The mayor of Nyamasheke district, Jean Baptiste Habyarimana has said that farmers’ problems will be resolved since agriculture will be focused on in 5 years District Development plan (DDP)

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.

Urubyiruko rwo mu karere ka Nyamasheke rurakangurirwa kwirinda kuba umutwaro ku gihugu ahubwo rugashishikarizwa gushingira ku mahirwe igihugu cyaruhaye kugira ngo rubashe gutanga ibisubizo by’ibibazo byugarije igihugu, by’umwihariko kwihangira imirimo.

Ubu butumwa bwatanzwe na Depite Renzaho Giovanni ubwo kuri uyu wa gatanu, tariki ya 10/05/2013 yari mu Nteko Rusange y’Urubyiruko rw’akarere ka Nyamasheke, ifite intego y’uko urubyiruko rugomba kwigira.

Iyi Nteko Rusange y’Urubyiruko rw’akarere ka Nyamasheke yahuje inzego z’urubyiruko zitandukanye zituruka hirya no hino mu mirenge 15 igize aka karere, aho baganiriye ku ngingo zitandukanye ziganisha ku ruhare rw’urubyiruko muri gahunda zitandukanye zo kwiyubaka no kubaka igihugu.

Depite Renzaho Giovani wari waje kwifatanya n’uru rubyiruko rwo mu karere ka Nyamasheke yabasabye ko bakwiye gufata iya mbere bakaba igisubizo ku gihugu cyababyaye aho kugira ngo bahinduke umutwaro kandi ari bo “mbaraga z’Igihugu”.

Depite Renzaho yagaragarije urubyiruko ko leta y’u Rwanda hari amahirwe atandukanye yagiye igenera urubyiruko nko kurushyira mu nzego zifata ibyemezo ndetse no gushyiraho gahunda y’uburezi kuri bose kugira ngo buri muntu wese abashe kujijuka, bityo abashe kwiteza imbere. Ku bw’aya mahirwe, uyu mudepite asanga urubyiruko rukwiye kuyubakiraho kugira ngo rubashe kwiteza imbere ubwarwo kuko ari na byo bifasha igihugu gutera imbere muri rusange.

Andi mahirwe urubyiruko rugomba kubyaza umusaruro ni gahunda zitandukanye zigenda zishyirwaho zishishikariza urubyiruko kugira ibitekerezo bifatika by’imishinga ibyara inyungu, kandi leta y’u Rwanda, binyuze mu bigega by’ingwate yagiye ishyiraho ikaba yishingira bene iyo mishinga ku kigero kigera kuri 70%.

Urubyiruko rw’akarere ka Nyamasheke rukaba rushishikarizwa kwihangira imirimo kandi rwirinda ingeso yo gusuzugura akazi, by’umwihariko ku bantu banyuze mu ishuri, aho usanga benshi muri bo binemfaguza akazi kamwe na kamwe kandi kabasha gutanga umusaruro.

Mu rwego rwo kuba urubyiruko ruharanira kwigira, urubyiruko rwo mu karere ka Nyamasheke rurasabwa kurushaho kugira ibitekerezo byo kwihangira umurimo kuruta gutegereza kujya gushaka akazi hirya no hino kuko abantu benshi babashije gutera imbere ni abagiye bihangira imirimo, kandi nk’uko byagaragaye mu ngero zatangiwe muri iyi Nteko Rusange y’Urubyiruko ni uko abenhi bagiye batera imbere babaga bahereye kuri duke.

Umuyobozi w’akarere ka Nyamasheke, Habyarimana Jean Baptiste yasabye urubyiruko rw’aka karere gukorera ku ntego kugira ngo rubashe gutera imbere kuko iyo umuntu afite intego ari na bwo agena ibizatuma abasha kuyigeraho.

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.

Nyuma y’ibikorwa by’ urugomo n’ubwicanyi byagaragaye mu mirenge igize akarere ka Rubavu irimo Bugeshi na Busasamana aho bamwe mubaturage bakoresha intwaro mu kwica abandi, ubuyobozi bw’akarere ka Rubavu bwongeye guhamagarira abaturage guhagurukira kwicungira umutekano no kuba ijisho rya mugenzi w’undi.

