Uwizeyimana said the Head of State had encouraged Rwandans living abroad to return and contribute to national development, particularly those who had acquired knowledge and financial resources that could benefit the country.
He was speaking to Rwandans living in Canada during the Rwanda Convention Canada on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
The senator called on Rwandans abroad to contribute to their country's development through their knowledge, professional skills, investments and networks, regardless of where they live.
'Contributing to Rwanda's development does not require you to be in Rwanda every day. You can be in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, yet Rwanda can benefit from your knowledge, your profession, your relationships with others, your investments, your ideas and the way you speak about your country,' he said.
Some Rwandans living abroad have been accused of spreading false information and speaking ill about the country, often in pursuit of their own selfish interests.
Uwizeyimana was asked what could be done to encourage more Rwandans living abroad to reconsider their criticism of the country and adopt a more constructive approach.
He traced his decision to return to a speech Kagame delivered during Rwanda Day in Toronto in 2013, when the President encouraged Rwandans who had acquired knowledge and wealth abroad to use those resources to support the country's development.
'During Rwanda Day in Toronto in 2013, the President called on all Rwandans to contribute to the journey we have been on for 32 years. He said there were people who had acquired knowledge and others who had acquired money. He said we needed both groups and invited them to come and work with us,' Uwizeyimana recalled.
He said Kagame also addressed those who had acquired what he described as bad habits abroad, telling them to keep those habits rather than bring them back to Rwanda.
'To be honest, I did not have money, but I had knowledge, and I believed in it. I brought that knowledge to Kigali. I contributed what little I could alongside others. I had criticised the government, and I told the President so. I told him, 'But I believe in you.' As a compassionate leader, he gave me an opportunity to contribute,' he said.
Uwizeyimana said he had initially gone to Canada to study and was a refugee at the time.
After returning to Rwanda, he held various positions, including at the Ministry of Justice and the Rwanda Law Reform Commission. He is currently serving his second term in the Senate.
The senator said returning to Rwanda could open up opportunities for people to contribute in different ways, although not everyone would necessarily take up public office.
'I believe these are opportunities that anyone could have. I am not telling everyone here that they will return and become ministers or senators, but everyone has something they can bring to that country. There are also people we cannot tell to abandon what they are doing here and come to sit in Kigali.
Building Rwanda does not require you to be physically present there,' he said.
Uwizeyimana urged Rwandans to respond to criticism and false claims about the country by sharing accurate information rather than engaging in insults.
'If someone speaks ill about Rwanda, do not start insulting them. But if they are lying, put accurate information out there and remain silent. Anyone seeking information about Rwanda will then find your side as well and compare the two,' he said.
Senator Evode speaks to Rwandans living in Canada during the Rwanda Convention Canada on Saturday, October 10, 2026.The senator called on Rwandans abroad to contribute to their country's development through their knowledge, professional skills, investments and networks, regardless of where they live.The senator said returning to Rwanda could open up opportunities for people to contribute in different ways, although not everyone would necessarily take up public office.
Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare warned that Uganda would not hesitate to leave the court if it investigated or indicted Ugandan citizens, accusing the ICC of undermining national sovereignty and unfairly targeting African officials.
'Uganda will not hesitate to leave this increasingly rogue institution should it ever investigate or indict our people,' Ayebare said in a statement posted on X on October 10.
He also criticised what he described as the court's disproportionate focus on African officials, arguing that it had departed from its original international mandate.
'The ICC has lost its way, from blatantly undermining sovereignty of its member states by exclusively targeting African officials, abandoning its original global mandate,' Ayebare said.
The minister added that Uganda would continue advocating reforms as a member of the ICC's governing body, the Assembly of States Parties' Bureau.
His remarks came after the United States announced new sanctions against the Hague-based court, renewing international debate over its authority to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of serious international crimes.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao publicly challenged Ayebare's remarks, calling for further discussion before Uganda adopts a position on withdrawing from the court.
Mao also questioned the timing of the statement, arguing that publicly denouncing an international institution to which Uganda voluntarily belongs could undermine the country's diplomatic interests.
He linked the controversy to Uganda's support for former foreign minister Olara Otunnu's campaign for United Nations secretary-general, noting that Otunnu's candidacy relies on a commitment to international law and multilateral institutions.
