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Ntagungira, formerly the Chief Priest at Regina Pacis Parish in Kigali, brings a wealth of experience and a deep sense of responsibility to his new role.

Born on April 3, 1964, Bishop Ntagungira pursued his education at the Kigali minor seminary and Rutongo preparatory seminary, continuing his studies at the major seminary in Nyakibanda. He was ordained as a priest on August 1, 1993, in the Archdiocese of Kigali.

In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he shared his thoughts on his appointment, his experiences within the Church’s tribunal, and his perspectives on key global issues facing the Catholic Church.

Bishop Ntagungira expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by Pope Francis, acknowledging the mixture of joy and anxiety that accompanies such a significant responsibility.

“You feel joy, but also anxiety and concern because it would be a mistake to say, ‘I can do this, I will be able to handle it.’ It’s about saying, ‘Lord, you have chosen me for this; together with the other bishops, priests, and faithful of the diocese, we will work as one.’ That gives me confidence and eases my anxiety,” he said.

He emphasized that his leadership will be marked by collaboration and a shared journey of faith and development with the Christians of the Diocese of Butare.

“It’s about giving them the opportunity to express how they feel their Church should operate. This is crucial for the faithful, the priests, and other diocesan partners. It’s important to take time to listen, to reflect together because a bishop is not someone who makes decisions alone,” Ntagungira underscored.

Father Ntagungira also expressed his confidence in fulfilling his new responsibilities with the continued support and guidance of his predecessor, Bishop Philippe Rukamba.

Born on April 3, 1964, in Kigali, Bishop-elect Ntagungira began his spiritual journey in the Kigali minor seminary, followed by the Rutongo preparatory seminary. He also pursued advanced studies in philosophy and theology at the Nyakibanda major seminary, setting the stage for his lifelong dedication to the Catholic Church.

Serving in Church tribunal management

Bishop Ntagungira has held various significant roles within the Church. After his ordination, he served as the Director of studies at Ndera minor seminary from 1993 to 1994.

His academic achievements led him to the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law. Upon his return to Rwanda, he held several key positions, including Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kigali and President of the diocesan Commission for Missions and Ecumenism from 2001 to 2002.

In addition to his administrative duties, Ntagungira served as Rector of the Saint Vincent minor seminary in Ndera and played a crucial role at the Interdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Kigali since 2002. He explained that the tribunal handles various cases, including those involving priests who have engaged in improper conduct, as well as other matters concerning the Catholic faithful.

“The Church, like any other society, has its courts with various levels. There are courts that handle ordinary cases, whether involving a priest or a layperson who has done something wrong. These courts conduct investigations, pass judgments, and impose penalties,” he said.

The tribunal also addresses cases regarding the annulment of marriages under specific circumstances, differing from civil divorce by declaring a marriage invalid from the start if serious issues were present at the time of the union.

Priestly marriages and homosexuality in the Church

Addressing the growing call for priests to be allowed to marry, particularly in regions with declining clergy numbers, Bishop Ntagungira emphasized the importance of understanding the commitment to celibacy made by priests.

“When you enter the priesthood, you do so knowing that you are committing to celibacy. The reason is that we must be selfless parents to many, not bound to just one family,” he said. He added that if a priest chooses to leave the priesthood, the community should support rather than judge them.

On the topic of homosexuality within the Church, Bishop Ntagungira addressed the recent discussions about homosexuals receiving blessings from clergy, as allowed by Pope Francis.

However, he made it clear that the Catholic Church does not endorse same-sex relationships and cannot recognize same-sex couples as a family.

“You cannot make a family out of a same-sex couple because that would contradict the divine commandment given to Adam and Eve to ‘be fruitful and multiply.’ This is not something that can be overlooked,” he stated.

While individuals may receive blessings as children of God, the Church remains committed to teaching its stance and ensuring that individuals understand their position within the Church doctrine.

Bishop Ntagungira expressed his gratitude to the faithful of Regina Pacis Parish, where he previously served, and assured the Christians of the Diocese of Butare that he looks forward to working together to foster collaboration and unity.