Umuyobozi w’akarere ka Rubavu Sheikh Bahame Hassan akaba avuga ko buri muturage yagombye kumva ko umutekano umureba kandi iyo wangiritse bimugiraho ingaruka, kabone niyo bitaba iwe mu urugo, umutekano mucye w’umuturanyi ntiwatuma atuza.

Sheikh Bahame akaba avuga ko kwangirika k’umutekano ari inzitizi yo gutera imbere mu gihe umutekano ugezweho iterambere n’imibereho myiza biba bigeze kubaturage kuko bakora kandi bakabaho neza.

Mu ntangiriro z’ukwezi kwa Gisurasi mu murenge wa Bugeshi nibwo umwe mubaturage wari usanzwe ari local defence akoresheje imbunda yishe umuryango w’abantu 3 barimo umugabo n’umugore hamwe n’umwana umwe. .

Bamwe mubaturage bakavuga ko uyu mugore wishwe yari yarabyaranye abana 2 n’umugabo wabishe, ariko bari baratandukanye, uyu mugore yishakira undi mugabo bari barabyaranye umwana umwe nawe wishwe, hagasigara abana 2 nyiri ukubica yaretse kugira ngo bazazugure uyu muryango witabye Imana.

Amakimbirane mu miryango akaba akomeje kuba imbarutso y’ubwicanyi mu miryango, aho imiryango ikwiye gucyemura ibibazo bitaragera aho bicana, nubwo ngo imiryango yose yagombye kubana isezeranye maze yagirana ikibazo igacyemurwa n’amategeko nkuko byemeza na Harelimana Thomas ushinzwe irangamimerere mu murenge wa Rubavu.

Harelimana avuga ko uretse gucyemuza ibibazo amategeko ngo hari ubundi buryo abayobozi bari bakwiye gukoresha mu kwirinda ko aho bayobora haba ibibazo igisubizo ngo ni ukuba hafi abaturage, bagacyemurirwa ibibazo bitaragera aho bifata intera yo kuba umuturage yakwihanira.

Mu gihe u Rwanda rukiri mu gihe cy’iminsi ijana hibukwa jenoside yakorewe abatutsi muri mata 1994, tariki ya 12/05/2013, mu murenge wa Mbazi mu karere ka Nyamagabe habereye igikorwa cyo kwibuka by’umwihariko abatutsi bazize jenoside mu cyahoze ari komini Rukondo ubu cyabaye umurenge wa Mbazi.

Uyu muhango wabimburiwe no gushyira indabo mu mugezi wa Mwogo hagamijwe kunamira abatutsi bayiroshywemo ndetse n’abaroshywe mu yindi migezi n’inzuzi kuva kera mu myaka ya 1963 hakanatangirwa ubuhamya, ndetse n’urugendo rwakozwe n’abaturage n’abayobozi batandukanye bitabiriye uyu muhango baturuka hirya no hino baza ku biro by’umurenge wa Mbazi ahabereye uyu muhango.

Mu butumwa bwatanzwe n’uwavuze mu izina ry’imiryango yaburiye ababo muri uyu murenge wa Mbazi Munyentwali Alfred, yasabye abanyarwanda guhinduka bakava mu bunyamaswa biyambitse mu gihe cya jenoside yakorewe abatutsi, maze bakambara ubumuntu n’ubunyarwanda.

Ati: “Ntabwo turi babi ahubwo twari babi, ubwo rero turahindutse kandi bitari ukonguko twaba dufite akaga. Abanyarwanda ba hano twabaye babi, twakoze ibibi, uyu mwanya ni uwo gukora neza tugakiza bene wacu tukabaremera kugira ngo bigire, kuko kwigira kwabo ni ishema ryacu”.

Ubu butumwa busaba abanyarwanda guhinduka bwashimangiwe n’umuyobozi w’umugi wa Kigali, Ndayisaba Fidele uvuka muri uyu murenge wa Mbazi wasabye abana babyiruka kwitandukanya n’amateka y’ababyeyi babo kuko ngo igisabwa ari uguhitamo neza gusa, kandi ngo n’abakuru baramutse bafashe icyemezo cyo kwitandukanya n’amateka mabi nta kabuza babigeraho.