'But above all, the timing of this statement kills Ambassador @Olara_Otunnu's campaign for UN SG,' Mao wrote.
Mao added that Uganda should not promote a candidate whose public position on international law could be complicated by the government's criticism of an institution it has joined voluntarily. He also acknowledged that Uganda has had reservations about the ICC.
He recalled that, at one point, he believed the court's arrest warrants against leaders of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) could undermine peace negotiations.
On the other hand Ayebare rejected Mao's suggestion that his position was influenced by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, insisting that his views on the ICC were longstanding.
'With due respect Ladit, there is no relationship between the campaign for Dr Olara Otunnu for SG, and you know the facts, and my views on ICC which have been consistent for years,' Ayebare replied on X.
He maintained that the court had primarily targeted African situations, citing Sudan and Kenya, and referred to criticism surrounding former ICC prosecutor Karim Khan.
The two ministers subsequently moved to soften aspects of their exchange. Mao withdrew his remark accusing Ayebare of echoing Rubio's position, while maintaining that the issue should be discussed on its principles.
The disagreement has placed Uganda's position on international justice under renewed scrutiny as governments debate the court's authority and the implications of political pressure against it.
The dispute comes amid renewed tensions between Washington and the ICC following US sanctions announced by the Trump administration.
The United States has argued that the court should not exercise jurisdiction over American citizens and officials because Washington is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the tribunal.
The ICC, however, maintains that it has a mandate to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression under the conditions established by its founding treaty.
In response to the US measures, the court described the sanctions as 'an assault on the rule of law and on the very foundations of the international legal order,'
The ICC urged its member states to support its continued operations, warning that the dispute extends beyond the institution itself to the broader international legal system.
Uganda remains a state party to the Rome Statute. Its government has not, in the statements cited above, announced a formal withdrawal process.
Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, a state party seeking to withdraw must notify the United Nations secretary-general in writing. Withdrawal generally takes effect one year after the notification is received, and it does not automatically remove obligations arising while the country was a party to the treaty.
Uganda's warning therefore signals a possible political dispute over its future relationship with the court rather than confirmation that withdrawal is already under way.
The government's next steps will determine whether the threat develops into a formal move or remains part of the wider debate over the ICC's authority, national sovereignty and international accountability.
Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare warned that Uganda would not hesitate to leave the court if it investigated or indicted Ugandan citizens, accusing the ICC of undermining national sovereignty and unfairly targeting African officials.
Rwanda has selected Ben'Imana, a feature film directed by filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, as its first official submission to the Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone for the country's film industry.
The Ministry of Youth and Arts announced on October 9, 2026, that the film had been chosen by the Rwanda Oscar Selection Committee to represent the country in the International Feature Film category at the 99th Academy Awards.
The selection marks Rwanda's first entry into the international feature film category of the Oscars, one of the world's most prominent film awards.
'Rwanda's first submission to the Academy Awards is a proud milestone for our film industry and a testament to the talent, creativity and determination of Rwandan filmmakers. BEN'IMANA demonstrates the power of cinema to tell meaningful stories rooted in our history and lived experiences, while connecting with audiences around the world,' said Sandrine Umutoni, Minister of State for Youth and Arts.
The submission does not automatically mean the film has been nominated, as it must still pass through the Academy's selection process.
Ben'Imana made history earlier in 2026 when it premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first film directed by a Rwandan filmmaker to feature in the festival's Official Selection.
The film subsequently won the Caméra d'Or, an award recognising outstanding first features presented across Cannes' selections, as well as the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) Prize.
Set in Rwanda in 2012, eighteen years after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Ben'Imana explores the difficult process of confronting painful memories, rebuilding relationships and pursuing reconciliation within communities affected by the genocide.
The story follows Vénéranda, a woman who has spent years helping survivors and the families of those responsible confront painful silences surrounding the past.
However, when her daughter's future becomes intertwined with that history, she is forced to reconsider the limits of her own capacity for forgiveness.
Through the experiences of three generations of women, the film examines memory, inherited silence, reconciliation and the challenges of rebuilding lives after tragedy.
