Igihe

Author: b_igi_adm1n

  • Rwandan Parliament obtains new Senator

    President Paul Kagame yesterday evening appointed Teddy Gacinya as a new Senator.

    In a statement released by the office of the President stating, “Gacinya has been made the new Senator replacing Aloysia Inyumba who is currently the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion”.

    Gacinya will take the oath today August 17, at around 3pm, in the event that will be held at the Parliamentary Building.

    Teddy Gacinya has been made a Senator to serve for just a year prior to the end of the term in office for most Senators because they are constitutionally mandated to serve one five year term that is not renewable.

    President Kagame also appointed Alfred Gasana as the new Head of the Internal Security in the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).

    This follows the July 13, this year reshuffle where Col. Dan Munyuza was made the Head of External Intelligence in NISS.

    Lawmakers have also replaced late Aimable Nibishaka with Marie Josee Kankera while Amiel Semahundo replaced Alexander Ashinzuwera who was expelled from parliamentary seat recently under what the fellow Parliamentarians termed as “misconduct”.

    The controversial legislator who had been elected to represent the youth through delegates electoral college tried to challenge his dismissal in court in vain.

  • Former Warzones Attractive to Holidaymakers

    Former global trouble spots previously disconnected from the rest of the world due to wars and conflicts are currently preferred as interesting destinations by holidaymakers.

    Rwanda which was deversitated by the 1994 genocide has since transformed into a competitive touristic destination.

    Exclusively speaking to igihe.com, Rica Rwigamba, Head of Tourism and Conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB), noted; “in our country there has been a lot of transformation as compared to the past, and today people walk freely in a safe destination, they come and have a great time because of hospitality and that’s why they are more interested in our country.”

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    Rwanda has recorded a 656% increase in searches as the country moves on from a traumatic past and this gives it an attractive environment to the holiday makers.

    “Rwanda not only offers safari for a much cheaper price than more mainstream African destination but gorilla watching,” Louise Gray an Environment Correspondent in Britain says.

    Destinations in the Balkan states like Serbia and Montenegro, that were once considered too dangerous because of civil war, are now offering a cheaper alternative to Greece.

    Tourists are advised to always check the security situation before travelling with the Foreign Office.

    Emma O’Boyle a Trip Advisor said British holiday makers are becoming more adventurous. “We’re seeing a rapidly growing interest in destinations like Rwanda and the Republic of Macedonia, showing that British travelers may be becoming more intrepid and looking for something different than the traditional beach holiday,” She said

    O’Boyle added, “As Brits look for their next great travel experience, it seems destinations that only a few years ago would never have been an option are now being considered.’

    Trip Advisor also pointed out that, the world’s largest travel site, has seen an increase of almost 50 per cent in searches

    For Macedonia as holidaymakers seek out lakeside beaches and ancient sites. The main attraction of holidays in previously off-limit destinations is the price.

    Bosnia Herzegovina, that has seen a 39 per cent increase in searches, offers cheap ski-ing holidays.

    There is also an interest in looking at the history of cities like Sarajevo, where tourists can still see the spots where mortar shells landed.

    El Salvador, that has seen a 28 per cent increase in searches as the state becomes safer, offers exotic beaches and surfing for much less that more well known South American destinations.

    Other destinations that have overcome wars in the recent past include Croatia, Cuba and Vietnam.

    However some countries do not remain popular for long. Libya that was enjoying a boom in tourists coming to see Roman ruins is now off limits again and Syria, that was a popular for short breaks to Damascus, has been hit by civil unrest.

  • Inflation Up due to High Costs of Production

    Information reaching Igihe.com indicates that Consumer prices in country’s urban areas rose to 7.14% in July as food prices climbed, especially in vegetables, meat and non-alcoholic beverages. The Inflation accelerated from 5.82% in June.

    According to a consumer index report issued by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) today, Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose by 1.14%, while transport and education costs went up during the period as well.

    It is also noted that the increase of 1.14% in prices of Food and non-alcoholic beverages is primarily attributable to the price increase of 1.87 per cent of vegetables, 2.5% of Non-alcoholic beverages and 0.45% of meat.

    “Local goods increased by 6.62% on annual change with a monthly change of 0.47%, while prices of the imported products increased by 9.20% on annual change with a monthly change of 0.12%, while prices of the fresh products had a positive annual change of 8.25% between July 2011 and July 2010,”according to the report.

    The majority of economic analysts point the sharp rise of Inflation to poor food harvests and higher prices of oil in the region.

  • BARBARA PANTHER: The Free Spirit

    Barbara Panther is a Belgian performing artist with roots in Rwanda but musical style that can only fairly be described as a smorgasbord of different influences that range from pop and jazz-funk to Latin and African beats though she refuses to confine herself to a single sound.

