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'When the tape recorders came, the main problem was recording someone’s song on the radio and multiplying it for economic gains. Now, this technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where, or that what you have sung belongs to another person,' President Museveni stated.

The announcement was made during a meeting held last week in Rwakitura, attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, and a delegation of musicians led by Eddy Kenzo, Senior Presidential Advisor for Creatives and President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF).

President Museveni expressed satisfaction that the copyright management system has been developed to address emerging challenges in copyright protection and safeguard content creators’ rights.

The integrated system will allow creatives to register their works, monitor their usage, and receive payments for their content where applicable.

According to Dr. Joel Isabirye, Principal Development Economist at State House, musicians will register their songs, and licensed venues that play their music will be monitored by the system.

Businesses using music for entertainment, such as bars and hotels, will be required to contribute a fee, ensuring artists are compensated for their work.

'Every business that plays music for entertainment charges people to get entertained. If a bar plays Afrigo Band music, customers pay for the experience. The President and artists believe that musicians should receive a share of the revenue since their work is being used to generate income,' Isabirye explained.

Similarly, media houses will also be expected to compensate musicians for the value their music brings to radio and television stations.

'Stations that play 100% local music attract advertisements because audiences tune in for artists like Sheebah Karungi and Juliana Kanyomozi. Musicians don’t want all the advertising revenue, but they seek a fair percentage for their contribution,' Isabirye added.

To enforce compliance, bars and entertainment venues will be required to install a monitoring device as a licensing condition under the Ministry of Local Government.

The system will track music usage, and attempts to tamper with the device will trigger alerts. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Uganda Police will oversee enforcement, ensuring that all entertainment venues comply.

'This is about cooperation, and the payments will be reasonable, just a way to acknowledge that businesses use musicians’ work to generate revenue. If a bar or media house fails to comply, the system will flag them, and UCC will take action,' Isabirye noted.

For years, Ugandan musicians have struggled to benefit fairly from their work due to weak copyright laws. The new system will distribute revenue based on song play frequency rather than artist popularity.

For example, if a bar, radio, or TV station contributes Shs.1 million as a licensing fee, an artist whose song is played 60 times will receive 60% (Shs. 600,000), while the remaining Shs. 400,000 will be shared among other artists based on airplay.

'Many musicians face financial struggles when their careers decline. With this system, artists will continue to earn from their past work, even in retirement or ill health. Their families and future generations will also benefit from royalties,' Isabirye emphasized, thanking President Museveni for supporting the initiative.

The meeting was attended by UNMF members and the State House science team, led by Engineer Sheba Kyobutungi, among others.

The initiative is expected to attract compliance and collaboration from regulatory agencies, including UCC, Uganda Police, Uganda Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Local Government.

President Museveni poses for a photo with Musician Eddy Kenzo (in hat) and his delegation at Rwakitura. Also in the photo is Deputy Speaker Thomas Taybwa and Hon Peace Mutuzo.

Eddy Kenzo with Museveni at Rwakitura.

IGIHE

The Wazalendo fighters were sighted entering the city through the Camp TV area in Kadutu Commune on Monday morning. However, M23 forces quickly responded, forcing the Wazalendo fighters to retreat to the hills from which they had advanced within 20 minutes.

M23 has controlled Bukavu since mid-February after expelling Congolese government forces, including the Wazalendo fighters.

Since taking over the city, M23 has tightened security measures to enable residents resume their daily activities, including business operations.

To facilitate governance and security in Bukavu and the surrounding areas, M23 established a new administration for South Kivu province on February 28.

Emmanuel Birato Rwihimba was appointed Governor, while Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge will serve as Deputy Governor in charge of politics, administration, and legal affairs. Juvénal Bushinge Gasinzira was named Deputy Governor in charge of the economy, finance, and development.

M23’s leadership, which is part of the AFC rebel alliance, has in recent months intensified its offensive against President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, which they accuse of discriminating against certain communities, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.

M23 has controlled Bukavu since mid-February after expelling Congolese government forces, including the Wazalendo fighters.

IGIHE

Speaking prior to the opening session on March 3, 2025, Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the Group CEO of AMREF Health Africa, highlighted the importance of African countries working together to strengthen healthcare systems. He disclosed that more than 200 health sector partners from across the world are participating in the event.

'Health is a collective responsibility. It is crucial for nations to unite and work together to create safer societies because these are the environments where outbreaks begin,' Githinji said.