Father Jean Bosco Ntagungira has been appointed by Pope Francis as the new Bishop of Butare Diocese following the resignation of Bishop Philippe Rukamba.

IGIHE

Despite these challenges, EGH achieved a 6% growth in its balance sheet, surpassing the 4% inflation rate, bringing total assets to Kshs 1.75 trillion (about Rwf18 trillion). The Group’s regional subsidiaries played a significant role, contributing nearly half of the total assets.

The Group’s deposit franchise grew by 11% year-on-year to Kshs 1.3 trillion (over Rwf13 trillion), driven by an expanding customer base now totaling 20.7 million. This increase in deposits has strengthened the Group’s liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents up by 55% to Kshs 341 billion (around Rwf3.5 trillion), and investment securities reaching Kshs 459 billion (approximately Rwf 4.7 trillion). The Group’s liquidity position remains robust at 57%.

Commenting on the development; Dr. James Mwangi, Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings, expressed confidence in the Group’s future saying, “We are optimistic that the strong liquidity of the Group has positioned us to effectively support our customers as the economy starts showing signs of improvement in the key markets we operate in.”

He also highlighted the Group’s strategic decision to reduce leverage by Kshs 75 billion (around Rwf770 billion) of expensive borrowings, further strengthening its financial position.

Among others, shareholders’ funds saw a 13% increase to Kshs 220 billion, boosting the Group’s capacity to support private sector initiatives like the Africa Resilience and Recovery Plan (ARRP). Interest income rose by 22% to Kshs 84.8 billion (around Rwf870 billion), despite challenges from inflation and interest rate fluctuations.

EGH’s diversification strategy continues to yield results, with its subsidiaries accounting for 47% of total loans and contributing 51% of the profit after tax. The Group’s operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have gained momentum, while the contribution from Kenya’s banking subsidiary slightly decreased.

The Group’s prudent management of non-performing loans (NPLs) has resulted in a coverage ratio of 70%, with an NPL ratio of 12.9%, lower than the industry average.
However, loan loss provisions increased by 35% as the Group remained cautious in light of global economic uncertainties.

Equity Group has expanded its insurance offerings, recently acquiring a general insurance license to complement its life assurance services. The Group now provides a wide range of financial services, including life, health, and wealth protection, and has issued over 12 million life policies.

The Group is also embracing technology, with 84% of all transactions now occurring through digital channels, reflecting its commitment to enhancing customer experience.

In addition to its financial successes, Equity Group is leading in climate action and sustainability. The Group has planted 29.5 million trees and provided significant climate finance, demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship.

Through its Equity Leaders Program (ELP), the Group continues to invest in education, recently awarding scholarships to 113 students from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC, further contributing to the development of future leaders.

As Equity Group Holdings Plc navigates the complexities of the global economic landscape, it remains committed to delivering value to its shareholders, customers, and communities, positioning itself for continued success in a challenging environment.

From left to right: Equity Group Chief Finance Officer, Moses Nyabanda, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi and Equity Group Chief Internal Auditor, Beth Kithinji, during the H1 2024 Investor Briefing event.

From left to right: Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi and Sally Jepkorir, a shareholder, during the H1 2024 Investor Briefing event. Equity Group Holdings has registered a 12% growth in profit after tax to Kshs. 29.6 billion for the period ended 30th June 2024 compared to a similar period last year.

From left to right: Equity Life Assurance (Kenya) Limited Managing Director, Angela Okinda, Equity Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. James Mwangi and Equity Group Chief Risk Officer, Sam Gitwekere, during the H1 2024 Investor Briefing event.

IGIHE

For nearly five hours, ever since he opened the stall at around 10:00 a.m., he has been tirelessly welcoming customers. And the genuine smile on his face reveals just how much he enjoys his work, finding joy in every interaction.

Twenty-four-year-old Mugisha Djuma is among the hundreds of youths helping various traders showcase and sell their products at the 27th Rwanda International Trade Fair (RITF 2024). A substantial number of such youths are working with foreign traders, some of whom are showcasing their products in Rwanda for the first time.

Twenty-four-year-old Mugisha Djuma is among the hundreds of youths helping various traders showcase and sell their products at the Rwanda Expo 2024 in Gikondo.