The cast includes Isabelle Kabano, Clémentine U. Nyirinkindi and Kesia Kelly Nishimwe. The film was produced through an international collaboration involving Rwanda, Gabon, France, Norway and Côte d'Ivoire, with filming carried out entirely in Rwanda.
Dusabejambo is a self-taught Rwandan filmmaker who began her filmmaking journey in 2008.
Before making her first feature film, she gained international recognition through short films including Lyiza, A Place for Myself and Icyasha, which explored themes of identity, discrimination and social experiences.
The Academy is expected to publish the list of eligible international feature films before narrowing the selection to a shortlist of 15 films and, ultimately, five nominees.
Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo's feature film Ben'Imana has been selected as Rwanda's first official submission to the Academy Awards.
Small, consistent choices can help people manage stress and support mental well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies sleep, physical activity, healthy eating and social connection as important self-care practices.
The following 10 habits do not replace professional care, but they can support a healthier routine.
1. Keep a regular sleep schedule
Go to bed and wake up at similar times. Make your sleeping space quiet, dark and comfortable, and reduce screen use before bedtime.
2. Move your body
Walking, dancing, cycling, stretching and household chores all count as movement. Start with what feels manageable and build gradually; short periods of activity can add up.
3. Stay connected
Speak with friends, relatives or people you trust. A call, shared meal or honest conversation can reduce isolation and give you space to share concerns.
4. Eat balanced meals
Choose a variety of foods when available, including fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein. Drink enough water and try not to skip meals during busy days.
5. Make time to relax
Spend a few minutes breathing slowly, stretching, praying, meditating or listening to music. WHO stress-management guidance encourages practising simple coping skills.
6. Create a realistic routine
Plan essential tasks and make room for rest, meals and enjoyable activities. Break tasks into smaller steps and adjust expectations when life becomes difficult.
7. Enjoy a hobby
Reading, gardening, cooking, drawing, sports or learning something new can bring enjoyment and provide a break from pressures. Choose an activity that matters to you.
8. Take breaks from stressful content
If news updates or social media leave you overwhelmed, limit when and how often you check them. Use some of that time for movement, rest or social connection.
9. Treat yourself with kindness
Notice when you are tired or struggling, and avoid judging yourself for difficult feelings. Focus on one manageable next step instead of expecting yourself to solve everything.
10. Know when to seek help
If sadness, anxiety, sleep problems or other difficulties persist, worsen or interfere with daily life, speak with a health professional. Asking for help is not a failure. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Mental well-being is shaped by personal, social and environmental factors, so no single habit works for everyone. Start with one small change and build gradually. These steps can support well-being, while professional care remains important whenever it is needed.
Simple daily habits, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, relaxation and social connection, can help support mental well-being and manage stress.
The fire started at around 3 p.m., according to residents who spoke to IGIHE, while firefighters were still working to contain the blaze by 4:30 p.m.
'The fire started on the fifth floor, and it is still burning,' one resident told IGIHE.
The fire started at around 3 p.m., according to residents who spoke to IGIHE.
Residents near the market said they did not know what caused the fire. As flames spread through the building, traders and other occupants rushed outside to escape the blaze.
Some traders were seen sitting on the ground and crying after witnessing the destruction and fearing the loss of their merchandise.
A resident said the fire had affected the upper floors, where tailors and second-hand clothing traders operate.
'The fire is still burning, and firefighters are trying to put it out. As we speak, it has been burning for about 20 minutes. It started at around 3 p.m., approaching 4 p.m.,' the resident said.
The resident added that everyone had evacuated the building, but traders operating on the upper floors were particularly worried that their goods might have been destroyed.
'People are distressed, understandably, because they have lost their belongings. I suspect those operating upstairs, where the fire started, will not be able to salvage anything. They will suffer losses,' the resident said.
As flames spread through the building, traders and other occupants rushed outside to escape the blaze.
By 4:30 p.m., flames were still visible on the fourth and fifth floors as the Rwanda National Police fire and rescue brigade continued efforts to extinguish the blaze.
IGIHE has contacted Musanze District Mayor Claudien Nsengimana for information on the cause of the fire, which had not been established by the time of publication.
About Goico market
Goico market was built in 2017 by Gorilla Investment Company (GOICO), a company bringing together 89 private investors from Musanze District. The project cost approximately Rwf7.5 billion.
