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Masaka Views Eco Estate is being built in Masaka, a neighbourhood in Kigali's Kicukiro District, near an area designated for healthcare facilities.

Once completed, the development will comprise 382 housing units, including apartments, semi-detached family houses and townhouses.

Fortis Green Housing, the US-founded company behind the project, announced the progress on October 8, 2026, during a visit to the construction site by officials from NCBA Bank Rwanda.

The visit followed a partnership between the developer and the bank aimed at helping prospective buyers finance purchases in the estate.

Nyabagabo Fleury, Assistant Manager for Marketing, Communications and Citizenship at NCBA Bank Rwanda, said the houses are ready for prospective buyers to visit and encouraged those seeking to own homes to explore the development.

'The houses are ready. Anyone looking to settle in their own house is welcome for a site visit. And NCBA Bank Rwanda has a mortgage scheme to allow you get that dream home,' he said.

He described the development's homes and location as attractive, urging prospective buyers to visit the site, select a property and approach NCBA to explore financing options.

'As you can see, the houses are very beautiful, and the location is ideal. I encourage everyone to come visit. After you settle on your choice, come straight to NCBA because we have an arrangement with Fortis Green Housing,' he said.

Under the partnership, NCBA offers home financing through its Tura Neza 105% mortgage product, which is designed to help buyers finance their home purchases.

'We offer you 105% mortgage, which includes insurance cover and several benefits to allow you settle in a nice house like any of these ones you're here. As for the repayments, you will handle that like you would with any other credit scheme,' Nyabagabo said.

The product's 105% financing structure and included insurance cover could help eligible buyers meet the costs associated with acquiring a home. Prospective customers would need to confirm the applicable eligibility requirements, interest rates, repayment terms and other conditions with the bank.

Homes are priced up to Rwf212 million

The entire development is expected to cost more than Rwf36 billion. The project has also been described as a $25 million investment.

Masaka Views Eco Estate will comprise 302 apartments in blocks, with units ranging from one to three bedrooms, alongside 51 semi-detached family houses and 57 townhouses.

The first phase includes 180 housing units, according to the developer. Of these, 88 are intended for rental and 92 for sale.

Homes available for purchase include two-bedroom and four-bedroom houses, priced between Rwf102 million and Rwf212 million.

Furaha Amos, Director of Development at Fortis Green Housing, said construction of the first phase was nearing completion, with much of the remaining work focused on landscaping and cleaning.

'Construction of these houses in the first phase is almost coming to an end. We have started planting lawns and flowers because one of our main priorities is building environmentally friendly homes,' Amos said.

He added that essential infrastructure, including water and electricity, had already been installed, while construction of roads for residents was also progressing.

'Overall, we can say that our buildings are 85% complete because what remains is mainly cleaning,' he said.

Part of Kigali's housing expansion

Masaka Views Eco Estate is among the projects intended to support Kigali's efforts to improve housing and urban living conditions as the city continues to grow.

During the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the City of Kigali planned to spend more than Rwf251 billion on various initiatives, including improving urban development in different areas and upgrading living conditions in informal settlements.

The development combines homes intended for sale and rent, offering different housing options in Masaka. Through its partnership with Fortis Green Housing, NCBA Bank Rwanda is seeking to connect prospective homeowners with financing that could help them purchase properties in the estate.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/tura-neza-by-ncba-bank-rwanda-offers-105-mortgage-financing-for-25m-housing-project-in-masaka/

According to Iranian officials who spoke to Reuters, the modified strategy is intended to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and push oil prices higher as the U.S. prepares to vote in November.

The officials said Iran began using methods against vessels it considers to have violated its restrictions about 10 days ago.

'The aim is to frustrate efforts by the United States and its allies to bring ⁠down global oil prices,' one of the two officials was quoted as saying.

The change has coincided with a rise in attacks and reflects an effort to pressure Washington.

Before the war, about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

Since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, Tehran has restricted shipping to gain leverage over Washington.

The disruptions have reduced maritime traffic and pushed oil prices higher.

A US military official said Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has begun using unarmed observers in small boats to identify possible targets.

The official said this followed US strikes that damaged Iran's radar capability.

Last week, US forces identified observers operating from a dhow and relaying target information to the Guard, the official said.

US forces ordered those aboard to leave before destroying the vessel. No casualties were reported.

The Iranian officials said operations would extend beyond Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman and waters farther away. Maritime security data has indicated recent attacks off Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

At least five incidents involving commercial vessels were reported around Hormuz in the 48 hours before the Reuters report, including drone attacks, according to maritime security sources and reports to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency.

