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Rwanda’s 2013 law governing cemetery management requires that each body be buried in an individual grave with specific dimensions: no longer than 2.5 meters, no wider than 80 centimeters, and at least 2 meters deep.

The law allows multiple family members to be buried in the same grave by stacking coffins, provided the upper coffin remains at least 2 meters below ground level. It also requires a minimum spacing of 50 centimeters between graves.

Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) show that 36,021 people died in 2024. Concerns are rising that cemeteries in several areas are filling up quickly, while burial land cannot be repurposed for other uses until 20 years after the most recent interment.

Speaking to senators on February 4, 2026 while presenting findings from the 2025 National Unity and Reconciliation Barometer, Minister Dr Jean Damascène Bizimana said land constraints prompted authorities to assess public views on cremation.

'This is one of the visible challenges Rwanda faces,' he said, noting that population growth means more deaths over time while burial space remains limited.

Although cremation has been legally provided for since 2013, with implementing regulations issued in July 2015, uptake has remained low.

According to the survey, 61% of respondents consider cremation a viable response to shrinking burial space, suggesting the need for broader public awareness and engagement on the issue.

Among more than 12,000 respondents, over 3,800 (32%) strongly supported cremation as a solution, while more than 3,500 (29%) expressed moderate support. A small number, 54 respondents, showed limited support, while over 4,100 (34%) opposed it. About 5% said they were undecided.

To date, 28 cremations have been carried out in Rwanda, including one Rwandan national in 2025.

Regulations allow cremation in specific circumstances, including immediately after death, for unclaimed bodies, relocated remains, or bodies recovered without identified claimants following official notification procedures.

Cremation must be conducted in a designated electric crematorium equipped with a continuous heat system and a backup power source.

The law prohibits cremating more than one body in the same furnace unless separation is impossible, and a body must not be cremated while clothed.

Ashes are considered the property of the deceased’s family or the state. Families may choose to keep the ashes in a designated container or divide them according to their wishes.

A study by the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement on national unity and resilience shows that 61% of respondents believe cremation could help address shrinking burial space in Rwanda.

IGIHE

The event, running from February 7 to 11, brings together 109 teams from 48 countries to test tactical precision, speed, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure across five demanding stages.

Rwanda is fielding three competitive teams: RNP SWAT Team I and RNP SWAT Team II from the Rwanda National Police, alongside the Rwanda Defence Force Special Operations Forces (RDF SOF) Team.

Each team has showcased Rwanda’s growing expertise in high-stakes operations. The competition opened with an assault shooting challenge on Day 1, where RNP SWAT Team II secured an impressive 12th place with a time of 1 minute 48 seconds, narrowly ahead of RNP SWAT Team I in 23rd (just two seconds slower) and RDF SOF Team in 32nd.

Kazakhstan teams led the category. Day 2’s hostage rescue scenario proved more challenging. RNP SWAT Team I placed 17th, RDF SOF Team finished 39th, and RNP SWAT Team II came in 84th. The teams rebounded strongly on Day 3 during the officer rescue challenge.

RNP SWAT Team I climbed into the top ten, finishing 9th with a time of 2 minutes 28 seconds, only 28 seconds behind the category winner from Kazakhstan.

On Day 4 (February 10), the tower/building assault saw RNP SWAT Team I take 15th, RNP SWAT Team II 26th, and RDF SOF Team 59th. Before the final obstacle course on February 11, RNP SWAT Team I led Rwanda’s contingent with 377 points and a cumulative task time of 8 minutes 33 seconds (plus a minor 10-second penalty).

RNP SWAT Team II holds 290 points (12:06 total time, including a 2:30 penalty on Day 2), while RDF SOF Team stands at 266 points.

With the decisive 19-obstacle final stage concluding today, Rwanda’s teams have once again demonstrated discipline, skill, and resilience against elite international competition, further cementing the country’s reputation in global tactical excellence.

Rwandan special units are delivering a strong performance at the Special Weapons and Tactics Challenge (UAE SWAT Challenge 2026), one of the world’s leading counter-terrorism competitions, underway in Dubai.

IGIHE

In a message posted on X on January 3, Nduhungirehe questioned MONUSCO’s response to a drone strike carried out by the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) in Masisi Centre, which targeted a civilian area.

