Igihe

Author: b_igi_adm1n

  • Rwandan Women Weaving Into The Future

    After enduring the 1994 Tutsi genocide which destroyed property and displaced several people, Rwandan women today have managed to overcome effects of the genocide by weaving for the future.

    Most women have today converged in different associations and cooperatives from which they have engaged in income generating activities which have in effect transformed their lives making the nation stronger.

    Igihe.com met some of these hardworking women to share their business achievements.
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    Janet Nkubana is the founder and president of Gahaya Links, a Rwandan handicrafts organization that empowers local rural women to achieve economic stability.

    These women include victims of genocide widows, women living with HIV, and women with husbands in prison – all weaving together as a chance for reconciliation as they work side-by-side utilizing the same solution to rid their communities of poverty. Hence the name, ‘Peace Baskets’.

    Gahaya Links has training programs from which women learn weaving methods and are given information about family planning, HIV/AIDS, finances and nutrition.

    The women find a new sense of self-determination because they are able to earn their own income, take control of their own future, and play a leadership role in civilizing the society.

    Gahaya Links joins more than 3,500 artisans in 40 cooperatives and associations all over Rwanda. “This is wonderful and it gives me hope that women know where we stand and contribute to our society,” says Jenet Nkubana.

    Just like Gahaya links there are many self styled women who have joined hands together and used their rights to support the nation at large.

    Muzirankoni Eugenia specialising in art of photo frames said that she has spent more than 5years doing this business and it gives her an opportunity of interacting with her fellow women from other countries because her market is not within the country only.

    “I sell the frames in East Africa; Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and in Europe. I always export to New York City and because of traveling most of the time I have learnt many things from my fellow women like to always have self esteem, optimistic and to always work hard for my children since am the mother and father at the same time,” She explains with a big smile on her face.

    Muzirankoni main shop is located at Car Wash, a popular spot in Kigali city preferred by Kenyans in Kigali, “I have chosen this area because it is visited by foreigners especially Kenyan and whites.

    Murekatete Monique who lost her husband during the 1994 Tutsi genocide has managed to survive with her two children. The past her taught her to be brave and hard working for the sake of her children.

    “I did not know how to speak English or luganda, but in 2000 I decided to use the loan I had acquired and channeled it to business. I supply big super markets around city with chicken, flesh fish, eggs and I have obtained a lot of income,” Murekatete notes.

    She now pays her children’s tuition that are at the university, bought a plot of land where she built a house and has since rented it to tenants.

  • Frw 140M Lost in Police Crackdown on Moto Taxis

    More than Frw140million has been lost by the Moto taxi business in the month of August alone following the Police crackdown on motor cycles on the roads. According to motor taxi men, in a period of two weeks, a motor taxi earns over Frw70,000.

    According to National Police report, over 70% to 80% of the road accidents arise from Moto taxis and therefore a result of putting much effort to reduce on the problem.

    Chief Supt. Vincent Sano (C/o) of Traffic Police recently impounded over 1000 Moto taxis in August due to lack of full requirements.
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    However, the Moto Taxi men are unhappy with the operation saying that it is not fair and that instead, police should devise other possible ways of handling the issue.

    Robert Imanishimwe, a moto taxi man working in the zone of Nyabugogo said, “We know well the police is doing its work but most of these bikes you see on the road are acquired through credit from the bank and if taken, that means you might even fail to raise money to repay the bank loan and end up in prison something that will hinder development.”

    “I think the best way is to issue to defaulters a contravention notice and then continue with the business in order to be able to pay the fine asked and the loan as well.” Imanishimwe has all requirements and was speaking on behalf of his colleagues.

    Martin Nihabose of Remera zone also noted, “When a Moto is impounded and taken, there is no security for it; that is during loading it on the lorry and offloading it because the police has no mercy at all, and that means it can be damaged in the process.”

    Another Moto taxi man who declined to reveal his names but operating at Nyarutarama with incomplete requirements for his motorcycle said, “police these days has no mercy on us and I don’t know why, any small requirement missing; the bike is taken and kept for over two weeks which I think is not fair at all because most of us depend on this business.

    This means that wherever I see police, I speed past the checkpoint or make a U-turn immediately something risky to the passengers.

  • MINISANTE to Reward Frw1M to Innovative Staff

    Aimed at improving the health sector, the minister of health, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho has set aside a prize of Rwf I million for the most innovative staff at the ministry.

    The ministry of health is among the best performing government institutions.

    Part of the major drive towards the success is through motivating employees whereby the best performers are given a financial reward in addition to their salary.

    “The program is known as Performance Based Finance (PBF) and is beneficial to all MINISANTE staff, but only those who have scored 85% and more, are rewarded,” said Minister Agnes Binagwaho.

