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The scene was both vibrant and familiar. Some people carried baskets filled with gifts, a symbol of gratitude and communal sharing. The organizers seldom bring rounds of freshly boiled maize (a beloved traditional staple food), and crates of all kinds of drinks.

As we ate, discussions about the significance of the day revolved around how to honour our ancestors and the fruits of their labour, an appreciation and profound acknowledgement of the community’s collective efforts and the bounty provided by the land.

Discussions about the significance of the day revolved around how to honour our ancestors and the fruits of their labour.

Anathalia Mukamusoni, a mother of three, dressed her family in colourful traditional attire, feels a growing sense of responsibility to welcome me and we strike a conversation. The significance of the day begins to take shape through the unfolding festivities and interactions.

She begins by explaining to me the depth of a communal spirit. She is so passionate about the government initiative of providing nutritious meals for children at school where parents are expected to take a leading role.

The genuine enthusiasm I encounter in her makes it clear that Umuganura is not only about celebrating the harvest but also about fostering community support for future generations.

My first physical attendance at Umuganura Day transformed my understanding of the event from a distant concept to a deeply felt experience.

Local leaders and the general public took to the microphone one by one sharing layers of insight into the day’s meaning. They explain that Umuganura is more than a feast; it’s a testament of unity and hard work.

'Together, we cultivate our fields, and together, we celebrate the fruits of our labour,' Pascal Niyigena, one of the village leaders proclaimed; words that resonated deeply with the the essence of communal achievement and solidarity.

People kept discussing dedication to community service, and quoted an ancient Rwandan proverb: 'Umuhinzi n’umurinzi, ni bo bahesha igihugu ishema,' a phrase emphasizing the vital roles that farmers and protectors (such as soldiers, police, and other security personnel) play in upholding the pride and dignity of a nation through their hard work and dedication.

Others highlighted the value of diligence and security by working together and ensuring our safety, laying a strong foundation for future generations. These discussions further enriched my understanding of Umuganura’s broader significance.

As the day progressed, traditional dances and songs filled the air, celebrating Rwandan heritage and unity.

I watched Nyiransabimana’s children join the dances, and their laughter was a joyful testament to the occasion. The experience had evolved from mere observation to an immersive celebration of community values and shared heritage.

As the sun set, casting a serene twilight over my village home, the community gathering left a remarkable seal and a profound sense of connection and appreciation for the traditions that bind the community together.

My first physical attendance at Umuganura Day transformed my understanding of the event from a distant concept to a deeply felt experience.

Today, I sit with a heart full of gratitude and a newfound respect for the vibrant traditions that celebrate both the harvest and the strength of a community.

The writer (in a black cap and wearing glasses) enjoys boiled maize during Umuganura Day celebrations at a village hall meeting in Kigali on Friday, August 2, 2024.

Sam K Nkurunziza

In a communication to the incoming students, UR expressed enthusiasm for their achievements.

“Congratulations on your admission to the University of Rwanda. Your hard work and dedication have paid off, and we are thrilled to welcome you to the University of Rwanda Community,” the statement read in part.

The preparatory program aims to support a smooth transition from high school to university. It will help students become familiar with campus facilities, academic expectations, and provide essential skills for a positive learning experience. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for students to meet academic staff and peers.

“This program will allow you to familiarize yourself with your campus, its resources, and academic expectations. It will also equip you with skills that foster a positive learning experience during university studies,” the university stated.

Students are expected to arrive at their campuses on August 10th or 11th, 2024.

Attendance is compulsory, with the university emphasizing the importance of full participation.

“This is a compulsory program, and we highly encourage you to participate in all scheduled sessions. This will equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in your studies,” the letter explained.

Students are expected to arrive at their campuses on August 10th or 11th, 2024. The university has arranged transportation from the nearest bus station and will provide accommodation, meals, and necessary stationery. Students are advised to bring personal sanitary facilities and sportswear.

For those facing significant obstacles to attending, the university has requested notification via email to the respective campus focal persons.

The University of Rwanda’s preparatory program aims to ensure that new students start their academic journey with the necessary support and resources.