“Abana babyiruka ntibashobora kwitandukanya n’ababyeyi babo, ariko bashobora kwitandukanya n’amateka y’ababyeyi babo. Rubyiruko bana muri hano biroroshye cyane ni uguhitamo gusa. Ni uguhitamo ikiza kandi igishimishije murabyirukira mu Rwanda rwiza rubatoza ineza, rubarinda ikibi, nta mpamvu yo kudahitamo neza. Abakuru nabo dushobora gufata icyemezo biri mu bushobozi bwacu bwo kwitandukanya n’amateka mabi yaranze u Rwanda,” Ndayisaba.

Umuyobozi w’akarere ka Nyamagabe wungirije ushinzwe imibereho myiza y’abaturage, Byiringiro Emile yasabye abitabiriye kwibuka by’umwihariko abatutsi baguye mu murenge wa Mbazi ko impanuro bahawe bazigira izabo kandi yizera ko bagiye kwerekana itandukaniro n’abagize uruhare muri jenoside ndetse bakanitandukanya n’ubuyobozi bubi bwayiroshyemo abaturage.

Iyi komini Rukondo ndetse n’icyahoze ari perefegitura ya Gikongoro muri rusange ni hamwe mu habaye ubwicanyi ndengakamere dore ko ahenshi jenoside yatangiye mbere y’ahandi muri 1994, ndetse no mu mwaka wa 1963 mu gihe hatwikirwaga abatutsi hakicwa n’abagabo ngo hasigaye mbarwa ndetse hari n’imiryango yishwe bahereye ku murongo ku buryo hari iyahise izima.

Rwanda has presented the combined second to fourth periodic report to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The committee commended Rwanda for the advancement as far as the periodic review is concerned.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nyaruguru district Mayor in Southern Rwanda, François Habitegeko, has said the country’s “Gira inka” (one cow per family) has helped the district, not only in changing mentality of the local population but also in reducing the level of malnutrition over the last two years.

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.

Inama yahuje abanyamuryango ba FPR Inkotanyi taliki ya 12 Gicurasi, 3013 mu karere ka Rubavu basanze bakwiye guteza imbere ibikorwa by’amajyambere ku rwego rw’imidugudu kugira ngo bishobore kugera ku gihugu cyose.

Sheikh Bahame Hassani, Chairman   w’umuryango FPR Inkotanyi mu karere ka Rubavu atangaza ko umunyamuryango nyawe ari uharanira kuwuteza imbere no kuwuhoza kumutima, avuga ko abanyamuryango bagombye guhora baharanira iterambere ryaho batuye n’imibereho y’abo bari kumwe.

Sheikh Bahame akaba yarashoboye gutangariza abanyamuryango ba FPR Inkotanyi ko akarere ka Rubavu kamaze gushyira kuri Konti amafaranga agera kuri miliyoni 180 zagenewe ikigega  Agaciro developpement Fund ariko ko abanyamuryango batagomba kudohoka kuko gufasha igihugu kwigira  nk’imwe munshingano z’abanyamuryango bakunda igihugu.

Nubwo abanyarwanda basabwa guharanira kwigira no gufasha igihugu kubigeraho, ngo u Rwanda rwubakiye k’umutekano rufite kandi ugomba gukomeza kubaho, abanyamuryango basabwa guharanira ko hatagira icyawangiza. Gen. eric Murokore  nawe yasabye abanyamuryango kuwuharanira bagira uruhare mu guhosha ibyawuhungabanya nk’amakimbirane mu midugudu.

Mu gihe akarere ka Rubavu umuganda udakunze kwitabirwa, Gen.Murokore akaba yongeye gusaba abanyamuryango kwitabira umuganda kuko ari ibikorwa byiyubakira igihugu, bikaba n’ibikorwa bihuza abanyarwnada mu kunga ubumwe.

Abanyamuryango ba FPR Inkotanyi mu karere ka Rubavu bari mu nama nyunguranama bitekerezo bakaba barayishoje bumvikanye ko bagiye gukomeza kwita kubikorwa by’iterambere mu midugudu hamwe no kurwanya amakimbirane mu guteza imbere imibanire myiza n’umutekano.

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.”

These are some of the ID documents found on FDLR rebels who were involved in a failed attack into Rwanda on 27^th November 2012 

Rwandan FDLR rebels have informed the government of DR Congo that unless prior commitments are cleared including a debt owed to them for “services” provided, the cooperation between them is at stake, according to the Rwanda News Agency (RNA).

For years, reports have indicated that the Kinshasa government provides clandestine support to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). But this latest revelation gives a rare glimpse into a complicated and often confrontational relationship between the militia group and Kinshasa. The current relationship dates back to the year 2000, according to secret communication material obtained by RNA.