Djuma tells me that he met his current employer on the first day of the expo, just as the Ugandan trader was about to stock her stall.

'We met on the first day at the main gate. We talked briefly, and she said she needed someone to help sell her products. I told her I was available, and that’s how she hired me,' Djuma explains.

Although IGIHE arrived after the trader had left to attend to other business engagements, Djuma told us that it was her second time at the trade fair.

'From my conversations with her, she enjoys coming to Rwanda,' Djuma shared.
Next to Djuma’s stall is Muhammad Saleem, a businessman from Pakistan who is selling kitchen accessories.

Saleem, trading under Omar Trading Company, is showcasing and selling saucepans and pots. The unique kitchen items can prepare rice, meat and other foods within 20 minutes without using any oil or butter.

He reveals that the pots, which use steam to prepare delicious food, can help people ‘shed excess weight without dieting.’ As he explains how the technology works, a young lady and man are busy attending to other customers who are eager to try the pots.

Muhammad Saleem and his two employees busy in their stall.

'It’s truly a gift for people concerned about weight and those with cardiovascular conditions,' he explains.

At the end of his three-minute demonstration, Saleem confirms that the two young women are locals whom he hired when the expo started.

As I tour the expo further, I learn that tens of other young people have benefitted from similar job opportunities at the trade fair.

Enatha Uwase, 20, helps an Egyptian national sell luxurious perfumes at the expo, while another young man, who only identified himself as Nestor, sells leather shoes for another Egyptian family at an adjacent stall.

The businessmen prefer to hire locally to overcome language barriers and ensure a deeper understanding of the local market dynamics and consumer preferences.

An Egyptian businessman in his stall where he sells perfume imported from Dubai.

The young people I spoke to said that, besides providing them with a source of income, the expo also offers an opportunity to learn invaluable entrepreneurship skills from established business people.

A Kenyan businessman showcases artworks at the Gikondo expo.

I quickly learn that some of the vendors showcasing their products in Rwanda for the first time are interested in establishing local businesses. This presents the young people an opportunity to be retained even after the three-week expo closes on Thursday, August 15.

Organized annually by the Private Sector Federation (PSF), the expo draws participants from different countries. This year’s expo brought together more than 700 exhibitors from Egypt, Italy, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, among other countries across the globe.

A jewelry stall at the expo.

The expo provides a platform for businesses, professionals, and potential partners to meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships. This networking can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and business opportunities.

Mozambique government official Adeline Balate observed that the expo offers the country excellent brand exposure for its products.

Mozambique government was also represented at the expo.

'We are here to expose the potential of our country in order to attract new investors to invest in different sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, infrastructure and mining,' he stated.

'We are also seeking to enter into partnerships with local companies who wish to import our products and supply the local markets,' he added.

Mozambique produces various food crops such as maize, sorghum, millet, beans, and groundnuts.

Besides the exposure, participants in such events can learn about the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging innovations.

Egyptian national Adel Kamel, who sells gold-plated jewellery, has attended numerous expos in Rwanda over the past seven years. The 49-year-old has visited six other countries in Africa, but his experience in Rwanda remains unique.

'I love this country and its people. It is very safe and very clean. You have a kind President. I would like to do business here,' he revealed adding that he comes to Rwanda three times a year.

Egyptian national Adel Kamel sells gold-plated jewellery.

Some of the local companies that showcased their innovations at Expo 2024 include Irembo, which is responsible for building and maintaining the government’s one-stop service portal.

Irembo showcased its world-class, all-in-one service management platform and payment solution as it aims to expand the value these tools provide across different regions around the world.

Irembo has in the recent past established significant strategic partnerships to broaden its service offerings and reach new markets.

Irembo showcased its world-class, all-in-one service management platform and payment solution.

One major collaboration is the partnership with Old Mutual Rwanda, which aims to create an easy-to-use online platform where people can explore and purchase insurance products without the need for in-person consultations.

Besides the exposure, participants in such events can learn about the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging innovations.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

This appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Diocese of Butare, as Father Ntagungira steps into his role with a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to his pastoral duties.