The University of Rwanda preparatory program aims to support a smooth transition from high school to university.

Sam K Nkurunziza

In an official notice issued on August 1, 2024, RSSB confirmed that salaried mothers will continue to receive full pay during their maternity leave.

According to the new law, employers are responsible for the salary for the initial six weeks of maternity leave, with RSSB providing benefits for the remaining eight weeks.

'Rwanda Social Security Board is pleased to inform all employers and employees of the adoption of Law No. 049/2024 dated 04/06/2024, which amends Law No. 003/2016 dated 30/03/2016 establishing and governing the maternity leave benefits scheme,' the notice stated.

The notice also detailed the reimbursement process for employers, emphasizing that the employer will cover the maternity leave benefits for the full fourteen weeks and subsequently claim reimbursement from RSSB for the eight weeks.

The deadline for reimbursement claims has been extended from three months to six months following the completion of maternity leave.

RSSB advised employers who have granted the 14-week maternity leave to submit their reimbursement claims with the necessary supporting documents.

These documents should include a letter or certificate confirming the maternity leave granted and pay slips related to the fourteen weeks of maternity leave.

The extension aligns Rwanda’s maternity leave policy with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) recommendations.

The policy change follows advocacy from lobby groups and Members of Parliament, who argued that the previous 12-week leave was inadequate for mothers to properly care for their newborns. The extension to 14 weeks is seen as a step towards supporting working mothers more effectively.

Former Minister of Public Services and Labour, Fanfan Rwanyindo Kayirangwa, had expressed support for a six-month maternity leave during a Parliamentary session on March 21, 2023, noting that such an extension would require significant adjustments to the social security system and budget.

The new 14-week maternity leave policy is part of Rwanda’s ongoing efforts to enhance social security and support for working mothers, providing them with additional time to bond with and care for their newborns during the crucial early months.

The extension of maternity leave to 14 weeks is seen as a step towards supporting working mothers more effectively.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The discussions focused on easing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC and addressing the ongoing crisis in Eastern DRC. Leaders at the Luanda talks unanimously agreed that the warring parties in Eastern DRC should cease fighting by August 4, 2024.

The discussions, mediated by Angola’s President João Lourenço, were welcomed by various organizations and countries, urging their implementation to restore peace.

However, MONUSCO’s statement misrepresented the ceasefire as between Rwanda and DRC, causing friction with Rwanda.

Nduhungirehe criticized the statement as misleading, emphasizing that the ceasefire is among the warring factions in Eastern DRC, monitored by an ad hoc mechanism with intelligence officers.

Nduhungirehe urged international actors to be precise in their communications to contribute positively to a sustainable solution. He clarified that the Luanda process involves states, not warring parties, explaining the absence of M23 representation.

Reflecting on the summit, which marked his second meeting with Congolese representatives, Nduhungirehe highlighted the constructive spirit and agreements on the ceasefire, neutralizing the FDLR, and disengaging forces.

He stressed the importance of implementation, noting past failures with nine previous agreements since the Lusaka ceasefire in 1999.

Nduhungirehe emphasized the need for actionable plans, particularly to neutralize the FDLR. Tensions between Rwanda and DRC escalated in 2022, with mutual accusations of supporting rebel groups, which both nations denied.

Held on Tuesday, July 30, in Luanda, Angola, the key meeting addressed regional security concerns.

Rwanda was represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, and the DRC by Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagnar.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe has shed light on recent Luanda resolutions and criticized MONUSCO’s misleading statement.

Théophile Niyitegeka

The four-day summit, which begins on August 1st at the Marriott Hotel, features notable African leaders, experts, and impact makers who will converge to discuss, analyze, and initiate new pathways for Africa’s business and leadership future.

Participants include leaders and experts from various fields who have been carefully selected and will be honored in recognition of their efforts towards Africa’s development.

The theme of the summit is 'Fostering Collaboration and Networking Among Business, Governance, and Security Stakeholder Leaders Across the African Continent.'

Activities lined up for the summit include plenary sessions and panel discussions, award presentation, and fashion runway.