UN data suggested the pace was similar to that recorded on October 3 to 5.

The confrontation is becoming an issue in the US election campaign, with the war reportedly costing about $3 billion a month.

President Donald Trump has said he would not launch another attack on Iran before the vote, while Washington continues a naval blockade of Iranian ports and expands sanctions.

One Iranian official said Tehran was moving towards a complete closure of the strait for vessels it considers to be breaking its restrictions.

The US Navy-led Joint Maritime Information Center said the threat to merchant shipping remained 'severe,' citing attacks, attempted attacks, surveillance and warnings directed at commercial vessels.

Further disruption could raise shipping and insurance costs and pressure global energy markets.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/iran-changes-tactics-as-attacks-on-gulf-shipping-increase/

'Our responsibility as the regulator is to prevent fraud and other illegal activities in the capital market,' Dr. James Ndahiro, a CMA technical adviser, said during a retail investor webinar hosted by the Rwanda Stock Exchange (RSE).

He said companies raising funds must explain how much they need, how the money will be used and how their activities will be managed. Investors, in turn, should rely on accurate information and seek guidance from licensed intermediaries.

The webinar brought together representatives of the RSE, CMA, Rwanda National Investment Trust (RNIT), brokerage firms, entrepreneurs and other market participants to discuss how businesses can raise capital and how Rwandans can invest. It was held as part of World Investor Week 2026 and featured the World Federation of Exchanges' Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy initiative.

The discussions took place as Rwanda seeks to increase domestic savings and investment to help finance its development plans. The RSE chief executive Pierre-Célestin Rwabukumba said the country's savings rate needs to rise from 14 per cent to 28 per cent before 2029 to support the goals of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.

'This requires participation from both sides: companies coming to the market to raise capital and investors participating in the market,' the CEO said.

Rwanda's capital market currently has 10 listed companies and more than 10 corporate bonds. The value of products, listed companies and bonds on the market is estimated at about US$6 billion, equivalent to around 37 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.

Dan Rwiyamirira, head of business development at brokerage firm MO Capital, said buying shares in a listed company makes an investor a part-owner and may bring returns through dividends or an increase in the value of the shares.

He cited Bank of Kigali and Bralirwa as examples of locally listed companies whose shares have created opportunities for investors. Government bonds offer another option, allowing citizens to lend to the Government and earn a return while supporting public projects.

Ruziga Emmanuel Masantura, head of business development, marketing and sales at RNIT-Interambere Fund, said investment opportunities are open to a broad range of people. RNIT has about 100,000 accounts serving approximately 360,000 people, up from around 12,000 accounts two years ago.

Shami Rindiro Benigne, founder and organiser of Girlspark Fund, said participation can begin with a simple habit: 'Save before you spend.'

Speakers said expanding financial education and encouraging responsible saving and investment would help connect businesses seeking long-term funding with citizens looking to put their savings to work.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/cma-urges-transparency-as-rwanda-seeks-more-capital-market-investors/

The 71-year-old pontiff underwent the procedure at Rome's Agostino Gemelli University Hospital on October 13, after doctors discovered a small, localised nodule in his lung during medical examinations.

According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the operation was successful and completed without complications. The Pope woke up as expected and returned to his hospital room following a brief period of observation.

'An intraoperative histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, as suspected from the preoperative examinations,' the doctors said.

The diagnosis has drawn attention to the nature of the disease, how it is treated and what is known about the Pope's recovery.

Lung adenocarcinoma is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that develops in cells responsible for producing substances such as mucus. It is the most common subtype of lung cancer and frequently develops in the outer parts of the lungs.

The disease can affect smokers and non-smokers alike. Its progression varies from one patient to another, depending on factors including the size and location of the tumour, whether it has spread and the patient's overall health.

In Pope Leo's case, the Vatican confirmed the diagnosis after tissue removed during surgery was examined. However, the Holy See has not publicly disclosed the cancer's stage or whether it had spread beyond the affected area. These details are important in determining the most appropriate treatment and assessing a patient's prognosis.

During the operation, surgeons removed the lower lobe of the Pope's right lung in a procedure known as a lobectomy.

The surgery was performed using a video-assisted technique, which enables doctors to operate with the help of a camera and specialised instruments inserted through small incisions.

According to the Vatican's medical statement, the procedure lasted approximately 90 minutes, although the Pope spent about three hours in the operating room.

The removal of the affected lobe was intended to eliminate the tumour and surrounding tissue. Further examination of the removed tissue will help doctors assess the extent of the disease and determine whether additional treatment is needed.

