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Celebrated on August 15 every year, the day commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into Heaven, body and soul, at the end of her earthly life.

In Rwanda, the day is particularly special to the members of the Catholic Church, as thousands of pilgrims often throng the Kibeho Holy Land, renowned for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

Thousands of pilgrims often throng the Kibeho Holy Land to seek blessings. The area is renowned for the apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

The 'Holy Land,’ situated in the Nyaruguru District of Southern Province, rose to prominence four decades ago following reported apparitions of Mary to three high school girls.

Alphonsine Mumureke was the first to claim that she saw a Lady of incomparable beauty, who presented herself as ‘Nyina wa Jambo’ (Mother of the Word), while in the cafeteria of the Catholic boarding school Kibeho College, Rwanda, on November 28, 1981. The 16-year-old girl said that she immediately recognized the Lady as the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Alphonsine Mumureke said that she saw a Lady of incomparable beauty, who presented herself as ‘Nyina wa Jambo’ (Mother of the Word).

Mumureke’s claims were initially met with scepticism, with some people dismissing her as crazy or possessed by evil spirits. Others accused her of fabricating the story to gain favour at the school run by the Benebikira Sisters.

Amid the scepticism, two other students at the school, Marie Claire Mukangango and Nathalie Mukamazimpaka, also reported the phenomenon, further deepening the mystery.

From May 1982, the phenomenon was reported outside the college of Kibeho with some visionaries claiming to have seen Mary and others Jesus.

Young visionaries Alphonsine Mumureke, Nathalie Mukamazimpaka, and Marie Claire Mukangango claimed to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary.

The growing number of visionaries prompted an inquiry by the Catholic Church, led by Mgr. Jean Baptiste Gahamanyi, former Bishop of the Diocese of Butare, to which Kibeho belonged at the time.

As part of the investigations into the reported apparitions, two separate commissions were established by the local Catholic Church. A medical commission began its inquiry on March 20, 1982, while a theological commission was installed on May 14, 1982.

The main mandate of the two committees was to investigate the events with all objectivity, patience, serenity and without taking into account their personal emotions.

While conducting their probe, it’s documented at the Kibeho Sanctuary that the two commissions were guided by instructions given by the Holy See: The “Norms for Judging Alleged Apparitions and Revelations”, published by the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith on February 24, 1978 in Rome. The Holy See is the central governing body of the Catholic Church worldwide.

Given the large number of supposed visionaries, the commissions had to prioritize the first eight cases—those from the first year of the apparitions at Kibeho, which occurred between November 28, 1981, and November 28, 1982.

'This choice, however, was a working hypothesis, not a presumption of authenticity for such a large number of visionaries,' Kibeho Sanctuary explains on its website.

In the months and years that followed, the commissions released reports about the apparitions, and on August 15, 1988, Augustin Misago, the Bishop of Gikongoro, approved public devotion linked to the apparitions at Kibeho.

To promote the already authorized public worship, Mgr. Misago presided over the laying of the foundation stone for the future chapel of the apparitions on the esplanade of the shrine during the first anniversary of the apparitions on November 28, 1992.

On May 31, 1993, the very first official Diocesan pilgrimage to Kibeho took place with the intention of praying for peace in Rwanda. This was at the height of the liberation war between the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) and government forces.

On November 20, 1993, about one year after the laying of the first stone for the Shrine of Kibeho, the Bishop blessed and inaugurated a provisional Chapel in one of the dormitories of Kibeho Secondary School, nicknamed the “dormitory of the apparitions'.

Catholic Church faithful pray in Our Lady of Kibeho shrine.

Sadly, in April 1994, during the Genocide against the Tutsi, Kibeho Parish Church became a site of massacre. Many victims, who sought refuge there, were killed in what should have been a safe haven for them.

After the country’s liberation and the beginning of the nation’s healing journey, pilgrimages started at Kibeho on Christmas Eve of 1995.

Nearly six years later, on June 29, 2001, Bishop Misago declared the authenticity of the Kibeho apparitions, paving the way for even more pilgrimages to the site.

'Yes, the Virgin Mary appeared at Kibeho on November 28, 1981, and in the months that followed. There are more reasons to believe in the Apparitions than to deny them… The Apparitions of Kibeho are now officially recognized… The name given to the Marian sanctuary at Kibeho is Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows,' the late bishop declared in his judgment.

He added, 'That Kibeho become a place of pilgrimage and of encounter for all who seek Christ and who come there to pray, a fundamental centre of conversion, of reparation for the sins of the world and of reconciliation, a point of meeting for ‘all who were dispersed’, as for those who aspire to the values of compassion and fraternity without borders, a fundamental centre that recalls the Gospel of the Cross.”

