President Kagame (at front right) holds the ‘Distinction of Honor for African Growth Award’ at the audience rose in a standing ovation (Photo by Albert Rudatsimburwa via Twitter)

After more than an hour of speaking and open discussion on issues ranging from local to region, an audience at Oxford University delivered to Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame the ‘Distinction of Honor for African Growth Award’. It is the first such award, which the elite British academic institution plans to make as regular occurrence.

President Kagame was invited as guest speaker at the Oxford Africa Business Conference, an MA student-led event organised by the Oxford Business Network for Africa at the Said Business School, University of Oxford. Today May 18, 2013, was the D-Day. The President spoke for about 25mins from a prepared speech.

“Rwanda is the 5^th best investment destination in the world,” he told the audience of academics and policymakers. “It takes only 6 hours to register a business in the country.”

What Rwanda can, other Africans can as well

However, President Kagame was not there to speak about Rwanda alone. He told the attentive audience that just like Rwanda has seen significant changes, Africa in general was experiencing a shift in poverty levels. Mr Kagame said between 2005-2008, poverty reduced across the continent.

“Africans living on $1.25 per day fell from 52% to 48%,” said Kagame. In Rwanda, “poverty reduced by 12% between 2008 and 2012…. 1 million Rwandans were pulled out of poverty!”

“If Rwanda can go from where it has been to where it is today, other African countries can grow and move forward too,” said the President, noting that Rwanda was targeting 11.5% growth in the next 5 years.

He added: “Africa’s growth is driven by structural changes within African countries such as political stability and better governance.”

However, the President said challenges that impede growth still exist. “We need to invest more in the youth, technology and innovation,” said Kagame.

After the speech at a podium, there was a standing ovation from the audience as the Head of State smiled – seeming overwhelmed by the reception. Then the President moved to a prepared seat. It was time for the Q&A session. From the questions which were raised and the hands raised seeking a chance to ask, it was clear this is the time many were waiting for.

“Governance in Rwanda is about people”

The issues ranged from local to regional. As expected, the there was a question about alleged human rights abuse in Rwanda. The crisis in eastern Congo also came up.

On his government allegedly being authoritarian, President Kagame said criticisms of his leadership by international community and human rights groups are not founded on fact.

“Governance in Rwanda is about people” said Kagame. “The criticism is subjective and does not match the facts and numbers coming from Rwanda.”

The President said health, education and democratic participation in Rwanda is growing. “This is backed by evidence,” he added. Those who say he is authoritarian have a “confused agenda” and that they “come from outside”.

“If you’re providing food security for your people, if you are feeding them, how is that against human rights?” wondered President Kagame. “…How can providing health coverage and education to over 90% be authoritarian…democracy is about people.”

As expected as well, the crisis in eastern Congo was waiting. The person who posed the question put it to him that it was strange Rwanda is blamed for fomenting trouble in DRC, but the government of Rwanda consistently denied the allegations.

“Problems of Congo started before I was born,” said Mr Kagame, adding that the Congolese crisis should be traced from decades ago, and has been compounded by the government in Kinshasa and the UN. The world body has had some 22,000 troops for more than a decade in DRC known as MONUSCO, but it has largely been unable to contain any crisis there.

DR Congo is looking to blame someone else for its long-running problems, said Kagame. He added: “People are just there wondering….why don’t these Congolese people like Kagame… not realizing the context of imperialism behind it”.

What happens after 2017?

On the internal front, a question came claiming there was growing inequality in Rwanda, which the Head of State pointed out was “not true”. As for the issue of national unity and reconciliation, President Kagame said the “diversity in our society should not only be a problem but a solution”.

The other issue the President tackled at length was the period after his current 7 year term ends in 2017. The question was actually whether he would seek a third term. “I have not even given thought to a third term,” he said.

“Some say I should stay, others that I shouldn’t, yet others that I shouldn’t have been there in the first place,” added the Head of State.

At the end of a hour -and-half hour session, a delegation from the Oxford Business Network for Africa stepped forward and handed President Paul Kagame their inaugural ‘Distinction of Honor for African Growth Award’. The next minutes were for another standing ovation as the President looked on amazed.

The District Mayor Deo Nzamwita says in 2011, 13percent of the district’s populations, about 18, 000 people were illiterate.

A Catholic Church bishop awarding certificates

This number has slightly reduced and only 5000 people remain illiterate. The district’s goal is to have no illiterate people by 2014. The newly learned adults were asked to keep upgrading themselves through reading different things like bibles, newspapers and available books.

The mayor of the district appreciated the role of church leaders and volunteers that played a part in tutoring these adults. Church leaders provided rooms for tutoring in churches, in schools and even cell’s offices were used for volunteers to teach the adults.

The Bishop of Ruhengeri Diocese Vincent Harorimana who was in attendance of this function that represented the Bible Society in Rwanda says a lot of efforts has been put in fighting poverty and illiteracy in Rwanda therefore people should make use of them.

Adults in the above photograph can now read and write

Bible Society in Rwanda distributed about 190 bibles in the district. The bishop reminded people especially those who were given the bibles that good souls makes good body and asked them to read bibles so often to get used to reading and to have good souls.

“When you have a will and you’re courageous, age cannot stop you from learning” said Philomene Mukahirwa a 36 year old and one of the adults who got certificates.

For Daniel Girukubonye a 70 year old man, “education is not only for the young, with hard work and the need to study, you learn. I can now read the bible and other books, a thing that was a dream before.”

In the same function, World Vision Organization gave out about 7000 lamps with solar system to help pupils read at home and do their homework.

Hundreds of Rwandans graced Rwanda Day 2013 in Boston (USA)

Excitement is visibly high among Rwandans and friends of Rwanda as they gather for Rwanda Day 2013 event organised in London. It is being held under the theme: Agaciro: Deliverying Prosperity

As hundres descend on London, many more have taken to the social media to express their excitement over the Rwanda Day event. Tweeter is already flooded with comments:

Writing on tweeter, Albert Rudasimburwa said:” #Rwandaday has become [an] exciting event connecting the Diaspora with their motherland. He adds that the event is for “sharing our story with our peeps & friends. Gahuzamiryango connecting”

Expressing excitement over President Kagame’s presence at the event, Patrick Hutton says, “the UK Rwandan Diaspora and friends of Rwanda look forward to your presence at Rwanda Day UK!”

For Nanojv, Rwanda Day brings together Rwandans and friends of #Rwanda. He adds that, “Agaciro is a model of resilience, optimism, and moral strength for all the Nations in Africa and beyond…”

Another tweep, Mbabazi Xavier, also focused on Agaciro as the theme of the day, where he says,  “Agaciro ni Ukwiyubaha, Gushingira ku byawe mbere y’ibindi no kubyishimira”. Loosely translated, he says, realising one’s dignity is about focusing and taking pride in what one has gained before anything else.