Before undergoing surgery, Pope Leo announced that doctors had discovered a small, localised lung nodule during medical examinations. He said the finding had been detected at a very early stage.

Although his earlier statement described the nodule as localised, this alone does not establish the cancer's precise stage. Doctors generally consider additional findings, including whether cancer cells have reached nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, when determining how far the disease has progressed.

The Vatican has said that further examinations will be conducted following the operation. The results will help his medical team determine whether surgery is sufficient or whether additional care is necessary.

In an update issued on Wednesday, October 14, the Vatican said the Pope had spent a calm night at Gemelli Hospital following the operation.

His public audiences have been cancelled through October 20, and the previously announced hospital stay of approximately one week remains unchanged.

The Vatican has not announced a definitive change to his planned November visit to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The trip's status will depend on further updates and any decisions communicated by the Holy See.

For now, the focus is on the Pope's postoperative recovery and the results of further medical examinations.

While the successful operation is an important development, it does not by itself establish whether all cancer cells have been eliminated or whether further treatment will be necessary.

The stage of the cancer, the findings from additional tests and the medical team's recommendations will provide a clearer picture of what lies ahead for the pontiff.

Until more information is released, the extent of the disease and the long-term outlook remain uncertain.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/pope-leo-xivs-lung-cancer-diagnosis-what-we-know-so-far/

The meeting took place on Tuesday, October 13, during Nduhungirehe's working visit to the West African country.

In a statement following the meeting, Nduhungirehe said the discussions focused on relations between Rwanda and Mali, security in their respective regions and efforts to advance African integration.

Nduhungirehe's meeting with Goïta followed talks with his Malian counterpart, Abdoulaye Diop, on Monday, during which the two foreign ministers discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation, expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest and address regional security concerns.

He also met Lieutenant General Ismaël Wague, Mali's Minister of Reconciliation, Peace and National Cohesion, to exchange experiences on national reconciliation, unity and efforts to promote peace and stability.

Rwanda and Mali have taken steps to deepen their bilateral relations through agreements covering several sectors.

In May 2024, the two countries signed 19 agreements at the conclusion of their first Joint Permanent Commission meeting, which was co-chaired by then Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister Vincent Biruta and Diop.

The agreements covered areas including digitalisation, health, investment promotion and agriculture, providing a framework for expanded cooperation between the two countries.

Nduhungirehe's visit builds on these existing ties as Rwanda and Mali continue discussions on bilateral cooperation and broader regional and continental issues.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/nduhungirehe-malis-goita-discuss-bilateral-relations/

Davis, 63, was sentenced on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, by Judge Carli Kierny in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sentence comprises 20 years to life for first-degree murder and an additional consecutive 20 years to life for a deadly weapon enhancement.

Under the US sentencing system, a sentence of '40 years to life' means Davis must serve a minimum of 40 years in prison before he can be considered for parole, subject to applicable rules and credits. It does not guarantee his release after 40 years. If parole is denied, he could remain in prison for the rest of his life.

Even with credit for time served, Davis is not expected to become eligible for parole until he is approximately 100 years old. He has indicated that he intends to appeal the conviction.

Prosecutors argued that Davis deserved the maximum sentence, citing his criminal history and public statements about his involvement in the events surrounding Shakur's killing.

Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, while travelling in a BMW near the Las Vegas Strip. He died six days later, aged 25, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to influence hip-hop worldwide.

According to prosecutors, the killing was linked to an earlier confrontation in which Shakur's entourage assaulted Orlando 'Baby Lane' Anderson, Davis' nephew. Investigators alleged that the shooting was carried out in retaliation for the incident.

Davis, a former member of the South Side Compton Crips, later spoke publicly about the killing. In interviews and a 2019 memoir, he acknowledged being inside the white Cadillac that pulled alongside Shakur's vehicle. Prosecutors alleged that Anderson fired the fatal shots.

The case remained unsolved for decades before Davis was arrested and charged in September 2023, becoming the only person charged in connection with Shakur's death.

During the sentencing hearing, Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, described the devastating impact of losing her brother and called for the maximum punishment.

'I spent 30 years without my protection,' she told the court, reflecting on the loss of a brother she described as a father figure.

She also urged the judge to impose the longest possible sentence, saying, 'I do believe that when you take a life like that, you deserve every minute, every minute of the maximum amount of punishment.'

Shakur's stepbrother, Maurice Shakur, also addressed the court, describing the family's suffering following the rapper's death. 'The impact from my brother's murder has been devastating, heartbreaking and sad,' he said.

