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In a landmark ruling delivered on Monday, August 5, 2024, Federal Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google violated antitrust law in the US by illegally suppressing competition and stifling innovation.

The judge concurred with the Justice Department’s argument that Google relied on anticompetitive payments to companies such as Apple, Samsung and AT&T to ensure its search engine is enabled by default on most smartphones. The company was reported to have spent $26.3 billion on this campaign in 2021 alone.

Google’s practices were found to have violated Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act in the markets for general search services and general text advertising. The judge noted that the default search engine deals ‘are exclusive and have anticompetitive effects.

Following the recent judgement, Bloomberg reports that the Department of Justice attorneys could ask the presiding judge to order Google to sell portions of its business. This could lead to Google selling off parts of its business, including its Android operating system, Chrome web browser, and advertising platform AdWords, to restore competitive balance in the market.

Citing sources within the DOJ, Bloomberg reports that U.S. authorities are also considering ‘less severe’ options that would require the company to share data with rival search engines like Microsoft’s Bing and DuckDuckGo.

Other options on the table include pushing for restrictions on Google’s artificial intelligence products to prevent the company from gaining an unfair advantage over its rivals.

Meanwhile, as the feds ponder on the next move Googe has already announced plans to appeal the recent judgment.

Google, owned by Alphabet Inc, enjoys a massive user base worldwide, with billions of daily active users across its platforms, including the Google Search Engine, Gmail, Android OS, and YouTube.

The company has in the past defended itself against the accusations, stating that its market dominance is primarily due to its superior products.

“People don’t use Google because they have to — they use it because they want to,” Kent Walker, one of Google’s top lawyers and its president of global affairs, said last year.

He added, “It’s easy to switch your default search engine — we’re long past the era of dial-up internet and CD-ROMs.”

If the DOJ moves forward with the proposal to break up Google, it would be the first time in over two decades that federal authorities have pursued such an action. The last major instance occurred when the DOJ secured a victory in an antitrust case against Microsoft, though the bid to split the company was abandoned in 2001.

The United States Department of Justice is considering a push to break up Google’s business empire following court findings that the tech giant broke antitrust laws, the local media reports.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

Speaking after presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Members of Parliament on August 14, 2024, President Kagame challenged the public to consider the legitimacy of these establishments before questioning their closure.

“What is this issue with churches? People immediately start making noise, saying, 'They are closing churches.’ But did you first ask yourself, ‘How were these churches even established?’ What is the purpose of having thousands of churches? What is wrong with Rwandans? But I think it’s a problem with being African. We Africans really have issues,” he remarked.

President Kagame emphasized that the energy Rwandans should use to address their challenges is being misdirected toward activities that drain their economic resources, leading to poverty and hunger.

“The energy we should be using to solve our daily problems that ensure our security, improve our economy, and prevent hunger among Rwandans is being wasted on such things…”

He reminded the MPs and Rwandans in general that past discussions had underscored the importance of investing efforts in activities that contribute to national development.

“Now, you as Rwandans, you Members of Parliament sitting here, besides being MPs, do you feel justified in having a church in your backyard? You are an MP, a pastor, and you have a church, and then people are paying. How come that even those deprived of income-generating activities have to find money to bring to you!”

President Kagame expressed concern that some churches in Rwanda were established with the primary intent of siphoning off the limited wealth of Rwandans for the benefit of their founders, which he strongly opposed.

He illustrated his point by highlighting the absurd claims made by some pastors, such as receiving divine apparitions or making prophecies.

“First of all, if you tell me such things, I would first ask if you are insane. That’s where I would start—you must be insane. Secondly, I would demand proof; show me evidence of your encounter with God and what He told you. But Rwandans, how have you reached a point where a deviated person comes to mislead you, and you follow them, not just in one place but across hundreds, thousands of locations?”

President Kagame cautioned that when Rwandans follow such “insane” individuals, the country’s progress is jeopardized. While he acknowledged the long-standing practices of churches, he made it clear that he would not tolerate disorder.

