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Dr. Kadozi brings 14 years of extensive experience in capacity building, focusing on business, economics, energy utilization, and environmental conservation.

His academic career includes teaching and research roles at leading institutions such as the University of Rwanda and Kigali Independent University (ULK), where he taught master’s students in economics and development while conducting training sessions across various sectors.

Over the years, he has mentored more than 50 students conducting research at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. These students hailed from Rwanda, Europe, and the United States.

In 2019, Dr. Kadozi earned a PhD in economics from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. His academic credentials also include a master’s degree from Tsinghua University in China and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rwanda, further cementing his expertise.

The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) also welcomed new leadership, with Dr. Flora Mutezigaju appointed as Deputy Director General.

Dr. Mutezigaju holds a PhD in inclusive education for persons with disabilities from Kenyatta University in Kenya, where she also completed her master’s degree.

She joined UNICEF in August 2023 as an education specialist and, in 2021, worked with the World Bank on promoting inclusive education. Prior to that, in 2018, she served as the Director of Inclusive Education Development at REB.

Another notable appointment is Carlène Seconde Umutoni, who became the Deputy Director General of the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA).

She transitioned from MINEDUC, where she worked since 2021. Previously, from 2018 to 2021, she managed projects at MTN Rwanda. Umutoni holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from AUCA, showcasing her strong academic foundation.

Further changes in MINEDUC saw Rose Baguma appointed as the Head of the Education Policy department.

Adia Umulisa now heads the education sector planning, monitoring, and evaluation department, while Jimmy Christian Byukusenge takes on responsibilities as the Director General of Corporate Services.

Esther Shaban Tuyizere has been named an advisor to the Minister of Education, and Jean Baptiste Doxa Niyibizi assumes the role of legal analyst.

New provincial education coordinators have also been appointed. Emmanuel Butera oversees the Eastern Province, Augustin Uwimana is responsible for the Northern Province, Christophe Nsengiyaremye takes charge of the Southern Province, Eric Niyongabo leads in Kigali City, and Jean de Dieu Ntaganira manages education coordination in the Western Province.

Beyond the education sector, other significant appointments include Dr. Edgar Kalimba as Deputy Director General for Medical Services at King Faisal Hospital (KFH). The hospital also established a new board chaired by Dr. Thierry Kalisa, with Dr. Natalie McCall as Vice Chair.

Other board members include Israel Bimpe, Dr. Sanctus Musafiri, Dr. Regis Hitiman, Flora Nsinga, Theogene Maniragaba, Jeannette Rwigamba, and Natacha Butera.

Lastly, Agnes Muhongerwa was named Deputy Chief Gender Monitor in charge of Gender-Based Violence at the Gender Monitoring Office.

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The announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Kigali Convention Centre on Friday, January 17, 2025.

The project is being implemented as a public-private partnership (PPP). The Ruzizi III Regional Hydropower Project will hold a 70% stake, while the remaining 30% will be shared equally among the three participating countries.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit all three nations, as the electricity produced will be distributed equally among them.

Mohsin Tahir, the project manager of Ruzizi III, explained that discussions about the project have been ongoing for over a decade among the three countries. However, the project is now in its final stages of preparation, and construction is expected to begin soon, with a timeline of five years for completion.

'This project will not only benefit Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC but will also have a significant impact across the continent. Ruzizi III is the first hydropower plant of its kind in the region,' Tahir said.

'We expect construction to take five years, and by 2030, the plant will begin supplying electricity. The construction phase alone will create over 2,000 jobs. This will be one of the most substantial infrastructure projects undertaken in the past 30 years, leveraging shared natural resources for the collective benefit of all involved nations.'

Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Gasore Jimmy, emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the region’s energy needs while promoting sustainable development.

'This project represents more than just a hydropower development. It is a beacon of hope for a sustainable and energy-secure future for the people of Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo,' Minister Gasore stated.