Today, tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world visit the site each year to seek blessings.

Pilgrims collect it in jerry cans, have it blessed by the priest, and take it with them when they depart

The Assumption Day celebrations are marked by a Mass and prayers led by devotees. Water from the fountain near the church is said to have miraculous properties. Pilgrims collect it in jerry cans, have it blessed by the priest, and take it with them when they depart.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The Ultra-modern complex will rise between Kigali Convention Centre and the Parliament building, offering an array of shops and amenities tailored to meet the needs of locals and visitors alike.

Inzovu Mall, will feature a four-star hotel, a supermarket, and a wide range of commercial spaces, with over half of the building’s capacity already secured by potential tenants.

Covering an impressive 40,000 square meters, Inzovu Mall will house a 95-room hotel, office spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, banks, clinics, entertainment venues, and more.

The CEO of Duval Great Lakes Ltd, Vicky Murabukirwa, explained that the project was conceived in response to Rwanda’s status as one of Africa’s top tourist destinations and the continuing demand for high-quality accommodations near Kigali Convention Centre.

Among its many features, the mall will include a 3,000-square-meter supermarket and numerous retail shops offering clothing, watches, and other goods.

“You’ll be able to step right from the hotel into the mall without going outside,” Murabukirwa noted, highlighting the convenience the development will offer.

A basement parking area will accommodate over 450 vehicles, ensuring ample space for visitors. Murabukirwa also emphasized their focus on attracting international brands to Inzovu Mall, such as Lacoste, while also promoting locally made products. Currently, nearly 52% of the commercial spaces have attracted interest from tenants, with contract finalizations underway.

The hotel within Inzovu Mall, named Odalys, will be affiliated with Groupe Duval. This French hotel chain, which operates in various European cities, is now expanding into French-speaking African countries. Murabukirwa expressed confidence in the hotel’s success, citing its prime location near the Convention Centre and Rwanda’s growing reputation as a premier tourist destination.

The Inzovu Mall project is set to contribute significantly to the local and national economy, from the construction phase through to the operation of new businesses within the mall.

With around 13,000 shops planned, the development will generate tax revenues, support infrastructure projects, and create jobs for Rwandans.

The project is estimated to cost $70 million. The first customers are expected to move into the mall by December 2025.

Inzovu Mall will incorporate sustainable practices, including solar power, water recycling systems, energy-efficient lighting, and other environmentally friendly measures, aligning with government policies and modern standards.

Murabukirwa also highlighted the advantages of investing in Rwanda, pointing to the country’s security, good governance, and business-friendly laws. He expressed gratitude to the Rwandan leadership for their support in bringing this ambitious project to life.

The construction of the complex building is on track.

Inzovu Mall, will feature a four-star hotel, a supermarket, and a wide range of commercial spaces.

The artistic impression of Inzovu Mall.

IGIHE

In a landmark ruling delivered on Monday, August 5, 2024, Federal Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google violated antitrust law in the US by illegally suppressing competition and stifling innovation.

The judge concurred with the Justice Department’s argument that Google relied on anticompetitive payments to companies such as Apple, Samsung and AT&T to ensure its search engine is enabled by default on most smartphones. The company was reported to have spent $26.3 billion on this campaign in 2021 alone.

Google’s practices were found to have violated Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act in the markets for general search services and general text advertising. The judge noted that the default search engine deals ‘are exclusive and have anticompetitive effects.

Following the recent judgement, Bloomberg reports that the Department of Justice attorneys could ask the presiding judge to order Google to sell portions of its business. This could lead to Google selling off parts of its business, including its Android operating system, Chrome web browser, and advertising platform AdWords, to restore competitive balance in the market.

Citing sources within the DOJ, Bloomberg reports that U.S. authorities are also considering ‘less severe’ options that would require the company to share data with rival search engines like Microsoft’s Bing and DuckDuckGo.

Other options on the table include pushing for restrictions on Google’s artificial intelligence products to prevent the company from gaining an unfair advantage over its rivals.

Meanwhile, as the feds ponder on the next move Googe has already announced plans to appeal the recent judgment.

Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, enjoys a massive user base worldwide, with billions of daily active users across its platforms, including the Google Search Engine, Gmail, Android OS, and YouTube.

The company has in the past defended itself against the accusations, stating that its market dominance is primarily due to its superior products.

“People don’t use Google because they have to — they use it because they want to,” Kent Walker, one of Google’s top lawyers and its president of global affairs, said last year.