The multi-storey commercial building houses businesses selling clothing, electronic equipment and other goods. It also accommodates banks and supermarkets.
More than 1,550 traders operate at the market, which receives an estimated 25,000 visitors daily.
The multi-storey commercial building houses businesses selling clothing, electronic equipment and other goods. It also accommodates banks and supermarkets.Traders operating on the upper floors were particularly worried that their goods might have been destroyed.More than 1,550 traders operate at the market, which receives an estimated 25,000 visitors daily.
At least 20 people were killed or wounded in an ambush in South Kivu on September 17, 2026, involving personnel working for the former U.S. Navy SEAL officer, according to reports.
Those killed included at least seven Congolese nationals and Justin Conaglen, a former member of New Zealand's special forces. Tim Kennedy, a former US Army Special Forces soldier and mixed martial arts fighter, was among those wounded.
Reuters reported that Kennedy was shot three times in the leg and later evacuated to the United States for treatment. The New York Times reported that he sustained multiple gunshot wounds during fighting in the hills around Minembwe, where Conaglen was killed.
Kennedy was initially taken to Burundi before being transferred to South Africa and eventually flown to the United States, as efforts were made to evacuate the wounded and recover the bodies.
The ambush was not the first deadly incident involving Prince's personnel in the DRC. Clashes in early September had already killed several Colombian mercenaries, according to reports, before the group that included Kennedy was attacked on September 17.
The incidents point to mounting losses among personnel deployed by Prince in different parts of South Kivu while supporting government forces against their adversaries.
How Tim Kennedy became involved in the DRC conflict
Kennedy previously served in the US Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets, before establishing a career in mixed martial arts. He competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) before retiring from professional competition in 2017.
In September 2026, he was in the DRC as part of a team working for Prince, whose involvement in the country has expanded beyond providing security services to include support for military operations.
Prince founded Blackwater, a private military company that became prominent during US military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The company attracted international condemnation after its employees killed civilians in Baghdad in 2007.
Since then, Prince has pursued security and commercial ventures in several countries affected by conflict and instability, including in Africa.
In the DRC, his operations are conducted largely through Vectus Global, a company involved in security-related activities.
Kennedy previously served in the US Army Special Forces, known as the Green Berets, before establishing a career in mixed martial arts.
Prince's deal with Kinshasa
Prince's involvement in the DRC predates the September ambush.
A report by the United Nations Group of Experts on the DRC indicates that the Congolese government entered into a five-year agreement with Prince in December 2024.
The arrangement covered security operations in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, with plans to train and deploy personnel and provide aerial capabilities, including drones capable of carrying out attacks.
The agreement also envisaged the use of a system to oversee mineral tax collection, with the aim of increasing government revenue to help finance the operations.
The deal was valued at hundreds of millions of dollars over five years, although the amount paid to Prince has not been disclosed.
What was initially presented as an initiative to protect mining sites, monitor mineral trade and improve revenue collection has since extended to direct support for military operations.
Prince has supplied drones and personnel to assist Congolese forces in the conflict.
His personnel have maintained a presence in Kalemie, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The team includes drone operators from Colombia and Ukraine who have been involved in military operations.
Reuters reported that their role expanded in early 2026, when Prince's personnel were deployed to Uvira. The total number of mercenaries working for him in the DRC remains unknown.
Prince's involvement in the DRC predates the September ambush.
The risks facing foreign fighters in South Kivu
The September ambush near Minembwe highlighted the risks facing foreign personnel deployed to support Congolese government forces, even when they have experience in elite military units.
The circumstances surrounding the September 17 attack remain unclear. The New York Times quoted a person close to Prince describing it as an intense, prolonged battle that was made more difficult by insufficient support from Congolese forces.
The latest casualties come amid the Congolese government's continued reliance on foreign fighters.
In early 2025, when M23 captured Goma, nearly 300 foreign mercenaries working for the Congolese government, most of them Romanian, surrendered and left the country through Rwanda.
Their departure did not end Kinshasa's reliance on foreign personnel, with subsequent reports pointing to continued efforts to enlist outside support for military operations.
The use of foreign mercenaries has also featured in Rwanda's concerns over security in eastern Congo.