Bringing a fresh angle to the discussion, Rwema Cyusa, focused on remittances from Rwandans living abroad, where he says Rwanda values the contribution that its diaspora has on Rwanda’s development and foreign exchange. “Remittances grew from US$42.8 million in 2005 to US$139 million in 2008, reaching about US$170 million by 2011”.

According to Chantal Dusaidi ‏, Agaciro (dignity) is about knowing where one is coming from and knowing he/she is  going!

The social media talk on Rwanda Day 2013 also attracted Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of Rwanda Development Board. She tweeted about her experience and excitement of attending Rwanda Day events. ”[I] look forward to #RwandaDay in London. Always energising to see our diaspora well connected to their rootsand and [I am] eager to be part of their country’s development.

Millions more will be able to follow the colourful Rwanda Day 2013 event on social media and live streaming on www.rwandaday.org.

Minister Gatete said that so far members of the Rwandan Diaspora have invested a lot of funds in the Rwandan economy, including personal investment in housing estates and private businesses.

He was appearing on a BBC flagship programme, Imvo n’Imvano, together with the Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Serafine Mukantabana. She also said that the event is about sharing experience and networking.

The talkshow mainly centred on the upcoming Cessation Clause on Rwandan refugees, where Minister Mukantabana took time to explain how Rwanda plans to assist refugees who intend to stay abroad after the clause comes into effect July this year.

“The Clause will benefit that person who has been a refugee, and the nation as a well,” she said, adding that so far 3.5 million Rwandans have already returned home. Only 100,000 Rwandans are believed to be refugees.

“Need be I’m ready to sacrifice my life for you,” Minister Mukantabana said in response to a caller’s reservation to return home.

On repossession of property, Mukantabana told a caller that it would  not be possible to renovate all property destroyed during the Genocide. However, she advised refugees to benefit from a government programme under her ministry to support impoverished returnees.

Other aspects discussed included the government’s support programme for returnees and their families, and the sensitisation plan to guide Rwandans both within and in the Diaspora on how to support returnees.

]]> http://www.newsofrwanda.com/abanyapolitiki/18638/rwanda-day-2013-refugee-affairs-finance-ministers-engage-rwandans-on-bbc/feed/ 0 http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/18620/kagame-attributes-rwandas-success-to-home-grown-initiatives/ http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/18620/kagame-attributes-rwandas-success-to-home-grown-initiatives/#comments Thu, 16 May 2013 15:47:29 +0000 gahiji http://www.newsofrwanda.com/?p=18620

President Kagame has said that Rwanda managed to attain satisfactory results in local government due to home-grown initiatives.

The president was addressing participants at the on-going 2013 Commonwealth Local Government Conference taking place in Uganda.

The President said that these initiatives by Rwanda aimed at bringing about better governance, greater economic development as well as social protection for the most vulnerable.

The Head of State mentioned Performance contracts (imihigo), One cow per family, Arbitration of local disputes by volunteer mediators, Communal work (Umuganda) and others as example of such initiatives.

He said that this view is informed by experience and evidence that the benefits of good governance and the development that it unleashes have the greatest impact at the local level, as policies and programmes are customised to community needs, with citizens participating actively, and entrenching democracy.

President Kagame made it clear that local democracy practices are not always the same and not transferrable, because they are context-specific.

He however, said that aspiration to a better life is universal and therefore the path taken in some countries to realise this may be worth sharing.

The President said that Rwanda’s path to effective local government has been through decentralization.

“Decentralisation ensured that Rwandans are empowered to fully participate in planning, implementing and managing their own development processes.”

“The framework we adopted was a result of wide consultations, aiming for an innovative approach to inclusive government and to fast track development.

It was also in response to popular demand to break with the centralised authority of the past in which decision-making and resources were tightly controlled leading to corruption, manipulation and promotion of dependence,” he said.

He said that Rwanda is now in the third phase and it has been discovered that that when the citizens take responsibility for their development processes, a lot can be achieved in a relatively short time.

“The impact all this had on the lives of ordinary Rwandans has been just as important as the specific form it took. In the last 13 years that we have had a decentralised system, local government units have truly become engines of social and economic transformation.”

The president told the delegates that the empowerment of the people has meant that they are able to demand more and better services, such as clean water supply, roads, electricity, health care facilities, and so on, from their leaders.

He called governments to develop the necessary skills capacity to match the political will that exists, so as to be able to translate more policies into concrete action and results.

He further said that shortages in infrastructure like roads and energy need to be addressed as a matter of priority and that there must be greater coordination between government, the private sector and civil society to raise the quality of delivery of services.

“The impact all this had on the lives of ordinary Rwandans has been just as important as the specific form it took. In the last 13 years that we have had a decentralised system, local government units have truly become engines of social and economic transformation.”

The president told the delegates that the empowerment of the people has meant that they are able to demand more and better services, such as clean water supply, roads, electricity, health care facilities, and so on, from their leaders.

He called governments to develop the necessary skills capacity to match the political will that exists, so as to be able to translate more policies into concrete action and results.

He further said that shortages in infrastructure like roads and energy need to be addressed as a matter of priority and that there must be greater coordination between government, the private sector and civil society to raise the quality of delivery of services.

Residents waiting to be served at a local government office: World Bank to boost service Delivery

Rwandans could be headed to receiving better services following the World Bank’s approval of a grant worth $50 million (approximately Rwf30 billion) to support Rwanda’s efforts to improve decentralized service delivery.

The grant will be utilized through the Quality of Decentralized Service Delivery Development Policy Operation.

The Government of Rwanda has committed to an overarching priority theme on strengthening accountable governance.

To be able to accomplish these goals, government has committed to promoting greater citizen participation in government policy and decision-making and enhancing the quality of decentralized public service delivery.

This is also in line with the newly approved medium-term development strategy covering 2013-18, the second Rwanda Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2).

In full alignment with EDPRS 2, this operation supports the Government to clarify institutional roles and responsibilities for decentralized service delivery and to enhance public accountability and transparency.

It will also enhance fiduciary accountability and local government capacity for improved citizen access to quality services while targeting the key medium term challenges to improving the quality of service delivery to Rwandan citizens.

According to Carolyn Turk, World Bank Country Manager for Rwanda, though Rwanda has achieved impressive poverty reduction in the past decade, progress in improving capacities and institutions at sub-national levels will be foundational to achieving the goals established in the new EDPRS 2.

“We are very glad to continue supporting Rwanda’s efforts to improve the quality of service delivery at the local government level so that Rwandan citizens can participate fully in decisions and processes that influence service delivery,” said Turk.

Yoichiro Ishihara, World Bank Task Leader for this operation says that in addition to supporting the Government’s policies to enhance decentralized service delivery, the operation helps mitigate the short term economic and social impacts of the aid shortfall.