The Minister reassured stakeholders that any political or diplomatic challenges among the participating countries would not hinder the project’s progress.

'Our confidence is based on past collaborations. For example, we have another joint project that has been operational since the 1990s and continues to function effectively. Meetings are held regularly, decisions are made collaboratively, and progress is achieved. For Ruzizi III, we have followed a similar approach, which has brought us this far.'

He further revealed that by September 2025, all stakeholders, including financiers, implementers, and the participating governments, are expected to reach a comprehensive agreement. This will allow construction to commence.

'We have already started issuing contracts to the builders. Once financial close is achieved, construction will begin in 2026 and is expected to take five years to complete,' Minister Gasore stated.

Regional cooperation and security

Charles Vumbi Mbenga, the Director General of the Great Lakes Energy (EGL) company, which oversees energy projects in the East African Community, noted that all three countries are committed to implementing the project.

He urged security agencies in the respective countries to ensure safety in the areas where project activities will take place, as agreed by the participating nations in 2019.

The agreement to implement the Ruzizi III Hydropower Plant project was signed in Kinshasa on July 29, 2019.

The project is expected to cost $625.19 million, with $138.88 million provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and $50.22 million from a private-sector funding mechanism.

Ruzizi III is part of the Program for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) and will be constructed along the Ruzizi River, located between Rwanda and the DRC. The project will also include infrastructure for distributing electricity.

This initiative is expected to address energy shortages in Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC, which have been exacerbated by rapid population growth outpacing the development of energy infrastructure.

Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Gasore Jimmy, emphasized the importance of the project in addressing the region’s energy needs while promoting sustainable development.

Mohsin Tahir, the project manager of Rusizi III, stated that the project is expected to start supplying electricity within the next five years.

The stakeholders were informed that this year, final agreements leading to the start of construction work will be reached.

The management of the project announced that construction work will begin next year.

The CEO of EDCL, Felix Gakuba, and CP John Bosco Kabera, who represented the National Police at the event.

Amb. Vincent Karega speaking with the British Ambassador to Rwanda Alison Thorpe.

The European Union Ambassador to Rwanda, Belén Calvo Uyarra, stated that they will support the implementation of the project.

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In a statement released on Friday, January 17, 2025, the management attributed the move to sustained market challenges, including economic pressures, currency depreciation and rising operational costs.

'Over the past 40 years, CMC Motors Group has played a vital role in supporting East Africa’s agricultural sector through the delivery of quality service, mechanization solutions, and steadfast support to its customers. However, despite restructuring efforts and a transformation program initiated in 2023, the market conditions have not provided a sustainable path forward,' the statement reads in part.

According to the company, the gradual winding down of operations in the three countries will be done in 'full compliance with local regulations and distributorship agreements.'

'The company is committed to supporting its employees during this transition and will ensure a smooth and orderly wind-down in adherence to all relevant agreements and regulations,' the management added.

CMC Motors Group Ltd, owned by CMC Holdings Ltd, was acquired in 2014 by the Al-Futtaim Group, a multinational conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Other trading subsidiaries owned by CMC Holdings Ltd include Cooper Motor Corporation (Uganda) Ltd, Hughes Motors (Tanzania) Ltd, and Kenya Vehicle Manufacturers Ltd (33% Shareholding).

The company deals in a comprehensive range of automotive and related products and services, making it a key player in the East African market. This includes the sales and distribution of a variety of vehicles, from passenger cars to commercial vehicles such as UD Trucks, Eicher Trucks, and MAN Trucks.

They also cater to the construction and agricultural sectors, distributing Bobcat and Case construction equipment, and New Holland tractors with various farming implements. Beyond sales, CMC Motors Group provides extensive after-sales services through its network of showrooms and service centers, offering maintenance, repairs, and spare parts.

Additionally, they have a specialized engineering division, CMC Engineering, which designs and builds custom truck bodies, trailers, and other fabrications, along with an accident repair workshop equipped for dent repair and re-spraying.