Judge Kierny also addressed the lasting consequences of the killing, emphasising that the loss extended beyond the victim to the family he left behind.

'You don't get to take a man from his family, you don't get to take his very life, his whole future from him and just walk away from it, especially when that man is Tupac Shakur,' she said.

Davis, meanwhile, indicated that the legal battle may not be over.

'I'm gonna appeal this case for sure,' he said, signalling his intention to challenge the conviction.

Shakur's murder became one of the most enduring mysteries in hip-hop, with his music and influence continuing to shape the genre decades after his death.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/tupac-shakur-murder-duane-keffe-d-davis-sentenced-to-40-years-to-life/

Speaking in Kigali on Tuesday, October 13, during the announcement of a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, Domenicali said the championship had spent years seeking the right opportunity to return to a continent it had been absent from since 1993.

'For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return, but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partners. That partner is Rwanda,' the Formula 1 boss said.

Domenicali pointed to Rwanda's development, natural beauty, resilience and growing international profile as factors that made the country stand out as Formula 1 considered its return to Africa.

'When you visit this country, the decision becomes clear. Rwanda is one of the world's great success stories,' he said, describing it as a nation that had overcome challenges in its past and was looking confidently towards the future.

He also highlighted Rwanda's ambition to attract international investment, promote innovation and create new opportunities, saying these priorities aligned with Formula 1's own vision for the sport's future.

The agreement will see Rwanda host the championship at a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District, south of Kigali, with the first race expected in the early 2030s, once construction is completed.

The return will mark Formula 1's first race on the African continent since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

However, for Domenicali, the significance of the partnership goes beyond adding another destination to the racing calendar. He said Formula 1 wanted its return to Africa to deliver lasting benefits through tourism, investment, education and skills development.

'This is not simply about hosting a Grand Prix. This is about creating legacy and inspiration,' he said.

He added that the project should support local businesses, empower communities and generate economic and social benefits that would extend beyond race weekends.

The planned circuit and associated development are expected to create opportunities in areas such as tourism, employment, technical skills and business. Formula 1 has also said the project is intended to support local talent and help inspire a new generation to pursue careers connected to motorsport.

Domenicali particularly emphasised the potential impact on young people, noting that Africa is home to more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, a community he said continues to grow.

He said bringing Formula 1 closer to African fans would give younger people the opportunity to see themselves not only as spectators but also as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs, innovators and future drivers, describing this as 'the true power of sports.'

President Paul Kagame also framed the agreement as an opportunity for Africa to gain more from the global sports industry. He noted that African athletes have contributed significantly to the global sports economy, while the continent has received comparatively little in return.

Kagame said the Grand Prix should help change that imbalance by creating opportunities for young Africans and encouraging more major sporting events to come to the continent.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also highlighted the importance of developing motorsport talent and making the sport more accessible to young people in Africa. He pointed to opportunities for training, education and grassroots racing, including the development of local skills and more affordable entry-level motorsport.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-was-the-right-choice-for-formula-1s-african-return-says-f1-boss/

The spokesperson said Mitte died on Monday, October 12, 2026. His representatives later confirmed that the actor died by suicide.

The Brownsville Police Department told reporters that officers responded to an emergency call around midday on Monday and found the actor deceased at his residence. Police noted that no foul play was suspected.

In a statement, Mitte's family confirmed his passing and paid tribute to his work advocating for people with disabilities. He served as an ambassador for United Cerebral Palsy and Shriners Children's and supported charitable initiatives through The Mitte Foundation.

The family said he used his public profile to challenge stereotypes and promote greater representation of people with disabilities.

Mitte, who lived with cerebral palsy, played Walter White Jr., the son of Bryan Cranston's character, Walter White, throughout all five seasons of Breaking Bad. The series aired on AMC from 2008 to 2013 and became one of television's most acclaimed dramas.

Cranston expressed deep sorrow over his former co-star's death, recalling meeting Mitte when he was 14 and had just been cast in the series. He praised the young actor's determination, saying he never allowed cerebral palsy to prevent him from pursuing his ambitions.

'I loved him, and thoroughly enjoyed being with him throughout the years on the series, and after the spotlight on Breaking Bad dimmed,' Cranston said. 'I'll miss you, son.'

Mitte began pursuing acting after moving to Hollywood with his family at the age of 14. His early appearances included roles in television shows such as Everybody Hates Chris and 7th Heaven before landing his breakthrough role in Breaking Bad.