Born on April 3, 1964, in Kigali, Bishop-elect Ntagungira began his spiritual journey in the Kigali minor seminary, followed by the Rutongo preparatory seminary. He pursued advanced studies in philosophy and theology at the Nyakibanda major seminary, setting the stage for his lifelong dedication to the Catholic Church.

Ordained as a priest on August 1, 1993, for the Archdiocese of Kigali, he initially served as the prefect of studies at the Ndera minor seminary.

His academic excellence led him to the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, where he earned a doctorate in canon law.

Following his return to Rwanda, he took on several key roles, including chancellor of the Archdiocese of Kigali and president of the diocesan Commission for Missions and Ecumenism.

In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Ntagungira served as rector of the Saint Vincent minor seminary in Ndera and held a crucial role at the Interdiocesan Ecclesiastical Tribunal of Kigali. Most recently, he was the parish priest of Regina Pacis in Kigali.

Bishop Philippe Rukamba, who has led the Butare Diocese for over two decades, leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service.

He held the position since he was appointed Bishop on January 18, 1997.

His episcopal ordination took place on April 12 of the same year.

Father Jean Bosco Ntagungira has been appointed by Pope Francis as the new Bishop of Butare Diocese following the resignation of Bishop Philippe Rukamba.

IGIHE

In 2014, the Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace organization, convened over a thousand global leaders from politics, religion, women’s groups, youth organizations, and the media from about 140 countries to the inaugural HWPL World Peace Summit in Seoul. The summit addressed the issues of conflict resolution, religious harmony, and the implementation of legal instruments to ensure lasting peace.

HWPL states that the purpose of the anniversary is to review achievements since 2014 and discuss future plans. The event aims to gather regional talents and establish networks essential for tailored peace strategies, strengthening regional networks to tackle local peace threats and harnessing collective capacities. To achieve this, various sessions will be held in each country at different levels.

Under the slogan “Let’s have everyone become a messenger of peace,” HWPL advocates for individual responsibility in promoting peace at all levels. HWPL plans to collect messages of peace from people around the world and reveal them at the event representing the desire for peace and unity of people from all walks of life around the world in the name of peace.

Fostered by the agreements signed in 2014, over the past decade, HWPL, alongside its global partners, committed to addressing global challenges such as military tensions, economic disputes, climate change, and cyber security threats through enhanced regional cooperation and collective action. HWPL’s dedicated to establishing a robust peace governance framework, connecting international organizations, governments, and civil societies.

Back in the 9th Anniversary in 2023, Chairman Lee Man-hee of HWPL said, 'Why should the lives of young people be sacrificed in war? What is politics, and for whom is it for? When war breaks out, it is young people who are sacrificed. Peace cannot be achieved through words alone. If peace had won in this world, there would have been no regrettable deaths. We must leave peace as a legacy to the global community where our descendants will live.'

HWPL plans to collect messages of peace from people around the world and reveal them at the event representing the desire for peace and unity of people from all walks of life around the world in the name of peace.

Chairman Lee of HWPL gives speech at the Global Peace Leaders Conference, 9th Anniversary of World Peace Summit 2023.

IGIHE

“The RSF militia resorted to new massacres after the systematic shelling of markets and civilian facilities, and storming homes of citizens and liquidating them,” he said.

According to the governor, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the joint force of the armed movements in the Darfur region had managed to repulse the RSF attack and inflicted heavy losses on them.

“El Fasher will remain resilient and steadfast and soon will be free of any rebels,” the governor said.

The RSF has not issued any comments regarding the attack.

Since May 10, fierce clashes between the SAF and the RSF have been raging in El Fasher.

Sudan has been witnessing a deadly conflict between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023, resulting in the loss of at least 16,650 lives. An estimated 10.7 million people are now internally displaced in Sudan, with approximately 2.2 million others seeking refuge in neighboring countries, according to recent UN data.

Sudan has been witnessing a deadly conflict between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023, resulting in the loss of at least 16,650 lives.