During the opening ceremony, the organisers led by the chief convener, Amb. Kingsley Amafibe, stated that the summit aims to foster collaboration and networking among business, governance, and security stakeholder leaders across the African continent.

Over 50 recipients will be recognized for their efforts towards Africa’s development, including H.E. Dr. Dauda Lawal, the current Governor of Zamfara State, Nigeria and Dr. G D Singh, the founder and chairman of the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Others are Melody Fidel Okwuazu a notable Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist famous for his contributions to youth mentorship and business coaching and and Adeniyi Victor, a biotechnology and pharmaceutical expert based in Nigeria.

Sam K Nkurunziza

The drive, held on Saturday, July 27, brought together more than 150 riders using electric motorbikes, underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and reducing carbon emissions across the continent.

The drive commenced at Spiro’s warehouse in Masoro, located in the Special Economic Zone, where the company has so far deployed 1,000 bikes on the road.

The route weaved through the scenic streets of Kigali, showcasing Spiro’s cutting-edge electric bikes and raising awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and its role in combating climate change.

The flag-off was conducted by two of Spiro’s youngest staff members, Atete Benigne and Akimanimpaye Odile, symbolizing the future generation’s involvement in sustainable initiatives.

The flag-off was conducted by two of Spiro’s youngest staff members, Atete Benigne and Akimanimpaye Odile.

Kaushik Burman, CEO of Spiro, described the drive as a testament to the growing community of sustainable transportation advocates.

'We are proud to bring together 150 riders who share our vision for a cleaner, greener future,' the CEO stated.

Arun Bhandari, Head of Spiro Rwanda, said, “This drive is not only a celebration of our achievements but also a strong statement of our commitment to sustainable mobility in Africa. We are excited to see the positive impact our electric bikes are making in Rwanda and beyond.”

Spiro affirms that its bikes, equipped with mid-drive motors, are built to deliver better performance on Rwanda’s hilly terrain, which poses unique challenges for transportation.

'By placing the motor in the middle of the bike, the weight is evenly distributed, enhancing stability and making it easier to climb steep inclines. This design allows riders to tackle hilly terrains with greater ease and efficiency,' Spiro explains.

Spiro is keen to expand its operations into new regions, bringing the benefits of electric mobility to more communities across Rwanda.

Recently the company launched operations in Muhanga, located in the southern province. The operations of the office, the smart station, and the deployment of bikes were inaugurated by the CEO and the Spiro Rwanda team.

The launch was attended by cooperative members, including the president of the moto-taxi riders in Muhanga. The company has deployed 25 bikes in this area, with plans to increase the number of bikes on the road soon due to promising leads.

The company plans to expand into Huye, Bishenyi, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Bugesera, Nyamata, and Mayange before the end of the year.

So far, Spiro has distributed more than 18,000 electric motorbikes and 40,000 swappable batteries, which are in operation across Benin, Togo, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

These findings were revealed at UR’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS) in Kigali on July 30, 2024. The technology is expected to provide substantial benefits to over two million Rwandans affected by hypertension.

The ‘Heart Care@Home’ technology is designed for early detection of blood pressure issues, enabling patients to self-monitor and reducing hospital queues, thereby easing the burden on those with limited resources.

The first phase of research, presented after two years of collaboration between UR and Ghent University, featured significant input from Rwandan health advisors who monitored participating patients.

Prof. Dr. Marc Twagirumukiza of Ghent University highlighted that the ‘Heart Care@Home’ technology could significantly reduce severe hypertension cases in Rwanda.

He noted, “This assists patients by minimizing hospital visits and improving medication adherence, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.”

The technology was tested on 140 high blood pressure patients at Kibagabaga Hospital from May 24, 2024, to July 28, 2024, with twice-weekly measurements.

Nine community health workers collected and uploaded patient data into a system for doctors to review, enabling quick identification of deteriorating conditions and prompt phone consultations.

Among the 140 patients, seven had critically high blood pressure levels (Stage Three) requiring immediate attention. The data showed that five of these patients were not adhering to their medication, while the remaining two had underlying health issues.

Dr. Olive Mukeshimana emphasized the benefits of the ‘Heart Care@Home’ technology, noting it reduces the need for monthly hospital visits.