“It prevents a spillover effect to poverty reduction and MDGs in the medium and long-term, while sustaining policy dialogue on accountable governance and service delivery.”

The Mayor made the remarks at the Ndago district premises on Monday in a press conference. Executive secretaries of Nyaruguru’s 14 sectors and heads of different units in the district were present as well.

“ Gira inka [own a cow] programme minimized poverty and improved nutrition amongst families,” confessed the Mayor. He said malnutrition is not a problem anymore while the vulnerable population got access to manure for their crops.

Meanwhile, residents testify on achievements from Girinka.

“The cows avail dung which we use as manure for our crops, we get money through selling milk and our children enjoy an improved diet because of milk,” said 52 year old Josephine Uwodusaba.

Nyaruguru district official statistics of 2012 show malnutrition having reduced from 5.8 per cent to 0.23 per cent amongst children aged 0-5 years, in a year’s time.

Mayor Habitegeko credits Gira inka programme, for the achievement because ; dung acts as manure for yard vegetable gardens in most households, among the other achievements of owning cattle in families.

To date, 7,241 cows have been handed over to vulnerable families across Nyaruguru under the Gira inka programme.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame launched the Gira inka programme back in 2006 under what the country terms as “homegrown solutions”.

And according to President Kagame’s official website, “the programme is both a tribute to the Rwandan culture as well as an effective means to increase the economic status of the less privileged….This project is conducted with the full participation of the community through Ubudehe − a community program based on the tradition of mutual assistance. With the community’s knowledge of those most economically vulnerable, Ubudehe allows the community to choose the beneficiaries of the Gira Inka program…”

Some local media reports suggest that, as of 2011, 117,460 cows had been distributed across the country under the “one-cow-per- poor family” policy, best known as Gira inka programme.

Greater power comes with greater responsibility, so says a common adage. And for the Rwandan media, this power presents a blessed opportunity to grow big. A new media law is now in place to ensure an environment where the media can regulate itself. Indeed it’s a lesson well taken from history.

Flashbacks of Rwanda’s tragic history show how the media can be constructive not destructive, depending on how it is utilised, regulated and monitored. Take an example of the history of Rwanda, where during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, the media played a catalytic role in fueling enmity, hatred and incited killings, claiming an estimated one million innocent lives. Indeed Rwanda needs to learn from such history and ensure a regulatory mechanism is in place that ensures free access to information, without compromising ethical and legal implications.

To this end, a new media law (No. 02/2013, of 08/02/2013) is now in place to ensure that the media is self regulatory, accountable and transparent in its search for and publication of information.

Just to break it down, the new law determines rights, obligations, organization and functioning of media in Rwanda for the general interest. It specifically calls for media to the lead and by example; ensuring accountability and transparency within their houses in their daily activities and obligations: to inform; to educate population and promote leisure activities; to defend the freedom of information, analyze and comment on information. What remains now is for the media practitioners to walk to talk.

During a conference dubbed: “The Workshop on Leadership and Corporate good governance principles for media owners”, convened in Kigali Rwanda on the 8th of May 2013, the sector’s leaders were exhorted to ensure that their services to be accountable to the public and transparent in order for the sector to grow sustainably.

The list of must-dos included aspects like Trust, Corporate Good Governance and Accountability that are considered necessary pillars for a strong media sector.

Central to this new law is an assurance regarding respect for media freedom and access to information in Rwanda. The new law states that the freedom of the media and freedom to receive information are recognized and respected by the State. With this arrangement, the media practitioners may have the last laugh as the law comes into force.

New regulatory organ

What has excited some sections of the Rwandan media is a clause in the new media law that establishes an organ set up and managed by journalists themselves to ensure compliance with the principles governing media and to defend its general interest.

To this effect, the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) has come up with a strategic plan to train and equip media practitioners with skills, driven by the call for professionalism and accountability. The board has conducted several training for media in accordance with this arrangement to fill up loopholes regarding to lack of capacity, training and competence in the profession.

Redefining a professional journalist

Media practitioners also have everything to gain from the scrapping of an old requirement for media practitioners to have a degree in journalism. Now, Article 2.9 of the new media law defines a professional journalist “as a person who possesses basic journalism skills and who exercises journalism as his/her first profession.

The common belief is that the law was meant for the common good of developing the media.

“Defining a journalist as someone who is not necessarily a graduate of a media school, was done with an intention of opening up the sector to smart brains and talent that could bring creativity and innovation, it was never a way of underrating the journalism profession and opening it up to confusion and chaos,” observed Mugisha Emmanuel, the acting Executive Secretary of the Media High Council (MHC).

Even as some sections of the media call for investment in the media, the first

step of empowering the media with powers for self regulation is a central building block for its growth and sustainability. Now all power lies in the hands of the media practitioners to access information and build a credible profession that has public trust.

Democracy and human rights are core universal values that rely on, among other things, a vibrant free media. But such a media must be enabled to grow in order to be more responsible and functional. Rwanda has taken the right step towards empowering the media by adopting law to ensure full media access to information and self regulation.

To ensure free practice, the new law states in parts: “…every journalist has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes the right to seek, receive, give and broadcast information and ideas through any media.”

This is in line with the Universal Declaration of Human rights article 19: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

For the public in Rwanda, this is an enabling environment to be informed as the media exercises its right to access to information and express ideas freely.

Kibibi Kalisa, a resident of Kacyiru sector Gasabo District in Kigali City, had praises for the new law: “I like listening to various radio stations, and there is no day that passes without tuning on my small handset for some news. I’m glad to hear that the new law gives more room for the media,” he commented.

In exercising their rights to access information, media houses will are covered by the same law, in Article 9, that states: ‘limits to freedom of opinions and information [and]… censorship of information is prohibited.”

With this free access to information, Rwanda is now assured of an informed society that can exercise their rights and express their opinion.

The media also talks of about regulation of the media’ where the daily functioning of the media and the conduct of journalists is to be regulated by the media Self Regulatory Body.

To ensure social order, the new media law directs that the available freedom of opinions and information “….shall not jeopardise the general public order and good morals.”

Kigali government has repeated its intention of developing the media environment, while being “sensitive to the country’s past…,” as observed by James Musoni,  Minister for Local Government.

The minister also insists on media environment that is responsive to the present and able to keep the society accountable. “….working to deliver a better future for Rwandans” Minister Musoni added.

With the new media, Rwandans are up to enjoy  human rights and democracy through a vibrant media that has free access to information but takes into account its social responsibility of developing the nation.

Contrary to critics alleging Rwanda on violation of Human rights, democracy and freedom of speech; the country’s recently adopted law on media regulation seems to shame such accusations and it rather demonstrates maturity in the said fields.

Speaking of human rights in which the freedom of speech is comprised, and one of crucial elements indicating democracy in any given country; the new law has empowered the media.