Xinhua

The colourful ceremony, graced by more than 20 Heads of State, marked the beginning of a new five-year mandate for the RPF-Inkotanyi chairman, who has put Rwanda on the world map with his transformative leadership.

As he returns to his Urugwiro Village office, his next major task will be to nominate members of his Cabinet who will assist him in implementing his development agenda for the next five years.

According to the Rwandan Constitution, President Kagame has 15 days to appoint a Prime Minister, who will then assist him in selecting Cabinet members.

After naming the Prime Minister, the President is required by law to appoint Cabinet members within 15 days, as per guidelines in Article 116 of the Constitution.

Therefore, Kagame is expected to appoint the Prime Minister by Monday, August 26, 2024, which will mark the end of the 15-day period.

Both the Prime Minister and Cabinet members serve at the President’s discretion, giving him all powers to either retain all, some, or none of the current members according to his strategic needs.

Article 118 of the Constitution of Rwanda provides that, before assuming office, the Prime Minister and Cabinet members must take an oath of office publicly before the President.

The Cabinet is accountable to both the President and Parliament. The members are, among other things, responsible for key roles, including policy development and implementation, administration and oversight of government programs and projects, budget management, and advising the President on various matters.

The next Parliament is expected to hold its first sitting within 30 days after the announcement of the final election results, which should occur by August 22, given that the results were announced on July 22.

The biggest task ahead for the new Cabinet will be to develop and implement policies to accelerate Rwanda’s growth in all areas, as pledged by Kagame during his swearing-in on Sunday.

He pledged 'more hard work' while acknowledging that Rwanda had exceeded expectations in terms of growth over the past 30 years, despite being derailed by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

'Our tragic past ignited a fire in each one of us, the fire of hope, resilience, and justice,' Kagame said.

'From security to health, infrastructure, and jobs for youth, we are taking responsibility for our challenges and offering solutions. That is the mind set that brings us closer together and creates positive change over time for everyone.'

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Born in Ngozi, Burundi, and raised in Uganda, Sezibera was among the youth who made the life-changing decision to leave behind their personal pursuits to join the fight to liberate Rwanda after completing his medical studies.

At the battlefield, he undertook numerous roles: from wielding a gun and directly confronting the enemy to treating the wounded under dire conditions plus leading his fellow fighters in some incidences.

After Rwanda’s liberation, Sezibera served in various capacities, including in the government, parliament, foreign missions in different roles and at the World Health Organization (WHO). At one time Sezibera faced health challenges that saw him out of politics for around four years.

In 2019, Dr. Sezibera suffered a stroke, a serious, life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off and can potentially lead to death if immediate medical attention is not provided. The stroke struck unexpectedly, but with the support of his family and the Rwandan government, he is now on the road to recovery.

In an exclusive interview recently with RBA, Ambassador Dr. Sezibera discussed his current condition and reflected on the journey he has taken since childhood.

“I was born in Ngozi, Burundi, partly because of Rwanda’s turbulent history. My father was killed in 1963. I was born a refugee in that country, but I grew up in Uganda with my uncle’s family, where I studied until I returned to Rwanda in 1990 with the Rwanda Patriotic Army,” he revealed.

Despite being born and raised in exile, he always knew that one day he would return home and claim his rights like any other citizen. This belief was the main reason he joined others in taking up arms after peaceful means had failed to liberate the country.

Determined to regain rights to his homeland, which had been denied to him, he left Uganda amid political difficulties where Rwandans were constantly reminded that Uganda was not their ancestral home.

“I always thought I would find a way back to my country. Fortunately, the Rwandan Patriotic Front was organizing itself in Uganda, and that gave us hope that we would eventually come back to our country,' he narrated.

Born in 1964, before joining the army, Ambassador Dr. Sezibera initially practiced medicine in Uganda, first at Mbuya Military Hospital and then in Mbale, where he worked for a few months at Mbale district Hospital for a year.

He decided to leave a well-paying job in a country with all the necessities to contribute his skills to treating those wounded in an effort to liberate his country.

“For four years, I practiced medicine in the bush. It was tough because we had no medical supplies and infrastructure, but despite that, medical care was needed. We did our best with what we had. We carried out major surgeries in the banana plantations with basic anesthesia,” he said.