In April 2023, CMC Motors Group declared 169 of its workers in Kenya redundant after three vehicle brands namely Mazda, Ford and Suzuki terminated their distribution deals with the company.

CMC Motors Group has announced a decision to wind down operations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, ending over 40 years of business operations in the East African region.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking during a press conference at ACT-Wazalendo headquarters on Thursday, January 16, 2025, the party leader outlined several critical issues driving her decision to seek the highest office including declining economic growth, the rising cost of living, youth unemployment, and alleged mismanagement of the country’s natural resources.

'Tanzania needs new leadership that will protect national interests, foster a strong economy, promote equal opportunities, and ensure transparent governance,' Semu stated.

Semu claimed that Tanzania’s economic downturn was a key concern, citing the World Bank’s 2024 report, which recorded a decline in growth from 6.8% in 2019 to 4.6% in 2023. She attributed the slowdown to unstable investment policies and the ineffective implementation of development projects.

She also emphasized the impact of inflation, which stood at 3.1% in December 2024 according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and lamented over what she termed as the country’s failure to invest in job-creating sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

Semu has over a decade of political experience and previously served in public administration for 17 years.

In 2022, she was appointed Prime Minister of the party’s shadow cabinet, which was created to ensure accountability within the government.

She expressed confidence in her readiness to lead Tanzania, saying 'I am not entering this race to lose.'

'I have been groomed for this role, and my party is equipped with the vision and strategies needed to build a prosperous Tanzania,' she stated.

Semu also expressed openness to collaborating with other opposition parties to challenge CCM, which has been in power for nearly five decades since its formation in 1977.

'We are ready to work with serious opposition parties, but first, we must ensure our own house is in order,' she said.

Semu’s announcement follows ACT-Wazalendo’s recent call for party members to declare their candidacy for the upcoming polls, as well as a similar declaration by party chairperson Othman Masoud Othman, who seeks to run for Zanzibar’s presidency.

If nominated by ACT-Wazalendo, Semu will face President Suluhu, who is expected to seek re-election under CCM.

President Suluhu ascended to the presidency in March 2021 following the death of her predecessor John Magufuli.

The late Magufuli had secured a second term in the October 2020 presidential election with a landslide victory, garnering over 84% of the vote. His main opponent, Tundu Lissu of Chadema party, received just 13% of the vote.

Tanzania opposition figure Dorothy Semu has announced her bid to run for the presidency in the 2025 general election, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest against President Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The incident occurred at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT) when SpaceX mission control lost contact with the newly upgraded Starship during its test flight. The rocket, carrying its first payload of mock satellites but no crew, disintegrated eight minutes after liftoff from SpaceX’s South Texas launch facilities.

Fiery debris was spotted streaking across the skies of the Caribbean, with videos shared online showing orange trails over Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

'We did lose all communications with the ship—that is essentially telling us we had an anomaly with the upper stage,' said SpaceX Communications Manager Dan Huot. Minutes later, SpaceX confirmed the rocket’s loss.

The exact moment Starship Exploded. Filmed from a cruise ship. https://t.co/dhRxfxIABt pic.twitter.com/5cd6G2r7ED

— Nic Cruz Patane (@niccruzpatane) January 16, 2025

The disruption extended beyond the launch site, as dozens of commercial flights were forced to divert or alter their routes to avoid the debris field.

At Miami International Airport, some flights were temporarily grounded, according to eyewitness accounts.

Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that air traffic across the region had been rerouted, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented a brief airspace restriction.

The FAA, responsible for regulating private space activities, stated that normal operations had resumed shortly after the debris cleared. The agency regularly closes airspace for rocket launches and reentries but expands these closures if anomalies occur.

Elon Musk responded to the incident with characteristic optimism, posting on X: 'Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!'

Preliminary assessments from SpaceX pointed to an internal liquid oxygen fuel leak as the cause of the rocket’s failure.

The mishap comes amid fierce competition in the private space race.