The article 8 reads: ‘Freedom to receive and broadcast information’ states in parts “………every journalist has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes the right to seek, receive, give and broadcast information and ideas through any media”

The same or close to these provisions can be found in the Universal Declaration of Human rights article 19: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”

The public and Media people see this as an outstanding achievement where one’s environment for free expression of his/her views has been irrigated.

Kibibi Kalisa, resident of Kacyiru sector Gasabo District in Kigali City welcomed the new law. “I like listening to various radio stations, I listen to Local stations and International ones and there is no day that passes before I tune on my small handset for some news though I do not own a television. I’m glad to hear that the new law gives more authority to journalists to speak out,” he commented

Article 9 of the media Law: ‘Limits to freedom of opinions and information’ stating that “Censorship of information is prohibited”

This law directive on prohibiting censorship is a sharp knife standing against some critics including the UN on its reports and some international organisations like the Human rights watch which have accused Rwanda of suppressing freedom of expression.

It removes the fear that was implanted by biased organisations including some international media that speaking about politics in Rwanda, that asking questions to the government and giving out critical opinions against the government was like suicidal mission.

The law provides reason for everyone outside and inside the country not only to gather information for the public interest but also to investigate matters detrimental to good governance in order to help bring order and promote development in the society.

The article 4: ‘Regulation of the media’ puts it clear that “the daily function of the media and the conduct of journalists shall be regulated by the media Self Regulatory Body”

The stipulation is unlike the usual miscommunication that the government controls media and information release. There are some extents where the state could come in as parts of article 8: provides that: “Freedom of the media and freedom to receive information are recognised and respected by the State”

Despite the alarming documents from the west and other so called international organisation with intentions to misguide Rwandans or other countries, the law still applies where necessary. The new media law directs that the available freedom of opinions and information “….shall not jeopardise the general public order and good morals…..”

When destructors stand accusing Rwanda to have violated certain human rights like freedom of expression, little room for democracy and such claims, they forget or intentionally ignore the presence of social order. They perhaps want or would like to see Rwanda in vulgar state, a state that has diminished due to good governance and social responsibility.

Kigali government has repeatedly said how it is committed to the development of media environment,  but an environment that according to the government’s Minister for local government (MINALOC) James Musoni; “ …sensitive to the country’s past…”

The minister also insists on media environment that is responsive to the present and able to keep the society accountable “….working to deliver a better future for Rwandans” Comments Minister Musoni.

Unfortunately, a misconception is that media in Rwanda works under supervision of the government, that most media houses are controlled by the state and are therefore partisan of the government. The myth goes that if a media house is not pro-government cannot work in Rwanda.

Whoever says it, writes or disburse such propaganda we call a myth is either ignorant of Rwanda political, social and economic facts; or just intends to take advantage of the country’s past (genocide) on own benefits though unknown to Rwanda.

The government Official Gazette publication of march 11 released several new media related laws among which was Media Law providing for the media self regulation. The Media High Council (MHC) of Rwanda that was formally charged with regulating the media remains only with the capacity building of the Media Sector in the country.

The new order puts Rwanda on the list of few countries where freedom of expression and democracy can be fully exercised, assuring both journalists and the public with the protection of the law.

President Kagame hosts journalists to a group photo after a month press conference which has become a tradition over the past years (PPU photo)

Rwanda has become the eleventh African country to have a law in place that allows easy access to public information for the media and the general public.

The law which was gazzetted in March also applies to private organs whose activities are in connection with public interest and human rights and freedoms.

The other African countries which have been able to have this law in place include: South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Nigeria, Niger, Guinea-Conakry and Tunisia.

It is important to note that this law is another positive step towards Rwanda’s journey to development because for any country to move forward in good governance system, the public should be well informed.

The core principle of Access to Information Law is emphasized in its article number three which stipulates that every person has the right of Access to information in possession of a public organ and some private bodies.

This Law instructs public authorities to proactively publish and disseminate information to the public in a useful form and manner to further the public interest generally in democracy and development processes and to promote greater accountability of public authorities and private bodies.

Govt keen on accountability

The law’s biggest objective is the promotion of open government through disclosure of information and facilitating the right of all persons to have access to information held by public authorities.

Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) which has media in its mandate says that the media is key when it comes to public bodies being accountable to the people and says that as long there are informed citizens the country will move forward to be a knowledge based society.

RGB also says that the publication of the law shows that the Rwandan government is keen to entrenching transparency and accountability as well as enhancing greater participation by citizens in the management of public affairs.

Journalists believe that the tendency of government officials to withhold public information by saying that they are busy has come to an end with this new law and this will allow journalists to do investigative and analytical journalism with more official and credible sources of information.

Media watchdogs join celebration

This passage of this law should also be seen as a way to promoting transparency and accountability as well as enhancing greater participation by citizens in the management of public affairs.

To some players like the Article 19, a media watchdog, the law exemplary in terms of its scope of application.

“The law has clear provisions on proactive disclosure and allows for all people to seek, receive and disseminate information,” says Henry Maina, the Director of Article 19 in Eastern Africa.

He notes that the law has some broad exemptions, where access to information may be restricted in relation to national security and the administration of justice and trade secrets.

Currently the law is awaiting a ministerial order which will put in place implementation guidelines.

African Union writes to Kagame

The guidelines should make it clear that where requests for information have not been dealt with in time or where the information requested has been denied, the person requesting that information is entitled to an appeal to the Office of Ombudsman which will be the custodian of the law.

The law was also hailed by the African Union Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in a letter to President Paul Kagame.

The letter was issued on March 27, 2013 and signed by Advocate Pansy Tlakula, a Commissioner and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.

It read in part: “Your Excellency (President Paul Kagame), the adoption of the law does not only portray the government of the Republic of Rwanda’s efforts in achieving democracy, but it’s also a laudable step towards fulfillment of Article one of the African Charter.”

The AU said the law guarantees reporters access to data held by public institutions, a positive development that creates platform for accountability of officials.

The report described the country’s implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The delegation of Rwanda consisted of representatives from the Permanent Mission of Rwanda to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Justice.

Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations Office at Geneva Soline Nyirahabimana while introducing the report told the committee that the 1994 genocide had left Rwanda with no institutional framework.

Nyirahibimana said that Rwanda had made significant efforts to rebuild its social and cultural structures. Rwanda had ascended to many human rights treaties, and would shortly ratify the Optional Protocol to the Covenant.

Optional Protocols are meant to provide for procedures with regard to the treaty or address a substantive area related to the treaty. Optional Protocols to human rights treaties are treaties in their own right, and are open to signature, accession or ratification by countries who are party to the main treaty.

In the report to the committee it was shown that number of health centres had increased, as had the number of district hospitals and new categories of health services at the local level have also been provided.