Rwanda has repeatedly argued that the Congolese army operates alongside several armed groups and foreign forces, including the FDLR, Wazalendo and Burundian troops, as well as foreign mercenaries. Kigali maintains that these arrangements pose a threat to its security.
Erik Prince's controversial record
Prince's operations have repeatedly attracted scrutiny over their military and political implications.
Blackwater became notorious following the killing of civilians at Baghdad's Nisour Square in 2007. Several of its former employees were convicted in connection with the incident before US President Donald Trump pardoned them in 2020.
Prince has also faced controversy over activities in Africa. In 2019, mercenaries associated with him left Libya after an operation there encountered difficulties. UN experts have separately accused him of involvement in activities that breached sanctions imposed on Somalia.
In a 2024 interview, Prince made remarks that sparked debate over his views on US involvement in African countries, which he described as incapable of governing themselves.
According to The New York Times, when asked whether his proposals amounted to a new form of colonialism, Prince acknowledged that characterisation.
Zobel Behalal, a researcher who has studied mercenary operations in the DRC, said the government's decision to enlist Prince reflected weaknesses in the Congolese military. He added that civilians ultimately bear the cost of the conflict.
DRC relies on battle-hardened mercenaries, but they are suffering defeats alongside FARDC forces.
World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10, raises awareness about mental health, challenges stigma and encourages access to care.
Here are 10 things to know about the 2026 observance.
1. Why the day is observed
The day promotes understanding of mental health challenges and encourages governments, communities and individuals to improve prevention, treatment and support for people experiencing mental health conditions.
2. This year's global theme
The 2026 theme is 'Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.' Led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners, the campaign calls for people with lived experience to help shape mental health policies, services and decisions.
3. Its history
The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) established the observance in 1992. It has since become an international platform for mental health education, advocacy and efforts to improve care.
4. More than one billion people are affected
WHO estimates that nearly one in seven people worldwide, approximately 1.2 billion, were living with a mental disorder in 2023. Anxiety and depressive disorders are among the most common conditions.
5. Rwanda reports a decline in mental health problems, but challenges remain
Rwanda has recorded a decline in the prevalence of mental health problems over the past five years, according to the Ministry of Health. Figures presented by Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, in January show that prevalence fell from 20.5% in 2018 to 18.6% in 2025.
The ministry reported that problems associated with depression declined from 11.9% to 9.1% over the same period, while those linked to stress fell from 8% to 3%. However, problems associated with alcohol and drug use increased from 1.6% to 2.4%, highlighting an area of continuing concern.
Rwanda has expanded access to mental health services through community-based support, school initiatives and specialised institutions such as Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital. Approximately 80% of health centres now provide at least some mental health services, supported by a network of about 60,000 community health workers.
The Ministry of Health has also highlighted programmes supporting survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and their descendants as part of broader efforts to address mental health needs.
6. Mental health affects people of all ages
Mental health conditions can affect people of all ages. Recognising distress early, providing supportive environments and improving access to appropriate care are important for children, adolescents and adults.
7. Treatment is available
Mental health conditions are not personal failures. Effective treatments exist for many conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders. Depending on individual needs, support may include psychological therapies, medication and community-based services.
8. Stigma remains a major barrier
People experiencing mental health challenges may face discrimination, isolation or judgment. Misconceptions that mental health conditions reflect weakness can discourage individuals from seeking help.
9. Lived experience matters
People who have experienced mental health conditions possess valuable knowledge about their needs and barriers to care. WHO says they should participate meaningfully in designing, delivering and evaluating mental health services.
10. Everyone can offer support
Listening without judgment, checking on loved ones, respecting privacy and encouraging professional help can make a difference. Avoid dismissing someone's feelings or pressuring them to explain experiences they are not ready to share.
World Mental Health Day is also a reminder that meaningful progress requires sustained investment, accessible services and supportive communities. Governments, workplaces, schools and families all have a role in protecting mental well-being.
Ultimately, the 2026 observance calls for more than listening to people's experiences. It urges societies to translate those voices into practical changes that protect dignity, strengthen support and improve mental health care for everyone.
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health, challenge stigma and promote access to mental health services worldwide.
Located in Jarama Sector, Ngoma District, in Rwanda's Eastern Province, Jarama Farm is turning that idea into reality, transforming a stretch of farmland into a diverse agricultural venture that also invites visitors to experience farming firsthand.
