Igihe

Author: b_igi_adm1n

  • New Radio Wants Name

    A new and hip radio station is on air. This new radio station will pick its name through the millions of choices that will be given by listeners calling in where the lucky winner will receive a prize of US$ 100.

    The new nameless radio station broadcasting on 98.7FM is a recently launched radio station run by a group of young entrepreneurs and former Rwandan radio presenters.

    “The radio has remained nameless because we want the listeners to call in and pick out what they would like to call the show; we want the public to feel involved in the process,” a source said preferring to remain anonymous.

    The lucky winner will win US$100 if their proposal for the name of the station as well as the kinds of shows, news, and ways to start the morning win over the committee responsible for picking the name from many suggested by listeners.

    The radio station will pick its winner name before the official launch. A source told IGIHE.com that the name should be a name found befitting, inspiring and captures the essence of the stations aims and goals in providing what the audiences wants!

    The official launch will be on the 6TH of February 2012, at Serena hotel in Kigali, where the hosts and members invited will attend the event after the name and winner have been finalised.

    The radio facebook page has over 200 likes-hits. A source further said that this radio doesn’t represent any specific theme, its presenters range from the ages of 18years and above to cater for all interests of various age groups.

  • Nybugogo Residents Celebrate Heroes Day in Style

    At Nybugogo hero’s day was celebrated with all, officials as well as members of the community gathered at the centre du Marché for a short speech and later music and dancing, the speech was given by the executive secretary of Nybugogo sector.

    With a grand population turnout, the people of Nyabugogo celebrated with enthusiasm, IGIHE.com interviewed some of the local residents and asked them what this day meant to them.

    Faustian Ndaruhutse who works in the market as a charcoal vendor and is also a father of two told our reporter that this day signifies a good change in the attitude of Rwandans towards the importance of children.

    Vestine Niraneza a vendor of groceries and a mother of four whose oldest daughter also works in the market said “this gives me hope that my children will be well taken care of no matter what kind of employment they pursue, for every parent worries about the welfare of their children, especially since many of them are now working to help their families”.

    The Executive secretary of Nybugogo in her speech thanked all employees, workers, vendors and especially the children for their determination in helping Rwanda’s growth through their hard work.

    She also encouraged all citizens to help in the fight against child abuse.

    After the short but inspirational speeches the executive secretary told the residents “this day is your day, for everyone here is a hero, enjoy it and let us all remember those who have left us”

    Shortly after the music and dancing commenced, and people from all corners begun to enjoy the evening through songs and stories, as others went to celebrate with family and friends.

  • Terimbere Business Competition Winners Want Their Money

    The winners of the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Rwanda recent Terimbere Business Competition are confused why they were never given their prizes as promised by the organization.

    On June 15th 2011, JCI Rwanda, in partnership with the National University of Rwanda through the support of two Dutch organizations BiD Network and Spark, launched Terimbere, a business plan competition to stimulate growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector in Rwanda.

    The primary objective of the Terimbere Challenge was to encourage existing and inspiring new entrepreneurs to grow their business.

    Gamariel Cyamatare is among the first three people that were supposed to receive cash prizes and like the rest of other winners said, “We were told before that the cash prize winners would get US$2, 500 but they are saying the first person will get only Frw 1 million, 2nd will get Frw 800, 000 and then the rest of other 12 winners will get Frw 700, 000.

    However, each of the winners has been conditioned to present a consultant to receive the cash on their behalf and that the cash will be deposited on the consultant’s Bank account.

    The irony is that even though a winner prepared a business plan on their own without the help of a consultant, they are conditioned to find a consultant that will be given this money.

    According to the JCI current president Albert Nzamukwereka exclusively speaking IGIHE.com, explained that after receiving 700 applications, there were pre-selection and 151 Business Plan Ideas were chosen.

    Those selected were invited to participate in training on business plan writing starting from 14th September 2011. After the training, they were all requested to submit in their written business plans in not later than the period of two months, that was October 18 last 2011.

    Nzamukwereka adds that 14 people including those just initiating their business ideas plus others already in business in 151 business ideas pre-selected managed to win the awards.

    The 14 are the only people who managed to get to the pass mark of 70% after verbal and written interviews.

    Nzamukwereka while responding to the above confusion said that “it’s better to assist many instead of the few” adding that though organization had the proposal of giving them USD 2, 500 but the donors had to change and give less money but to a big number including other facilitations like trainings.