A day earlier, Blue Origin, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, successfully launched its New Glenn rocket into orbit for the first time. SpaceX’s Starship—standing 2 meters taller in its latest version—was designed with significant upgrades for long-distance space missions, including Mars exploration and satellite deployment.

Despite the setback, Musk has reiterated his commitment to an aggressive testing schedule, aiming for up to 12 Starship flights this year. He downplayed the potential for significant delays, stating that 'nothing so far suggests pushing next launch past next month.'

However, the FAA’s forthcoming mishap investigation could affect timelines, especially if debris is found outside designated zones or near populated areas.

Thursday’s test marked the seventh Starship flight since 2023, as part of SpaceX’s test-to-failure approach. While the method has resulted in high-profile failures, it has been instrumental in advancing the engineering limits of reusable rockets. The explosion, however, occurred during a mission phase that SpaceX had successfully completed in prior tests.

The towering Super Heavy booster, a crucial part of the Starship system, performed flawlessly, returning to its launchpad seven minutes after liftoff. The booster executed a controlled descent by reigniting its Raptor engines and latching onto giant mechanical arms affixed to the launch tower—a bright spot in an otherwise troubled mission.

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During a press briefing on January 16, 2025, Brigadier General Baratuza acknowledged the losses, stating: 'Death is possible because they are not exchanging flowers at war. That is what they signed up for. Even in a bathroom, one can slip and fall to their death. On the battlefield, we say they have fallen with honor.'

The statement came in response to reports of heavy casualties during clashes with the M23 rebel group in Ngungu, Masisi Territory, on January 14.

Allegations have surfaced accusing the Burundian government of concealing information about the fatalities, reportedly transporting bodies to hospital morgues in Bujumbura under secrecy before burial.

While some reports suggest that around 200 Burundian soldiers were killed in Ngungu, Brigadier General Baratuza characterized these figures as exaggerated.

The M23 rebel group has previously shown captured Burundian soldiers in their custody, with some pleading for international assistance to return home.

However, in December 2023, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye denied these claims, stating that the individuals in question were not Burundian soldiers but members of the RED Tabara rebel group.

This statement drew criticism, with families of the captured soldiers confirming their identities as members of the Burundian national army.

Burundian troops have been deployed in North Kivu province since November 2023 under an agreement signed between the Burundian and DRC governments in August the same year.

The spokesperson for Burundi’s military, Brigadier General Gaspard Baratuza, has confirmed the deaths of Burundian soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Rwanda Formed Police Unit Three (RWAFPU3-7) commanded by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Donatha Nyinawumuntu left early in the morning to replace RWAFPU3-6 in the capital Juba, which arrived home later in the afternoon after a successful one-year tour-of-duty.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Emmy Karangwa guided the replaced contingent safely back home.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Yahaya Kamunuga saluted off the deployed contingent of 160 Police officers, majority women, at Kigali International Airport, and received the outgoing contingent, on behalf of the RNP leadership.

While receiving the officers, who completed their peacekeeping duties, ACP Kamunuga commended them for their professionalism and dedication.

'Welcome back to your country. The leadership of the Rwanda National Police appreciates your commitment, discipline, and professionalism, which enabled you to perform your duties effectively,' said CP Kamunuga.

SP Karangwa, the RWAFPU3-6 Deputy Commander of the outgoing contingent, highlighted the diverse activities they carried out during their mission.

These included not only restoring peace and ensuring security but also working with the United Nations staff, the local Police and communities.

'In addition to our primary responsibility of maintaining peace in South Sudan, we also engaged in community development initiatives related to health and hygiene through Umuganda, and teaching the local communities on how to construct organic gardens for proper feeding,” SP Karangwa said.

He added: 'We also provided additional support such as donating essential items to local security personnel, including boots and raincoats; scholastic and hygiene items to vulnerable schoolchildren.”

Rwanda began deploying police officers to the South Sudan peacekeeping mission in 2015.