He also raised concerns following the United States’ recent three-month suspension of USAID funding, urging African nations to develop independent, sustainable solutions to maintain and improve healthcare delivery.

'The real concern is not just the loss of funding but the disruption of essential health services for vulnerable populations who rely on these programs,' he added.

Githinji revealed that AMREF had been collaborating closely with USAID on a $20 million project across Kenya, Malawi, Ethiopia, and Zambia, focusing on maternal and child health, infectious disease prevention, and HIV/AIDS management.

The World Health Organization’s Acting Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Chikwe Andreas Ihekweazu, called for greater collaboration among African nations, emphasizing the need for local solutions.

'We still need to work together, and I believe we will find our own ways to address these challenges. We continue to encourage all countries to recognize the value of cooperation and open avenues for stronger partnerships,' he said.

Representing Africa CDC, Dr. Claudia Shilumani praised Rwanda’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges. She noted that President Paul Kagame had recently urged African leaders to seek alternative solutions in response to the USAID funding suspension.

'While I cannot speak for other countries, Rwanda has demonstrated strong leadership in navigating this crisis,' Dr. Shilumani said.

Rwanda’s commitment to a resilient healthcare system

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, highlighted the country’s efforts to build a robust healthcare system despite external funding uncertainties.

He detailed ongoing initiatives, including expanding the healthcare workforce, investing in modern medical infrastructure, training healthcare professionals, and improving governance within the health sector.

The Africa Health International Conference Agenda in Kigali aims to foster collaboration, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems amid evolving global health challenges.

Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, highlighted the country’s efforts to build a robust healthcare system despite external funding uncertainties.

The Africa Health International Conference Agenda has officially kicked off in Kigali, bringing together over 1,400 participants from 56 countries.

IGIHE

This has placed credible certification schemes at the center of the debate. For businesses operating in or sourcing from Africa’s vital forest ecosystems, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification offers a compelling solution.

Recent research has demonstrated the positive effects of FSC-certified forestry. For example, a 2024 University of Utrecht study in the Congo Basin, found that FSC-certified management of tropical forests clearly benefits large mammals when compared to non-certified areas.

Similarly, an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) study in 2013 highlighted how FSC’s 'ape-friendly’ practices play a crucial role in protecting critically endangered apes in Central Africa. These findings are part of a growing body of evidence demonstrating FSC’s positive impact on ecosystems, economies, and communities.

Despite these benefits, consumer recognition and understanding of the FSC label, while growing, remains uneven. FSC’s 2023 global consumer recognition study revealed that only 46% of global consumers (across 33 countries) recognize the logo.

Awareness is higher in key African markets, with 58% recognition in Kenya and South Africa. This suggests significant potential for businesses to leverage FSC certification to make a difference and embed sustainability as a key value of their company.

Richard Fergusson.

So, what exactly is FSC, and why should businesses care?

As Trevor Armel, FSC’s Marketing Director, notes, “FSC is a sustainable forest management solution to help protect healthy and resilient forests, for all, forever.”

The Forest Stewardship Council is a non-profit organization that has over 150 million hectares of certified forests globally. Its rigorous standards are trusted by NGOs, consumers, and businesses alike as a robust mechanism for promoting responsible forestry.

FSC’s strength lies in its ability to co-create solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems related to forests. Governed by environmental, social, and economic perspectives, it helps forest managers, smallholders, and governments ensure thriving forest ecosystems while safeguarding the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

Founded in 1993, FSC’s forestry standards provide a proven tool to combat the climate and biodiversity crises. Its rigorous forestry standards offer a market-driven solution that connects responsible forestry practices with consumer demand.

FSC certification bridges the gap between aspiration and action, providing credible assurance of responsible sourcing from forest to consumer. At the core of the FSC system are two key components: Forest management and chain of custody certifications.

FSC Forest Management Certification: This certification requires adherence to ten principles that ensure forests are managed in a way that is economically viable, environmentally sound, and socially beneficial.

Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification: CoC certification verifies that materials originating from FSC-certified forests are tracked and separated throughout the supply chain, from the forest to the finished product, guaranteeing the integrity of FSC-certified products.

FSC standards are among the most stringent globally and are code-compliant with ISEAL – International Social and Environmental Accreditation and Labeling, the global association for social and environmental standards.

They are globally consistent yet nationally adapted and locally risk relevant, ensuring relevance while maintaining core principles. FSC’s member-led democracy ensures that environmental, social, and economic perspectives are equally considered. Over 1,200 individuals and organizations shape its policies.