'To better understand this so-called 'condemnation,’ which is remarkably mild, MONUSCO does not even mention its allies, the FARDC, as the perpetrators of this war crime against Congolese civilians in Masisi Centre,' Nduhungirehe wrote.

The drone strike, which took place on January 2, reportedly killed six civilians and injured at least 41 others.

Following the incident, MONUSCO issued a statement expressing regret and condemning attacks against civilians, including those involving drones. However, the statement stopped short of explicitly identifying FARDC as responsible for the attack.

Nduhungirehe argued that this omission raises serious questions, particularly given MONUSCO’s own public disclosures regarding its cooperation with the Congolese army.

'Let us recall that on November 4, 2025, MONUSCO itself informed the public on X that it had provided training to 120 FARDC soldiers in Ituri, particularly in the use of drones and heavy weapons,' he said.

The minister’s remarks add to longstanding criticism of MONUSCO’s role and effectiveness in eastern DRC, where the mission has operated for more than two decades. Critics argue that despite its mandate to protect civilians, insecurity persists, with armed groups and state forces repeatedly implicated in abuses.

According to the United Nations, MONUSCO has more than 16,000 uniformed personnel deployed across the DRC. The mission’s budget for the 2024/2025 financial year stood at approximately $918 million.

Despite this long-standing presence and significant financial investment, violence against civilians, particularly in eastern DRC, continues, prompting renewed scrutiny of MONUSCO’s conduct, partnerships, and accountability.

Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, has criticised what he described as a 'mild' and selective condemnation by the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) following the killing of civilians in Masisi.

IGIHE

Of this sponsorship, KShs. 100 million will go directly to the Safari Rally Kenya, while KShs. 28.5 million will be spent on the 5 KCB-sponsored; Karan Patel, Nikhil Sachania, Tinashe Gatimu, Queen Kalimpinya from Rwanda, and Uganda’s Oscar Ntambi. The rest of the funds will be spent on activations and marketing.

This brings to the total KShs. 980 million, the amount of money the Bank has given towards the global showpiece since its return to Kenyan soil in 2021 after a 19-year absence.

While presenting the sponsorship cheque to the Sports Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi Tuesday morning, KCB Group CEO Paul Russo said: 'Our sponsorship demonstrates our commitment to driving sustainable impact, supporting local talent, and stimulating economic activity across tourism, trade, and enterprise among other sectors.'

'We are looking at continually building on our experience and scale in sports sponsorships across East Africa to further support talent for global, regional and in-country competitions across disciplines.'

KCB, a synonymous name in sports, has played a pivotal role in elevating the sports landscape in the country. In the past two decades, the Bank has spent over KShs. 5 billion on various sports disciplines, including motorsports, rugby, chess, volleyball, football, golf, and athletics. For motorsports specifically, the Bank has invested over KShs. 2 billion while also giving local drivers an opportunity to participate in local, regional, and international events.

The rally will cover a total competitive distance of 350.02 kilometers, supported by a liaison distance of 842.9 kilometers, in line with FIA requirements.

The four-day event will be based in Naivasha, a move designed to meet the FIA 2026 sporting regulations on distances and crew working hours, moving away from the usual ceremonial flag off in Nairobi.

On Thursday, March 12, there will be a shakedown at the newly introduced Nawisa stage. This will be followed by a ceremonial flag off before the cars pass Camp Moran and Mzabibu stages.

On Friday, March 13, cars will pass Camp Moran, Loldia, Geothermal, and Kedong. On Sunday, March 14, action will head to Soysambu, Elementaita, and Sleeping Warrior, before concluding with an autograph signing at Mzabibu.

Sunday, March 15, marks an electric day of action as cars rev off from Oserengoni, Hell’s Gate, before passing the Wolf Power Stage in the afternoon, culminating in the prize-giving ceremony.

'KCB’s sustained investment has helped grow local talent, attract global attention, and unlock opportunities for communities along the rally route. We commend the Bank for being a dependable partner in advancing sports development and youth empowerment in Kenya,' said PS Mwangi.

The Bank is committed to embedding sustainability at the heart of the rally, with an ambitious target of planting and growing 5,000 trees this year, in line with the government’s agenda to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.

Additionally, KCB will engage over 60 high schools in a curated green debate series that seeks to inspire and engage the younger generation, at the same time promoting environmental consciousness.