Currently, the country has two contingents in South Sudan, comprising about 400 officers.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Yahaya Kamunuga saluted off the deployed contingent of 160 Police officers, majority women, at Kigali International Airport, and received the outgoing contingent, on behalf of the RNP leadership.

Women comprise the majority of Police officers deployed on Thursday.

While receiving the officers, who completed their peacekeeping duties, ACP Kamunuga commended them for their professionalism and dedication.

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The two vehicle, Toyota Noah type, were intercepted on Wednesday, January 15, in Rurembo Village, Byahi Cell of Rubavu Sector.

The vehicles were also transporting assorted wines and liquors, and banned skin bleaching cosmetics locally known as mukorogo.

The Police spokesperson for the Western region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, said that one person, the driver, was arrested in connection with smuggling and fraud. The second driver fled the scene, he added.

“The operation was conducted by the Anti-smuggling and Organized Crime (ASOC) unit following a rip-off from area residents,” SP Karekezi said.

He added: “During the operation, Police intercepted the two Noah vehicles with 25 bales of caguwa, 604 pieces of skin whitening creams, 72 bottles of Leffe Blonde beer, 216 of Red Bull, 20 packs of Red Wine, 24 bottles of Camino whisky, 24 bottles of Smirnoff, and three tins of Nido, powdered milk.”

According to the arrested suspect, the goods were sneaked into Rwanda from the DRC on foot through illegal borders, to a house in Rubavu where they were found being loaded into the two vehicles.

He added that the goods were being transported to Kigali.

SP Karekezi commended the residents for their cooperation in fighting smuggling and related cross-border crimes.

According to the East African Community Customs Management Act, smuggling is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine equal to 50% of the value of the smuggled goods.

A vehicle used in smuggling is also auctioned, and their driver faces a fine of up to $5,000.

Article 87 of Law No. 026/2019 of September 18, 2019, on taxation states that anyone, who intentionally evades taxes by hiding taxable goods or property related to trade, commits tax evasion. If convicted, the offender faces an imprisonment between two and 5 years.

Police in Rubavu District have impounded two Congolese registered vehicles transporting assorted goods, including 25 bales of second-hand clothes and skin bleaching cosmetics.

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Firefighters have made progress containing the Eaton and Palisades Fires as calmer winds offered some relief.

However, search teams are still looking for 31 people reported missing. According to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, 24 are unaccounted for in the Eaton Fire area, and 7 in the Palisades Fire zone.

Authorities have recovered human remains at 13 locations linked to the missing, though identifications are still pending. Search and rescue operations continue, alongside efforts to locate more victims.

Evacuations remain widespread, with over 82,000 residents under mandatory evacuation orders and another 90,000 on high alert. Curfews from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. are in place to ensure safety in the affected areas.

Officials have warned that many neighborhoods will remain inaccessible for at least another week as the battle against the devastating fires goes on.

Wildfires tearing through Los Angeles County over the past 10 days have claimed at least 27 lives and destroyed more than 12,300 structures.

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Speaking to citizens and soldiers in Wad Madani, the capital of Gezira State, Al-Burhan emphasized the strength of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). He also rejected new U.S. sanctions saying his country would not be subjugated to external pressures.

“The armed forces will defeat the rebel militia,” he declared, underscoring Sudan’s resistance to external interference, particularly the recent measures imposed by Washington.

The U.S. sanctioned Al-Burhan on Thursday, citing the SAF’s alleged involvement in deadly attacks on civilians.

This action followed similar sanctions on RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, who has been accused of atrocities, including genocide in Darfur.

Wad Madani, previously under RSF control for over a year, was recaptured by the SAF on January 11.

Al-Burhan’s remarks came during his visit to the city, a significant milestone in the ongoing conflict.

Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has endured a brutal war between the SAF and the RSF, resulting in nearly 30,000 deaths and the displacement of about 15 million people, according to international organizations.

The fighting in Sudan erupted on April 15.

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