On education it was Nyirahabimana said that barriers that prevented children from attaining primary education were being gradually broken down through ensuring free education. Rwanda has introduced free 12 years basic education.

Committee Experts asked many questions ranging from social and economic, to which the Rwandan delegation gave expansive answers.

However, Nyirahabimana said that where some answers were not found, such as on the statistics, it was a lesson learned for the State party.

She said that the questions asked would inspire the next report. Rwanda as a country was at the very beginning and it was determined to move forward quickly.

“The country looked forward to developing and uplifting the people. The Covenant covered a difficult set of rights to protect, as they required financing, budgets and structures. Rwanda did not lack the will to implement and promote the rights of the Covenant, instead it lacked the means,” she concluded.

Nicolaas Jan Schrijver, Committee Expert acting as Country Rapporteur for the report of Rwanda in the committee said that much had been done to answer the many and varied questions of the Committee, though he noted that  some questions had still not been answered.

Committee Chairperson Zdzislaw Kedzia, said that the discussions had helped understand Rwanda’s approach.

“A lesson to be learned by the delegation was that the questions posed were quite specific and data and examples were needed. The assertion of the delegation that the next report would be delivered on time was most welcome,” he said

The stolen electric cables

The Police have arrested four people in connection with the theft of electric cables belonging to the Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) worth Rwf 16.5 million.

The men were caught while unrolling 3000 meters of electric cables in Gakinjiro Market, Gisozi sector on behalf of a businessman calledAnastase Karangira who is still at large. The quartet is in custody at Remera Police Station.

The recent series of power shortages were attributed to theft of electric cables around power stations in the country damaging the country’s economy.

The Central Region Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Urbain Mwiseneza said that EWSA has been reporting theft of cables and other electric materials being stolen or destroyed.

He says that the cables were seized after Police’s investigation and collaboration with EWSA. They conducted a security operation in Gakinjiro market and managed to arrest the four suspects.

“We we are still searching the businessman who had ordered them to steal the materials,” he said.

He urged the public to report whoever is suspected to be involved in the vandalism or theft of any electric infrastructure since they all benefit from the power supplied by EWSA.

The EWSA Public Relations and Community officer Prosper Mubera Birori condemned the robbery and appreciated the effort and partnership with the Police in arresting the suspects.

“The government’s plan is to supply electricity in all areas of the country, therefore citizens must understand that destruction or theft of these electric materials hinders development,” added Birori.

The suspects will be charged under articles 300 and 301 of the penal code which stipulate that any person who commits theft without violence or threat shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of two to five times the value of the stolen property or one of these penalties.

However, under article 301, if the theft is committed through housebreaking, climbing or fake keys, the maximum penalty under article 300, is doubled.

The mayor said this during the meeting held on May 8^th 2013 in Nyamasheke district, to pave way for the 5 yr development plan before it’s studied and approved by Nyamasheke district council.

During the meeting, reduced crop yields were cited as the major problem in agriculture but it was agreed that agriculture will be given priority so as to increase the districts revenue.

To solve the problem, it was decided that food crops will be grown near Lake Kivu and cash crops such as tea and coffee be grown near Nyungwe forest.

To improve agriculture, the participants agreed on improving manure use onto unfertile soils and to set up factories to add value to the harvest.

In addition, 5 year DDP will focus on modern technology for instance ploughing machines to reduce labor and increase the yields, asserts the mayor.

Mayor Habyarimana highlights that farmers will be educated on how to access markets for their produce and the prices using E-Soko method.

The 5 year district development program is expected to commence in July 2013 will fulfill the promise made by H.E Paul Kagame during his 2010 campaign.

Hundreds of thousands welcome President Kagame in Gicumbi district, Northern Rwanda, during the 2010 presidential election campaigns (PPU photo)

A petition launched in support of President Paul Kagame’s scheduled award at Oxford University on May 18 has attracted more than 1,800 signatures – and still counting as the event nears.

The high profile event to be held at the Said Business School has been organized by the Oxford Business Network for Africa, a graduate student grouping at the institution. President Kagame will be awarded the first Distinction of Honour for African Growth award in recognition of Rwanda’s development.

An online petition was launched on Wednesday this week as a public show of support for the award. By Friday morning, it had attracted 1,800 signatures – only 200 short of the 2,000 signatures expected by the petitioners.

“The evidence of Rwanda’s progress is undeniable,” reads the petition. “…the economy has grown at a rate of over 8% for the past ten years, over 90% of the population has access to health care, Rwandan children have access to free education and over one million people have been lifted out of poverty in the past five years.”

To add a signature, anybody logs onto this link PETITION and they simply add their initials using a valid email. You can also add a comment to the petition. The petitioners expect to submit the final list of the signatures to the Oxford University administration as token of appreciation for recognizing President Kagame’s efforts.

“The Distinction of Honor for African Growth Award is a recognition of President Kagames belief and hard work for a better Rwanda for all- one that is defined by resilience, unity, dignity and prosperity,” reads the petition.

“President Kagame visionary leadership and his tireless work to transform Rwanda into a dignified nation is nothing short of inspirational for Rwandans and for Africans. In only 19 years since the Genocide Against the Tutsi where one million innocent people were killed because of who they were, Rwanda has become a nation that defies all stereotypes.”

On May 7^th 2013, 350 Congolese refugees joined Nyabiheke camp in Gatsibo district shortly after the

Nyabiheke camp is the newest camp located in Gatsibo sector and occupied with over 8000 Congolese refugees plus others who come for shelter.

MIDMAR announced that 3000 Congolese refugees will be brought into Nyabiheke camp and the first group of 350 refugees including children, women, men, elderly men and women arrived on May 7^th 2013.

Fredrick Ntawukuriryayo, in charge of communication in MIDMAR revealed that the camp will be expanded to 23 hectares to create room for Kinyarwanda speaking Congolese refugees.

Ntawukuriryayo contradicts with people who have been saying that Rwandan camps are full to the maximum. He says the government of Rwanda is ready to continue receiving and caring for the refugees.

The evaluation will be about good governance and good service providers among Cell leaders and those who will fail the evaluation will be excluded in the budget plans of economic year 2013/2014.

Rwanda Minister for local government James Musoni

The Minister for Local Governments James Musoni says this evaluation will be done in the whole country. He warned the cells’ executive secretaries in Ruhango district during his visit on Friday the 3^rd.May.2013 to polish their administrative ways if they want to pass the evaluation.

“You are lucky to know this information before time…… those who will be found with different governance from what we expect will not join us in the realization of the next economic year plans that will start in July 2013.” Said Minister Musoni

Local leaders will be thoroughly evaluated

Minister Musoni explained that this resolution to evaluate cells executive secretaries after it was found some abuse their office and abuse people they lead and provide poor services among other things.

This evaluation program will not only affect cells’ leaders but also the executive secretaries sectors with bad cells’ leaders. This is because cells’ leaders are under the jurisdiction of the sectors and should be monitored by the sectors.

