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The 13-time Premier League Champion’s current ground, Old Trafford, was once considered among the best stadiums in world soccer, but it is now in dire need of improvement after years of stagnation.

Ratcliffe has previously spoken about creating a 'national stadium in the North' which would serve both the Red Devils as well as host other major games, such as the Champions League final and national team fixtures.

'Our current stadium has served us brilliantly for the past 115 years, but it has fallen behind the best arenas in world sport,' Ratcliffe said in a club statement about the new stadium.

'By building next to the existing site, we will be able to preserve the essence of Old Trafford, while creating a truly state-of-the-art stadium that transforms the fan experience only footsteps from our historic home.'

World-renowned architect Norman Foster, who is leading the new design, described it as one of the most exciting projects in the world today. 'It all starts with the fans’ experience, bringing them closer than ever to the pitch and acoustically cultivating a huge roar,' he said.

It comes as part of the UK government’s wider regeneration project of the city, which promises social and economic renewal of the surrounding area. The announcement will come as good news to fans, who have had very little to cheer about in recent months.

United is currently languishing 14th in the Premier League and is on track to finish in its lowest league position in decades. Off the pitch, the new hierarchy is attempting to turn around a dire financial situation, with the club heavily in debt.

A computer generated conceptual image provided by architects Foster + Partners of what the new Manchester United stadium and surrounding area could look like.

In a recent interview with former United star Gary Neville, who is part of the task-force for the new stadium project, Ratcliffe said the club would 'run out of money' by November if things didn’t change.

As a result, the club has announced several cost-cutting measures which have proved very unpopular with fans, including hundreds of job losses.

In addition to the job cuts, the club has also taken the decision to end free lunches for staff, reduce executive bonuses and stop donations to certain charitable causes, according to Reuters.

'We can’t put our head in the sand, we have to deal with the problem and it’s a big problem, not a small problem,' Ratlciffe said on The Overlap, in his interview with Neville.

In another wide-ranging interview with BBC Sport, which was also published the day before the new stadium announcement, Ratcliffe backed new manager Ruben Amorim to turn around the team’s form.

He also admitted the previous regime had made a number of mistakes that have led to poor recruitment decisions which are still costing the club today. Without naming exactly which players he was referring to, Ratcliffe also said some players 'are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.'

Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United.

A computer generated conceptual image provided by architects Foster + Partners of what the new Manchester United stadium could look like.

IGIHE

In recent years, faith-based organizations have significantly increased in Rwanda, with some churches renting conference rooms in prominent Kigali hotels, while others lease venues for events.

An inspection conducted in 2024 to evaluate whether churches were complying with laws passed in 2018 left over 9,800 places of worship shut down. More than 50 churches were stripped of their licenses, preventing them from operating in the country.

On March 6, 2025, RGB introduced new regulations that require religious organizations to submit proof of compliance with building and zoning requirements for any place of worship.

This ensures that only spaces that meet structural and location standards for religious activities will be allowed to operate.

Speaking to the RBA, Dr. Uwicyeza made it clear that the establishment of “mobile churches,” where people simply move from one rented space to another, will not be tolerated.

She stressed that once religious groups face difficulties and leave, they create ongoing problems in the communities they leave behind.

Additionally, Dr. Uwicyeza strongly opposed the use of buildings not designated for religious purposes and repurposing them into places of worship. For instance, a building used as a bar on one day and a church the next would not be permitted under the new regulations.

Moreover, churches cannot operate in buildings that do not meet the required standards. Attempts to bypass the regulations by renting spaces that technically meet building standards but fail to fulfill the requirements for religious activities will result in the loss of operating licenses.

The updated regulations require that individuals wishing to establish a church or its branches in a given area must gather signatures from at least 1,000 people who believe the religious space will benefit the community.

Furthermore, they must demonstrate that the church will contribute positively to local development.

Dr. Uwicyeza also raised concerns over the exploitation of church workers, particularly those who work full-time without proper compensation.

A study by RGB in 2023/2024 revealed that only 23.1% of religious organizations had clear documentation on their operations, vision, and implementation strategies, while 76.9% had approved budgets and operational plans.

Additionally, only 30.8% of faith-based organizations employed permanent staff with signed contracts and benefits such as health insurance and pension contributions.

She emphasized that it is unacceptable for individuals working full-time from Monday to Sunday without salary, pension contributions, or health insurance. As she said, such practices, which exploit workers, will no longer be tolerated.

Religious organizations planning to open new branches must also provide proof of contributions to social security for their workers, in line with set regulations.

As of July 2024, there were 345 religious institutions in Rwanda, with affiliated organizations bringing the total to 563.

Dr. Doris Uwicyeza Picard, CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), has emphasized that the government will no longer tolerate the practice of individuals establishing “mobile churches.”

IGIHE

Muhoozi, who was among the commanders of the UPDF special military operation to protect Juba in 2013, today warned that any move against President Salva Kiir would be considered a declaration of war against Uganda.

'We, the UPDF, only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir. He is our 'Afande’ even in UPDF because he is the younger brother of Mzee. Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda,' said Muhoozi.

