The agreement was signed in Seoul, South Korea, on Thursday, August 20, by Rwanda's Inspector General of Police, Felix Namuhoranye, and Yoo Jae-Sung, Commissioner General and Chief of the Republic of Korea National Police.
Rwanda's Ambassador to South Korea, Nkubito Manzi Bakuramutsa, witnessed the signing ceremony.
The MoU provides a framework for cooperation in combating transnational organised crime, sharing information and expertise, and strengthening the skills and capabilities of police officers in both countries.
The partnership will also facilitate joint training and other capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing policing capabilities and strengthening cooperation between RNP and KNPA.
Rwanda established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea in 1963.
The relationship grew stronger with the opening of a diplomatic bureau in November 2008 and later upgraded to an embassy in February 2009.
Rwanda National Police Chief Felix Namuhoranye and his South Korean counterpart Yoo Jae-Sung sign a police cooperation agreement in Seoul on August 20, 2026.RNP Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye and Commissioner General Yoo Jae-Sung exchange documents after signing a police cooperation MoU in Seoul.Rwanda and South Korea have agreed to strengthen police cooperation in combating transnational organised crime and sharing expertise.
Two rooms were filled with ivory-colored coffins, side by side, each draped with the Namibian flag. The mortal remains of 84 indigenous people had been held at the Iziko South African Museum for more than 100 years and were said to have been used for 'scientific reasons.'
Chairperson of the Council of Iziko Museums of South Africa Marvin Mdhluli said: 'They entered the South African Museums as objects of race-based pseudo-scientific research,' aimed at portraying indigenous communities as having inferior attributes and status.
In a separate room stood two coffins containing the remains of political prisoners Festus Nehale, who died in 1971, and Simon Petrus Nileng, who died in 1974. Both had been imprisoned on Robben Island, South Africa's notorious prison where anti-apartheid and other political prisoners were detained during apartheid. They were buried in Cape Town.
Members of the Namibian delegation solemnly bowed their heads before the coffins before addressing guests at the ceremony.
The handover also included grave goods and body casts, including beads, ostrich eggs and jewelry with lineage to Namibia.
'For too many years, the remains of our freedom fighters and ancestors were kept far from the land they called home. This was an injustice to them, their families and their communities,' South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said in a statement.
'By bringing these political heroes and ancestors home, representing the Ovambo, Himba, San, Nama, Damara and Herero peoples, we restore their dignity, identity and rightful place in their homeland,' he said.
Namibia's Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp said the liberation heroes will be reburied at Namibia's Heroes' Acre on August 24.
'Now they return to a free and sovereign Namibia,' she said. 'Some of these ancestors were taken from their communities and became part of the colonial scientific and museum collections where they were treated as objects, rather as people.'
Two rooms were filled with ivory-colored coffins, side by side, each draped with the Namibian flag. The mortal remains of 84 indigenous people had been held at the Iziko South African Museum for more than 100 years and were said to have been used for 'scientific reasons.'South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie (R) speaks during a repatriation ceremony at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town, South Africa, August 19, 2026. Namibia's Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture Sanet Steenkamp (R) speaks during a repatriation ceremony at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town, South Africa, August 19, 2026. TO GO WITH 'South Africa returns ancestral remains to Namibia for colonial redress, healing'.
It is a small morning ritual, but it reflects the philosophy behind her new book, Rising with Dignity: The African Stoic, The Rwandan Way, a book about learning to manage what is within your control and respond thoughtfully to everything else.
For Uwanziga, Stoicism is not about becoming emotionless or simply enduring whatever life brings. It is a practical way of thinking about everyday life, how to deal with disappointment, manage anger, respond to pressure and, perhaps most importantly, how to get back up after falling.
The more than 250-page book took five years to complete, but its beginnings were much more modest, she told IGIHE in a recent exclusive interview.
Joy Uwanziga will launch her new book at the Kigali Marriott Hotel on August 29.
Uwanziga started by writing notes to herself, passages and reflections from Stoic philosophy that resonated with her. Over time, she began sharing some of those ideas with friends and family, eventually realising they could become something larger.