“It was quite tough to perform surgeries under fire, sometimes in the dark, under torchlight. It was a task that required great dedication,” added Sezibera.

They also provided medical care to the impoverished local population. “When we were operating in the northern part of Rwanda, one area I remember is there were very poor people. We ended up not only vaccinating our troops but also the surrounding communities. Although we lacked enough equipment and medicines, we shared whatever we had with the local population, which had clearly been abandoned by their government for a very long time,' he said.

Sezibera recounts that this difficult life taught him many valuable lessons, including the resilience of the youth who were on the battlefield with unwavering determination.

There were times when a soldier under his care, perhaps just after surgery of battle wounds, would try to escape their sick days before they were fully healed to return to the frontline to help defeat the enemy.

“The second lesson I learned was the importance of leadership. After major operations in what we called the theater, I would sometimes see President Kagame, who was the commander, appearing to check on the situation, following up on whether we had what the young people needed. Having a leader like that, always aware of what is going on and solving problems, both major and minor,” he said, “taught me the value of leadership. He didn’t need to say anything; all of us just learned from that.”

When Rwanda was finally liberated, Ambassador Sezibera and his unit were stationed on Jali Hill in 1994, where they fought. On the night of July 3, 1994, Habyarimana’s forces began fleeing the country, retreating from Kigali with haste.

As the situation improved and Rwanda was liberated, his team thought they would move into the city to assist in other tasks, but they were told it was not possible and that they needed to chase the fleeing forces out of the country.

“My unit was asked to join others to chase withdrawing forces up to Gisenyi and confirm they had crossed into Zaire. I actually never entered the capital with the rest. I went straight to Gisenyi,” he noted.

However, after three weeks, he received an urgent message requesting his return to Kigali, where he was appointed Secretary to President Pasteur Bizimungu.
He served in this role for a few months before being elected in 1995 as one of the six representatives of the army in the Transitional National Assembly, where he served until 1999.

“I was then appointed Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States. After completing my tour of duty, I came back to Rwanda and became the President’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region for several years,” he revealed.

He later became Minister of Health, utilizing his medical background, and served as Secretary General of the East African Community from 2011 to 2016, followed by a stint as a Senator until 2018. In 2018, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, a role he held until November 2019.

Overcoming a stroke

The stroke occurred while he was one of the four Special Envoys of the Commonwealth. When asked how it happened, Sezibera remembers vividly that he was at work as usual and had gone for lunch when the stroke struck.

“I didn’t have any warning signs. I was in good health, and I was a sportsperson. At the time, I was doing my work, playing tennis as usual, and wasn’t overweight. I was a bit heavier than I wanted to be, but I wasn’t overweight. But today, I am on the path to recovery,” he says.

Sezibera shared that he is now feeling better and is in the process of recovering fully from the stroke, thanks to the excellent medical care he received, supported by the Rwandan government and his family.

“I am recovering, but it takes time. Let’s remember that I am not a very young man. If I had been in my twenties, then I would have probably recovered much faster than I have now.'

In the early months after the stroke, he used a wheelchair for about three months before beginning to walk independently. He mentioned that he was fortunate that his brain was not severely affected, allowing him to retain his ability to speak, remember, and function normally.

“It was a challenge for my family, but they have been very helpful. My wife and children were always there for me. I received very good support from the president and the government. I was provided with excellent medical care both in Rwanda and outside. It was a difficult time, but I am grateful we got through it.”

Among the lessons he learned from these challenges was the importance of God, country, and family.

Regarding future work, Sezibera indicates that he is focusing on his recovery, as that is also a task in itself.

However, in relation to his appointment as a WHO special envoy for health and education, he occasionally works with the team and writes to fulfill these responsibilities.

After Rwanda’s liberation, Dr. Sezibera served in various capacities, including in the government, parliament, representing Rwanda in other countries, at the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international roles.

Born in Ngozi, Burundi, and raised in Uganda, Dr. Sezibera was among the youth who made the life-changing decision to leave behind their personal pursuits to join the fight to liberate Rwanda after completing his medical studies.