He added, “It’s easy to switch your default search engine — we’re long past the era of dial-up internet and CD-ROMs.”

If the DOJ moves forward with the proposal to break up Google, it would be the first time in over two decades that federal authorities have pursued such an action. The last major instance occurred when the DOJ secured a victory in an antitrust case against Microsoft, though the bid to split the company was abandoned in 2001.

The United States Department of Justice is considering a push to break up Google’s business empire following court findings that the tech giant broke antitrust laws, the local media reports.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking after presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Members of Parliament on August 14, 2024, President Kagame challenged the public to consider the legitimacy of these establishments before questioning their closure.

“What is this issue with churches? People immediately start making noise, saying, 'They are closing churches.’ But did you first ask yourself, ‘How were these churches even established?’ What is the purpose of having thousands of churches? What is wrong with Rwandans? But I think it’s a problem with being African. We Africans really have issues,” he remarked.

President Kagame emphasized that the energy Rwandans should use to address their challenges is being misdirected toward activities that drain their economic resources, leading to poverty and hunger.

“The energy we should be using to solve our daily problems that ensure our security, improve our economy, and prevent hunger among Rwandans is being wasted on such things…”

He reminded the MPs and Rwandans in general that past discussions had underscored the importance of investing efforts in activities that contribute to national development.

“Now, you as Rwandans, you Members of Parliament sitting here, besides being MPs, do you feel justified in having a church in your backyard? You are an MP, a pastor, and you have a church, and then people are paying. How come that even those deprived of income-generating activities have to find money to bring to you!”

President Kagame expressed concern that some churches in Rwanda were established with the primary intent of siphoning off the limited wealth of Rwandans for the benefit of their founders, which he strongly opposed.

He illustrated his point by highlighting the absurd claims made by some pastors, such as receiving divine apparitions or making prophecies.

“First of all, if you tell me such things, I would first ask if you are insane. That’s where I would start—you must be insane. Secondly, I would demand proof; show me evidence of your encounter with God and what He told you. But Rwandans, how have you reached a point where a deviated person comes to mislead you, and you follow them, not just in one place but across hundreds, thousands of locations?”

President Kagame cautioned that when Rwandans follow such “insane” individuals, the country’s progress is jeopardized. While he acknowledged the long-standing practices of churches, he made it clear that he would not tolerate disorder.

“But other nonsense, when it finds grown, mature people, and someone comes to mislead the whole country and hold it hostage, and you follow them? […] How come that educated people, VVIPs, get deceived by a madman, and you follow, without asking, 'Where are you taking me?’”

The President referenced recent incidents in other countries, such as the tragic case in Kenya where pastors prohibited their followers from eating, resulting in deaths. He questioned whether this was the path Rwandans wanted to take.

“Is that what you want to live in? You are here, representing the people who elected you. Is this what you are involved in? If you want to be pastors, leave Parliament and become pastors. But before becoming pastors, with all that involves deceiving people with prophecies, why not first prophesize for yourself and know your own future? This even extends into politics—it’s like misleading people, infiltrating their minds, and changing how they think and act.”

President Kagame reaffirmed that churches must comply with legal requirements, warning that any non-compliant entities, especially those exploiting people under the guise of religion, would be shut down.

“Those that do not comply with the law should not exist. I heard some say, 'The President probably doesn’t know. Closing churches is a sin.’ I know. I don’t want this disorder, even if it’s in religions, I won’t tolerate it. I will fight it.'

He urged Members of Parliament to collaborate with other institutions in guiding Rwandans toward the right path, insisting that pastors who seek to exploit the limited resources of the people should be stopped unequivocally.

President Paul Kagame has endorsed the closure of nearly 8,000 churches that failed to meet regulatory standards.

IGIHE

The ceremony took place at the Parliamentary Building in Kimihurura on Wednesday, August 14, in the presence of various dignitaries.

Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente, reappointed by President Kagame on Tuesday after serving seven years in the position, took his oath during the event. The Head of State is expected to appoint a new Cabinet within the next 15 days, in consultation with Dr. Ngirente.

The newly sworn-in Members of Parliament were recently elected in the general elections held in July. They include 37 deputies from the RPF-Inkotanyi and its allied political parties, five from the Liberal Party (PL), five from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), two from the Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), two from the Green Party, two from PS Imberakuri, and 27 from special categories.

Among the deputies, there are 29 men and 51 women. The Prime Minister last took his oath on July 30, 2017, while the previous Members of the Chamber of Deputies were sworn in on September 19, 2018.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Gertrude Kazarwa from PL, aged 60, was elected as the Speaker of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies with 73% of the votes, defeating Deputy Pie Nizeyimana, who garnered 5% of the votes.

Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana was elected as Deputy Speaker in charge of Administration and Finance with 77 votes, while Uwineza Beline, who received 79 votes, was elected as Deputy Speaker in charge of Legislative Affairs and Oversight.

Uwineza, who has a background in law, has been a Member of Parliament since 2018 and previously served as the Vice Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the Chamber of Deputies.

In his remarks at the event, President Kagame reminded the leaders of their responsibility to work in the interest of Rwandans, urging them to serve the people with dedication.

He emphasized that while perfection might be elusive, continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence should be a priority.

The President also cautioned against corruption and favoritism, urging leaders to serve all Rwandans equally.

'This (corruption and favoritism) is the first war in our politics that we have been fighting for the past thirty years, and we are adding five more years under the mandate that some of us have just been sworn in for,' he said.

President Kagame has urged leaders to serve all Rwandans equally.

Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana was elected as Deputy Speaker in charge of Administration and Finance.

Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente was reappointed by President Kagame on Tuesday after serving seven years in the position.

Gertrude Kazarwa from PL was elected as the Speaker of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies.

IGIHE

Mega Global Link has announced plans to establish a branch of its 'Mega Global Market’ in New York, USA. The new branch will include both an office and a store, designed to make it easier for customers to access a wide range of products and services.

Mega Global Market operates as both an online market and a physical store, offering a variety of products sourced from factories in China, the United States, and India.

Dr. Francis Habumugisha, CEO of Mega Global Link says the company’s ongoing expansion efforts are aimed at ensuring faster service delivery and creating new business opportunities.

“We are excited to bring Mega Global Market to the United States, offering our top seven products just as we have in Canada, Rwanda, and soon in Europe,” Dr. Habumugisha stated. “This expansion includes seven premium services and state-of-the-art body workout machines.”

The company’s offers range from leisure travel and study abroad programs in the US, Canada, and Europe to work-related travel and medical tourism. Mega Global Market also provides opportunities for individuals to engage in business ventures, including the chance to represent the brand and sell its products in different cities or countries.

Dr. Habumugisha further explained that individuals have the option to create their own branded products through a notarized agreement with the company. The African headquarters for Mega Global Market is located in Rwanda, where the company offers seven original nutritional supplements certified by global standards organizations.

Additionally, Mega Global Market provides advanced equipment designed to improve health and well-being, including foot and full-body massage machines, chairs that align the spine, equipment to support muscles, bones, and joints, and other modern implements.

Mega Global Market provides advanced equipment designed to improve health and well-being.

Mega Global Link provides travel services in various countries.

IGIHE

The appointment was made following the resolution of BK Group Plc Board of Directors on August 13, 2024, and is pending all regulatory approvals.

Speaking on the new appointment, Mr. Jean Philippe Prosper Chairman of the Board of Directors of BK Group said: “We are delighted to have appointed Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana as Chief Executive Officer of BK Group PIc. His leadership and vast experience in the economic and financial sectors will be instrumental in driving BK Group’s strategy and future growth ambitions.'

Dr Ndagijimana will work closely with the CEOs of our 5 subsidiaries: CEO of Bank of Kigali PIc; CEO of BK General Insurance; CEO of BK Capital, CEO of BK TecHouse, and Executive Secretary of BK Foundation.

Dr Ndagijimana is an economist and has a recognized financial professional background. He brings a good and deep understanding of the financial sector. Previously, he served as Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The Board of Directors expresses its deepest gratitude for Beata’s dedication and invaluable contribution to the business and Rwanda’s financial sector over the past 2 years.

About BK Group Plc

BK Group Plc is a home-grown, award-winning Rwandan institution with deep roots in the African financial space since its inception in 1966. Over the years, BK Group Plc has gradually transformed into a premier one-stop shop, with a full range of financial services offered under a single roof.

The Group’s activities range from retail and corporate banking to asset management and investment banking. Additionally, BK Group provides non-life insurance products as well as innovative enterprise solutions designed to stimulate growth in the Rwandan digital space.

BK Group Plc is currently listed on both the Rwandan Stock Exchange (RSE), having floated its shares in 2011, and the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2018.

The Group operates through five subsidiaries: Bank of Kigali, BK Insurance, BK TecHouse, BK Capital and BK Foundation.

Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana is an economist and has a recognized financial professional background.

IGIHE

The grant, offered by the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) will benefit agripreneurs from dozens of other states on the African continent.

'Through our Matching Grant Fund (MGF), you can secure funding to realize your project idea. For all MGF projects, the maximum contribution provided through Agri-Business Facility (ABF) can cover up to 50% of the total project budget, with contributions reaching up to €100,000,' the organization said in a statement.

