The Grammy-winning artist shared the emotional story during an appearance on the Zach Sang Show, where he reflected on his journey in music and the sacrifices made by his mother, Loraine Smith, while raising him.
Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith, explained that receiving his first major payment as a songwriter gave him the opportunity to change his mother's life.
He recalled calling his mother while she was at work and telling her to go home because she would never need to return to that workplace again.
The singer described the moment as one of the greatest achievements of his life, saying that being able to provide such support for a parent is a powerful motivation for many children who want to succeed.
Before becoming one of the most recognised names in R&B, Ne-Yo built his career as a songwriter, creating some of the biggest songs in contemporary music.
His work on Mario's 'Let Me Love You' became a major breakthrough and helped establish him as a talented songwriter before he achieved global fame as a performer.
During the interview, Ne-Yo also spoke about another personal song, 'Miss Independent,' revealing that it was inspired by his mother and the strong women he grew up around.
He explained that his childhood was surrounded by women who were hardworking, independent and capable of handling challenges without waiting for anyone to rescue them.
According to the singer, his mother became emotional when she learned the song was written as a tribute to her.
Ne-Yo's story highlights the personal meaning behind his successful music career.
Beyond awards and international recognition, the singer said one of his proudest moments was using his talent to give back to the person who supported him from the beginning.
The artist has continued exploring new musical directions, including his recent move into country-inspired sounds with his album 'Highway 79,' which was released in 2026.
He said his experience entering the country music scene has been more welcoming than he expected, with artists and fans showing interest in his unique blend of R&B and country influences.
For Ne-Yo, the success of his music is not only measured by chart rankings or awards, but also by the lives it has allowed him to touch, especially the life of his mother.
Ne-Yo has shared the powerful story behind the paycheck that gave his mother freedom.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ICRC said the operation took place between August 6 and 7 at the request of the parties and in line with the Doha Mechanism they signed in September 2025.
According to the humanitarian organisation, the 15 individuals voluntarily agreed to take part in the transfer.
They departed Beni in North Kivu on the evening of August 6 and travelled through Uganda, which facilitated their passage, before arriving in Rutshuru Territory on August 7, where they were handed over to AFC/M23.
The ICRC said the operation was conducted in coordination with health authorities and under strict Ebola prevention measures, including the deployment of a Uganda Red Cross ambulance to respond to any medical emergencies.
'We hope that this operation will bring some comfort to families who have been separated from their loved ones for so long and that it will pave the way for further detainee release operations, as agreed by the parties during various negotiations, bringing hope to populations affected by the armed conflicts,' said Stephanie Eller, the ICRC's Head of Operations in Kinshasa.
Under the Doha Process, the ICRC is acting as a neutral intermediary in response to requests from the parties, in particular regarding the safe transport and handover of detainees.
The latest operation follows an earlier humanitarian mission in May 2025, when the ICRC accompanied convoys carrying several hundred disarmed members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), the Congolese National Police, and their families from Goma to Kinshasa.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 100 children worldwide is diagnosed with autism, while nearly one billion people globally live with a mental health disorder. In Rwanda, mental health remains a major public health concern, with studies estimating that approximately 20–25% of the population experiences mental health challenges during their lifetime.
Rwanda's population is estimated at approximately 14 million people. Based on the WHO global autism estimate of about 1% prevalence, Rwanda could potentially have more than 140,000 people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, although the actual number remains unknown due to limited national autism screening, diagnosis, and surveillance systems. Establishing reliable autism data collection remains essential for planning appropriate healthcare, education, and support services.
Across Africa, the impact of autism and mental health disorders is intensified by limited awareness, stigma, cultural misconceptions, shortages of specialists, and inadequate access to early intervention services. Many children with autism remain undiagnosed, resulting in barriers to education, healthcare access, social inclusion, and personal development.
Rwanda has achieved remarkable progress in strengthening its healthcare system and expanding community-based mental health services. However, autism and developmental support services require further investment to meet the growing needs of children, families, and communities.
To address this emerging challenge, Rwanda and other African nations should prioritize:
* Routine autism screening and early developmental assessments.
* Integration of mental health services into primary healthcare.
* Training healthcare workers, educators, and community health workers.
* Expansion of inclusive education, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and family support programs.
* Strengthening autism and mental health research, surveillance, and national policies.
The health of a nation is measured not only by economic progress but also by its ability to protect, support, and empower individuals facing health challenges. Autism and mental health disorders are not only medical issues; they are social, educational, economic, and human rights priorities.