    Dr. Binagwaho was addressing a retreat of MINISANTE staff that mainly focused on motivating staff for better delivery given that there are some lagging behind.

    Janvier Mugabo a clinical officer acknowledged benefits from PBF every trimester, “You see the amount is given to a unit, and when there’s someone performing poorly it affects the whole team, meaning they might not get the PBF reward,” Mugabo commented.

    He added, “getting the reward is not hard for any employee that full fills their obligation. “If someone writes their report on time, good book keeping records and punctuality they automatically benefit from BPF. I earn Rwf 250,000 and my reward goes up to Rwf 150,000”.

    The minister encouraged them to be innovative especially in coming up with ideas and programs for improving the health sector. “I’ve given an innovation reward and the first prize will be Rwf 1 million and of course the rest will get something lower than that and the last prize is Rwf 250,000 which I hope would motivate them more,” she remarked.

  • Kigali in Focus

    Kigali City is an entirely Photoworthy destination. Below are photo impressions of our cameraman Hamada Elrasam. Igihe.com gallery presents the latest of street fashion,glamour and style.

  • PICTURE OF THE DAY

    Transport shortage is affecting life in Kigali. At the begining of last week students returned to school late because of limited transport. This man failed to find a car or motor taxi. The only and cheap way was to walk to his final destination with his baggage.
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  • City Council to Relocate Waste Site

    Toxic waste, also known as hazardous waste is a type of dangerous waste harmful to living organisms. The waste products are not easily recycled but usually disposed of in landfills. The effects of toxic waste can impact individual health and the environment.
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    Exclusively speaking to igihe.com, John Mugabo, an Expert in solid waste management in Kigali City Council recognized the threats of the improper waste landfill of the city but also said that the Council is working tirelessly to relocate the site.

    “We are just waiting for the feedback from our consultant on the new and modernized landfill site that will be built very soon in Kigali Sector.” He said.

    He added that from the consultant a study will be made immediately and then the construction process will set off. He therefore believes that with the relocation of the site; all the threats will be solved.

    Remy Norbert Duhame an official from the environmental sector noted, “there was no clear study made before setting this informal site. It’s location is not strategic. He added that there should be a clear study to ensure the problem of leached water is controlled.

    When World Health Organization tasked governments of African countries to prioritize environmental health concerns, the results revealed that while solid waste was identified as the second most important problem after water quality, and less than 30% of urban populations have access to “proper and regular garbage removal.”

    Landfill gas is composed of a mixture of hundreds of different gases. By volume, landfill gas typically contains 45% to 60% methane and 40% to 60% carbon dioxide.
    Landfill gas also includes small amounts of nitrogen, oxygen, ammonia, sulfides, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and nonmethane organic compounds (NMOCs) such as trichloroethylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride.

    This gas is produced by bacterial decomposition, which occurs when organic waste is broken down by bacteria naturally present in the waste and in the soil used to cover the landfill.
    Organic wastes include food, garden waste, street sweepings, textiles, and wood and paper products. Bacteria decompose organic waste in four phases, and the composition of the gas changes during each phase.

    Landfill gases can be created when certain wastes, particularly organic compounds, change from a liquid or a solid into a vapor. This process is known as volatilization. NMOCs in landfill gas may be the result.

    Chemical reactions including NMOCs can be created by the reactions of certain chemicals present in waste.
    For example, if chlorine bleach and ammonia come in contact with each other within the landfill, a harmful gas is produced t of volatilization of certain chemicals disposed of in the landfill.

    Symptoms such as tiredness, sleepiness and headaches have also been reported. Although these symptoms cannot be assumed to be an effect of toxic chemical action, they may indicate that sites can have an impact on stress and anxiety.

    Sometimes workers’ skins are swollen and this could be as a result of the heat and gas arising from the site here.

    The urban waste landfills that are not waterproof often represent sources of groundwater pollution by nitrates and nitrites, as well as other pollutants.

    Landfill infiltration and water leakage on the slopes affect adversely the quality of the adjoining soils, which brings along consequential effects to their utilization.

    The lining of landfills can however prevents toxic substances from being released into the ground water.

  • Loving is like going to war-Prince Kid

    In our unending efforts to bring you closer to the local lifestyle of our society, Igihe.com is proud to introduce to you yet another celeb Prince Kid..our reporter Andrew Kareba held an exclusive interview with Prince Kid (pictured) and below we bring you exerpts of the full interview.
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    Igihe.com: What are your real names?