The book launches at Marriott Hotel Kigali on August 29 and will later be available through Amazon and bookstores in Rwanda.
Uwanziga is currently completing a PhD in migration studies at University College Cork. Before moving to Ireland, she spent several years at the Rwandan diplomatic mission in The Hague as a consular affairs officer. Rising with Dignity is her third book, following Manners in Rwanda, published in 2015, and a 2018 book on parenting.
A philosophy Rwandans already know
Uwanziga's interest in Stoicism began with Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, the Roman emperor's private reflections that have remained influential centuries later.
What drew her in was a powerful principle centred on separating what we can control from what we cannot.
'You can't control external events, so don't let them control you by the way you react,' she says.
It is a principle that can easily be applied to ordinary situations. You can prepare for an examination, but you cannot control the questions. You can choose your words in a difficult conversation, but not how another person responds. You can decide how you begin your morning, but not everything that will happen before the day is over.
For Uwanziga, this way of thinking also has a familiar African dimension.
She points to the historical relationship between Greek philosophy and Egypt and argues that some values associated with Stoicism have parallels in African traditions that were passed down orally.
'When you put Emperor Marcus Aurelius and a Rwandan or African elder in a room, they would practise or say things about Stoicism, maybe with a different name,' she adds.
'We've been practising Stoicism without calling it Stoicism.'
She is careful not to present this as a claim that Africans invented Stoicism. Rather, she sees it as a recognition that different cultures can arrive at similar principles, including integrity, discipline, responsibility and resilience.
Uwanziga is currently completing a PhD in migration studies at University College Cork. Rising with Dignity is her third book.
What happens after failure?
For Uwanziga, one of the most important tests of character is what happens when things do not go according to plan.
She uses the example of a student preparing for an examination. The student can control the effort put into studying, but not the questions that appear on the paper or how it is marked.
What remains within her control is how she responds.
'Do we rise with dignity?' Uwanziga asks. 'Because we fail every day.'
That idea gives the book its title and connects philosophy with one of Rwanda's most recognisable qualities, resilience.
Uwanziga sees Rwanda's recovery after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi as a powerful example. She recalls how people were forced to take on responsibilities beyond their previous professions because the country needed to be rebuilt and there were not enough people with the necessary skills.
Seeing people start again and contribute to rebuilding Rwanda deeply influenced her.
But Uwanziga is careful not to romanticise suffering.
Resilience, she argues, should not mean pretending that pain is easy or expecting everyone to cope in exactly the same way. People process difficult experiences differently, and sometimes they need psychological or other forms of support.
'What's wrong with asking for help when you need it?' Uwanziga asks.
For her, rising with dignity does not mean denying pain. It means finding a way forward while accepting that support may be part of that journey.
The more than 250-page book took five years to complete, but its beginnings were much more modest, she told IGIHE in a recent exclusive interview.
Calm does not mean silence
Asked whether Stoicism means staying quiet in the face of injustice, Uwanziga pushed back on that idea.
'If you have to talk, talk with wisdom,' she stresses. 'But if being silent will help more until you calm down and think of a wiser response, then be silent.'
Asked how that applies beyond individual situations, she pointed to leadership in everyday life, parenting, teaching, leading a student group, even managing a WhatsApp group, saying the question in each case is whether a response will improve things or make them worse.
On anger, she gave a similar answer.
'You are allowed to be angry, but don't take a decision when you're angry,' she said. 'Think about it.'
Dignity, agaciro and strength
On whether a person can lose everything and still retain their dignity, Uwanziga connected the idea to the Rwandan concept of agaciro, self-worth expressed through conduct, and inyangamugayo, referring to a person of integrity. For her, dignity is not dependent on wealth, status or circumstances.
'Losing what you have, or the most valuable thing, and still living with dignity, we (Rwandans) are a good example,' she affirms.
She also challenged expectations around masculinity.
Uwanziga said boys are often taught to 'man up' when they are hurt, creating an idea of strength that can make men reluctant to acknowledge pain or seek help.