Through early intervention, awareness, research, and sustainable investment, Rwanda and Africa can build healthier, more inclusive societies where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
This is the spirit behind Umuganura, one of Rwanda's oldest cultural traditions.
Celebrated every year on the first Friday of August, Umuganura is commonly described as Rwanda's harvest festival. But calling it only a harvest festival does not fully capture its meaning.
For generations, Umuganura has been a time for Rwandans to give thanks, celebrate achievements, share with others, strengthen relationships and reflect on what they hope to accomplish in the future.
In 2026, Umuganura is being celebrated today on Friday, August 7.
The meaning and origin of Umuganura
The word Umuganura is linked to the idea of enjoying and celebrating the results of one's work. Traditionally, it referred to the first harvest and the moment when people gathered to appreciate what they had produced after months of effort.
For Rwandans of the past, agriculture was at the centre of life. A successful harvest meant food, security and prosperity for families and communities.
However, Umuganura was not only about crops. It represented gratitude, unity and responsibility. It reminded people that achievements were the result of commitment, cooperation and respect for one another.
The tradition dates back centuries in Rwanda. Historical accounts describe Umuganura as one of the most important ceremonies in the traditional Rwandan kingdom. At the national level, the celebration was led by the King together with Abiru, royal ritualists who played a significant role in preserving traditional practices.
During the ceremony, the first produce from the harvest was presented as a symbol of prosperity and appreciation. Crops such as sorghum held an important place because they were among the products that represented abundance and wellbeing.
The celebration connected the success of individual families and communities with the prosperity of the entire kingdom.
How Umuganura was celebrated traditionally
Although Umuganura was recognized as a national celebration, it was also deeply rooted in family and community life.
Families gathered together to prepare and share food made from their harvest. Relatives and neighbours came together, stories were shared and people celebrated the results of their collective efforts.
Traditional music and dance were important parts of the celebration, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
One of the most important values behind Umuganura was sharing. A good harvest was not meant to benefit only one person or one family. People were encouraged to share what they had with others, especially members of their community.
This spirit of sharing reflected the belief that prosperity should contribute to the wellbeing of everyone.
Beyond celebration, Umuganura was also a moment of reflection. People looked at what they had achieved during the year and considered what could be improved in the future.
It was a time to celebrate yesterday's achievements while preparing for tomorrow's goals.
Rwandans gather to celebrate Umuganura, a tradition rooted in harvest, gratitude and togetherness at a past event.
The interruption and revival of the tradition
Like many cultural practices, Umuganura experienced changes throughout Rwanda's history.
During the colonial period, the traditional ceremony was interrupted and eventually abolished in 1925. Since the celebration was closely connected to traditional institutions and cultural identity, its disappearance represented a significant loss in public cultural life.
For many years, Umuganura was no longer celebrated as a national tradition.
However, Rwanda later revived Umuganura as part of efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage. In 2011, the celebration was officially restored as a public holiday, giving it a new place in Rwanda's national calendar.
The modern Umuganura maintains the spirit of the traditional celebration while adapting to the realities of today's Rwanda.
Umuganura in modern Rwanda
Today, the meaning of harvest has expanded beyond agriculture.
While farmers continue to celebrate the fruits of their work, Rwanda also uses Umuganura to recognize achievements in different areas, including education, business, technology, sports, culture, tourism and community development.
For a farmer, the harvest may be crops collected from the land.
For a student, it may be completing an education journey.
For an entrepreneur, it may be building a successful business.
For a community, it may be completing a development project that improves people's lives.
This broader understanding has allowed Umuganura to remain relevant in a changing society.
The celebration encourages Rwandans to appreciate progress while remembering the importance of teamwork and determination.
Why Umuganura remains important today
One of the reasons Umuganura continues to hold importance is because it represents values that go beyond one day of celebration.
First, it promotes gratitude. It encourages people to recognize the effort behind every achievement instead of taking success for granted.
Second, it strengthens unity. By bringing families and communities together, Umuganura reminds people that progress is often achieved through cooperation.
Third, it preserves cultural identity. As younger generations learn about the tradition, they gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda's history and values.
For young Rwandans, Umuganura provides an opportunity to connect with their heritage while also celebrating the achievements of their own generation.
The tradition shows that culture is not only about remembering the past. It is also about giving meaning to the present and inspiring the future.