Community health worker Adélaïde Ugirase concurs that this system has greatly helped hypertensive patients to keep their health in check.

Juliette Gasana, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Rwanda, highlighted that the idea of this technology stemmed from recognizing the high prevalence of severe hypertension in Rwanda and the challenges in providing timely treatment.

Gasana explained that the research addressed the challenges hypertensive patients faced in accessing treatment, such as long distances and 30-day wait periods for follow-up visits.

The aim is to enable more frequent blood pressure measurements and keep doctors informed without the lengthy wait.

Conducted in collaboration with the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) and funded by the Flemish Interuniversity Council (VLIR-UOS), this research sought to improve hypertension management in Rwanda

Jean de Dieu Bugingo from ERITCUS Solutions Ltd, who developed this technology and explained its functionality.

Those who contributed to the research were recognized.

Every community health worker involved in monitoring the research participants was recognized.

Dr. Olive Mukeshimana, who monitored the patients at Kibagabaga Hospital using this technology, mentioned that its approval could be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure.

Professor Dr. Marc Twagirumukiza, a medical lecturer at Ghent University in Belgium, shed light on the collaboration between Rwanda and the university in the development of this technology.

This research was presented at UR’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS) in Kigali on July 30, 2024.

IGIHE

The management of Mega Global Market says the e-commerce platform will facilitate the buying and selling of various nutritional supplements and fitness equipment, promoting self-improvement and wellness.

Gym and fitness equipment are among items that will be listed on the online platform.

Technology has permeated numerous aspects of human activity, with e-commerce demonstrating rapid growth.

While announcing the planned launch, Dr. Francis Habumugisha, the CEO of Mega Global Market, revealed the products on the new platform will be shipped from various factories in China, America, and India.

The equipment will shipped from China, America, and India.

He said, 'We have four factories in China that produce health and beauty products, beauty and health machines that help you look good and prevent premature ageing. We also have factories in India that produce products that change many people’s lives, including children, women, and men.'

He explained that this market has its own system of conducting business, but anyone who wants to become a partner can request to have an account registered in their name.

He added, 'E-commerce and bringing such modern items online, so you can buy them from anywhere, is the best and most modern method. We want you to have your own channel, but we provide you with modern health products that are enjoyable and that children will love.'

'Our goal is to help you by providing fitness equipment needed by elderly men and women to stretch their muscles, those with back problems, and equipment that will help people prevent different health issues by activating the body and massaging all parts of the body, starting from the feet to wake up all dormant nerves.'

Habumugisha revealed that customized fitness equipment or nutritional supplements can be provided upon request.

He explained that to start this business, certain products, including fitness machines, must be purchased first. These purchases will also grant the buyer a membership card and are associated with the opportunity to represent the market in a chosen region, country, or continent.

He mentioned that there are 'contracts we sign with you through a notary, including the documents of our factories, and the system details where we agree on how the products will be shipped from our location to yours, how you will pay, and which region you will operate in. We provide products that you can start selling, and you can pay gradually and improve your business.'

It is estimated that individuals working with Mega Global Market can achieve a profit margin of over 30%. In addition to the online market, there is a physical store where customers can purchase items in person.

The management plans to open the first branch in Rwanda, staffed by experts including administrative officials and business development leaders. Subsequent branches will follow in Canada, the United States, and Europe. The African headquarters will be based in Rwanda.

Mega Global Market offers seven original nutritional supplements certified by various international institutions to ascertain their safety. Additionally, the market provides a range of wellness products, including massage chairs, spinal alignment devices plus muscle and joint care equipment.

IGIHE

The country recorded an impressive 98.20% voter turnout among the nine million people who registered to vote in the election.

The voter turnout was, however, not surprising given the previous trend. It represented a 0.05% increase from the voter turnout of 98.15% recorded in the 2017 presidential election.

Compared with the parliamentary elections of 2018, where 93% of registered voters participated, it was an increase of 5%.

Rwanda’s voter turnout is encouraging compared to neighbouring countries in the East African region and beyond.