OACPS noted that while all its 79 member states are eligible to apply, priority will be given to projects from countries with no or few previously selected projects to ensure regional balance.

Agripreneurs from Rwanda stand a better chance of receiving the grant, as no project has been selected from the country before.

Seventy-one projects have been awarded the fund previously. Some of the countries that have benefited from the funding before include Tanzania (9 projects), Democratic Republic of Congo (6), Kenya (5), Côte d’Ivoire (5), Zambia (5), Uganda (4), and Nigeria (2).

To qualify for the grant, the submitted idea should aim to make the sector more inclusive, particularly for women and youth.

Who Can Apply?

OACPS encourages group applications, as single-applicant submissions will only be considered in exceptional cases.

According to the organization, lead applicants must be legally registered private sector entities, such as processing companies, agricultural producers/farmers’ organizations, or national and international retailer companies.

Additionally, consortium partners may include private sector foundations, qualified NGOs, training or research institutions, or extension agencies.

Interested agripreneues are required to submit their applications, comprising a concept note, letter of intent and proof of legal registration of the lead applicant by 12:00 pm on August, 18, 2024. The application documents should be submitted via email using the address [email protected].

A view of Nasho solar powered irrigation project in Eastern Province.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The course conducted by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with Lekhwiya, the Internal Security Force of Qatar, was officially closed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Operations, Vincent Sano.

DIGP Sano congratulated the trainees for successfully completing this intensive course.

“You were subjected to an intensive programme designed to enhance your skills in VIP protection, an area that is crucial for ensuring safety of high-profile individuals. The knowledge and techniques acquired during this course is not only vital for the protection of our VIPs but also for the broader goal of maintaining peace and stability in Rwanda and abroad,” DIGP Sano said.

He thanked Lekhwiya for the productive partnership, adding that this is the beginning of more training programmes.

DIGP Sano further thanked the leadership of the two countries—Rwanda and Qatar—for laying a very strong foundation that has enabled the two law enforcement institutions to organize and conduct activities of mutual interest in different areas of cooperation.

Moving forward, he said, this has paved the way to foster mutual understanding and working together towards common goals.

The Commandant of CTTC Mayange, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Safari Uwimana, said that the course was designed to equip the officers with various skills and knowledge in VIP Protection.

He added that training programmes, including the protection of high officials and other dignitaries, training of trainers are important in achieving the mission of the CTTC Mayange.

In January this year, RNP and Lekhwiya signed a cooperation pact, which outlines partnership in security and crime control, including fighting terrorism, transnational organized crime, human and drug trafficking, trafficking of firearms and explosives, money laundering, cybercrime and corruption, among others.

The course was conducted by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with Lekhwiya, the Internal Security Force of Qatar.

DIGP Sano congratulated the trainees for successfully completing this intensive course.

DIGP Sano further thanked the leadership of the two countries—Rwanda and Qatar—for laying a very strong foundation that has enabled the two law enforcement institutions to organize and conduct activities of mutual interest in different areas of cooperation.

The closing ceremony was held at the Counter Terrorism Training Centre (CTTC) Mayange in Bugesera District.

IGIHE

'Deeply humbled and honoured to be reappointed as Prime Minister. Thank you Your Excellency Paul Kagame for this immense privilege,' Dr Ngirente posted on his X handle.

'I commit to continue serving our Country under your leadership and anticipate our journey to elevate Rwanda to even greater heights,' he added

The Head of State announced the reappointment of Ngirente as Rwanda’s Prime Minister on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, a reflection of his trust in his leadership.

Ngirente has served as Prime Minister since August 30, 2017, when he was first appointed to Cabinet.

He is credited with prioritizing accountability in the last Cabinet, promptly dismissing underperforming ministers and informing the public.

Before joining Kagame’s Cabinet, Ngirente held various roles, including Senior Advisor to the World Bank Executive Director in 2017 and Advisor to the World Bank Executive Director from 2011 to 2017.

He also served as a Senior Economic Advisor to Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and was the Director General of National Development Planning and Research in the same ministry.

He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Louvain (UCLouvain) in Belgium, a Master’s degree (MSc) in Agricultural Economics from UCLouvain, a Master’s degree (MA) in Financial Risk Management from Saint-Louis University in Brussels, a University Certificate in Statistics from UCLouvain, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics/International Economics from the University of Rwanda.

President Paul Kagame announced the reappointment of Ngirente as Rwanda’s Prime Minister on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, a reflection of his trust in his leadership.

Wycliffe Nyamasege