“But other nonsense, when it finds grown, mature people, and someone comes to mislead the whole country and hold it hostage, and you follow them? […] How come that educated people, VVIPs, get deceived by a madman, and you follow, without asking, 'Where are you taking me?’”

The President referenced recent incidents in other countries, such as the tragic case in Kenya where pastors prohibited their followers from eating, resulting in deaths. He questioned whether this was the path Rwandans wanted to take.

“Is that what you want to live in? You are here, representing the people who elected you. Is this what you are involved in? If you want to be pastors, leave Parliament and become pastors. But before becoming pastors, with all that involves deceiving people with prophecies, why not first prophesize for yourself and know your own future? This even extends into politics—it’s like misleading people, infiltrating their minds, and changing how they think and act.”

President Kagame reaffirmed that churches must comply with legal requirements, warning that any non-compliant entities, especially those exploiting people under the guise of religion, would be shut down.

“Those that do not comply with the law should not exist. I heard some say, 'The President probably doesn’t know. Closing churches is a sin.’ I know. I don’t want this disorder, even if it’s in religions, I won’t tolerate it. I will fight it.'

He urged Members of Parliament to collaborate with other institutions in guiding Rwandans toward the right path, insisting that pastors who seek to exploit the limited resources of the people should be stopped unequivocally.

President Paul Kagame has endorsed the closure of nearly 8,000 churches that failed to meet regulatory standards.

IGIHE

The ceremony took place at the Parliamentary Building in Kimihurura on Wednesday, August 14, in the presence of various dignitaries.

Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente, reappointed by President Kagame on Tuesday after serving seven years in the position, took his oath during the event. The Head of State is expected to appoint a new Cabinet within the next 15 days, in consultation with Dr. Ngirente.

The newly sworn-in Members of Parliament were recently elected in the general elections held in July. They include 37 deputies from the RPF-Inkotanyi and its allied political parties, five from the Liberal Party (PL), five from the Social Democratic Party (PSD), two from the Ideal Democratic Party (PDI), two from the Green Party, two from PS Imberakuri, and 27 from special categories.

Among the deputies, there are 29 men and 51 women. The Prime Minister last took his oath on July 30, 2017, while the previous Members of the Chamber of Deputies were sworn in on September 19, 2018.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Gertrude Kazarwa from PL, aged 60, was elected as the Speaker of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies with 73% of the votes, defeating Deputy Pie Nizeyimana, who garnered 5% of the votes.

Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana was elected as Deputy Speaker in charge of Administration and Finance with 77 votes, while Uwineza Beline, who received 79 votes, was elected as Deputy Speaker in charge of Legislative Affairs and Oversight.

Uwineza, who has a background in law, has been a Member of Parliament since 2018 and previously served as the Vice Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the Chamber of Deputies.

In his remarks at the event, President Kagame reminded the leaders of their responsibility to work in the interest of Rwandans, urging them to serve the people with dedication.

He emphasized that while perfection might be elusive, continuous improvement and a commitment to excellence should be a priority.

The President also cautioned against corruption and favoritism, urging leaders to serve all Rwandans equally.

'This (corruption and favoritism) is the first war in our politics that we have been fighting for the past thirty years, and we are adding five more years under the mandate that some of us have just been sworn in for,' he said.

President Kagame has urged leaders to serve all Rwandans equally.

Sheikh Musa Fazil Harerimana was elected as Deputy Speaker in charge of Administration and Finance.

Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente was reappointed by President Kagame on Tuesday after serving seven years in the position.

Gertrude Kazarwa from PL was elected as the Speaker of Rwanda’s Chamber of Deputies.

IGIHE

The grant, offered by the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) will benefit agripreneurs from dozens of other states on the African continent.

'Through our Matching Grant Fund (MGF), you can secure funding to realize your project idea. For all MGF projects, the maximum contribution provided through Agri-Business Facility (ABF) can cover up to 50% of the total project budget, with contributions reaching up to €100,000,' the organization said in a statement.

OACPS noted that while all its 79 member states are eligible to apply, priority will be given to projects from countries with no or few previously selected projects to ensure regional balance.