'All those who commit that crime will learn what it means.' added the former Special Forces commander. He further revealed that Uganda’s Special Forces had already entered Juba as of two days ago to 'secure' the city.

The deployment of UPDF troops comes at a critical time when South Sudan is teetering on the edge of renewed conflict, following the latest clashes between SSPDF and the White Army, a Nuer youth militia that has overrun government positions in Upper Nile State.

The situation has escalated further with political arrests in Juba and accusations that First Vice President Riek Machar’s SPLA-IO faction is backing the White Army’s advance.

President Kiir last week ordered the arrests of SPLA-IO’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam and the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang.

The ongoing military confrontations and the mobilization of militia groups have increased fears of renewed large-scale conflict.

Uganda’s intervention echoes its previous military deployments in South Sudan, when President Museveni sent troops to protect Juba in 2013-2014, during the civil war that saw Machar’s forces attempt to overrun the capital.

At that time, UPDF was deployed to secure key government installations, including the State House, the army headquarters, and Juba International Airport.

The latest intervention signals Uganda’s direct military commitment to preserving Kiir’s hold on power at a time when the Revitalized Peace Agreement is under extreme strain.

The deployment of Ugandan special forces to Juba drastically shifts the power balance in South Sudan’s internal conflict.

It strengthens Kiir’s position militarily and politically while sending a clear message to opposition forces that any attempt to challenge his rule will face regional military retaliation.

For Machar and his SPLA-IO faction, Uganda’s move presents a significant obstacle. The White Army’s offensive in Nasir had already heightened tensions, and now with foreign troops securing Juba, the prospects of any military challenge to Kiir appear increasingly difficult.

Uganda’s previous involvement provoked retaliatory actions from opposition factions and escalated tensions with regional players who viewed Kampala’s move as an overreach into South Sudan’s sovereignty.

Kenyan President William Ruto has already been engaging Kiir and Machar in peace talks, urging dialogue to de-escalate tensions.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers ride atop their military truck.

IGIHE

A total of 36 people were rescued following the incident, with one crew member taken to the hospital, stated Matthew Atkinson, Divisional Commander of the Coastguard.

The collision occurred near the coastal city of Hull and involved the U.S.-registered oil tanker Stena Immaculate and the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong.

Efforts to assess the environmental impact of the incident are ongoing, with reports confirming that jet fuel has leaked into the sea.

Several crew members reportedly abandoned ship following the collision, and both vessels were said to have been on fire, according to a statement by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

The Stena Immaculate, which had come from the Greek port of Agioi Theodoroi, was anchored just outside Hull at the time of the collision. Meanwhile, the Solong had been on its way from Grangemouth, Scotland, to Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Both vessels were said to have been on fire after the accident.

IGIHE

In response to the threat, the Federal Air Transport Agency implemented temporary flight restrictions at two major airports in Moscow.

Both Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports were affected by the safety measures aimed at protecting civil aviation.

The restrictions were enforced at 04:24 Moscow time (01:24 GMT) at Zhukovsky and at 04:40 Moscow time (01:40 GMT) at Domodedovo, with both airports temporarily halting aircraft arrivals and departures.

Russia has shot down 58 Ukrainian drones in Moscow Region.

IGIHE

The Presidential Communications Office confirmed that Interpol in Manila received an official copy of the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier that morning.

'Upon his arrival, the prosecutor general served the ICC notification for an arrest warrant to the former president for the crime of crime against humanity,' the government said in a statement.

'He’s now in the custody of authorities,' it said.

The charge of crimes against humanity stems from Duterte’s harsh anti-drug campaign. During his presidency from 2016 to 2022, the controversial 'war on drugs' led to thousands of deaths, including those of children, with the arrest warrant stating that suspects were denied due process under the law.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) welcomed Duterte’s arrest, calling it 'a crucial step toward accountability in the Philippines.'

The Philippines withdrew from the ICC in 2019, during Duterte’s administration.

As president, Duterte spearheaded a controversial “war on drugs,” which garnered significant attention both locally and internationally.

Former Philippine President Duterte has been taken into Police custody.

IGIHE

The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Kigarama Sector, Mburabuturo Village, after Siborurema broke into a home and stole valuables, including cash, two smartphones, a laptop, shoes, trousers, and a shirt.

The homeowner, who lives alone, noticed the intruder and immediately alerted the neighborhood security patrol, which then contacted the police.

According to Rwanda National Police (RNP) Spokesperson ACP Boniface Rutikanga, officers and security personnel arrived at the scene, prompting Siborurema to flee toward a nearby swamp.

“The community patrol agents had called officers from Kigarama Police Station, and together they pursued the suspect. Upon reaching the swamp, he dropped the stolen items, grabbed a machete, and attempted to attack one of the patrol agents. A police officer then shot him, resulting in his death,” said ACP Rutikanga.

Authorities confirmed that Siborurema was a repeat offender with a long history of theft-related arrests dating back to 2016.