    “We are driven by goodwill to support Terimbere Business Competition winners but not confusing them.”

    Also the reason why winners are requested to bring Consultants is because the donor in that category has it as a policy to be with consultants in order to be funded.

    Nzamukwereka challenged the winners to recognise the award given because they were internationally recognised as strong competitors.

    Their video profiles were downloaded on you tube to make an aggression marketing for them internationally.

    JCI President further pointed out that they have been working tireless to connect their business plans to the findings either internationally or and local financing agencies.

    He concluded saying that the winners should instead be patient because that a lot has been reserved for them.

    Among the 14 winners of the previous competition, JCI is in talks with the partner; National University of Rwanda to divide into both of them and in order to make a close follow up.

  • Kagame Blames Africa’s Failure to Build AU Head Quarters

    President Paul Kagame in his first 2012 monthly press briefing has said that it is pathetic to find Africa with all its resources was reluctant in constructing the new African Union head Quarters in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.

    “It is ok to receive donation from China but on the other hand it’s pathetic to find Africa with all its resources was reluctant in constructing the building. The donation is a symptom to a big problem, Africa needs to do more to stand on its own,” said Kagame.

    The African Union (AU) last weekend unveiled its new headquarters worth US$ 200million that was financed by the government of the Peoples Republic of china.

    Critics argue that the construction that was financed entirely by the People’s Republic of China is a manifestation of the dependency on foreign AID that Africa has become.

    Kagame’s reaction was triggered by the issue of Africa’s growing dependence on foreign aid adding it was a disgrace since the continent has enough resources to grow economies in member states.

    During his periodical press conference, President Kagame has advised on the need to build national capacity to facilitate solving internal issues, the aim is to avoid outsiders in interfering in solving local problems which they often do so to pursue their own interests.

    The press conference further covered issues related to both local and regional.
    Concerning free education in the country, the president cautioned teachers who send away students who have failed to pay maintenance fee adding that it was not compulsory but rather voluntary.

    About complaints from teachers over low salaries, Kagame noted for the meantime the government doesn’t have enough money to pay them according to what they think is handsome but rather wants to offer them credit through Mwalimu Sacco’s so they can improve their welfare in forming income generating activities.

    In regard to deportation of genocide suspect Leon Mugesera from Canada, Kagame explained that the transfer process wasn’t a favour to Rwanda since the local judiciary has shown the potential to work professionally and that other foreign countries harboring genocide suspects should replicate Canada’s move and deport them to Rwanda to answer for their crimes.

    The president further reminded members of the press on government priorities for this year which include food security, social transformation, peace and security and investments which are expected to boost the country’s economy.

    “We will also enhance food security to be sufficient enough for exporting,” said Kagame.

  • Headteacher Arrested for Stealing School Cement

    Police has arrested a school Headmistress of Nawe 9YBE school in Rubona sector ,Rwamagana district and four other accomplices for embezzling 62 sacks of cement that were meant for constructing Nine Year Basic Education (9YBE) class rooms.

    According to a police statement the arrested have been identified as Mukashyaka Venancia the headmistress, Jean de Dieu Twagirayezu the store man, Faustin Nizeyimana a mason and Leonce Rugoboka the night guard.

    Police sources in Rwamagana said residents close to the school premises called for police intervention after seeing Nizeyimana carrying half a bag of cement from the school store on the evening of January 17.

    Police investigations later indicated that up to 62 bags of cement and 54 timber logs had been siphoned.

    Asked about the whereabouts of the stolen construction materials, Mukashyaka conceded that though she knew about the missing construction materials, she did not know how they were stolen.

    Police Spokesperson Superintendent Theos Badege cautioned those involved in stealing construction materials meant for schools that the law would strike hard on them.

    “We shouldn’t keep a blind eye while some people are trying to steal construction materials meant for schools after all they are bought by tax payers money and are meant for the common good”, Badege said.

    Supt Badege commended citizens for their role in the apprehension of the suspects urging citizens to vigilant and always report any cases of embezzlement and misuse of government property.

  • French & Spanish Indictments are Political Rubbish–Kagame

    In a monthly press briefing today, President Paul Kagame has described the indictments by the Spanish Judge as confused political rubbish and not different from the indictments by French judge Jean-Louis Bruguière.

    “All these indictments were created to tie the hands of Rwandans and preventing us from moving forward,” President Kagame noted.