Agripreneurs from Rwanda stand a better chance of receiving the grant, as no project has been selected from the country before.

Seventy-one projects have been awarded the fund previously. Some of the countries that have benefited from the funding before include Tanzania (9 projects), Democratic Republic of Congo (6), Kenya (5), Côte d’Ivoire (5), Zambia (5), Uganda (4), and Nigeria (2).

To qualify for the grant, the submitted idea should aim to make the sector more inclusive, particularly for women and youth.

Who Can Apply?

OACPS encourages group applications, as single-applicant submissions will only be considered in exceptional cases.

According to the organization, lead applicants must be legally registered private sector entities, such as processing companies, agricultural producers/farmers’ organizations, or national and international retailer companies.

Additionally, consortium partners may include private sector foundations, qualified NGOs, training or research institutions, or extension agencies.

Interested agripreneues are required to submit their applications, comprising a concept note, letter of intent and proof of legal registration of the lead applicant by 12:00 pm on August, 18, 2024. The application documents should be submitted via email using the address [email protected].

A view of Nasho solar powered irrigation project in Eastern Province.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The appointment was made following the resolution of BK Group Plc Board of Directors on August 13, 2024, and is pending all regulatory approvals.

Speaking on the new appointment, Mr. Jean Philippe Prosper Chairman of the Board of Directors of BK Group said: “We are delighted to have appointed Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana as Chief Executive Officer of BK Group PIc. His leadership and vast experience in the economic and financial sectors will be instrumental in driving BK Group’s strategy and future growth ambitions.'

Dr Ndagijimana will work closely with the CEOs of our 5 subsidiaries: CEO of Bank of Kigali PIc; CEO of BK General Insurance; CEO of BK Capital, CEO of BK TecHouse, and Executive Secretary of BK Foundation.

Dr Ndagijimana is an economist and has a recognized financial professional background. He brings a good and deep understanding of the financial sector. Previously, he served as Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

The Board of Directors expresses its deepest gratitude for Beata’s dedication and invaluable contribution to the business and Rwanda’s financial sector over the past 2 years.

About BK Group Plc

BK Group Plc is a home-grown, award-winning Rwandan institution with deep roots in the African financial space since its inception in 1966. Over the years, BK Group Plc has gradually transformed into a premier one-stop shop, with a full range of financial services offered under a single roof.

The Group’s activities range from retail and corporate banking to asset management and investment banking. Additionally, BK Group provides non-life insurance products as well as innovative enterprise solutions designed to stimulate growth in the Rwandan digital space.

BK Group Plc is currently listed on both the Rwandan Stock Exchange (RSE), having floated its shares in 2011, and the Nairobi Stock Exchange (NSE) in 2018.

The Group operates through five subsidiaries: Bank of Kigali, BK Insurance, BK TecHouse, BK Capital and BK Foundation.

Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana is an economist and has a recognized financial professional background.

IGIHE

Mega Global Link has announced plans to establish a branch of its 'Mega Global Market’ in New York, USA. The new branch will include both an office and a store, designed to make it easier for customers to access a wide range of products and services.

Mega Global Market operates as both an online market and a physical store, offering a variety of products sourced from factories in China, the United States, and India.

Dr. Francis Habumugisha, CEO of Mega Global Link says the company’s ongoing expansion efforts are aimed at ensuring faster service delivery and creating new business opportunities.

“We are excited to bring Mega Global Market to the United States, offering our top seven products just as we have in Canada, Rwanda, and soon in Europe,” Dr. Habumugisha stated. “This expansion includes seven premium services and state-of-the-art body workout machines.”

The company’s offers range from leisure travel and study abroad programs in the US, Canada, and Europe to work-related travel and medical tourism. Mega Global Market also provides opportunities for individuals to engage in business ventures, including the chance to represent the brand and sell its products in different cities or countries.

Dr. Habumugisha further explained that individuals have the option to create their own branded products through a notarized agreement with the company. The African headquarters for Mega Global Market is located in Rwanda, where the company offers seven original nutritional supplements certified by global standards organizations.