Her message carries a deeper truth that emotional honesty does not cancel out strength.
'Men are allowed to have feelings too,' she argues. 'You are human the same way everyone is.'
That is consistent with her broader understanding of Stoicism. The goal is not to stop feeling, but to recognise feelings without allowing them to dictate every decision.
Uwanziga's interest in Stoicism began with Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, the Roman emperor's private reflections that have remained influential centuries later.
Practising what she writes
Uwanziga does not claim to have mastered the philosophy she writes about.
She describes herself as 'a very emotional person' who cries easily, including at weddings, and says regulating her own emotions remains one of the most difficult parts of Stoicism for her.
That honesty is part of what makes her interpretation of the philosophy feel less like a set of rules and more like a practice.
Her morning routine is one example.
Rather than immediately reaching for her phone and allowing social media and the news to influence her mood, she tries to do something for herself first. Stretching, drinking water and making her bed create a small buffer between waking up and confronting the outside world.
She also tries to appreciate ordinary moments, a cup of tea, a hug from a loved one, rather than waiting for major achievements to provide happiness.
From personal notes to a reminder
The book eventually became a 12-chapter work, but Uwanziga still describes its message as less about discovering something new and more about remembering values that are already familiar.
She believes integrity, discipline, responsibility and resilience remain particularly important for young people navigating pressure, ambition and the temptation to look for shortcuts.
'We just want to live an easy life; we don't want to go the hard way,' she remarks. 'But then what are the results of the shortcuts?'
For Uwanziga, Rising with Dignity is ultimately an invitation to slow down before reacting, focus on what can be controlled and consider the kind of person one wants to be when circumstances are difficult.
Asked for the single most important lesson she hopes readers take from the book, Uwanziga offered a direct answer. 'To be a man or a woman of integrity.'
Watch the full video below to learn more about the book and what Uwanziga stands for.
APR FC will face Les Aigles du Congo in the preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after the two sides were drawn against each other on August 6, 2026.
The Rwandan champions had written to CAF requesting that the first leg be moved from the DRC, citing security concerns and the Ebola outbreak, which had raised concerns over travelling with the squad to Kinshasa.
APR FC had asked for the match to be played at a neutral venue, with the possibility of moving both legs to another country.
However, IGIHE has learned that CAF rejected the request and informed APR FC that the match would proceed as scheduled in Kinshasa.
The first leg is set to be played at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, despite the venue not being among the stadiums most recently listed by CAF as approved to host its competitions in the DRC.
The DRC currently has two stadiums approved for CAF competitions, TP Mazembe Stadium and Frédéric Kibassa Maliba Stadium, both located in Lubumbashi.
Before CAF's decision, APR FC head coach Abderrahim Taleb had raised concerns about travelling to the DRC, stressing that the health and safety of his players should be the club's priority.
Following APR FC's 2-1 friendly win over Etincelles FC on August 9, Taleb said, 'We cannot put our players at risk,' adding that the club's management was in discussions with CAF about potentially moving the match.
Les Aigles du Congo finished second in the 2025/26 DRC Premier League and will host APR FC in the first leg before travelling to Rwanda for the return fixture.
The winner of the tie will face the winner of the preliminary-round match between AS Port of Djibouti and Egyptian side Zamalek in the next stage of the competition.
APR FC will face Les Aigles du Congo in the preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after the two sides were drawn against each other on August 6, 2026.Les Aigles du Congo finished second in the 2025/26 DRC Premier League and will host APR FC in the first leg before travelling to Rwanda for the return fixture.
The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) said it is working with partners to identify machines that can enable farmers and agricultural service providers to adopt the practice on a larger scale.
Of the 765,000 hectares planned for cultivation nationwide during the 2027A season, about 100,000 hectares are expected to be cultivated using soil-conserving methods, which the government considers an important way of improving productivity while protecting farmland.
The approach involves making small planting holes, applying manure or fertiliser and planting crops such as maize or beans without extensively turning over the soil. Farmers then cover the field with mulch.
The method helps retain moisture in the soil when it rains, allowing crops to access water for longer periods and potentially improving yields.