Between May 2017 and March 2018, he spent nine months in prison for theft. In 2018, he was arrested again, served a short prison sentence, and was later sent to the Iwawa Rehabilitation Center, where he spent a year.

Following his release, he was arrested again for theft and imprisoned in Mageragere Prison from June 2020 to June 2022. However, after his release, he resumed criminal activities and was sent back to Iwawa.

Siborurema was among those recently discharged from Iwawa on March 7, 2025, after undergoing rehabilitation for theft and drug abuse.

ACP Rutikanga urged individuals returning from rehabilitation at Iwawa to take advantage of the skills and opportunities provided to them.

“Iwawa is designed to help individuals reform and reintegrate into society as productive members. Those who return to criminal activities will not be tolerated,” he emphasized.

The stolen items, including the laptop, smartphones, shoes, and clothing, were recovered and will be returned to their rightful owner.

The incident happened in Kicukiro District as the suspect alegedly attempted to flee toward a nearby swamp.

IGIHE

This, she said, was because everything I needed in life was owned by people. So, if I had people, I would get whatever I wanted.

At just 11 years of age, I couldn’t fully understand the weight of her words, but over time, I came to realize it wasn’t about the number of people around you but the quality of the relationships you build.

I am grateful that having followed her advice, I’ve always been able to connect with people easily, build strong connections, and foster long-lasting friendships.

Over time, I have come to understand women as the source of life. They give birth to us, they nurture and raise us. This is simply because women are naturally patient, persistent, courageous, and remarkable managers. They are the pillars of development in families, nations and continents.

If women can give birth and raise the soldiers who defend us, then surely they can be great soldiers themselves. Women are more than capable of becoming colonels, generals, and leading battles.

If they give birth to famous individuals and raise gifted people, they can excel in any field. Be it as singers, dancers, designers, pastors, or leaders.

As we celebrate International Women’s month, it’s crucial that we recognize their heroism and the sacrifices they make for all of us. Women are not only life-givers, but they are the ones who shape homes into families. They carry the weight of pregnancy, which is nothing short of a battlefield.

Pregnancy is not a pleasant experience. It’s a journey that lasts nine months, carrying immense physical and emotional risks. Women spend these months walking through life with another developing human being in the womb.

While pregnancy is a battlefield, the delivery process itself is a thin line between life and death. Many women tragically lose their lives during childbirth, while others lose their babies after that gestation period.

Those who survive and become mothers emerge as nothing short of heroes, having faced challenges that most cannot even imagine.

As we celebrate women this month, we must remember the sacrifices they make for us to exist. Our mothers pay the price for our lives, our wives pay the price for our children, and our daughters pay the price for future generations.

Women die so that we can live. They eat and drink even when they don’t feel like it, just so we are nourished. They sleep not because they feel tired, but to ensure we rest. Their sacrifices are priceless, and their love is endless. They are the foundation of our existence, the driving force behind our progress, and the source of our success.

As men, we ought to recognize and advocate for the little things they need. Simple things like allowing them to take a few days off for their monthly cycles, or easing their working conditions by allowing them to work from home during painful periods. These small actions would have a profound impact on their lives.

And to the ladies, you can be anything you want in this world. You may be the first, but certainly not the last.
If Vigdís Finnbogadóttir and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf became presidents, if Isabel Perón and Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe became vice presidents, if Benazir Bhutto and Sirimavo Bandaranaike became prime ministers, if Sandra Day O’Connor and Aloysie Cyanzayire led the Supreme Court, then you can.

If Agathe Uwilingiyimana and Malala Yousafzai became heroes, if Nyirarwinyana Ndabaga and Loretta Perfectus Walsh became soldiers and warriors, if Meron Rugazora and Harriet Quimby became pilots” then you, too, can achieve anything.

These remarkable women, and countless others, should be the symbols of strength and courage. Women should be celebrated, not just on a single day, but all the time.

The author is a Pan-Africanist and poet

Bertin K. Ganza.

Bertin K. Ganza

The rise in prices was primarily driven by increases in transport, food, and hospitality costs.

The report highlights that urban inflation, which is the headline index for monetary policy, saw a notable uptick, reflecting the ongoing economic dynamics.

'Urban CPI increased by 6.3 percent on an annual basis (February 2025 compared to February 2024) and by 0.7 percent on a monthly basis (February 2025 to January 2025),' the report states.

Among the key contributors to the inflation surge were transport costs, which rose by 17.4% year-on-year, and restaurant and hotel prices, which climbed by 11.6%.

The price of food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 4.5%, while housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels saw a 2.9% rise.

Rural areas, however, experienced a milder price increase, with rural CPI rising by 2.2% annually and 1% on a monthly basis. This resulted in an overall national inflation rate of 3.8% year-on-year.

The NISR compiles Rwanda’s CPI using price data from over 1,622 products across the country, tracking inflation trends that impact households and businesses.

With inflationary pressures persisting, policymakers and businesses will be closely monitoring economic trends in the coming months.

Rwanda’s consumer prices increased by 6.3% year-on-year in February 2025. The rise in prices was primarily driven by increases in transport, food, and hospitality costs.

Wycliffe Nyamasege