    The Spanish indictments are still standing. Among the indicted are 40 current or former Rwandan military officers for several counts of genocide and human rights abuses and terrorism during the 1990s when several Rwandans died or disappeared.

    Asked on what he is thinking about confronting the Spanish indictments, President Kagame responded saying, “the Spanish indictments are only slightly different but they continue from Bruguere indictments. The same witnesses in the Bruguere case would be sent to provide information in the Spain case.”

    Kagame explained that the Spanish case is confused. “It starts by indicting the RPF not for crimes committed during the war, the killing of Habyarimana according to them but It starts from the birth of RPF. According to the Spanish Judge the birth of RPF was a crime and continues to incorporate these other crimes.”

    “The case in France started by Bruguere has more influence on what happens to the Spanish case. You can’t dismiss one case and retain the other. The Spanish and Bruguere indictments were more about inconveniencing Rwanda and making sure that our hands are tied,” Kagame noted.

    Kagame Narrated, “In fact even with Rose Kabuye’s case, when German was to send her to France, France would say they didn’t ask for her. But german would later say they arrested her under the usual France-German cooperation this is what we had to do. The France would tell German why don’t you let her go maybe she could be arrested another day.”

    Rose Kabuye was arrested at a German airport on a French warrant on causing extended wave of protests by Rwandans allover the world.

    Rwanda government then formally protested to Germany over Kabuye’s detention, she immediately waived an extradition hearing by asking to be transferred to Paris, France.

    The German authorities had forewarned Kabuye that she was likely to be detained, but she chose to travel to Europe anyway because a trial would expose France’s politically motivated attempts to whitewash its own complicity in the 1994 Rwanda Tutsi genocide.

    The government of Rwanda considered the indictments as an abuse of international law,political and judicial bullying that Rwanda would not accept.

    Bruguière had alleged in his indictment that Kabuye,who retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel, and other senior RPF officials assassinated Habyarimana as “the necessary precondition for seizing power by force”. She was “inscribed in a vast plan worked out to this end”, Bruguière claimed.

    Kagame explained that “These indictments are just political things. Judge Jean-Louis Bruguière had clearance from politicians..This communication is known and it was political rubbish. If justice is to be universal, the reverse should be true.”

  • Choose Between Rumours & Truth—Kagame

    President Paul Kagame has today during a monthly press conference stated that the senior military officers who are currently under house arrest violated the disciplinary norms and not any other unconfirmed rumours that may be arising.

    According to President, their house arrests are on grounds of indiscipline, doing activities not in line with their military assignments, getting involved in civilian business dealings.

    President Kagame was responding to the question raised by a journalist saying that there are ongoing rumours that the arrested senior military officers were planning a coup.

    Kagame also said that the investigations upon them are still underway adding that rumours will always be there and cannot be stopped. “It’s upon one to choose between truth & rumors,” H.E Kagame noted.

    Senior officers including Lt.Gen Fred Ibingira, Brig. Gen. Richard Munyuza, Brig.Gen. Wilson Gumisiriza, Brig.Gen. Richard Rutatina and Col.Dan Munyuza with effect from January 17, 2012 were suspended from duty and placed under house arrest.

  • Akabanga Pepper Rumour Refuted

    Gerald Sina, the director of Nyirangarama enterprises has defended one of his company products; Akabanga Pepper solution, refuting rumours that it contains swine oil.

    The company produces several consumable products including; juice, cakes, pepper, jam and alcoholic beverage from organic fruits and vegetables.

    Sina noted that those spreading the rumors might perhaps be confusing that the vegetable oil contained in the pepper is obtained from pigs he rears.

    “It’s true I rear pigs but I supply the pork meat to various butcheries, I would be mad if used pig fat it wouldn’t only reduce the pepper’s quality but also harmful to consumer’s health,” he explained.

    So far the rumors have made a sizeable number of people to avoid consuming the pepper, some religious people including Muslim faithful and seventh day Adventists have refrained from consuming Akabanga since pork is a taboo according to their religious beliefs.

    Some restaurants have also reduced serving their clients Akagaba due to the prevailing confusion although Sina says his product sales have not been affected by the rumours about Akabanga Pepper product.

    One of the consumers Kevin Muhooza says that it’s ridiculous for Akabanga to have swine oil yet if it’s true he wouldn’t care because the pepper stimulates his appetite while having a meal.

    Aline Mukandori a restaurant manager at Kanombe noted that she heard about the complaints several days ago but most of her clients are still consuming the pepper, though some prefer consuming pepper prepared at the restaurant.

