically warrant detention, which he argued was the prosecution’s unilateral decision.

The prosecution countered by stating that their actions were within the bounds of Article 106 and denied any judicial interference. They emphasized that it is not the court but the prosecution that decides whether an individual should be detained pending trial.

The court ruled that the objections and the prosecution’s reasoning will be reviewed together before a final decision is made on Ingabire Victoire’s bail status.

Ingabire Victoire Umuhoza appeared before the Kicukiro Primary Court for a bail hearing on Tuesday, July 15.

IGIHE

According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the killings took place on July 12, 2025, in the Cirunga, Kabare territory.

'These forces killed four of our compatriots from the Cirunga area. These actions clearly demonstrate the regime’s disregard for the ongoing peace talks and its aggressive intentions,' he posted on X.

Civil society actors operating in Kabare confirmed that among the victims were two primary school teachers from Kabare 1 Primary School. The teachers had just returned from a national examination center in the Canya area.

Kanyuka further alerted both the national and international community about the ongoing massacres being carried out by the coalition forces of the Kinshasa regime, as well as the deployment of its troops and heavy weapons near their positions.

AFC/M23 has warned of the possibility of renewed fighting if the ongoing peace talks between the group and the Congolese government, currently taking place in Qatar, do not yield results.

AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said that the killings took place on July 12, 2025.

IGIHE

Organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in partnership with the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA), the conference will take place in Kigali from June 2 to 4, 2026.

Held under the theme “Uniting Space and Earth for Climate Resilience,” GLOC 2026 aims to foster global dialogue on how space-based solutions can help address the pressing challenges of climate change.

The event will provide a platform for discussions on programmatic, technical, and policy issues related to climate adaptation, sustainability, and resilience.

The conference is expected to attract participants from around the world, including representatives from space agencies, governments, academia, private industry, non-governmental organisations, and institutions involved in climate-related work.

By bridging the space and climate communities, GLOC 2026 will facilitate knowledge sharing, innovation, and collaboration aimed at advancing global climate goals.

Among the key topics to be discussed are climate adaptation and resilience, greenhouse gas monitoring, the use of artificial intelligence for climate solutions, disaster and emergency management, access to space-based data and services, and the role of policy and governance in achieving climate targets.

The conference will also address investment opportunities in climate technologies, as well as education, outreach, and international cooperation.

As part of the lead-up to the event, the IAF has launched a call for abstracts, encouraging researchers, professionals, and institutions to submit proposals for presentation. Selected abstracts will be featured in interactive sessions during the conference.

Submissions are open until November 7, 2025, with further details available on the official GLOC 2026 website at www.gloc2026.org.

GLOC 2026 follows the inaugural edition of the conference, which was held in Oslo, Norway, from May 23 to 25, 2023. The event, themed 'Fire and Ice — Space for Climate Action,' brought together over 600 participants from 45 countries and laid the foundation for an ongoing series of global conversations on space and climate change.

Organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) in partnership with the Rwanda Space Agency (RSA), the conference will take place in Kigali from June 2 to 4, 2026.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Ababu Namwamba, Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) Office at Nairobi and the UN Environment Program, said that eradicating all forms of environmental crimes is urgent to place Africa on a path of renewal, resilient growth and stability.

“We want to see action against environmental crimes in Africa to be at the center of our conversation around sustainability, climate action and biodiversity protection,” Namwamba said.

Giovanni Broussard, acting head and Africa coordinator for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime Global Program on Crimes that Affect the Environment, said that Africa has borne the brunt of illegal actions against nature, amid threats to tourism, heritage pride and ecosystems’ resilience.

In the last two decades, the continent has grappled with poaching of iconic species such as elephants, rhinos and pangolins, with illegal logging being rampant as well, Broussard observed.

“We also see a lot of smuggling of waste that generally comes from the Western world and then dumped illegally on landfills in parts of Africa,” Broussard noted, adding that unregulated fishing and extraction of critical minerals threaten environmental sustainability on the continent.

Fred Boltz, head of the Programming Division at the Global Environment Facility, said that partnerships, innovative financing and community engagement are key to revitalizing action on environmental crimes in Africa, enhancing the resilience of nature and societies.

Xinhua

The event, themed “Breakthroughs amid Crisis: the Future of HIV Innovation,” has convened about 4,000 participants, including global leaders, researchers, scientists, and civil society members.

Speaking at the conference, Rwandan Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana said that Rwanda’s experience in the HIV response over the past few decades demonstrates what is possible when countries prioritize people-centered approaches and invest in strategic partnerships.

“We have better tools for prevention and treatment. We have better ways to engage our communities to fight stigma and discrimination, and better integration within our systems. This means we can not only achieve HIV control, but we also need to strengthen our health systems,” he added.

IAS President Beatriz Grinsztein underlined new World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, groundbreaking licensing agreements, and promising research as signs that long-acting HIV prevention and treatment options are becoming more feasible for widespread use.

“Our next challenge is clear: leaders must commit the funding and resources needed to integrate these scientific advances into health systems quickly and equitably so that people everywhere can benefit from these life-changing options,” Grinsztejn emphasized.

At the event, the WHO issued a statement announcing new guidelines that recommend using injectable lenacapavir twice a year as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis option for HIV prevention — a landmark policy action that could help reshape the global HIV response.

“While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is quoted as saying in the statement.

The IAS Conference on HIV Science is recognized as the world’s most influential meeting on HIV research and its applications.

Its 2025 edition, which runs until Thursday, features hundreds of sessions and presentations focused on translating scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact, with a particular emphasis on solutions for regions and populations most affected by HIV.

The 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science officially opened Monday in the Rwandan capital of Kigali, with a strong call to accelerate access to long-acting HIV prevention and treatment innovations amid growing global funding challenges.

Xinhua