Beyond the flagship series, he appeared in the television drama Switched at Birth and starred in the 2021 film Triumph, which follows a high school student with cerebral palsy who seeks to join a wrestling team.

Mitte often spoke about the importance of portraying people with disabilities accurately in film and television, drawing on his own experiences growing up with the condition.

His death prompted widespread tributes from fellow Breaking Bad cast members, including Aaron Paul and Dean Norris, as well as AMC Networks, which described him as an actor who left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/breaking-bad-actor-rj-mitte-dies-at-34/

Speaking in Kigali on Tuesday, October 13, during a panel discussion with Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Kagame responded to doubts about whether a country of Rwanda's size could host one of the world's biggest motorsport events.

'I tell those people to take a deep breath, calm down, and wait to see what is coming,' he said.

Kagame acknowledged that Rwanda is a small country but argued that its ambitions should not be judged by its size. He said the Formula 1 project forms part of wider development plans and should be considered in the context of Africa, rather than as an initiative benefiting Rwanda alone.

He said the Grand Prix should help Africa secure greater economic benefits from the global sports industry. African athletes, he noted, have contributed significantly to the international sports economy, while the continent has received comparatively little in return.

Kagame highlighted that Rwanda wanted Africans to participate in motorsport beyond being spectators, with opportunities to work as engineers, technicians, entrepreneurs and investors, as well as future drivers.

The remarks came as Formula 1 and Rwanda announced a 10-year agreement to host the Formula 1 African Grand Prix from the early 2030s. The race will take place at a new purpose-built circuit in Bugesera District, near the new Kigali International Airport, once construction is completed.

Formula 1 last raced in Africa at the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. The planned return will make Rwanda the latest African country to host a round of the championship.

Domenicali said Rwanda had emerged as the right partner after years of Formula 1 seeking a suitable opportunity to return to Africa.

'For many years, we have spoken about our desire to return, but always said we would return in the right way, with the right vision and the right partners. That partner is Rwanda,' he remarked, praising President Paul Kagame's leadership and the country's long-term vision, ambition and commitment to creating opportunities for its people.

Domenicali said the partnership was intended to deliver benefits beyond the race itself, including tourism, investment, skills development and growth for local businesses.

'This is not simply about hosting a Grand Prix. This is about creating legacy and inspiration,' he said.

He also noted that Africa has more than 100 million Formula 1 fans, saying the return would bring the sport closer to a growing audience and give young people opportunities to see themselves in careers linked to motorsport.

Ben Sulayem highlighted the importance of training, education and grassroots development, including opportunities to expand entry-level racing and build local technical skills. He said developing motorsport in Rwanda and across Africa would require greater access to the sport and investment in local talent.

Beyond the sporting ambitions, private investors are expected to play a leading role in developing Rwanda's Formula 1 circuit.

Speaking to journalists after the announcement, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Chief Executive Officer Jean Guy Afrika said the project had attracted strong interest from private-sector investors.

'We have witnessed tremendous interest from the private sector. Family offices, some of them were here today, investment funds, high-net-worth individuals,' he revealed.

Afrika said the investment interest reflected the commercial opportunities associated with the circuit, which is intended to serve as more than a venue for the annual Grand Prix.

The facility is being planned to host concerts, exhibitions and other events throughout the year, creating opportunities to generate revenue beyond race weekend.

Rwanda also projects that up to 300,000 consumers could be drawn to the country over a Formula 1 race weekend, according to Afrika.

He said visitor spending could benefit hotels, restaurants, retailers and other service providers, while also contributing to tax revenues.

The project is expected to create opportunities in tourism, employment, technical skills and business, with the potential to support local companies and attract further investment.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/kagame-dismisses-claims-that-formula-1-is-too-big-for-rwanda/

PFL Africa confirmed that Nigeria's Patrick Ocheme will face Senegal's Demba Seck in the lightweight final, headlining a stacked championship card in Rwanda.

The finals will mark another major mixed martial arts event for Kigali, which previously hosted the inaugural PFL Africa semifinals in October 2025. The Rwandan capital will become the first city to host more than one PFL Africa event.

Rwanda's hosting of the event comes as Kigali continues to attract international sporting competitions, strengthening its profile as a premier destination for major events on the African calendar.

The three championship bouts feature fighters who secured their places during the PFL Africa semifinals held in Casablanca, Morocco, on October 10, 2026.

In the welterweight division, Angola's Shido Boris Esperança will face unbeaten David Samuel, while the bantamweight final will see Liberia's Dwight Joseph take on Raphael Uchegbu.

Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-to-host-pfl-africa-finals/