Reputable environmental NGOs, including WWF and the Rainforest Alliance, are members and strongly endorse FSC’s strict standards.

Israel Bionyi Nyoh.

Leading companies like IKEA, McDonald’s, Amazon, and Tetra Pak rely on FSC certification, making it the preferred system for many global brands. FSC issues more chain-of-custody certificates than any other forest certification scheme.

The FSC logo is the most recognized brand for responsible forestry. Consumers express higher confidence in FSC than in businesses or governments regarding sustainable forestry and chain of custody practices.

FSC ensures the veracity of sustainability claims through independent audits throughout the supply chain, protecting against greenwashing.

FSC’s system integrity team actively combats unacceptable activities. Its Policy for Association allows the organization to exclude entities engaged in destructive practices, both within and outside certified areas.

Beyond its core certification, FSC offers additional tools and solutions such as the Ecosystem Services and Verified Impact. Ecosystem Services measures the benefits derived from healthy forests, providing valuable data for understanding their true value, often vastly exceeding the value of extractive industries.

These claims provide a mechanism to quantify the value of conservation efforts, incentivize responsible management, and increase confidence in ecosystem services markets. They can also demonstrate contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

FSC certification is not just an environmental good; it is a sound business strategy. In an increasingly discerning marketplace, it offers companies a powerful way to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, build brand trust, and secure access to premium markets.

For African businesses, particularly those operating in the forestry sector, embracing FSC certification is a crucial step towards long-term viability and responsible stewardship of the continent’s invaluable natural resources.

Richard Fergusson is the Sub-Regional Coordinator — Southern Africa, FSC
Israel Bionyi Nyoh is the Senior Regional Communications Manager — Africa, FSC

FSC-certified forests help protect large mammals in the Congo Basin.

Richard Fergusson & Israel Bionyi Nyoh

On February 26, 2025, while addressing the UK Parliament, Collins was questioned about the recent deaths of 70 Christians who were killed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) using machetes and hammers. The bodies of these victims were discovered in a church in the Lubero territory of North Kivu province.

In response, he claimed that he had discussed the matter with Nduhungirehe in Geneva, but that Rwanda had denied all allegations. This statement further strained the already tense relations between the two nations, with Rwanda condemning it as ignorance and an attempt to mislead the world about the security crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Two day later, the UK Ambassador to Rwanda was summoned to provide clarifications on the matter.
During a media briefing on March 2, 2025, Nduhungirehe expressed his disbelief at Collins’ statement, suggesting it may have been generated using AI.

“We immediately summoned the UK Ambassador and informed him that these claims were unacceptable. We made it clear that, first of all, the Minister for Africa, Lord Collins of Highbury, was not telling the truth because we never discussed anything related to the ADF,” Nduhungirehe said.

He further indicated that the UK Ambassador was also shown evidence disproving the allegations. “Accusing Rwanda of collaborating with the ADF is completely unacceptable because we are, in fact, actively fighting against terrorist groups like those in Cabo Delgado. Additionally, because these statements came from the UK, a major global power, people tend to believe them without question,” he added.

He mentioned that Collins’ statements had sparked misinformation online, with some individuals claiming that Rwanda had ties to the ADF and reiterated Rwanda’s request for the UK government to issue a public statement refuting Collins’ remarks and to issue a formal apology.

“That is why we asked the UK Government to release a statement clarifying that their Minister’s claims were false and to apologize. While the Minister did send me a letter acknowledging that Rwanda had no connection to the ADF and that we never discussed the matter, he did not apologize,” Nduhungirehe stated.

“He admitted that his statements were inaccurate and that Rwanda has no ties whatsoever with the ADF, a terrorist group responsible for killing Christians in churches. Such falsehoods cannot be tolerated,” he added.

Relations between Rwanda and the United Kingdom began to deteriorate after the UK announced plans to impose sanctions on Rwanda over allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group and deploying troops in Eastern DRC. Rwanda has consistently denied these accusations and provided evidence to counter them.

Rwanda accuses the UK of hastily taking sides in the Eastern DRC conflict and has expressed concerns over the collaboration between the FDLR terrorist group and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), Burundian forces and European mercenaries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.

IGIHE

The WHO said ver the weekend that it continues to support the national response, working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen and sustain control measures to curb the spread of the virus and halt the outbreak.