The general idea of this militia group – whose members are wanted in Rwanda for genocide, has been around since 1994. The FDLR, in its current form, was however born in May 2000 in the jungles of eastern Congo. The group came as God-sent manna as the government of President Laurent Desire Kabila helped them regroup, and immediately opened a long-term working arrangement that has lasted up to today.

The militia group was called on by Kabila senior to fight his wars – and in exchange he paid them cash, provided them vast corridors so they can operate under the radar, as well as direct military hardware. And when current President Joseph Kabila took over from his father, the deals signed have remained binding, despite him having his own.

Unpaid arrears

The Rwanda News Agency (RNA) says it has obtained a 7-page ultimatum prepared on January 31^st, 2013, by the FDLR second-in-command addressed to the Kinshasa government in which the militia group sends a note of appreciation, but also reminds President Kabila of prior unsettled debts. The document was prepared and signed by “General” Stanislas Nzeyimana aka General Deogratias Bigaruka Izabayo. It is actually signed under the name non de guerre “General Deogratias” and written in French.

The ultimatum clearly points out that unless these demands (termed in French as “revendication”) are fulfilled, future collaboration will be difficult to maintain as the rebels will not have faith in any more promises. The ultimatum outlines six issues, but points out that these are only “some of them”.

Top on the list is unpaid arrears amounting to US$150,000 (Rwf 96million), which was supposed to be payment for “FDLR combatants who fought alongside the Congolese armed forces” (FARDC). These arrears date back to 2001 when the Kinshasa government was battling rebels in the east of the country, reported RNA.

For starters, Kabila senior was assassinated in January 2001, and was immediately replaced by his son. President Joseph Kabila continued battling the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC) rebels with support from the FDLR. In December 2002, Joseph Kabila was forced to the negotiating table. But from the FDLR ultimatum, it seems the human cost was massive for them. FDLR wants compensation for all its combatants who died on the battlefield.

The second demand reads as: “Compensation for families of the FDLR combatants who died on the battlefield, estimated to be about 2,000”. In other words, “General Deogratias” was reminding the Kinshasa government that the families of those who perished during the wars have to be compensated.

Constant contact necessary

In the ultimatum document, “General Deogratias” also reminds President Kabila that these and other arrears were raised in March 2011 during a meeting which would become the “Ntoto Accord”. Ntoto is an FDLR controlled-area in eastern Congo where the militia group met with Congolese government officials.

To keep their relationship undetected, Kinshasa sends its emissaries to find the rebels in their jungle hideouts. Kinshasa also provides cover when rebel commanders need to travel. Kinshasa has also availed corridors through which the rebels operate under cover of the FARDC.

High profile meetings are numerous. For example, between May and July 2012 alone, Kinshasa officials met with FDLR commanders 17 times at different locations. RNA has published details about these encounters (See http://www.rnanews.com/regional/6704-exclusive-meetings-between-senior-congo-officers-with-fdlr-commanders-)

6,000 combatants on training

The operating corridor provided by Kinshasa has allowed the FDLR to train as part of preparations for what the interahamwe militias say will be an offensive against Rwanda. Actually, in the ultimatum document from “General Deogratias”, demand number six asks the Kinshasa government to annul all agreements with the Government of Rwanda.

The militia group has used the vast space to arm and train. Specific case of reference, it emerged in a classified UN document (CLA-MP-94/12-12 dated December 17, 2012) that the militia outfit is preparing a 6,000-strong force for an offensive against Rwanda.

The document read in part: “Reliable sources (humanitarian workers) has reported to MONUSCO’s component on 16^th Dec 12 about the presence of 4000 FDLR cadres at Kazibake…, Groupement of Bashali Mokoto, Localité Lukweti/Ndurumo.”

In addition to these new 4,000 mobilized troops, this UN document says FDLR already has another 2,000 “previously located at Nganga (HQ of the FDLR president and supreme commander), Mumo, Hembe, Nyagisozi,  Macumbi…”

Mu nama y’Umutekano yaguye y’akarere ka Kamonyi, yabaye tariki 14/5/2013, byagaragaye ko irondo ridakorwa neza, ari kimwe mu bitiza umurindi ibyaha bikorwa nijoro. Abanyamabanga Nshingwabikorwa b’Utugari, basabwe gukurikirana ikorwa ry’amarondo, kuko usanga hari aho ridakorwa cyangwa abarikora bakaguma ahantu hamwe.