IGIHE

The Kenyan Head of State praised Rwanda’s tremendous growth in the political, democratic, and economic spheres since the 1994 Genocide that left the country in ruins.

He made these remarks while congratulating President Paul Kagame after he was sworn in for another term in office on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

President Ruto was among more than 20 Heads of State who attended Kagame’s inauguration for a fourth term at Amahoro Stadium.

Taking to X after the event, President Ruto noted that the new term presents an opportunity for Kagame to continue his transformative leadership in Rwanda.

'Congratulations to my brother, President Paul Kagame, for being sworn in for another term to continue transforming your country, Rwanda,' President Ruto wrote.

'In the past 30 years, the people of Rwanda have risen from the devastating ashes of the 1994 Genocide and undergone tremendous progress in the political, democratic, and economic spheres.'

He also lauded Rwanda as a valuable member of the East African Community, the African Union, and the international community.

President Kagame, who led the Rwandan Patriotic Army to liberate Rwanda in July 1994 was officially first elected president in 2000 after his predecessor, Pasteur Bizimungu resigned.

The RPF Inkotanyi flag bearer secured a landslide victory in the latest polls held in mid-July, garnering 99.16% of the votes cast. He defeated Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, who got 0.5% of the vote, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, who managed a minute 0.32%.

In his inauguration speech, the Head of State acknowledged that much has been achieved over the past 30 years, surpassing expectations. He pledged to continue efforts to build and advance the country.

'Our focus now returns to the future. For the last thirty years, our country has been a good work-in-progress. This new mandate means the beginning of even more hard work,' he told thousands of citizens and other dignitaries who attended the colourful ceremony.

President Ruto was among more than 20 Heads of State who attended Kagame’s inauguration for a fourth term at Amahoro Stadium.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

As the new millennium approached, anxiety gripped the world, driven by religious prophecies, technological fears, and a collective sense of uncertainty.

Certain religious groups and individuals, armed with biblical convictions or other religious teachings, were particularly inclined to make extreme preparations for the end of the world.

In countries including Rwanda and elsewhere people with fervent beliefs sold valuables, including land and homes, at bargain prices, convinced they would no longer need them after the supposed end.

Many donated their proceeds to religious organizations, paid off debts, or disposed of material possessions they believed would become meaningless in the face of an imminent apocalypse.

As New Year’s Eve of 1999 approached, a palpable sense of dread enveloped the globe. People stayed awake, waiting in confusion and fear for the unknown.

The clock ticking toward midnight on December 31, 1999, symbolized more than just the arrival of a new year—it was seen as the harbinger of apocalyptic doom.

Predictions of the end of time had circulated for years, fueled by religious interpretations, technological concerns, and societal anxiety. But when the clock struck midnight, the world did not end.

The feared doomsday proved to be nothing more than a phantom, leaving the world to grapple with the psychological, social, and economic aftermath of its own self-imposed panic.

When the year 2000 arrived without significant disruptions, those who had made drastic decisions based on doomsday fears, were left to face the consequences.

The Y2K bug turned out to be a minor glitch rather than the catastrophic event many had feared.

Financial hardships followed for many who had sold properties at subsidized prices or made irreversible financial choices. The episode remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of panic-driven decisions rooted in unfounded fears.

The roots of the millennium panic can be traced to a convergence of religious, technological, and cultural factors. For many, the year 2000 represented a significant milestone in biblical prophecy.

Edgar C. Whisenant, author of The End: Why Jesus Could Return by A.D. 2000, was among the most vocal proponents of the idea that the second coming of Christ was imminent.

His book resonated with millions who believed the world was nearing its final days, meticulously interpreting scripture to pinpoint the year 2000 as the likely time for Jesus’ return.

The religious anticipation extended beyond mainstream Christianity. Figures like Ben Ammi Ben-Israel, founder of the Black Hebrew Israelite religion, also predicted the end would occur in 2000, believing it would mark the beginning of divine justice and redemption for the chosen people.

The sense of urgency and anticipation was palpable, with communities preparing for what they believed would be a momentous, albeit catastrophic, event.