    Prince kid: My parents named me Kagame Ishimwe Dieudonné, I was born in Kigali, 23yeas and single with no girlfriend because loving is like going on war. I don’t know how tall Iam, but I am tall enough. I stay with my parents.

    Igihe.com: What is your stage name?

    Prince kid: I use prince kid and it is a name I felt for so long and it is the abbreviation of my original names.
    I believe in God, that is what I am in no doubt of and being called prince, it is a sign of being a true believer, and adding Kid to my name it does not mean I am immature, as I said before, it is an abbreviation of my true names.

    Igihe.com: Tell us about your musical journey

    Prince kid: I came to like music because I used to assemble different people particularly those who like music, and I used to listen to Jamaican music but most of that, I liked dancing very much, that is what inspired me to like music, but I will on no account fail to remember that Rafiki is a person who inspired me.
    So far I have produced five tracks; I normally work with JP Production, Dj B and Junior.
    I compose the songs because I have no specific outlook and what comes first in my mind is what I write about.

    Igihe.com: Whats the level of your music career?

    Prince kid: Music requires much effort and however much you sing with no target, you can not progress.

    Igihe.com: Each career has its highs and lows. Explain to us about yours.

    Prince kid: Promoters and producers respect for time and schedules is biggest challenge Iam faced with producers. However, I am trying my best gradually solving the challenge. Solving some of them I personally think twice point out the challenge and find means of handling it.

    Igihe.com: All artists dream of launching albums, have you any?

    Prince kid: That is true, but I can not say that it is there! The album is given name when it is out for your fans. I havent decided yet.

    Igihe.com: what are your plans on expanding your music career abroad?

    Prince kid: It is not easy but Iam planning to produce a song with Shanel from Burundi, Eddy Kenzo (Stamina) who saw my stage performance and appreciated, Grace Nakimera from Uganda of the Kawonawo track, also locally I have a song in collaboration with; Tom Close, The Brothers and Casanova but I have more songs pending in studio with Ridernan, Kitoko, knowless and Rafiki.

    Igihe.com: Have you ever performed outside Rwanda?

    Prince kid: Yes of course, I performed in Burundi, Uganda in Rwanda night

    Igihe.com:How can your songs be accessed?

    Prince kid: So far, I am not selling my songs , what I am doing now is to promote them as am planning to launch the first album by next year but this can not stop my funs from watching them, and requesting over radios.

    Igihe.com: what is your projection in the next 3years?

    Prince kid: No one knows his future because it is God’s plan and will, but according to what am doing now, I can say, it has improved. I will find myself fitting in East African Music competition.

    Igihe.com: Who do you owe your success?

    Prince kid: Specifically I can not say that here he is, but among those who had tried their best, I can express my gratitude to Riderman, Rafiki, Tom Close and Radio presenters.

    Igihe.com: What do you think can astonish your parents?

    Prince kid: I don’t know really, for the reason that if you can not do the finest to gratify your parents, you can never know how worth life is to you.

    Igihe.com: Have you produced any videos?

    Prince kid: Yes, I have three videos and show face, cedru and are the ones running the project.

    Igihe.com: What is your worst moment?

    Prince kid: Since 2008 I had video shooting project but until today, I have not yet got my video because I don’t know what is taking place.

  • Uganda’s Ghetto President Weds Longtime Sweetheart

    Uganda’s popular dance hall music artist,self proclaimed Gheto president, commonly known as Bobi Wine yesterday wed his long time fiancee with whom they have three children.
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    Bobi wine was recently in Kigali where he performed at Sports View Hotel as fundriser for his wedding despite denial from the Event organisers.

    A Ugandan weekend newspaper The SundayVision reported that Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine wed Barbara Itungo at Rubaga Cathedral in the capital Kampala.

    Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga commended the couple for setting a good example to the youth.

    “What you have done; to come and get married in church, shows that you understand your religion and love it because many people knew you as bayaga (weed smokers). I appeal to the youth and all those who have not yet got married in church to follow suit,” he said.
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    Lwanga said he had asked Bobi and Barbie to explain the dreadlocks and tattooing each other’s image on their bodies and was satisfied by their explanation. The couple explained to him that tattooing was similar to okutta omukago, a traditional method of expressing tight friendship. The dreadlocks, he added, was just a hairstyle and not a religious symbol.
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    Marriage record of Bobi Wines family

    Bobi Wine’s family line has a history of marrying at Rubaga Cathedral. His great grandfather, Gilere Sentamu, wed Birizita Nalubega there in 1891.

    On February 27, 1920 Bobi’s grandfather, Sentamu, walked down the aisle with Martita Nakirija in the same church. Bobi’s parents, Jackson Willington Sentamu and Margaret, followed suit on August 7, 1951.