]]> http://www.newsofrwanda.com/english/18503/ruhango-district-to-participate-in-good-governance-evaluation/feed/ 0 http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/18484/kagame-keynote-speaker-at-oxford-africa-business-conference/ http://www.newsofrwanda.com/featured1/18484/kagame-keynote-speaker-at-oxford-africa-business-conference/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 12:51:06 +0000 gahiji http://www.newsofrwanda.com/?p=18484

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual Oxford Africa Business Conference due to take place at the Business school, University of Oxford.

Kagame is among leading businessmen and women, community leaders, academics, industry leaders and MBA students from all around the world taking part in the conference entitled Leading from the Frontier, which is scheduled to take place on May 18^th this year.

The Rwanda High Commissioner to the UK, Williams Nkurunziza, visited Oxford 1^st May to prepare for President PaulKagame‘s keynote at the Conference, according to the conference facebook page.

During the event, delegates from around the world will meet at Oxford University next month to discuss what is driving the phenomenal growth in Africa, one of the world’s continents struggling to get out of poverty.

The conference will consider what exactly the opportunities are and what is driving Africa’s current growth story which has been well publicised, a story that has specific examples in Rwanda and how the country has positively improved lives of its citizens.

According to the World Bank, the predictions are: “the continent’s combined economies will grow at an average rate of over five percent, which is more than the global average, and the rate of return on foreign investment is greater than in any other developing region”.

The student-led conference will discuss the rapidly increasing levels of intra-African trade, and discuss a range of topics from the tech revolution to frontier investing and the role private equity is playing in unlocking value on the continent.

The Oxford Business Network for Africa is a student led group created to organise and channel the substantial interest in business in Africa among Oxford students, alumni and faculty. The group is run by current MBA students at Said Business School, University of Oxford.

Organisers of the event have listed other speakers as Tewolde GebreMariam, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airways; Mthuli Ncube, Vice President of the African Development Bank; Dr Julie Taylor, Google Africa’s Head of Communications and Abdirashid Buale, CEO of Dahabshiil

Hon. Jean Philbert Nsengimana (middle) and other leaders in the function

Hon. Jean Philbert Nsengimana said the main event for the youth month countrywide was done in Ngororero district because the government of Rwanda would like youth to participate fully in the development of the country. This is especially for the youth in Ngororero district that did a lot of bad things before and during the 1994 genocide against Tutsis.

In all the presentations and speeches that were delivered throughout the function, the youth were explained in the detail the poor history that characterized Rwanda ever since colonization through the genocide up to the present.

Mr. Kalisa Rugano who re-counted the Rwandan history asked the youth to work towards changing that poor history through rebuilding the country that was shattered by the acts of the youth by then. The youth in this function agreed on 10 strategies they will use in rebuilding Rwanda.

Those 10 strategies they will be holding as regulations include rebuilding a country that will not lack, creating hope among the people, the country that is against illiteracy, that is against genocide ideologies, no tribalism, with no violence, a country that is self reliant and a country with strong security.

The function was held in the youths’ hall that was build with the support of MYIST

Hon. Jean Philbert Nsengimana asked the youth to strive to change the poor history of Rwanda through rebuilding the country and leaving a legacy behind.

He appreciated the 10 regulations that will be relied on in rebuilding the country and hopes that will erase the 10 commandments of the Hutu that destroyed the country during the genocide.

The same place in Kabaya where the words for destructing Rwanda were uttered in 1994, the words of hope and reconciliation were said by the youth to rebuild the country.

This function was attended by famous Rwandan musicians who entertained people including Jean Paul Samputu, Edouard Bamporiki, Masamba Intore and many others. The theme of this program is “The promise of the generation”.

Security officials explaining to the youth consequences of drugs and how to fight drugs

Security officials in Burera district have asked youth in Anti-drug clubs to strive for dignity as they fight drugs that retard the country’s development.

The remark was made on April 30^th 2013 during the meeting of different leaders and youth members of Anti-drugs clubs in Burera district.

During the meeting, Youth were reminded to spearhead the fight against drugs because they are the future leaders.The officials added that youth make the biggest number of drug users and dealers especially dry gin in Burera district.

Laetitia Nirere, in charge of ‘neighbours eye’ program in Burera district asks youth to be their neighbours keepers and report people who use drugs such as dry gin among others.

She explains that ‘neighbors eye’ program aims at eradicating drugs in Rwanda with every residents’ participation.

Security officers explained to the youth types of drugs, legal punishment of drug dealers and users and its dangers on the development of the country.

Burera youth promised to take on the struggle against drugs through sensitizing other youth on the dangers of drug use and to report such crimes.

Burera district is one of the places with many drug issues because it neighbors with Uganda where dry gin is exported from.

Rwanda has been ranked top in the World Bank’s “Doing Business in the East African Community (EAC) 2013” report.

Rwanda has been ranked top in the World Bank’s “Doing Business in the East African Community (EAC) 2013” report.

This was announced at the launch of the report on Wednesday in Kigali and indicates that Rwanda is the top EAC economy to introduce regulatory reforms that have improved the business environment between 2005 and 2012

In the report, Rwanda ranked 52nd globally out of 185 countries. Uganda and Kenya were ranked 120 and 121, respectively, while Tanzania came fourth, at position 134 globally. Burundi came last in the region.

The report also highlights Rwanda’s success in cutting red tape and encouraging private sector led growth.

According to the report, Rwanda’s commitment to private sector development has facilitated growth in exports, domestic investment and foreign direct investment inflows and the implementation of effective fiscal policies supported by structural and institutional reforms.

Rwanda was also ranked the second economy globally to advance in closing the gap to the frontier.

The frontier is the highest performance observed on each indicator in the report. The better an economy is doing, the closer it is to 100. Rwanda has gone from 38 in 2006 to 64.5 in 2013.

This, according to the government was facilitated by the implementation of 23 regulatory reforms since 2005 to facilitate a competitive and easy business process.

In her remarks during the report launch, Minister Monique Mukaluriza called on EAC member states to harmonise policies and laws.

“Policies and protocols to improve the business environment for our entrepreneurs should be fast tracked,” she said.

She also urged partner states to copy each other’s best practices so as to improve the region’s competitiveness and attraction of investors.

The report says that over the last year, improvements were seen in all five EAC countries. The report also highlights that e-government initiatives in the region provide an opportunity for easy access to information as well as increasing transparency.

The report also ranked EAC as a regional bloc higher, on average, than COMESA, SADC and ECOWAS.

Jean Maria Rugerero Runiga, former M23 rebel president (net photo)

The former M23 rebel president, Jean-Marie Runiga, has openly renounced all political activities and any issues that can be affiliated to armed groups.