Fresh agricultural produce take centre stage during Umuganura, symbolising the fruits of hard work.Umuganura offers Rwandans a moment to appreciate their achievements, strengthen community bonds and celebrate together. Traditional Rwandan culture comes alive through music, dance and communal celebrations during Umuganura.
In a judgment delivered at the Malindi High Court on Friday, Justice Mugure Thande declared that holding the next presidential election on any date other than the second Tuesday of August 2026 would contravene constitutional provisions governing the election cycle.
The judge, however, suspended the implementation of the ruling until after the 2027 General Election, allowing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to proceed with preparations for the planned polls.
Justice Thande ruled that the Constitution requires presidential elections to be held in the fifth year after an election, not after the completion of a full five-year presidential term.
She said the interpretation of Article 136(2)(a) of the Constitution means the next presidential election should have taken place on the second Tuesday of August 2026, which falls within the fifth year after the August 2022 presidential election.
'The correct interpretation of Article 136(2)(a) of the Constitution is that the second Tuesday in the fifth year before the next presidential election must mean August 11, 2026,' the judge ruled.
The court also found that the Constitution does not guarantee the President a fixed five-year term, stating that the timing of elections takes precedence over the length of the presidential tenure.
The ruling followed a petition challenging the date set for Kenya's next General Election, with petitioners arguing that the Constitution required the polls to be held in 2026.
While the court agreed with the petitioners' interpretation, it suspended the declaration that the 2027 election date would be invalid, citing concerns that overturning the current election schedule could create uncertainty and instability.
The decision means Kenya's 2027 elections will proceed as planned, despite the court's finding that the Constitution would have required an earlier election date.
William Ruto took the oath of office as Kenya's fifth President on September 13, 2022. He is among candidates who have declared interest in running for the presidency in the next election.
The latest enforcement action, announced on Thursday, marks the fourth list of local manufacturers affected by the nationwide operation. Rwanda FDA had previously closed 101 manufacturers in the first phase, followed by another eight in the second and 27 in the third.
The newly closed manufacturers are INNOPRO Ltd, Rwamagana Banana Wine CPC Company Ltd, Inganzo Flower Drinks Ltd, ALKO Vintage R Ltd, CFRDTA Ltd, J.H Production Ltd, GACELEMUTERI Ltd, Urakire Business Center Ltd, WIPROCO, Ibyiwacu Product Ltd, EMEFRA Company Ltd and USALAMA Ltd.
Their products include a range of banana-based alcoholic beverages, ginger-flavoured alcoholic drinks, wines and other locally produced alcoholic beverages.
In a public announcement, Rwanda FDA said all manufacturing licenses associated with the facilities had been revoked with immediate effect and ordered the withdrawal of all products originating from the affected manufacturers.
The regulator instructed manufacturers to initiate a full product recall, work with distributors to retrieve products already supplied to retailers and consumers, and submit recall reports within three working days.
Distributors and retailers were ordered to immediately stop selling and distributing the affected products and return remaining stock to their suppliers, while consumers were advised to stop consuming the listed beverages immediately.
Rwanda FDA also directed that all advertisements and promotional materials for alcoholic beverages produced by manufacturers listed in the first, second, third and fourth enforcement notices be removed without delay.
'Non-compliance with all the above will result in measures under applicable regulatory provisions,' the regulator warned, adding that additional lists of manufacturers could be published as inspections and regulatory enforcement continue.
The latest action comes a day after the government suspended the importation of 52 alcoholic beverage brands from international markets, including Gilbeys Gin, Konyagi, Kiwingu and 49 other brands, and ordered their immediate nationwide recall.
The suspended products originate from Burundi, India, Kenya, Poland, Tanzania and Uganda, extending the crackdown beyond locally manufactured alcoholic beverages.
The ongoing enforcement campaign is part of government efforts to remove unsafe alcoholic beverages from the market and protect public health.
Speaking to IGIHE earlier this week, Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana said investigations had established links between unsafe alcoholic drinks and more than 50 deaths recorded between January and July.
He added that more than 500 people sought medical treatment after consuming the drinks, over 100 people lost their eyesight, and a nationwide assessment identified nearly 11,000 people struggling with alcohol addiction.
INNOPRO Ltd's manufacturing plant in Rulindo District, Northern Province, Rwanda, is among those closed in the ongoing crackdown.
More than 5,000 years after his death, Ötzi the Iceman continues to surprise scientists.