    “This shows that this family understands the Catholic church and their religion,” Lwanga said.
    Lwanga told the couple that in the Catholic Church there is no room for divorce.

    He expressed concern over the increasing infidelity among married couples. “Lack of faith is growing day by day. Many people are not faithful to their partners. You should fulfill your marriage vows,” Lwanga said.

    Among the guests present were the Nabagereka (queen of Buganda), Sylvia Nagginda, the Kabaka’s brother, Prince David Wasajja; Prince Jjunju and several Mengo officials.

    Also present were singer Jose Chameleone and his wife Daniela. Chameleon, who recently converted to Islam before making a U-turn, did not receive Holy Communion.

    The Archbishop explained that he had to apologise publicly and go through a religious process before being re-admitted to the Catholic Church as required by the canon law.

  • Gasabo Juniors Represent Rwanda at EAC football Competition

    After celebrating their victory as the football winners of the outgoing inter-secondary games completions, La Colombiere secondary school located in Gasabo district is representing Rwanda at the regional schools championships.

    The prosperous squad is in Mbarara district of western Uganda to participate in the 10th Edition of the East African Secondary Schools Sports Championships scheduled on August 26 to September 4.

    Speaking to igihe.com, Gasabo district Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Affairs Louise Uwimana said, “We are here to celebrate the victory of our juniors and we are happy to see that the school located in this district is going to represent the whole country in football.”

    “As children who are going to represent our country therefore, we had to sit with them first and give them proper guidance. The recently appointed Senator also working as Gasabo district secondary schools sports treasurer, Teddy Gacinya noted.

    “In the country where they are going, we will be very close and provide help in everything they need including;sensitive care, so we have to be with them and retain our value as Rwandans while in a foreign country,” He stressed.

    The team’s captain, Innocent Gafishi said,“We are so empowered with skills because we have been training for three weeks.We have a very good team and even some of them are in the U17 national team.

    “To me since we won at national level, we shall also win at the EAC level in the upcoming game competitions,”Gafishi says.

    The participating countries are Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zanzibar and the newly born country of South Sudan” The Skipper concluded.
    Games to be played are; soccer, volleyball, netball, hockey, football, basketball, handball, rugby, and athletics.

  • Rwanda Media Scores Poorly in Gender Equality

    Women study journalism on a reasonable basis but choose to change the field to public relations to almost 85% due to job security and lack of enough investment.

    In his presentation the Minister of information Musoni Protais said, the government of Rwanda ensures that, the role of women journalists is embarked on a comprehensive media reforms.

    “I have no doubt that, Rwanda is promoting gender equality through gender mainstreaming in media industry which will improve the proficiency,” he said.

    The minister stressed that government has demonstrated a political will and commitment to gender equality and the necessary press freedom resulting into the present political stability, national reconciliation and respect of human rights and freedom.

    A diplomat representing Norwegian Ambassador to Rwanda noted that freedom of expression and free media are essential for realisation of fundamental rights and a cornerstone of democracy in any society.

    She observed that some women take serious personal risks related practicing journalism at their work places, like being harassed, threatened and even killed in the field doing investigative assignments.

    “Though there are a lot of things to be improved, like collaboration between media houses and institutions as well as among individual media professionals , countries have to unite and design women’s future,” she said.

    she added that with gender equality, “you need conscious strategies, and specific measures and plans to encourage women into the career.”

    However, the Police Spokesperson Supt. Badege, said that so far there is no any case police has received about harassment of female journalists and incase it happens, they will be considered as other crimes police deals with.

    In a video massage of the Executive Director of UN in charge of women, Michelle Bachelet said, “Journalists are the voice of the silent and the champions of the forgotten”

    She further said that, the Global Media Monitoring Project Report of 2010 revealed that women reporters are responsible for 37% of the stories compared to 28% 15 years ago while in Africa 30% on of news is covered by women.

    President of senate, Hon Vincent Biruta’s said, though women are well represented in other decision- making organs of the government, “I do not think media is well represented like other sectors. Female representation is not as impressive to the extent that, where only 29% of women are media practitioners while less that 10% take media leadership roles”.

    “If you educate one man that is educating one person and if you educate one woman is to educate the whole nation”, said VicentBiruta.

    “Women journalists have endured bad work conditions for some time and it’s harder for them to report sexual harassment cases due to fear of losing jobs, said Faith Mbabazi the president of women’s journalists Association.”

    According to Gaspard Safari, the president of Rwanda’s journalists Association, both public and independent media still have few career women scribes and called upon all media house owners to consider all employees equally.

    “Gender equality in Rwandan media is not as in other countries because the problem we meet is poor work conditions payment which why females are not comfortable working with the media.”