However, the lack of suitable machinery has emerged as one of the challenges to expanding the practice, particularly among farmers cultivating large areas.
RAB Acting Director General Dr. Florence Uwamahoro said the institution was working with various partners to find machinery that could be used by agricultural service providers across the country.
'We are working with different partners to obtain machinery used in soil-conserving agriculture. There are places such as RICA and others where some of these machines are already available, but we want all people providing mechanised farming services to have machines that can be used on large areas,' Dr. Uwamahoro said.
Her comments came on Tuesday during an expanded meeting on preparations for the 2027A agricultural season and measures to strengthen food security in Rwanda's Eastern Province.
The government plans to place greater emphasis on soil-conserving agriculture during the coming season, alongside the expansion of farming under the selected high-productivity areas known as Food Basket Sites (FOBASI).
Authorities expect agricultural output from the FOBASI areas to double compared with previous production levels.
About 246,000 hectares are expected to be cultivated under the FOBASI programme during the 2027A season, with around 100,000 hectares receiving particular attention.
Another 100,000 hectares will specifically be dedicated to soil-conserving agriculture.
FOBASI is a government programme designed to promote areas with high agricultural production potential. Farmers operating in the selected areas receive technical and financial support, early access to agricultural inputs and other assistance intended to improve productivity.
The programme is implemented on relatively small plots of about five hectares, managed by small groups of farmers.
Mulching helps protect the soil, retain moisture and create better conditions for crops to grow.Agricultural machinery is used to support farm operations and improve efficiency on cultivated land.
The event will take place at Umuko Lodge, bringing together enduro riders for a day of off-road racing designed to test their riding skills, endurance and ability to navigate challenging terrain.
Organised in partnership with the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), the competition will run from 8am to 3pm and form part of the national motorcycle racing calendar.
Riders will take on a demanding off-road course, with the competition expected to provide a test of both technical ability and stamina.
The third round comes as motorcycle sport continues to gain visibility in Rwanda, with events such as the Umuko Enduro Challenge creating opportunities for riders to compete while attracting spectators to scenic destinations outside Kigali.
Spectator entry will be free, allowing motorsport enthusiasts, families and adventure lovers to watch the competition and enjoy the lakeside setting.
The event will also combine racing with music and entertainment, with Rwandan artist OKKAMA scheduled to perform at an after-party at Umuko Lodge following the competition. A live DJ set will also feature during the entertainment programme.
Organisers say the combination of motorcycle racing, outdoor adventure and entertainment is expected to make the event a gathering point for the motorsport community and the wider public.
The challenge is supported by several sponsors and partners, including Keyrus Rwanda Ltd, Virunga Water, Balton Rwanda, Rwanda Motor, Suzuki, Sonatubes, Araka Digitalisation, Kabisa, Factory Link, Umuko Lodge, La Galette and Fenghao.
Virunga Water is among the partners supporting the event, with the company expected to provide refreshments for riders, teams and spectators.
The Umuko Enduro Challenge is part of efforts to promote enduro and motorcycle sport in Rwanda while creating opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism.
The event will feature motorcycle racing, free entry for spectators and live entertainment.
The Umuko Enduro Challenge will bring together motorcycle riders for off-road racingMotorsport enthusiasts are set to gather at Lake Muhazi for a day of motorcycle racing, adventure and entertainment.The event brings motorsport fans, riders and adventure enthusiasts together for racing and entertainmentRiders are expected to take on challenging off-road terrain
The pop superstar, 36, attended the August 15 wedding of recording engineers Oli Jacobs and Laura Sisk in the United Kingdom.
For the celebration, Swift opted for an elegant sleeveless navy blue dress decorated with gold floral appliqués.
She completed the look with a pearl necklace, red lipstick and her engagement and wedding rings.
Her choice of navy blue proved particularly versatile, offering a sophisticated look that works well during the warmer months while also transitioning easily into fall.
The pop superstar, 36, attended the August 15 wedding of recording engineers Oli Jacobs and Laura Sisk in the United Kingdom.