« Abantu benshi bitiranya irondo n’izamu » ; ibi biratanganzwa n’umuyobozi wungirije ushinzwe imibereho myiza y’abaturage Uwera Marie Alice, aho avuga ko usanga abakora bigumira ahantu hamwe ku rusisiro, aho kuzenguruka umudugudu wose ngo bacungane n’umutekano wa ho.

Uyu muyobozi akomeza avuga ko ibyaha byinshi bikorwa nijoro kandi irondo ryitwa ko rikorwa. Ubwo rero ngo bibaza ukuntu ibyaha byinshi bikorwa iryo rondo ntiribimenye. Aha aratanga urugero ku mirambo y’abantu iherutse gutoragurwa mu kagari ka Sheli, ho muri Rugarika, ariko ababahajugunya ntibamenyekane.

Koloneli Ruzibiza James, ukuriye Ingabo mu Ntara y’Amajyepfo, arasaba ko abanyerondo batagomba kwicara ahantu hamwe. Ati “usanga n’umwana muto azi ngo aha n’aha niho hicara irondo”. Ibyo bikaba bigomba guhinduka, abanyerondo bakagenda kandi aho bahuye n’ikibazo bakavuza induru abaturage bagatabara.

Muri iyi nama, Abanyamabanga Nshingwabikorwa b’utugari basabwe gutanga amakuru ku gihe no kwandika mu ikaye y’abinjira n’abasohoka. Bibukijwe ko hari telefoni zishyurwa n’akarere, zahawe abakuru b’imidugudu ngo zijye zibafasha mu gutanga amakuru.

Utugari rero ngo nitwo tugomba guhwitura abakuru b’imidugudu kuko ari abakorerabushake bakababaza amakuru yiriwe cyangwa yaramutse mu midugudu ya bo.

Umuyobozi wa Polisi mu karere ka Kamonyi, SSP Francis Muheto, yatangaje ko kuva tariki 1/1 kugeza tariki 30/4/ 2013, mu karere hose hagaragaye ibyaha 98. Ku isonga hakaba ubujura buciye icyuho n’ibyaha 21, naho gukubita no gukomeretsa bikaba ibyaha 10; umurenge wagaragayemo ibyaha byinshi ni Gacurabwenge, naho ahagaragaye ibyaha bikomeye ni muri Rugarika.

Police mu karere ka Karongi iratangaza ko mu mirenge hafi ya yose hakomeje kugaragara ibyaha by’ubwoko bwose kandi bikagira ingaruka ku mutekano w’akarere muri rusange. Ibi ni ibyavugiwe mu nama y’umutekano yaguye yateranye kuri uyu wa kabili 14-05-2013 ku cyicaro cy’akarere ka Karongi, yari ihuje ba gitifu bose b’imirenge, ubuyobozi bw’akarere, abahagarariye ingabo na police.

Nk’uko byasobanuwe n’umuyobozi wa police mu karere ka Karongi Chief Superintendant Paul Gatambira, ngo ibyaha by’ubujura ni byo ahanini bigaragara mu mirenge yose uko ari 13, hakaba n’ibyaha byo gukubita no gukomeretsa bigaraga nabyo mu mirenge yose.

Mu murenge wa Rwankuba ho hafite umwihariko w’ibyaha byo gusambanya abana ku ngufu bibera mu nkambi ya kiziba icumbikiye impunzi z’abanye Congo (RDC). Ibi byaha ariko ngo binagaragara mu mirenge ya Rubengera na Bwishyura dore ko ari yo mirenge ibarizwamo ibikorwa byinshi by’ubucuruzi, bityo hakaba n’inzererezi nyinshi ziteza umutekano muke.

Kuri iyi ngingo, abashinzwe umutekano bagiriye inama ubuyobozi gushyiraho inkambi y’agateganyo izajya yoherezamo abantu b’inzererezi bakagororwa umuco mbere yo gusubizwa iyo baturutse. Ukuriye police yatanze urugero rw’akarere ka Ruhango aho byamaze gukorwa kandi bigatanga umusaruro mwiza.