“I, Jean-Marie Rugerero Runiga, hereby willingly and permanently renounce all political activities that can be associated to armed groups…,” he swore during an event attended by members of the diplomatic mission in Rwanda and international agencies.

Runiga signed the oath willingly while requesting for refugee status from UNCHR.

He and other rebel members fled to Rwanda in March 2013, after serious fighting broke- out between M23 two rebel factions. A group of 1,500 fighters led by Brig. Gen. Sultani Makenga, pushed Runiga’s group of 682 rebel fighters to neighbouring Rwanda.

Runiga and other former rebel officers, Colonel Innocent Zimurinda and Brig. Gen Baudoin Ngaruye, also asked the UN to speed up the process of granting them refugee status, saying that they felt uneasy staying in camps.

The event was also witnessed by Rwanda’s Minister for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Seraphine Mukantabana, who said that Rwanda would respect the international convention governing refugees. The Minister was responding to questions by diplomats on what would be the implication of status change by the ex-combatants to the DRC.

She dismissed as untrue reports alleging that some former rebels had fled back to the Eastern Congo to join DRC rebels.  The minister told diplomats and reporters that all ex-rebel members that fled to Rwanda were still in the camp, including former leader Jean Maria Runiga.

On receiving refugee status, the ex-combatants will be granted permission move freely or be taken to suitable refugee camps across the country.

UN Great Lakes Special Envoy Mary Robinson meeting the Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Louise Mushikiwabo has said that Rwanda is committed to the successful implementation of this peace framework that will bring peace and stability not only in the DRC but in the whole region.

Mushikwabo said this following a meeting with the UN Secretary General Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region of Africa, Mary Robinson.

Robinson was in Rwanda on Wednesday in her continuation of a regional tour to encourage the implementation of an 11-nation peace agreement she has called a “framework of hope” for ending the conflicts and suffering in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The framework known as the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for DRC and the region was signed in Addis Ababa in February this year. Signatories to the framework include; Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, Congo, DRC, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.

According to Mushikiwabo, what is good for the DRC is even better for Rwanda and the region.

“We will work very closely with the Special Envoy and other regional partners to see the implementation of this framework that will bring peace and hope to the people of Eastern DRC and the region,” she said.

The UN Special Envoy said that she is aware of the huge responsibility that her role carries but that she was ready to work with partners like Rwanda and other countries in the region to achieve a lot in terms of implementing the framework.

“This framework needs all signatories to work together to achieve its objectives. As the UNSG Special Envoy, I will focus on people affected by the instability in Eastern DRC and I hope that this framework will bring back hope to them,” said Mrs. Robinson.

While in Kigali, the Special Envoy spoke on telephone to President Paul Kagame who is traveling outside the country, and held high level meetings with other senior officials.

She also met with civil society organizations, including women’s groups, members of the diplomatic corps, and the UN country team.

The Special Envoy said she was encouraged by her conversations with both President Kagame and Foreign Minister Mushikiwabo.

Earlier in the Robinson began by visiting and laying a wreath at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in memory of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide against Tutsis.  Here she said she hoped that by next year, which will mark the 20th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, “we could finally move forward in peace in the region”.

This regional tour will also take her to Uganda, Burundi, South Africa and Ethiopia.
Robinson was appointed by the UN Secretary General as the UN Great Lakes Special Envoy on 18 March 2013. She previously served as Irish President from 1990 to 1997 and as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002.

Anastase Murekezi (Standing) as he spoke to a gathering during the Labour Day ceremony at Amahoro Stadium 2013

The world’s most dependable population (workers) have celebrated Labour Day this 1May 2013, a day that Rwandans find as the most momentous due to the fact that the country’s fast growing economy has been a lecture among other developing and developed countries.

This year’s Labour Day is being considered one of prospects for Rwandans to improve productivity in the country, an economical significance that will be manifested if Rwandans prefer to increase working hours especially in the government and private sector according Anastase Murekezi; Rwanda’s Minister for Public Service and Labour. The Minister remarked while standing as the guest of honour during the workers day ceremony that held at Remera Amahoro Stadium.

While it was earlier declared that the average working hours among workers in both formal and informal sector is 39 hours per week, the International Labour Organisation suggests that the average number of hours worked per week, over the number of weeks covered by any such agreement, must not exceed 48 hours.

It is estimated that Rwanda has about 280,000 employees, having about 85,000 of them in public service, and education field particularly teachers are approximately  more than 50,000 active workers.

Following massive applauses about the country’s improvement in fighting child labour and emphasis in Youth and women empowerment, solving unemployment crisis through programs like Hanga Umurimo (Job creation), SSACOS and such initiatives, The government is not happy with the statistics that more than 89 per cent of employees work less than 26 hours per week, a factor that is a hindrance to the required speed of nation’s development according to the Public Service and Labour Ministry.

Minister Murekezi who previously addressed miners in Nyabihu District located in the Western province of Rwanda, elaborated why every Rwandan need to review the working schedule. He suggested to Rwandans to work at least for a period between 35 and 45 hours a week, arguing that development of the country’s economy depends on hard working.

Rwanda and South Sudan media addressing the media

 The president of South Sudan Salva Kiir has lauded the Rwanda Police force for their support in capacity building of the Sudanese police services.

 President Kiir made the remarks last week at State House in capital Juba, while meeting Rwanda’s Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana.

 Gasana was in South Sudan on a working visit to strengthen ties between the two forces following the signing of the cooperation agreement in May last year.

 Kiir pledged full support to the partnership for the good of communities in the two sister countries.

 The signed agreement binds the two forces in combating cross-border crimes and capacity building.

 The agreement focuses mainly on road safety, basic and advanced investigation, basic intelligence, IT and communication skills, public order management, junior supervisory course and training of trainers.

 Lt. Gen Salva Mathok, South Sudan Deputy Minister of Interior, also stressed that the cooperation is paramount in professionalizing their force, which is mainly composed of former soldiers and militia groups.

  South Sudan Police chief, Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol, said the cooperation between the two police forces has done much in building the capacity of their force.

 According to Rwanda Police, more than 20 police officers from the South Sudan have so far have attended various police courses in Rwanda.

 Rwanda Police has also selected a team of 18 police officers to be stationed in South Sudan for one year to train their police force in investigation, intelligence, traffic management and Information Technology (IT) among others.

 He said Rwanda’s success story in areas of reconciliation, poverty eradication and peacekeeping is a good lesson that other countries and forces should learn from.

 IGP Gasana, who observed that the two countries have had bad history, applauded the level of development in South Sudan and pledged the RNP support and exchange of best practices to build a professional force.

Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to the Great Lakes Region Mary Robinson

The Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to the Great Lakes Region Mary Robinson will make her first visit to the region in this new capacity from April 29 to 5 May.

Robinson will on her visit come from Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Burundi and South Africa, before concluding her mission at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Information from the One UN Rwanda office, the Envoy looks forward to initiating discussions with leaders and officials from key countries that recently signed the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region.