Swift's outfit stood out for its combination of simplicity and elegant detailing.
The dark navy color provided a polished alternative to brighter summer shades, while the gold floral decorations added a touch of glamour.
The look also came shortly after Swift married NFL star Travis Kelce.
The couple tied the knot in July, making Swift's appearance at another wedding particularly notable among fans following her fashion choices.
She attended the U.K. ceremony alongside longtime friends and collaborators, including singer Sabrina Carpenter and songwriter and producer Jack Antonoff.
The wedding was held at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios in Gloucestershire.
For fans inspired by Swift's look but unwilling to spend heavily on designer fashion, People highlighted several more affordable alternatives available on Amazon.
The recommended dresses begin at about $37 and feature elements similar to Swift's outfit, including flattering silhouettes, smocked waists, ruffle details and sophisticated necklines.
The alternatives are designed to work for different body types and occasions, making them suitable not only for weddings but also for other summer and early fall events.
Some can also be easily packed for travel, adding practicality to their appeal.
Swift's latest wedding guest appearance once again demonstrates her ability to turn a simple fashion choice into a trend, with her navy and gold ensemble offering an elegant option for anyone looking to transition their wardrobe from summer into fall.
Swift's latest wedding guest appearance once again demonstrates her ability to turn a simple fashion choice into a trend.
The company's service revenue reached Rwf167.5 billion in the six months ended June 30, 2026, up from the same period last year, while profit after tax stood at Rwf17.2 billion.
The performance comes as the use of digital services continues to expand in Rwanda, with individuals and businesses increasingly relying on mobile connectivity and digital payments for communication, commerce and other daily activities.
MTN Rwanda's subscriber base grew by 11.4 percent to 8.7 million during the period. Active data subscribers increased by 14.5 percent to 2.7 million, while active Mobile Money users rose by 14.9 percent to 6.4 million.
Data remained an important source of growth, with data revenue increasing by 14.3 percent to Rwf26.7 billion.
The increase was supported by a 63.6 percent rise in data traffic, as more customers adopted smartphones and made greater use of affordable data bundles.
Voice revenue also increased by 7.1 percent, supported by subscriber growth and the reintroduction of mobile termination rates in August 2025.
MTN Rwanda CEO Monzer Ali said the company's performance reflected more than financial growth, pointing to the expanding role of digital services in the economy.
'Every new smartphone connected, every entrepreneur paid through Mobile Money, and every community reached through our network represents another step towards a more connected, inclusive and digitally empowered Rwanda,' Ali said.
He said MTN Rwanda would continue investing in its network, technology and partnerships to expand access to digital services and support Rwanda's ambitions for a digitally enabled economy.
Mobile Money becomes bigger revenue driver
Mobile Money continued to be one of the strongest performers, with Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd (MMRL), MTN Rwanda's subsidiary, reporting a 31.3 percent year-on-year increase in MoMo revenue to Rwf90.1 billion.
MoMo accounted for 53.8 percent of MTN Rwanda's service revenue in the first half, up from 49.9 percent during the same period in 2025.
The platform's active merchant base increased by 19.2 percent to 682,000, highlighting the growing use of mobile payments among businesses and consumers.
Advanced services, including remittances and lending, also recorded strong growth, increasing by 28.1 percent and accounting for 28.4 percent of MoMo revenue.
Chantal U Kagame, CEO of Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd, said the expansion of the merchant network demonstrated how deeply mobile money has become embedded in Rwanda's economy.
'Growing to 682,000 active merchants shows how deeply mobile money has become embedded in the way Rwandans transact, run businesses and participate in the economy,' she said.
She added that the company would continue working to make MoMo services simpler, more secure and accessible.
MTN Rwanda also recorded significant improvements in profitability and cash generation during the period.
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 30.4 percent to Rwf70.5 billion, while the EBITDA margin expanded by 2.8 percentage points to 41.8 percent.
The company attributed the improvement partly to savings generated through its Expense Efficiency Programme.