Mu karere ka Karongi bene iyo nkambi irahari aho bita Bwakira, ariko nk’uko byemezwa n’umuyobozi w’akarere wungirije ushinzwe ubukungu n’iterambere Hakizimana Sebastien wari uyoboye inama, icyo kigo ngo ntago cyashyizwemo imbaraga nyinshi bigatuma nta musaruro ugaragara gitanga.

Zimwe mu nzererezi ziba mu mujyi wa Kibuye zivuga ko zajyanywe inshuro zirenga imwe muri icyo kigo ariko zikabasha kugitoroka. Hakizimana Sebastien yijeje inama y’umutekano yaguye y’akarere ko bagiye kubihagurukira.

Ibindi byaha ngo byafashe intera ndende mu kwezi gushize (Mata 2013), ni ibyaha byo gukubita no gukomeretsa bivugwa mu mirenge itatu, Gashari, Mutuntu na Twumba.

Mu mirenge ya Rubengera na Bwishyura ifatwa nk’imirenge y’imigi, hanavugwa ibyaha byo gukoresha impapuro mpimbano n’amafaranga y’amakorano, usibye ko no mu murenge wa Twumba havugwayo ikoreshwa ry’impapuro mpimbano. Aha umuyobozi wa Police yavuze ko bidasanzwe kuva bene ibyo byaha mu mirenge y’icyaro.

Nyuma yo kugaragaza ibyo byaha byose, abakuriye police n’ingabo ndetse n’umuyobozi w’akarere wungirije ushinzwe ubukungu n’iterambere, Hakizimana Sebastien wari uyoboye inama, basabye ba gitifu guharukira ikibazo cy’abateza umutekano muke mu mirenge yabo, cyane cyane bakibanda ku guca ibiyobyabwenge kuko ahanini ari byo ntandaro y’urugomo n’amakimbirane ya hato na hato.

Ikindi basabwe gushyiramo imbaraga ni ugukoresha ikaye yandikwamo abinjira n’abasohoka mu midugudu, kuko bimaze kugaragara ko henshi batabiha agaciro, ugasanga ibyaha byinshi bikorwa ariko ba nyirabayazana ntibamenyerwe irengero.

Abayobozi b’ikigo nderabuzima cya Byimana n’izindi nzego bajya kunamira imibiri ishyinguye mu rwibutso rwa Byimana

Ubuyobozi bw’ikigo nderabuzima cya Byimana mu karere ka Ruhango, buravuga ko mu gihe cya jenoside yakorewe abatutsi mu 1994 ngo nta murwayi cyangwa umuganga wigeze ahagwa, gusa ngo nubwo bagize aya mahirwe ariko ntibyababuza kwibuka abaguye ahandi ndetse bakanifatanya n’abaharokokeye.

Ibi ni ibyatangajwe n’umuyobozi w’iki kigo nderabuzima cya Byimana Nyirabukeye Adeline mu muhango wo kwibuka abatutsi bazize jenoside.

Ku gicamunsi cya tariki ya 14/05/2013, nibwo abakozi b’iki kigo nderabuzima, abacitse ku icumu mu murenge wa Byimana, ingabo, abapolisi n’abandi bakoze urugendo rwahereye kuri iki kigo nderabuzima bajya kunamira imibiri y’abashyinguye mu rwibutso rwa Byimana bahava basubira ku kigo nderabuzima ahatangiwe ubuhamya butandukanye.

Nyirabukeye Adeline  umuyobozi w’ikigo nderabuzima cya Byimana yavuze ko iyi ari inshuro ya kabiri bibuka abatutsi bazize jenoside, ibi ngo bakabifatanya no kuremera abatishoboye aho kuri uyu umunsi haremewe umukecuru Mukaruhanga Josephine ubana n’umwana we ufite ubumuga, bakaba bamugeneye inkunga irimo ibiribwa n’ibikoresho bitandukanye.

Gasirabo Claver wari uhagarariye akarere ka Ruhango muri uyu muhango, yashimiye uburyo abaganga bakoraga muri iki kigo nderabuzima bitwaye, ngo kuko amateka ya jenoside agaragaza ko henshi mu bigo abakozi aribo bagambaniraga bagenzi babo.

Akaba yasabye abantu bose gukomeza guharanira ikintu cyose cyazasubiza abanyarwanda mu icura burindi cyane cyane birinda impuha zaturuka hirya no hino.

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.