Even the academic and technological worlds were not immune to the apocalyptic fervor. The approach of the year 2000 brought with it the Y2K bug, a technological panic based on the fear that computer systems worldwide would malfunction when their clocks rolled over from ’99’ to ’00,’ interpreting the year 2000 as 1900.

Books like The Millennium Bug: How to Survive the Coming Chaos by Michael S. Hyatt capitalized on these fears, presenting doomsday scenarios where technology would fail, bringing modern civilization to its knees.

As the year 2000 drew closer, panic spread across the globe. Governments, corporations, and individuals scrambled to prepare for what they believed could be the end.

In the United States, President Bill Clinton established the President’s Council on Year 2000 Conversion, a task force dedicated to ensuring critical systems were Y2K compliant.

As the final seconds of 1999 ticked away, the world stood at the edge of the unknown, bracing for a digital apocalypse that never came.

Companies spent billions on upgrades and contingency plans, while the public stockpiled essentials, bracing for a world where basic services might suddenly vanish.

Religious communities were particularly active in their preparations. Churches held vigils, prayer meetings, and other gatherings, where believers sought divine protection from the impending apocalypse. Some made pilgrimages to holy sites, hoping to be in the right place when the end came.

The media played a very significant role in fueling the panic, with news outlets running stories on various doomsday scenarios, from nuclear war to natural disasters, that could be triggered by the turn of the millennium.

Yet, as midnight struck on December 31, 1999, nothing happened. The Y2K bug turned out to be a minor glitch rather than the catastrophic event many had feared.

Planes did not fall from the sky as had been earlier anticipated, power grids did not fail, and financial markets did not collapse. The apocalyptic prophecies, too, proved unfounded. Jesus did not return, the chosen people were not delivered, and the new millennium began much like any other year, with fireworks, celebrations, and the usual mix of hope and uncertainty.

In the aftermath of the non-event, there was a collective sense of bewilderment. For those who had genuinely believed in the prophecies, the absence of catastrophe was disorienting. Some felt betrayed, questioning why the signs they had so carefully interpreted had not come to pass.

As explored in Leon Festinger’s When Prophecy Fails, people often respond to the failure of their expectations by doubling down on their beliefs rather than abandoning them.

This was evident after the year 2000, with some believers reinterpreting the events, suggesting that the world had been given a temporary reprieve or that the true end was still to come.

The economic impact of the millennium panic was significant. The billions spent on Y2K preparations, while arguably necessary to avoid potential disruptions, represented a massive expenditure driven largely by fear.

Companies that had invested heavily in Y2K compliance found themselves with surplus supplies and systems that, in many cases, were never needed. The public, too, was left with stockpiled goods, a reminder of the hysteria that had gripped the world.

Culturally, the year 2000 marked a turning point in how society viewed apocalyptic predictions. The panic preceding the new millennium was a testament to the power of prophecy, fear, and the human tendency to expect the worst.

It also highlighted the complexities of navigating a world where technological and religious anxieties can converge to create a perfect storm of fear.

As we moved into the 21st century, the lessons of the millennium panic remained, reminding us that while the future is uncertain, it is not something to be feared, but rather something to be appreciated and approached with caution, preparation, and a healthy dose of skepticism.

Unfortunately, some callous acts in the region that came in the aftermath of this hysteria left sad marks and scars that may never be healed in the world’s history.

About 130km from the Northern border of Rwanda and Uganda in Kanungu district, a self-styled high priestess Credonia Mwerinde had told her followers that the world was going to end on December 31, 1999 but when this did not happen, the cult leader and her accomplices decided to end it their way.

On March 16, 2000, over 600 cult members and their families were herded into a church hall named the Ark, in reference to the biblical Noah’s ark, all doors and windows were boarded up and nailed shut, and it was set ablaze.

Many of Credonia’s followers and even some of the renegade Catholic clerics believed she had spiritual powers following her claims to have seen apparitions of the Virgin Mary who directed her to spread the message of strict adherence to the 10 Commandments to avoid apocalyptic damnation.

Predictions of the end of time had circulated for years, fueled by religious interpretations, technological concerns, and societal anxiety.

Théophile Niyitegeka