'The Safari Rally continues to grow as a global sporting spectacle, attracting fans and competitors from around the world. We are proud to showcase Kenya on the international motorsport stage and to inspire the next generation of local talent,' said Safari Rally Kenya CEO, Charles Gacheru.

This year, the rally is expected to attract 50 local and international teams, with top manufacturers such as Toyota, Hyundai, Škoda, and M-Sport Ford confirmed to compete.

The entry list features some of the sport’s biggest names, including Sebastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, defending Safari Rally champion Elfyn Evans, and Grégoire Munster, among others.

Marking the third round of the season, the event remains the ultimate test of survival in the WRC, where the wildlife is as unpredictable as the weather, with a refined schedule that packs 20 special stages into four days.

KCB Bank Kenya has set aside KShs. 227 million (approximately Rwf 2.5 billion) for the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally Kenya, marking the sixth consecutive year of sponsorship since the iconic rally made its historic return to Kenya.

Part of the announced sponsorship, KShs. 100 million, will go directly to the Safari Rally Kenya.

IGIHE

The book captures the emotional journeys of those facing the disease, highlighting resilience, courage, and the human connections that sustain people through some of life’s toughest moments.

Speaking during an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Rubagumya shared that his work is deeply personal. He lost his mother to cancer when he was only 11 years old, a loss that shaped his decision to pursue medicine and eventually specialise in oncology.

'Every patient who enters my room, I see my mom’s face,' he explains. 'I take care of that person as if I’m treating my mother.'

The book is a collection of moving stories that explore the experiences of patients, families, and caregivers affected by cancer in Rwanda.

In the interview, Dr. Rubagumya explained that during his early years, he did not know the exact cause of his mother’s death due to limited medical records and the state of healthcare in Rwanda at the time, as the country was still recovering from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

It was only during his clinical rotations in medical school, when he revisited the hospital where she had been treated, that he learned she had died of cancer. This revelation, coming years after her passing, changed his career path from aspiring surgeon to dedicated oncologist.

'Without passion and empathy, medicine would be just any other business,' he said. 'Because of my background, I approach every patient with care and responsibility.'

That sense of empathy drives both his medical practice and his reflections in Beyond Cancer. It also inspired him to co‑found Rwanda Cancer Relief, a nonprofit organisation established in 2012 to support cancer patients across Rwanda.

Initially focused on childhood cancers, the organisation now supports patients of all ages through awareness campaigns, educational programs for healthcare professionals, patient support, including assistance with treatment costs when needed, and research to improve cancer care in the country.

'We support patients with indirect costs or the 10% co‑pay for Mutuelle patients who can’t afford it,' he says, noting that through these efforts, Rwanda Cancer Relief helps reduce financial barriers and provides critical support to patients and families navigating the challenges of cancer.

Dr. Rubagumya is also the founder of Rwanda Cancer Relief, a nonprofit organisation established in 2012 to raise awareness and support cancer patients across Rwanda. The organisation has organised and participated in cancer awareness campaigns and fundraising events to educate the public and provide support to those affected by the disease.

Cancer remains a major health challenge in Rwanda. According to the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), breast cancer is the leading cancer among women, while prostate cancer is the most common among men. In 2023, 5,635 new cancer cases were recorded, including 719 breast cancer cases, 525 prostate cancer cases, and 664 cervical cancer cases. Stigma, late diagnoses, and financial constraints continue to impact patient outcomes, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, support, and accessible treatment, issues that Beyond Cancer brings to life through personal stories.

In the new book, Dr. Rubagumya shares stories of patients confronting life-altering diagnoses, families navigating fear and uncertainty, and caregivers showing unwavering dedication despite limited resources.

Through these stories, he shines a light on the social and emotional ripple effects of cancer, how it touches not only the body but entire families and communities. Readers encounter accounts of women struggling with stigma, parents fighting for their children’s treatment, and patients drawing strength from those around them.

Beyond documenting hardship, Beyond Cancer celebrates hope and resilience. It reveals how patients and families navigate challenges, from financial struggles to emotional strain, and how courage, compassion, and human connection often become as vital as medical treatment.

In the new book, Dr. Rubagumya shares stories of patients confronting life-altering diagnoses, families navigating fear and uncertainty, and caregivers showing unwavering dedication despite limited resources.

The book also emphasises the importance of raising awareness about cancer, encouraging readers to support patients, reduce stigma, and recognise that a diagnosis is not the end of life, but the beginning of a challenging journey that can still hold meaning and possibility.