    Sina noted that, “I think some people want to exaggerate the rumor yet all relevant tests have been done to certify that Akabanga is good for human consumption, Muslims too did their own tests and they found out that the pepper contains vegetable oil not swine oils as some speculate,” he said.

    He further pointed out that Akabanga is on high demand at both local and international markets, “Production of this pepper has never been enough for the marker, that’s why for the meantime we’re working round the clock to ensure increased quantity to meet the demand.”

  • Residents Want Local Defense to Improve Service

    Residents of Gikondo, Nyamirambo, and Kacyiru are unhappy with the service rendered by Local Defense (LDU) forces in their communities thus calling upon concerned authorities to intervene.

    Some of the residents in affected areas have made formal complaints against the harsh actions by the local defense in their communities. IGIHE.com has investigated the claims.

    A resident in Nyamirambo also a taxi driver only identified as Theoneste told our reporter that since his job requires him to drive around. “I have seen how the LDU beat people with buttons and I think it is appalling”.

    Theoneste believes that the local community should do something about this before the situation gets out of hand. “There are better ways of dealing with these issues than by beating or threatening them. I have witnessed LDU mistreat food vendors and street children.”

    Every household in a community pays a mandatory frw 1,000 monthly fee for neighborhood security. The is used to pay for the needs of the men and women that serve in local defense.

    At Gikondo, residents complain that many of their Local Defense personnel lack uniform and this causes great confusion.

    A local food vendor and resident of Gikondo Bernadette says she works till late hours of the night in order to get as many buyers as she can. This is her only source of income.

    She told IGIHE.com, “I am always approached by the LDU without uniform. This scares me. I would ask those in charge to provide uniforms to the LDUs or some form of identification.”

    Other residents complain of the level of competence of some LDU members that can’t read national identities and rather spend time asking unnecessary questions.

    However, in the district of Kacyiru many of the residents are pleased with the work of the local defense.

    Some Kacyiru residents told our reporter that Kacyiru has become a very safe place where people fell safe walking at night except for the rare occasions of robbers or the rowdiness caused by the people in the local pubs.

    Mr. Saban who is the head of the local defense at kacyiru told IGIHE.com that the money that residents pay every month for security is a very small amount and has to be used wisely.

    The cost for paying for uniforms, nutrition, health as well as salaries is much more than the total amount received at the end of the month and this may be the cause LDU may be acting improperly.

    However, we believe that those who are not performing in accordance with laws should be reported to the police and dealt with.

  • Family At Risk Of Python Attack

    Although anti-Nyakatsi-a campaign to eradicate grass thatched housing in the country has brought mass diginity, it is a different story for the family of Chrysostom Ntezimana.

    During the anti-Nyakatsi campaign, Ntezimana of 50years migrated from his home where he had been living with his wife Peragia Ntakobatagira 28. They settled at a new place located close to the Rusumo Border in the Eastern Province.

    They established a grass thatched house at their new found land at the banks of river Akagera. The piece of land is so steep such that chances are so high that the Ntezimana’s could easily slip off and drown into the river.

    However, worse still, the Ntezimana’s have an immediate but dangerous neighbour.The Python. Just five meters away from their grass house. The Ntezimana’s could easily be mauled by the mega python or slip drown into the speedy deep Akagera river waters.

    IGIHE.com reporter who feared to reach inside the Ntezimana’s grass house, managed to meet the wife Ntakobatagira.
    Peragia Ntakobatagira
    She narrated to our reporter, “I asked my husband to shift from this risky area but he has insisted not to leave. Instead he says he would rather drown me into this river first and then escape if he no longer wants me.”

    The couple has no children yet and sources say that the Ntezimana adopted Ntakobatagira from another man in Ruhengeri in Northern Rwanda.

    When asked about the risk of living close to a python den, Ntakobatagira said that they are always careful. That they make sure the python doesn’t see them first but them seeing it first and running away. This has been the situation for the past two years.

    Ntakobatagira adds that she is tired of risking her life staying with the snake and being harassed by her husband.

    Efforts to speak to Ntezimana were futile. Also the Executive Secretary of sector in the area could not be reached by press time.

    However, IGIHE.com learnt that Ntezimana has ignored invitations by area local authorities to pick iron sheets for roofing on new descent house.

    One local official said,“no one can risk going there because not only fearing the snake but also the place itself is fearful.”
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