Capital expenditure, excluding leases, remained largely unchanged at Rwf11.2 billion, while adjusted free cash flow increased by 38.7 percent to Rwf59.3 billion.
MTN Rwanda Chief Financial Officer John Bugunya said the results demonstrated the company's ability to combine commercial growth with tighter financial management.
He said the stronger free cash flow provided a solid financial base for continued investment in network and digital infrastructure.
Digital growth alongside community investment
MTN Rwanda's activities during the first half also included initiatives aimed at supporting communities.
In June, the company conducted its annual 21 Days of Y'ello Care campaign under the theme 'Expanding Equitable Health for Every Community.'
As part of the campaign, MTN Rwanda supported the renovation of the maternity ward and expansion of the laboratory at Kigese Health Centre in Rugarika Sector, Kamonyi District. The facility serves approximately 61,000 people and handles between 50 and 60 deliveries each month.
As it enters the second half of 2026, MTN Rwanda said it will focus on sustaining its commercial growth, expanding financial inclusion through Mobile Money and improving the quality and reach of its network.
The company said continued investment in connectivity and digital financial services will remain central to its role in Rwanda's digital transformation, while supporting individuals, businesses and communities to participate more fully in the modern economy.
MTN Rwanda's 21 Days of Y'ello Care campaign supported the renovation of the maternity ward and expansion of the laboratory at Kigese Health Centre in Kamonyi District.MTN Rwanda CEO Monzer Ali has highlighted the company's growth in connectivity, data and Mobile Money services during the first half of 2026.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry told IGIHE that the file was submitted on August 18, 2026.
Murangira said that although investigations are still ongoing, Shema is being investigated for allegedly issuing a bad cheque.
'His case file has been sent to the prosecution. Although investigations are still ongoing, he is being investigated for issuing a bad cheque,' he said.
RIB arrested Shema on August 11, 2026. He was subsequently detained at the RIB station in Kicukiro.
Shema was elected FERWAFA president on August 30, 2025, during the federation's ordinary general assembly, alongside members of the executive committee he leads. The team was dubbed the 'Dream Team.'
After taking office, Shema, a former president of AS Kigali, outlined plans to transform Rwandan football, with a focus on women's football, youth development and infrastructure, among other areas.
Shema served as president of AS Kigali for six years, during which the club won several trophies, including the 2019 and 2022 Peace Cups and the 2022 Super Cup.
Outside football, Shema is the managing director of Africa Medical Supplier, a company that supplies medical equipment in Rwanda.
The case file of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Fabrice Shema has been forwarded to the prosecution, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed.
The tariffs were scheduled to take effect at midnight on August 19 and would have affected about $20 billion worth of Canadian imports.
Trump announced the three-day pause on August 18, saying the United States and Canada had reached a deal subject to the finalization of documents.
However, Carney gave a more cautious assessment, saying that 'substantial progress' had been made but that important work remained.
The Canadian government did not publicly confirm the details of an agreement announced by Trump.
The two leaders spoke on Tuesday afternoon, marking their second conversation of the week as negotiators worked to resolve the remaining trade disagreements.
According to the U.S. Trade Representative's office, the proposed agreement would include broader market access for American goods, economic security commitments and alignment on digital trade.
Trump also said Canada had committed to addressing U.S. concerns over Canadian duties on dairy products, alcoholic beverages and motor vehicles.
The trade dispute has created significant uncertainty for Canadian businesses.
The proposed tariffs would have affected products including wine, dairy goods and other imports, with industry groups warning that higher costs could lead to job losses and business closures.
A major disagreement has involved the automotive sector, particularly how North American content in vehicles assembled in Canada should be treated when calculating tariff deductions.
Trump also suggested that the Keystone XL oil pipeline, which was cancelled by former U.S. President Joe Biden in 2021, could potentially be revived, although he provided no details linking the project to the emerging trade agreement.
The three-day pause gives negotiators additional time to finalize the outstanding issues.
For Canada, the immediate threat of the new tariffs has been delayed, but the uncertainty remains until the two governments complete and formally confirm their agreement.
Trump has given Canada three more days to seal trade agreement.