Kenya, which held its general election in 2022, recorded a 64.77% voter turnout in the presidential election, Uganda’s turnout in 2021 was 59.35%, while Tanzania’s turnout in the 2020 election was 50.72%.

Low voter turnout has also been observed in developed countries like the United States, where only 66.6% of the 161.42 million registered voters participated in the 2020 election. Moreover, 40% of eligible voters, mostly young people, did not vote in the 2016 election.

Voter indifference across the world remains debatable, but there is a general consensus that mistrust in electoral systems, political violence, intimidation, and lack of civic education contribute to the issue.

Charles Munyaneza, the Executive Secretary of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), highlighted in a recent exclusive interview with IGIHE that various civic education programs by the commission, coupled with lobbying from the political class and other interested parties, often contribute to the high voter turnout in Rwanda.

Munyaneza intimated that after the conclusion of the 2017 and 2018 presidential and parliamentary elections, the commission engaged in a continuous voter registration exercise that resulted in the registration of 1.8 million new voters for this year’s election.

A majority of these voters were registered during an intense national voter registration drive conducted between March and June of this year.

A majority of the new voters were young people. Munyaneza noted that various social media campaigns rolled out by NEC helped the commission appeal to the youth and encouraged them to exercise their democratic right.

The campaign involved the use of catchy short messages, graphics and videos detailing the registration process, the process of voting, and why it is important to vote.

“We have been crafting and sending out messages through various social media platforms, and they have proven to be very effective,” Munyaneza explained.

The commission also implemented technology that simplified self-confirmation of voter registration and the process of changing polling stations.

To make voting easier and more convenient, NEC established over 16,000 polling stations across the country, an increase of about 500 from those set up in 2017. This ensured that polling stations were easily accessible to eligible voters, whether in towns, markets or villages.

'We ensured that each polling station had no more than 900 people assigned to it to avoid long queues,' he added.

The government has also played a role in engaging citizens with the electoral process. Local government officials use weekly public forums, such as 'Inteko y’abaturage,’ to discuss issues affecting the community. These forums provide platforms for both mobilization and civic education on the electoral process.

Mnyaneza also observed that lobbying by the political class during the campaigns contributed to the voter turnout.

President Paul Kagame, who was re-elected in the recent election, had urged the youth to become actively involved in politics ahead of the polls.

He advised young people who shy away from politics to reconsider their stance, as all decisions made by countries, whether good or bad, are the result of political processes.

'There is no where you are going to run away from politics, this is a fact. You, especially the young people should join us and we combine efforts to strengthen the good politics,' he said.

Kagame, who ran for the presidency on RPF Inkotanyi party ticket, is credited with transforming Rwanda through significant economic and social reforms.

Under his leadership, Rwanda has experienced growth and development in areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, which were severely hurt by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Kagame has also been lauded for his firm anti-corruption stance in his administration, which has promoted accountability among government officials. This approach has also fostered public confidence in both public institutions and the electoral system.

He won this year’s presidential election with 99.18% of the votes cast, securing 8,822,794 votes. Dr. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda came in second with 44,479 votes (0.50%), while Philippe Mpayimana finished third with 28,466 votes (0.32%).

In the parliamentary election, Kagame’s RPF Inkotanyi and its coalition partners remained dominant in the House of Deputies after securing 68.83% of the votes. The parties, including PD, PPC, PSR, PSP, and UDPR, will share 37 seats in parliament with the RPF.

Other parties that will be represented in the House are PL (5 seats), PSD (5), DGPR-Green Party (2), PDI (2) and PS Imberakuri (2).

Rwandans went to the polls on July 15, 2024, to elect their president and members of parliament in a general election lauded by observers as 'peaceful and calm'.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Man has pondered for ages trying to understand what happens after death, unfortunately we may never know because no dead ever comes back to give an account of what really happens.

The Holy scriptures paint an imagination of the afterlife but with existing accounts of people claiming near-death experiences, this topic remains a subject of contention.

Most religious beliefs adduce to the fact that there is a certain form of afterlife to which people transit after death. These are some of them. Almost all religious perceptions suggest that life after death is grounded in scriptures or traditions.