Founded in February 2024, Jarama Farm currently covers 24 hectares, with another 52 hectares under preparation.
Led by Ronald Asiimwe, its managing director and co-founder, the farm combines crop production, livestock farming, agritourism and community initiatives.
Pictured are flowers grown at Jarama Farm, which operates 10 greenhouses dedicated to tomatoes and other crops.
The inspiration behind the business came during a trip to China, where a conversation with a stranger introduced Asiimwe to the potential of chili farming. China is a major market for chili, including dried peppers exported from Rwanda
'I remember a moment when I was in China, and a stranger got me interested in chili farming. And it seemed too good to be true,' he recalls.
Determined to explore the opportunity, Asiimwe returned to Rwanda and travelled across the country searching for suitable farmland.
Cows at Jarama Farm in Ngoma District, where livestock farming forms part of an integrated agricultural system.
Friends with agricultural experience advised him to prioritise access to water, eventually leading him to Jarama, where a lake attracted his attention.
'I was drawn to the lake,' he says. 'I visited so many areas at the beginning… there isn't a part of the country I haven't gone to look for farmland.'
His first attempts at chili cultivation did not meet expectations. After one or two growing cycles, he changed direction and invested in greenhouse farming.
Today, Jarama operates 10 greenhouses, primarily growing tomatoes. Production initially reached approximately 400 kilogrammes per greenhouse before stabilising at around 150 kilogrammes per week per unit.
The farm reports overall production of approximately two tonnes, with monthly output estimated at 10 tonnes.
Flower production is another major activity, with an annual harvest of approximately 612,000 bouquets.
The farm also raises cows, goats, rabbits, chickens and bees, alongside black soldier flies, which contribute to its integrated production system.
Goats raised at Jarama Farm, one of the livestock activities contributing to the farm's diversified business model.
Different activities support one another, helping the business connect livestock management with crop production and other agricultural processes.
'Everything we do here is business-oriented. Nothing we do here is without a commercial purpose or profitability; everything is interwoven,' Asiimwe explains.
'The cows serve the crops, the black soldier flies serve the chickens, so everything is linked. It's a perfect example of a mixed farm.'
Turning farming into a tourism experience
Beyond agricultural production, Jarama is developing as an agritourism destination where visitors can learn about farming while experiencing rural life.
Asiimwe describes it as 'an agritourism destination… a place where you can come and kill several birds with one stone.'
Flower production is another major activity, with an annual harvest of approximately 612,000 bouquets.
The farm receives approximately 50 individual visitors monthly and hosts four or five groups. It limits organised visits to roughly one per week to maintain the quality of the experience.
Tours introduce visitors to different parts of the operation, including the black soldier fly section, which often surprises people unfamiliar with the insects' agricultural applications.
'I take them to see the black soldier flies,' he says. 'Many people don't expect to see flies on a farm… the flies catch them off guard, so I find it's always an interesting place to start.'
For Asiimwe, the tours provide an opportunity to demonstrate how different farming activities work together while challenging perceptions of agriculture as a sector limited to conventional crop cultivation.
Social media expands the farm's reach
Jarama's visibility has grown through social media, particularly Instagram, where videos showcasing everyday farm activities have attracted audiences interested in agriculture.
The content reaches aspiring farmers and urban residents who may have limited exposure to agricultural production. It has also helped people recognise Asiimwe outside the farm after watching the videos online.
'Our goal is to show that side of life that many people may not experience day to day… to educate as many people as possible and to introduce farming to those who would like, at some point in their lives, to come and do what we are doing right now,' he says.
Rabbits at Jarama Farm, which combines different livestock activities with crop production and agritourism.
The discipline behind the business
Managing the farm requires close supervision of its different activities. Asiimwe begins his typical day in the nurseries, where young plants are prepared before being transferred to production areas.
'We believe a healthy nursery is a reliable indicator of a healthy farm. You can't have a healthy farm without perfect nurseries.'
His responsibilities then extend to milking, goat management, flower production and beekeeping, among other activities. He also checks on the rabbits whenever time allows.
'Farming can never be done remotely… it takes a lot of presence. It takes being very present, following everything,' he says.