Beyond Cancer is set to officially launch on Thursday, February 12, 2025. Dr. Rubagumya said the book will be available as hard copies in major bookstores and libraries in Kigali, as well as a soft copy on Amazon. All proceeds from the book will go to Rwanda Cancer Relief, supporting patient care, awareness campaigns, and research initiatives. Readers can also place direct orders for delivery by contacting +250 786 525 322.

Watch the full video below to learn more about Dr. Rubagumya’s inspiring journey.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Last month, the RRA and RNP launched a joint nationwide awareness campaign, providing special support to fast-track ownership transfers and assist those facing challenges in completing this mandatory process.

All owners of vehicles and motorcycles that are no longer in use are also required to return their number plates for deregistration and to prevent the accumulation of unnecessary taxes.

In Kigali, ownership transfer services are provided at Dubai Port Masaka, Nyamirambo, Gikondo Expo Ground, and Canal Olimpia. Similar services are available at 14 other tax centres across the provinces.

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that while many people are responding positively, some remain uncooperative.

'Although people are turning up for this service, some individuals remain reluctant and fail to assist their counterparts in completing ownership transfers,' ACP Rutikanga said.

One such case involved motor-taxi rider Bikorimana Samuel from Shangi Sector in Nyamasheke District, who bought a motorcycle from Hitarurema Placide in July 2025. According to Bikorimana, repeated attempts to complete the transfer were unsuccessful after the seller stopped responding to calls.

'He told me he did not have time and that we would do the ownership transfer the following month. When the time came, he stopped answering my calls,' Bikorimana said.

He further explained that due to his work in Nyamasheke and Rusizi districts, he was unable to return to Kigali to follow up. However, after learning about the ongoing special support, he reported the issue to the authorities.

'The Police later called me and told me they had located him. They brought us together, and the ownership transfer was finally completed,' he said, thanking the Police for their intervention and encouraging others facing similar challenges to seek help at the designated service sites.

Similarly, Joseph Ndayisaba had spent three years without completing the ownership transfer for a car he bought after the seller refused to cooperate.

'When I heard about the campaign, I went to one of the sites and explained my problem. I was told they would help locate the seller so the issue could be resolved,' Ndayisaba said, urging others facing similar challenges to take advantage of this special window period.

ACP Rutikanga once again reminded the public that the grace period, which ends on February 28, will not be extended.

'Anyone who bought or sold a vehicle and failed to facilitate ownership transfer should take advantage of this period. Once it ends, other measures will be taken to enforce the law,' he warned.

The Police and RRA continue to urge vehicle and motorcycle owners to utilise the established service points across the country before enforcement measures begin.

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that while many people are responding positively, some remain uncooperative.

IGIHE

Data from the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB) shows that coffee and tea remained the country’s top foreign exchange earners during the week, contributing significantly to the overall export revenues.

Coffee exports reached 650 metric tons, generating $3,992,824, maintaining its position as Rwanda’s leading agricultural export. Tea followed closely, with 958 metric tons exported and revenues amounting to $2,800,793.

Diversified agricultural products accounted for the largest export volume during the period, with 6,732 metric tons shipped abroad, generating $4,288,813. Key destinations included the United States of America, Oman, as well as cross-border and other African markets.

The horticulture subsector also recorded notable performance. Vegetable exports totalled 363 metric tons, earning $390,539, with major markets including Great Britain, the Netherlands, India, Canada, Germany, France, and regional African countries. Fruit exports reached 267 metric tons, generating $311,860, mainly destined for the United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Canada, and regional markets.

Flower exports, though smaller in volume at 59 metric tons, generated $614,925, reflecting strong demand in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Animal products contributed $676,440 from 364 metric tons exported, with the United Arab Emirates and cross-border markets serving as key destinations.

Rwanda generated $13.1 million (about 19 billion Rwandan francs) from the export of 9,393 metric tons of agricultural products between 02—06 February 2026, marking a strong performance in just five days of trade.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The disruptions have affected several high-level flights, including travel by Burundi’s President, Evariste Ndayishimiye.

Safe aircraft operations rely on constant coordination between pilots and ground air traffic controllers, supported by navigation technologies such as radar and GPS systems that provide accurate positioning and approach guidance.

However, airport officials say these systems began malfunctioning after Belgian-installed air telecommunications equipment was removed and replaced with Russian-made systems.