Additionally, Mega Global Market provides advanced equipment designed to improve health and well-being, including foot and full-body massage machines, chairs that align the spine, equipment to support muscles, bones, and joints, and other modern implements.

Mega Global Market provides advanced equipment designed to improve health and well-being.

Mega Global Link provides travel services in various countries.

IGIHE

'Deeply humbled and honoured to be reappointed as Prime Minister. Thank you Your Excellency Paul Kagame for this immense privilege,' Dr Ngirente posted on his X handle.

'I commit to continue serving our Country under your leadership and anticipate our journey to elevate Rwanda to even greater heights,' he added

The Head of State announced the reappointment of Ngirente as Rwanda’s Prime Minister on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, a reflection of his trust in his leadership.

Ngirente has served as Prime Minister since August 30, 2017, when he was first appointed to Cabinet.

He is credited with prioritizing accountability in the last Cabinet, promptly dismissing underperforming ministers and informing the public.

Before joining Kagame’s Cabinet, Ngirente held various roles, including Senior Advisor to the World Bank Executive Director in 2017 and Advisor to the World Bank Executive Director from 2011 to 2017.

He also served as a Senior Economic Advisor to Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and was the Director General of National Development Planning and Research in the same ministry.

He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Louvain (UCLouvain) in Belgium, a Master’s degree (MSc) in Agricultural Economics from UCLouvain, a Master’s degree (MA) in Financial Risk Management from Saint-Louis University in Brussels, a University Certificate in Statistics from UCLouvain, and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics/International Economics from the University of Rwanda.

President Paul Kagame announced the reappointment of Ngirente as Rwanda’s Prime Minister on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, a reflection of his trust in his leadership.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The course conducted by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with Lekhwiya, the Internal Security Force of Qatar, was officially closed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) in Charge of Operations, Vincent Sano.

DIGP Sano congratulated the trainees for successfully completing this intensive course.

“You were subjected to an intensive programme designed to enhance your skills in VIP protection, an area that is crucial for ensuring safety of high-profile individuals. The knowledge and techniques acquired during this course is not only vital for the protection of our VIPs but also for the broader goal of maintaining peace and stability in Rwanda and abroad,” DIGP Sano said.

He thanked Lekhwiya for the productive partnership, adding that this is the beginning of more training programmes.

DIGP Sano further thanked the leadership of the two countries—Rwanda and Qatar—for laying a very strong foundation that has enabled the two law enforcement institutions to organize and conduct activities of mutual interest in different areas of cooperation.

Moving forward, he said, this has paved the way to foster mutual understanding and working together towards common goals.

The Commandant of CTTC Mayange, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Safari Uwimana, said that the course was designed to equip the officers with various skills and knowledge in VIP Protection.

He added that training programmes, including the protection of high officials and other dignitaries, training of trainers are important in achieving the mission of the CTTC Mayange.

In January this year, RNP and Lekhwiya signed a cooperation pact, which outlines partnership in security and crime control, including fighting terrorism, transnational organized crime, human and drug trafficking, trafficking of firearms and explosives, money laundering, cybercrime and corruption, among others.

The course was conducted by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with Lekhwiya, the Internal Security Force of Qatar.

DIGP Sano congratulated the trainees for successfully completing this intensive course.

DIGP Sano further thanked the leadership of the two countries—Rwanda and Qatar—for laying a very strong foundation that has enabled the two law enforcement institutions to organize and conduct activities of mutual interest in different areas of cooperation.

The closing ceremony was held at the Counter Terrorism Training Centre (CTTC) Mayange in Bugesera District.

IGIHE

The Office of the President announced Dr. Ngirente’s appointment on Tuesday evening.

Dr. Ngirente has been reappointed as Prime Minister two days after President Kagame took the oath of office for another term following the Presidential elections held on July 14-15, 2015. He had previously served as Prime Minister since August 30, 2017.

Dr. Ngirente is credited for prioritizing accountability in the outgoing Government, with underperforming ministers being promptly dismissed and the public informed.