The farm employs approximately 150 to 162 daily workers, with the number occasionally rising to around 300 during busier periods. However, finding skilled labour remains a major challenge, making employee training an important part of the operation.
Supporting the surrounding community
Employment is one of Jarama's most direct contributions to the surrounding community. The farm also emphasises agricultural skills transfer and support for vulnerable children.
Additionally, Asiimwe says the desire to contribute to children's nutrition and healthy development inspired the establishment of a food programme designed to support their well-being and future.
Ronald Asiimwe, Jarama Farm's managing director and co-founder, launched the farm in 2024.
Ambitions beyond Rwanda
Jarama plans to expand its tourism offering by introducing accommodation, wedding venues and a game centre. These facilities are intended to attract more visitors while keeping interactive farming at the heart of the experience.
Asiimwe hopes the farm will become one of East Africa's leading agritourism destinations within five years, with ambitions to reach a wider African audience in the following decade.
His advice to aspiring farmers is to take the first step and approach agriculture with patience, commitment and a long-term vision.
'I would advise them to start. That's the most important thing. It's easy to dream, but commitment begins when you start. The second thing is patience and having a long-term vision, because most people get frustrated by the short term.'
Flowers grown at Jarama Farm in Ngoma District, where flower production is a key part of the farm's diversified agricultural business, with an annual harvest of approximately 612,000 bouquets.Goats raised at Jarama Farm, one of the livestock activities contributing to the farm's diversified business model.Cows feeding at Jarama Farm.
The jacket will headline the Michael Jackson: The Fashion Legacy Evening Auction, scheduled for December 7 at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. The event forms part of Julien's Auctions' inaugural Celebrity & Pop Culture Experience, which will run from December 7 to 9.
Ahead of the sale, international previews are planned at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as in Japan and Bahrain, giving fans and collectors opportunities to view items associated with the late pop star.
The Thriller jacket is among Jackson's most recognisable fashion pieces, reflecting the distinctive style that helped define his public image. The music video, released in 1983 and directed by John Landis, became a landmark in popular music through its combination of horror-inspired storytelling, elaborate choreography and cinematic production.
Designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, the jacket's bold red colour and black detailing became closely associated with Jackson's performance and the video's enduring cultural influence. Its design has since been widely imitated, making it one of the most recognisable outfits in music history.
The jacket previously sold for $1.8 million at a Julien's Auctions sale in 2011. Its new expected price of more than $10 million would represent a substantial increase, highlighting the continuing demand for memorabilia linked to influential musicians.
Other items associated with Jackson's career are also expected to attract collectors. They include his famous white rhinestone glove, associated with his performance of 'Billie Jean' during the 1983 television special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. The performance helped popularise the moonwalk, which became one of his signature dance moves.
Jackson, who died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50, remains an influential figure in global music and fashion. His music continues to reach new audiences, while clothing and personal items connected to his career retain considerable interest among collectors.
The December auction is expected to draw international attention to the commercial and cultural legacy of an artist whose influence extended beyond music to dance, fashion and visual storytelling.
If the jacket reaches its anticipated price, the sale would further demonstrate the enduring value of memorabilia associated with one of pop music's most recognisable figures.
Propstore's music specialist Mark Hochman looks at Michael Jackson's tour rehearsal 'Thriller' jacket, autographed by Jackson.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 10, 2026, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the coalition forces included the Congolese army (FARDC), the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Mai-Mai militias, foreign mercenaries and members of the Burundi National Defence Force.
'This military escalation is particularly concerning in the Minembwe region, where attacks continue with increased intensity,' Kanyuka stated.
Kanyuka said the forces intensified drone attacks on Point Zéro and surrounding areas in Minembwe at around 10 p.m. on Friday, October 9.
He added that another attack using kamikaze drones targeted Rugezi and neighbouring areas in the early hours of Saturday, October 10, at around 1 a.m.
According to Kanyuka, the repeated attacks on populated areas had resulted in deaths, forced civilians to flee their homes and worsened an already severe humanitarian situation.
AFC/M23, which operates in the area alongside the MRDP Twirwaneho armed group, did not provide figures for the reported deaths, injuries or displacement.
Point Zéro was among the areas controlled by AFC/M23 and Twirwaneho targeted in the attacks.