Musenyeri wa Diyoseze ya Ruhengeri ashyikiriza uwize gusoma no kwandika impamabumenyi.
Kuri uyu wa Gatatu tariki ya 15/05/2013, abantu bakuru basaga gato 2.200 bo mu Karere ka Gakenke bize gusoma, kwandika no kubara bakabimenya bashyikirijwe impamyabumenyi (certificates).
Umuyobozi w’Akarere ka Gakenke Nzamwita Deo, avuga ko ibihumbi 18 by’abatuye akarere mu mwaka wa 2011 ni ukuvuga 13% batari bazi gusoma, kwandika no kubara none hasigaye abasaga gato ibihumbi 5.
Ngo akarere gafite umuhigo w’uko abaturage bose bazaba bazi gusoma no kwandika mu mwaka utaha. Agira ati: “13% by’abaturage batazi gusoma no kwandika ni benshi cyane. Iyo twigereranyije n’utundi turere ntituri hasi cyane tuzahagarara ari uko tugeze ku 100% by’abaturage bose.”

Abize gusoma no kwandika basabwe guhora biyibutsa, basoma ibintu bitandukanye nka bibiliya, ibinyamakuru n’ ibitabo ku bashobora kubibona kuko badasoma ngo bashobora kwibagirwa ibyo bize.
Umuyobozi w’Akarere yashimiye abayobozi b’amatorero n’ abakorerabushake bagize uruhare mu kwigisha abo bantu bose kuko batanze ibyumba byo kwigiramo mu nsengero, mu mashuri no mu biro by’utugari bigishwa n’abakorerabushake.
Nyiricyubahiro Musenyeri wa Diyoseze ya Ruhengeri, Hororimana Vincent witabiriye uyu muhango ahagarariye Umuryango wa Bibiliya mu Rwanda asanga hari imbaraga zashyizwe mu kurwanya ubukene n’ubujiji, aboneraho gusaba abaturage kuzishyigira.
Ati: “ Bajye baha abakira, abakiza amaboko yombi kuko izi gahunda iyo zisanze mudafite umutima wakira byose byaba impfabusa, ingufu zose zakoreshwa zaba impfabusa zidahuye n’uko mwakira izo gahunda.”
Umuryango wa Bibiliya watanze bibiliya 190 mu karere kose. Aha, Musenyeri yibukije abantu bose by’umwihariko abazihawe ko roho nzima ituma mubiri muzima maze abasaba no gusoma ijambo ry’Imana rikaba ari ryo ribayobora muri byose.

Umwana wiga mu mashuri abanza ashyikirizwa itara rikoresha imirasire y’izuba.
Bamwe mu barangije kwiga gusoma no kwandika badutangarije ko imyaka idashobora kuba imbogamizi ku muntu ushaka kwiga.
Mukahirwa Philomene w’imyaka 36 aravuga at: “ iyo ubishyizemo (kwiga) umwete urafata kuko nta kinanira Imana, ubisaba Imana ikabigushoboza.”
Undi witwa Girukubonye Daniel ufite imyaka 70 ati: “ kwiga si iby’abana gusa, iyo ubishyizeho umwete urabimenya… Ubu nsoma bibiliya n’ibitabo batwigishirijemo nta kibazo.”
Muri ibyo birori, Umushinga wa World Vision watanze amatara akoresha imirasire iva ku zuba arenga ibihumbi 7 azafasha abana biga gusubiramo amasomo nijoro nta kibazo bityo bige neza.

The Administration of Byimana Hospital and employees have jointly paid tribute to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in their locality and the country in general.

The director of the hospital located in Ruhango district, Adeline Nyirabukeye said this on 14/05/2013 while in a ceremony that saw different hospital employees remember the genocide victims.

These people started with a walk to remember from the hospital to Byimana memorial site and then back to the hospital where different testimonies were given about the genocide.

“This is the second time we are commemorating the Tutsis that died during the incident and we normally support any vulnerable genocide survivor”, said Nyirabukeye.

This time one vulnerable elderly woman Josephine Mukaruhanga who has a disabled child was supported with different food stuffs plus other home necessities.

These people were therefore thanked by Claver Gasirabo the district representative during the ceremony.

He later asked people to continue striving for self-reliance and also to excommunicate themselves from anything that could lead Rwanda back to such bad history. The commemoration goes for a 100days, a period of three months in which the 1994 mayhem took place.