On February 1, 2026, a RwandAir flight was forced to return to Kigali International Airport when it was approximately six kilometers from landing in Bujumbura due to communication difficulties between the cockpit and ground control.

On the same day, a Falcon 900 jet carrying Togo’s President of the Council of Ministers, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, and his delegation also diverted after experiencing GPS-related issues. The aircraft landed in Kampala, Uganda, instead of Bujumbura.

The situation also affected President Ndayishimiye on February 7. His aircraft, en route from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, was unable to complete its approach to Bujumbura and had to turn back due to similar communication problems.

Airlines impacted by the disruptions have reportedly contacted Bujumbura airport authorities to seek clarification and assurances regarding the reliability of the airport’s communication and navigation systems.

Bujumbura International Airport, officially named Melchior Ndadaye International Airport, is facing persistent communication failures that have repeatedly forced incoming aircraft to divert, raising concerns about operational safety.

Musangwa Arthur

He made the intervention on February 6, 2026, during the National Dialogue Council (Umushyikirano), following concerns voiced by popular musician Bruce Melodie, who said artists and digital content creators in Rwanda are unable to fully benefit from their online work.

Bruce Melodie noted that while creators in other countries directly generate significant income from social media platforms, Rwandans face restrictions that even push some to monetize their content through other countries.

He stressed that enabling monetization would help create jobs and reduce unemployment among young people.

In response, President Kagame questioned what was required to resolve the issue so that Rwandan social media users could earn income without having to register under other countries.

The Minister of ICT and Innovation, Paula Ingabire, explained that for a country to qualify for social media monetization, platforms assess three key requirements. She revealed that Rwanda currently falls short on one of them: the level of advertising investment.

According to Minister Ingabire, platforms require a minimum advertising spend of between USD 1 million and USD 1.5 million from local advertisers.

She said discussions with the management of major social media platforms have already addressed the other requirements, leaving the need to scale up advertising investment as the main remaining challenge.

'This is something we all need to take on as a shared responsibility,' she said. 'Companies must recognise that social media platforms are also effective advertising spaces. We need mobilization to encourage businesses to advertise online.'

President Kagame directed the Ministry of ICT and Innovation to intensify awareness efforts targeting advertisers, enabling Rwandan users to generate income from their digital content.

'Let us carry out that mobilisation,' he said.

Bruce Melodie noted that while creators in other countries directly generate significant income from social media platforms, Rwandans face restrictions that even push some to monetize their content through other countries.

The 20th edition of the National Dialogue Council took place at Kigali Convention Centre from February 5 to 6.

IGIHE

Instead, Trump has called for a new agreement, one he believes would be more comprehensive and modernized. The rejection of the proposal signals a significant moment in global nuclear arms control, particularly as the treaty expired without renewal.

The New START treaty, which was signed in 2010, had been a cornerstone of U.S.-Russia nuclear relations, limiting the number of strategic nuclear warheads each country could deploy.

Under the treaty, both nations were required to reduce their stockpiles to 1,550 warheads, with a cap of 700 on deployed delivery systems such as missiles and bombers.

However, with its expiration on February 5, 2026, the treaty no longer remains in effect, leaving both the U.S. and Russia without a binding framework governing their nuclear arsenals for the first time in decades.

President Trump rejected Putin’s suggestion to extend the treaty for another year, instead calling for a new agreement that he claims will address more than just the U.S. and Russian stockpiles. Trump has long expressed a desire to involve other nuclear-armed nations, particularly China, in future negotiations.

In a statement, Trump said the current agreement is badly negotiated and stressed the need for a better deal that accounts for all nuclear powers.

Trump’s administration believes that any future arms control deal should account for China’s growing nuclear capabilities, which remain significantly smaller than those of the U.S. and Russia.

Russia, on the other hand, expressed disappointment with the U.S. decision and stressed the importance of maintaining strategic stability.

Arms control experts have raised concerns that the lack of a new agreement could increase global nuclear risks.

This situation marks the first time in over fifty years that the U.S. and Russia do not have a bilateral nuclear arms control agreement in place.

The absence of such a treaty raises alarms about the potential for a new nuclear arms race and the risks that it could pose to global stability.

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal from Russian President Vladimir Putin to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which limits the number of deployed nuclear warheads between the two countries.

Rania Umutoni