'WHO continues to support Uganda’s Ebola response efforts. Our teams are working with the Ministry of Health and partners to strengthen surveillance, active case searching, contact listing and tracing, infection prevention and control in health facilities, case management, and community engagement to halt the spread of the virus.'

On February 5 this year, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwiine, announced that Uganda had kicked off clinical trials of a vaccine against Ebola Sudan.

Atwiine made the announcement just one week after the disease killed one person. The deceased was a nurse at Mulago Hospital.

She said that health workers and other people exposed to the disease were being targeted in the trial.

'It is right to test the vaccine in the condition we are in now because our health workers have been exposed, and I believe that it will have that ability. The safety trials were done, and the vaccine is safe. So now, we just want to see how protective it is because we are in the midst of the epidemic,' Atwine said.

The case was 'a four-and-a-half-year-old child, who tragically passed away on 25th February' at Mulago hospital, according to WHO.

IGIHE

The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) announced the new technical team on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

Several candidates had expressed interest in replacing German coach Torsten Spittler, but FERWAFA selected Amrouche, who boasts extensive experience coaching various teams across Africa.

Amrouche will be assisted by Eric Nshimiyimana, who returns to the senior national team after a decade, having previously coached Rwanda’s U-20 squad. Also on the bench is German coach Dr Carolin Braun, who previously worked alongside Amrouche with Botswana’s national team.

Before his appointment, Amrouche was among five football experts working with former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger on a FIFA project aimed at enhancing talent development and establishing football academies worldwide.

A well-known figure in the region, Amrouche first gained prominence as Burundi’s national team coach from 2007 to 2012, playing a key role in sending over 15 players to European clubs, including Papy Faty and Saido Ntibazonkiza.

He led Kenya to victory in the 2014 CECAFA tournament, defeating Rwanda twice in the process. More recently, he guided Tanzania to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), fielding the youngest squad in the competition.

Amrouche holds a UEFA Pro License and was responsible for training coaches in Belgium, including Luc Eymael, who previously coached in Rwanda.

His appointment comes just 10 days before Amavubi enter a training camp in preparation for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Rwanda will face Nigeria on March 17 and Lesotho on March 24, with both matches set to take place at Amahoro Stadium.

Algerian coach Adel Amrouche was named the new head coach of Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, by FERWAFA on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

IGIHE

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, announced her passing on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

“I am heartbroken by the untimely passing of Ms. Safari Christine, Chairperson of Ibuka Netherlands. I offer my deepest condolences to her husband, Léon, and to her children,” Minister Nduhungirehe wrote in a heartfelt message on X.

“Christine, you fought a good fight for memory, reconciliation, and against genocide denial. As a former Ambassador of Rwanda to the Netherlands, who had the privilege to work with you, I will forever be grateful for your friendship, your courage, your perseverance, and your tremendous achievements,” he added.

“May your soul rest in eternal peace, together with that of our loved ones you dedicated your life to.”

Through collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands and Ibuka in the country, Christine played a huge role in initiatives such as commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi, supporting vulnerable genocide survivors, and advocating for justice.

Ibuka-Netherlands has been instrumental in identifying and bringing to justice those responsible for the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Additionally, Christine championed efforts to secure the Dutch government’s support for constructing a Genocide memorial to serve as a site for remembrance.

As a result of her advocacy, on April 19, 2023, a memorial for the Genocide against the Tutsi was inaugurated in the Netherlands.

At the time, she emphasized the significance of the memorial for herself, fellow genocide survivors, and anyone concerned with this history, highlighting its global importance.

'This memorial will help counter genocide denial and serve as an educational resource. It will be a place where we can find solace and remember our loved ones,” she stated.

“This is a major milestone for Ibuka-Netherlands. The Netherlands was the last country in Western Europe without a memorial for the Genocide against the Tutsi, despite having significantly contributed to justice efforts.'

Through collaboration with the Embassy of Rwanda in the Netherlands and Ibuka in the country, Christine Safari played a huge role in initiatives such as commemorating the Genocide against the Tutsi, supporting vulnerable genocide survivors, and advocating for justice.

Christine Safari, pictured here with Rwanda’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Olivier Nduhungirehe, played a pivotal role in the inauguration of the first memorial for the Genocide against the Tutsi in the Netherlands on April 19, 2023.

Located in Amsterdam’s Beatrix Park, this memorial serves as a place for survivors and the broader Rwandan community in the Netherlands to remember and honor the victims.

Wycliffe Nyamasege