A new study has discovered that the famous frozen mummy is still carrying a unique collection of microorganisms, including ancient gut bacteria and cold-loving yeasts that have survived through thousands of years trapped in ice.
Ötzi was discovered in 1991 by hikers in the Ötztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy.
Since then, the naturally preserved mummy has become one of the world's most valuable archaeological discoveries, offering scientists a rare opportunity to study the life, health and environment of a person who lived during the Copper Age.
Researchers from Eurac Research examined different samples from Ötzi's body, including material from his internal tissues, stomach contents, surface ice and meltwater.
Their goal was to separate microorganisms that were part of Ötzi's body while he was alive from those that arrived after his death.
The study found genetic evidence of Ötzi's original gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms that lived inside his digestive system.
Scientists said these ancient bacteria are similar to those found in early human populations and are rarely seen in modern industrial societies.
The researchers also made an unexpected discovery: cold-adapted yeasts linked to extremely cold environments, including Antarctica.
These microorganisms appear to have come from the glacier where Ötzi remained frozen for thousands of years and may have continued surviving on the mummy.
According to scientists, the discovery changes how researchers view ancient frozen remains.
Instead of being simple preserved objects, mummies like Ötzi can be considered dynamic biological systems where microorganisms continue to interact with their environment.
'The Iceman is not just a historical object,' researchers explained, noting that some microorganisms have remained connected with Ötzi's journey through time.
Scientists also believe the discovery could have applications beyond archaeology.
Cold-adapted microorganisms can function in extremely low temperatures, meaning they may one day help industries develop processes that require less energy, including low-temperature fermentation.
The findings also highlight the importance of protecting Ötzi's remains.
The mummy is currently kept under carefully controlled conditions at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, where experts continuously monitor its preservation.
The study, published in the journal Microbiome, provides a new window into ancient human biology and shows that even after thousands of years, life in microscopic form can continue to tell stories about the past.
Ancient microbes found on Ötzi revealed hidden secrets from a frozen past.
The experimental gum was created by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and was designed to target three microbes linked to the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, one of the most common forms of head and neck cancer.
In laboratory tests using saliva and oral rinse samples from patients, the researchers found that the gum reduced levels of human papillomavirus (HPV) by up to 93% in saliva and by about 80% in oral rinse samples.
Persistent infection with certain high-risk types of HPV has been linked to several cancers, including cancers of the throat and mouth.
The scientists also enhanced the chewing gum with an antimicrobial peptide known as protegrin-1.
This addition nearly eliminated two harmful bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum which have been associated with poorer outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer.
One of the study's notable findings was that the gum had little effect on beneficial bacteria that naturally live in the mouth.
This is significant because some cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, can disrupt the normal oral microbiome, increasing the risk of other infections.
According to the researchers, the bioengineered gum is made from lablab beans, which contain a naturally occurring antiviral protein called FRIL.
The team believes combining this protein with protegrin-1 creates a locally delivered therapy capable of targeting both viruses and harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Despite the encouraging findings, the researchers stressed that the gum is still in the early stages of development.
The results were obtained from laboratory analyses of patient samples rather than human clinical trials, meaning the product is not yet approved as a treatment or preventive measure for cancer.
The team hopes future clinical trials will determine whether the chewing gum can safely be used alongside existing therapies or as a preventive approach to reduce the spread of cancer-associated microbes.
If successful, the innovation could provide an affordable and non-invasive way to support oral health and potentially lower the risk of head and neck cancers.
Researchers have created chewing gum that targets HPV and bacteria linked to head and neck cancer.
Makolo made the remarks during an interview with Royal FM on Thursday, following reports that Italy is exploring partnerships with several African countries as part of a broader European strategy to manage irregular migration.
'There is no agreement yet. We're still in discussion,' Makolo said, adding that one of the key ideas under consideration is building on Rwanda's existing Emergency Transit Mechanism (ETM) in Gashora.
The ETM, established in 2019 in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), temporarily hosts vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees evacuated from Libya while their cases are processed for voluntary return to their home countries or resettlement elsewhere.
Makolo explained that the discussions focus on providing a safe place for people fleeing conflict or persecution.
'One of the ideas that we're discussing is around the Emergency Transit Mechanism that we have in Gashora, a safe place for families who are stranded, who have nowhere else to go, who are in danger for various reasons,' she revealed.
Asylum seekers hosted under the arrangement receive medical care, psychosocial support and skills training while awaiting decisions on their future.
According to Makolo, Rwanda's willingness to engage in migration partnerships is rooted in its own history of displacement and refugee return.