The Government led by Dr. Ngirente started with 20 ministries but concluded with 21; two ministries were abolished, one was established, and another was reinstated.

The Ministry of Land and Forestry and the Ministry of State Investment were abolished, while the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement was established, and the Ministry of Internal Security was reinstated.

Only three ministers who started with the Government in 2017, including Prime Minister Dr. Ngirente, remained in office until the end of the term.

Dr. Edouard Ngirente was born in 1973 in Mbirima and Matovu, in Mbilima Village of Coko Sector, Gakenke District, in the Northern Province. He attended primary school at Rwahi Primary School and continued his secondary education at Groupe Scolaire de la Salle, formerly in Byumba.

Dr. Ngirente studied Economics at the University of Rwanda and was among the first students there after the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Upon completing his studies, he worked in agronomy at the former National University of Rwanda in Butare, where he also taught. During that time, he was employed by the university on a project responsible for monitoring price fluctuations in markets.

He holds a Master’s degree in Statistics and Finance from the Université Catholique de Louvain in Belgium.

He served as the Director of Planning at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning before being appointed as an Economic Advisor at MINECOFIN. On March 30, 2011, a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Kagame at Village Urugwiro approved his request to take an indefinite leave of absence.

Since 2014, Dr. Ngirente has been an Advisor to the Executive Director of the World Bank in Washington, D.C., in the United States.

In 2016, he became a Senior Economic Advisor in the senior management of the World Bank, representing 22 countries, including Rwanda.

IGIHE

The signing of the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) took place at Urugwiro Village on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, when King Mswati III paid a courtesy visit to President Paul Kagame.

He inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) before later witnessing the signing of the cooperation agreements.

President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame received His Majesty King Mswati III and Inkhosikati Make LaMashwama at Urugwiro Village for an official welcome ceremony.

The MoUs signed include cooperation agreements on Defense and Security, Police, Correctional Services, and mutual visa requirement exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

King Mswati III arrived in the country on Saturday to attend the inauguration of President Kagame which was held on Sunday, August 11, 2024.

King Mswati III and President Paul Kagame at Urugwiro Village.

Speaking after the signing of the agreements by representatives from the two countries, President Kagame said that King Mswati III’s visit reflects the friendly ties between the two nations.

He noted that the signing of the agreements presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation bonds between Rwanda and the Kingdom of Eswatini.

'In Rwanda, we are very eager to share our experience and transformation journey with partners and friends such as Eswatini. That is why we established the Rwanda Cooperation Initiative across a wide range of sectors such as defense and security, ICT, education, agriculture, tourism, and trade,' President Kagame stated, adding that the two countries have a lot to offer each other.

Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, Clementine Mukeka (l), and Eswatini’s Minister for Home Affairs, Princess Lindiwe, were also present.

President Kagame emphasized the importance of implementing the agreements, saying, 'That is what creates tangible results on the ground.'

King Mswati III, on his part, said he looks forward to the full implementation of the signed MoUs.

He also expressed the Eswatini Kingdom’s intention to establish cooperation with Rwanda in areas such as agriculture, where Rwanda is well advanced.

'Our country could benefit from learning your best practices and technology to improve productivity,' King Mswati III said.

In addition, the King emphasized that Rwanda and Eswatini could benefit from collaborations in the tourism sector. Eswatini is a renowned tourist destination because of its rich traditional culture, while Rwanda boasts various tourism sites such as Lake Kivu, gorilla trekking, and various volcanic sites.

'Our countries are both renowned tourist destinations globally. There is potential for collaboration in the tourism sector, such as creating packages that could attract tourists from around the world,' he shared.

King Mswati III also noted that his visit to Rwanda is aimed at improving business opportunities for both countries and their people. His delegation visited Irembo, the company behind the government’s one-stop service portal and the economic zones in Kigali.

President Kagame said he would reciprocate the visit by going to Eswatini sometime in the near future.

President Paul Kagame hosted King Mswati III at his Urugwiro Village office. In attendance were Rwanda’s Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and his Eswatini counterpart, Pholile Shakantu.

Wycliffe Nyamasege