The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the region was signed on 24 February 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The peace initiative provides an important opportunity for countries to work collaboratively for peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.

It was signed by Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic (CAR), Congo, the DRC, Rwanda, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.

She hopes that she will together with these countries find ways of how to translate this encouraging new agreement into tangible actions and cooperation to end the recurrent cycles of crisis and suffering in the eastern DRC.

The envoy will also meet with regional and sub-regional organizations and envoys working on issues surrounding the Great Lakes; representatives of NGOs, including women’s organizations; and UN and international partners.

She is expected in Rwanda on May 1. While here, she will meet with officials including Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo; NGOs; international community and the UN country team.

A total of 187 young people (aged between 14 and 35) –  67 girls and 120 boys – from Munini sector in Nyaruguru district, Southern Rwanda, were, on Friday, awarded computer literacy certificates after a one month training workshop in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies).

The ICT training workshop administered by the Rwanda branch of DOT (Digital Opportunity Trust), a Canadian NGO, has focused on a number of computer programmes like Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point, plus social welfare and the study of the market. All of them geared towards building confidence, professionalism, market knowledge, team work spirit, commitment to excellence and project management, DOT officials said.

“I have been teaching them ICT as a tool of business, how to study a project and how they can advertise their business through the internet”, Violette Tuyisenge, a DOT facilitator in Munini sector, put it straightforward.

And the trainees are already upbeat and hope to reap a lot from their skills.

“At [high] school, we had a course on ICT but we were taking the course only twice a week. All I knew was basically how to turn on and turn off a computer”, recalls 23 year-old Claire Uwamahoro, a resident of Ngarurira cell in Munini sector, who has completed high school education in accountancy.

“Thanks to the training, I have known programmes like Word, Excel and Power Point and I’m planning to start up a business of typing with a computer for people in my area”, she added, saying such a business would be the first of its kind in her area.

Charles Byaruhanga, 27, is equally optimistic.

“I have learnt how to study a bankable project and I’m hoping to work with banks and get a loan to begin a business of buying and selling some crops like beans”, said Byaruhanga, a resident of Ntwali cell, still in Munini sector, who dropped out of high school when he was still in the third year.

Fabien Niyitegeka, Nyaruguru district’s Vice Mayor in charge of Finance, Economy and Development, thanked DOT Rwanda “for teaching how to create jobs”.

According to Vice Mayor Niyitegeka, 1.1 per cent of the district’s 293,000 population are computer literate – a figure both Nyaruguru district and DOT officials vowed to have risen to 50 per cent in the next five years for all people aged 15 and beyond.

“ICT is key to development and our aim is to enable all Rwandans to know, use and have access to ICT”, said Jean Claude Ndayambaje, country running specialist at DOT Rwanda.

DOT Rwanda started in Nyaruguru district in December 2012 and already has training centers in Munini and Nyagisozi − two of Nyaruguru’s 14 sectors – where it has so far trained 374 young people in ICT.

DOT began in Rwanda in 2010 and already operates in a number of East African countries like Uganda, Tanzania and in Ethiopia.

In Rwanda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and ICT, the Ministry of Local Government, Rwanda Education Board and Rwanda Development Board, DOT has, to date, trained about 27,000 young people in ICT.

East African Community Heads of State are slated to meet this Sunday, May 28, 2013 in the Ordinary summit and top on agenda for discussion will be the single EAC currency.

The single currency matter, according to information from the EAC secretariat will be tabled for discussion before it can be it could be signed by another summit in November this year.

The single currency issue negotiations have been concluded, but officials say that there are hitches that will be streamlined by the regional ministers of Finance before the final nod.

The approval of the single currency means that the bloc will be using the same currency across borders and is expected to reduce the costs and risks of transacting business across national boundaries of regional member states.

The summit which will also receive and deliberate on different reports, including the Monetary Union Protocol and extension of East African Court of Justice Jurisdiction was supposed to be held this Saturday but was extended due to the Tanzania’s 49th Anniversary of the union with Zanzibar.

The five Heads of State will also receive a progressive report on the implementation of the directive of the summit on extension of the jurisdiction of the East African Court of Justice during the summit.
The summit will endorse the newly-nominated deputy EAC Secretary-General Charles Jackson Njoroge from Kenya to replace Dr Julius Rotich, who will be in charge of political federation.

The EAC presidents will also recommend the next principal judge of the east African Court of Justice to replace Justice Johnson Busingye whose five-year- term has ended. The rotational position is expected to be filled by a Burundian.

In order to promote good governance among local leaders in Kamonyi district, district authorities are visiting and talking to sector leaders advising them on good governance.

The event was started in Runda and Rugarika sectors on April 22^nd 2013.

The visiting team included the district mayor, Police and Army chiefs who held the talks with sector council members, presidents of the cell councils, sector and cell workers and heads of public institutions.

During the meeting Jacques Rutsinga, mayor of Kamonyi district had with higher authorities, he told them that good governance is delayed by the cell leaders.

“A king is judged by his army,” the mayor added.

Superintendent Francis Muheto, the district Police Commander said that some cell executive secretaries do not report in time in addition to bad customer care and corruption.

Superintendent Muheto reminded them to work for development and change the way they serve people because local leadership is the foundation of good governance.

Members of Rugarika sector and cell councils were cautioned over not following up on workers performance when it’s their responsibility.

The district mayor reveals that this program is carried out once a year before celebrating Labour Day on May 1^st 2013.

Every member of the district administrative council is accompanied by some of the workers visits 4 sectors out of 12 sectors that make Kamonyi district.

Asiimwe was until last night the Rwanda Health Communication Center Division boss, an arm of the Ministry of Health, a position he has held since 2011. He replaces Willy Rukundo who has been the Acting Director of ORINFOR for some time.

Asiimwe who is also the current Board Chairman of the Media High Council was Managing Editor of the English Daily, The New Times before heading to the Ministry of Health.

He comes in to head RBA at the time when the institution is being revamped to become a public broadcaster which sets a broad challenge ahead of him to transform the former ORINFOR.

Following the announcement of his appointment, many congratulatory messages poured in via Twitter where a big number of people expressed optimism for Asiimwe’s administration at RBA.

According to available information, the bill that puts in place RBA has been approved by the senate and is awaiting the president’s signature to become a law.

Orinfor which is being replaced by RBA has been a gov­ernment run institution which means that its content and editorial policy were set and closely watched by government.

According to the new RBA law, the institution will be autonomous. Article 5 of the law says that the agency’s responsi­bilities will include being a broadcaster providing the pub­lic with impartial and accurate national and international news as well as recreational programs.

RBA will according to the law have its own bud­get, hire workers without gov­ernment influence as well as broadcast content for public rather than government inter­est.