'Rwanda has always been involved in migration in many ways,' she said, pointing to the country's own history of displacement and return following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. 'Because of that experience, we're also a welcoming country. We understand people who have had to run away with nothing and then come back and rebuild their lives.'
She pointed to Rwanda's longstanding refugee policy, noting that the country currently hosts more than 100,000 refugees, mainly from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, who are allowed to work, access healthcare and integrate into communities while under protection.
Makolo said Rwanda has worked with international organisations for decades to provide protection to people forced to flee their homes, and sees migration cooperation as part of its contribution to addressing a global challenge.
'Irregular migration is a global problem, and Rwanda has always done our part as a member of the international community,' she noted.
She added that the Gashora programme has already demonstrated its effectiveness.
'We've had thousands of those come in, and a lot of them have left, have been resettled to third countries, and that has worked really well. It has saved a lot of lives, a lot of families, and we can do more of this.'
While acknowledging that migration partnerships often attract criticism, Makolo defended Rwanda's continued engagement on the issue.
'There will always be criticism,' she said. 'But we know that we're doing this for the right reasons. We want to be part of the global solution to a big problem.'
She argued that Rwanda's previous migration partnership with the United Kingdom, which was cancelled after the new British government scrapped the policy, was fundamentally about providing protection and opportunities for people in need.
'There's nothing wrong with giving people a home and ensuring that there are resources provided so people can rebuild their lives,' Makolo reiterated.
Makolo also stressed that Rwanda wants to help reduce the dangers faced by African migrants undertaking perilous journeys through the Sahara Desert and across the Mediterranean Sea.
'We don't want Africans making dangerous journeys across the desert and dying in the Mediterranean,' she remarked. 'We want young Africans to be happy to live in their continent, and to contribute to building this continent together.'
According to Italian reports published on August 4, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is seeking to establish pilot migrant return hubs in third countries as part of a wider European strategy to improve the management of irregular migration.
Italy has indicated that Rwanda is among three African countries, alongside Uganda and Ghana, under consideration for pilot return centres that would be jointly managed by European countries and funded by the European Union.
The governments of Rwanda and Italy are in talks on a potential migration partnership, Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo has confirmed, saying discussions are ongoing and no agreement has yet been reached.
The platform, RydeXpress, allows individuals with vehicles to list them online by providing details such as rental prices and other basic information, while customers can search for available cars and choose those that suit their needs.
The service is free for vehicle owners and users, and can be accessed by people within Rwanda as well as those abroad looking for rental options before travelling to the country.
The launch comes as the number of passenger vehicles in Rwanda continues to increase.
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), the number of ordinary passenger vehicles rose from 43,182 in 2021 to 47,098 in 2022, before reaching 51,262 in 2023.
While many of these vehicles are used for personal transportation, some owners have turned to car rentals as a way of generating income. However, finding customers has remained a challenge for some owners, while renters often struggle to identify reliable vehicles and trusted rental services.
RydeXpress Chief Operations Officer, Ephron Nshimyumuremyi, said the company introduced the platform after identifying a gap in Rwanda's car rental market.
He said the challenge was particularly common among members of the Rwandan diaspora, tourists and other visitors who often faced difficulties finding convenient and reliable vehicles to rent while in the country.
'The management of RydeXpress saw the need for a platform that connects vehicle owners with people who need cars, using technology that makes the process easier, faster and more reliable,' Nshimyumuremyi said.
He added that the platform is also expected to contribute to the growth of tourism by making transportation options more accessible, especially as Rwanda continues to host international conferences and attract visitors.
Nshimyumuremyi explained that registering vehicles on the platform does not require payment, while owners remain in control of their vehicles.
'The vehicle owner keeps the freedom to manage their asset, while RydeXpress helps them reach more customers,' he said.
The company plans to expand the platform by introducing truck rental services to support individuals and businesses that need vehicles for transporting goods and cargo.
It also intends to introduce a vehicle marketplace where people can buy and sell cars, allowing sellers to advertise their vehicles and buyers to access more options.
Nshimyumuremyi said the company's long-term vision is to develop RydeXpress into a leading technology platform for transport and vehicle-related services in Rwanda and eventually across Africa.
'We want to start in Rwanda and later expand to other African countries, using technology to support the transport sector and create new opportunities for vehicle owners, businesses and customers,' he said.
RydeXpress offers a convenient way for interested people to rent vehicles