Christians believe that after death they will be taken into the presence of God, where they will be judged for their deeds while still alive. Depending on the outcome, one would qualify for heaven or hell.

The concept of Hell is also deeply rooted in the idea of free will. Hell is traditionally depicted as a place of eternal fire symbolizing pain and suffering. Hell is viewed as a punishment for not 'doing' God’s will while still alive.

While religion teaches that earthly experiences are a foretaste of greater blessings to come after this life, some people dispute these accounts saying those are fabricated stories to attract relevance.

Although some claim to witness apparitions or experience ambiguous sparking thoughts about life beyond death, no one has ever rose from the dead to give a firsthand experience.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of Purgatory, an intermediate state between heaven and hell.

According to this belief, upon death, people who have sinned undergo purification as a way to enter heaven. The catechism of the Roman Catholic Church states that “all who die in God’s grace but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation.

It suggests that the dead undergo a cleansing and purification process in purgatory, so as to achieve the 'holiness' necessary to enter the joy of Heaven.

Fr. Fidele Mutabazi, Managing Director of Kinyamateka, a famous local tabloid, shares the view that earthly life is a preparation for a greater, eternal life.

“According to the Catechism of the Church, human life on earth is not merely for earthly pleasures; if it were, it would be a significant loss,” he says.

Mutabazi elaborates on the significance of Jesus Christ in Christian faith. “Jesus did not only teach about death but also demonstrated His power over it by raising the dead, such as Lazarus. His resurrection from the dead affirms that death is not the end,” he explains.

Christians believe that through baptism, they partake in the life and resurrection of Jesus, giving them hope of eternal life. However, some other different Christian denominations disagree with the idea of purgatory, arguing that once judgment occurs, individuals will stay in either Heaven or Hell for eternity.

Pastor Isaie Ndayizere, a senior pastor and leader of the Association of Pentecostal churches of Rwanda (ADPR), sticks to the hope of resurrection and eternal life for believers.

'According to our teachings, emphasis is put on the existence of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus Christ,” he reveals.

The resurrection of the dead is a cornerstone of his faith, hoping that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.

“We do not believe in reincarnation. Resurrection does not require one to come back through other forms of existence,' he says.

Theories about life after death, including resurrection, reincarnation, and perpetual oblivion, have been a subject of debate for centuries.

Sheikh Khalifa Nsengiyuma, an Islamic scholar based in Kigali explains that his faith agrees to life after death, based on the Quran teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

“We believe a life after death but different from our current existence,” he reveals. Islam perceives life as a test determining one’s final destination, with good deeds leading to paradise and bad deeds to punishment.

Nsengiyuma believes in the concept of Barzakh, where one is rewarded according to their deeds. “Once someone enters this state, it marks the beginning of their individual Day of Judgment. If a person was a believer and did good deeds, they start receiving rewards immediately. On the other hand, a wicked person begins facing punishments for their sins,' he explains.

Sheikh Nsengiyuma pinpoints signs preceding the final judgement, as described by the Prophet Muhammad, such as a mother giving birth to a master, the emergence of a great beast from the earth speaking human language and the sun rising from the west.

“These are the indicators that the final day is approaching, although the exact timing is unknown,' he says.

Despite various debates, no one has definitively brought out the true picture of the afterlife, leaving many to focus on living meaningful lives on earth.

Jean-Paul Sartre, a renowned French philosopher and lifetime atheist is reported to have confessed to the possibility of God’s existence before his death in 1980.

Beliefs about life after death vary widely across religions and cultures. While some hold firm convictions based on scriptures, traditions and teachings, others remain skeptical due to the inconclusive nature of this subject.

Ultimately, the mystery of what happens after death continues to intrigue and inspire diverse opinions, leaving little room to fully understand the matter.

But as the old Rwandan adage goes, 'Gira neza wigendere ineza uzayisanga imbere.' Do good and move on without expecting immediate rewards because those acts of kindness will eventually lead to positive outcomes in the future.

Heaven, resurrection, reincarnation, and perpetual oblivion have been subjects of debate about life after death for centuries.

Théophile Niyitegeka