    Born in Rwanda, Barbara left for Belgium during the 1994 genocide and has never settled since. Her nomadic lifestyle has taken to Vienna where she spent a year in a dance school and to Berlin where she was attracted by the unique electronic music.

    “I believe that if you don’t grow mentally in a place anymore it is time to move,” she is reported to have said in an interview with thequietus.com.

    Barbara’s artistry transcends music and singing. She describes herself as a “free spirit” feels like she “took the risk to be free, which is not something many people dare to do.”

    Her free-spiritedness releases her from the harnesses of religion and the bondage of a specified lifestyle.

    Her self-titled debut LP features a mixture of completely different sounds which all come together to fit perfectly. The sounds are completely liberated from the expected norm of syntax and convention.

    “I don’t have this systematic thing of ‘this belongs here and this is the way you speak’. I believe that I have the freedom to find my own words. If for me it makes sense and it sounds good to my soul,that is the way it’s going to be,” she said in an interview with The Guardian.

    Barbara Panther’s creative instinct can be seen in her videos Empire and Moonlight people in which she captivates the viewer’s attention with a concoction of creative genius experimentation accompanying an equally intoxicating melody.

    She has also worked with the talented producer Matthew Herbert on her album.

    The Rwandan history of genocide plays a role in the influences of Barbara Panther and a subject of the themes in her album. These influences along with the combination of experiences in her life are subtly expressed because of her desire to “take something on which is universal in my lyrics and everybody can understand and relate to.”

    While each of her songs is unique and has a special message, recurring themes are those of evolution of the poor to overcome the rich and her longing for mental freedom for everyone who is still oppressed by convention, religion and enchanted lifestyle.

    To know more about Barbara Panther news, music, and philosophies please visit: www.barabarapanther.com

  • Alpha to Perform in Nairobi

    By: Andrew Kareba

    Alpha Rwirangira yesterday arrived at Kigali International Airport after being crowned as tusker all stars where he attracted a huge crowd of fans a fact that explains his emerging as one of the winners in Nairobi.

    After a great night of performances, Alpha came first followed by Davis Ntare from Uganda and Peter Msechu from Tanzania.

    The mesmerized artist joined his fans in Rwanda where the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture organized a home coming party for Alpha.

    During the performances, Alpha performed ‘Songa Mbele’ a song he featured the Tanzanian artiste AY, while Msechu performed a song entitled “Relax”.
    According to the judges, Uganda’s Caroline’s Swahili song “poza” was ranked as the best of the night but this could not stop Alpha to be crowned.

    The winners will perform alongside international musicians Usher Raymond and Keri Hilson at the “Tusker All Stars Concert” to take place at Carnivore Grounds on August 20, in Nairobi.

    Rwirangira refuted Claims some days back by some journalists that he refused to participate in the East African Music Awards (EMAs), because he did not want to be recognized as a Rwandan artiste – but instead a Tanzanian.

    Alpha said that They were trying to get him down and damage his reputation.

    Alpha Rwirangira, born in 1986 in Mwanza, Tanzania to a Rwandan Father and Tanzanian Mother, has more than 10 tracks so far and an album entitled “One Africa”.

    He was among the contestants who were selected per their popularity and career during and after their stints at Tusker Project Fame.

    Rwirangira was the winner of TPF3

  • APR FC Hires New Assistant Coach

    APR FC have confirmed news of hiring of René Hiddink as the new assistant coach to Ernie Brandts.

    “It is confirmed that we are signing René Hiddink to be assistant coach. He arrived on Friday and will be serving a two-year renewable contract,” Adolph Kalisa, the secretary general of APR FC told Igihe.com.

    “Our objective as a team is to win the Rwandan championship, the regional CECAFA and to reach in CAF. It’s been a long time since we reached the CAF semi-finals and we want to bring back that glory and progress as far as possible,” he added.

    However, Kalisa declined to comment on the salary of the new assistant coach saying it’s not necessary to make it public.

    René Hiddink was previously the assistant coach of FC Dordrecht, a professional football team in Netherlands. He has worked before with Ernie Brandts at Da Graafschap, also in Netherlands.

    He is a brother to the renowned coach Guus Hiddink who was a coach in Chelsea FC, the South Korean national team and several other teams.

    APR FC started it’s training this morning, in preparation for the upcoming preseason games which start on 7th September and the PRIMUS cup which starts on 17th September.

  • “We will take the PRIMUS Cup” –La Jeunesse FC

    By: Marcel Nzabamwita

    As the football season is about to start, more teams are showing fruits of the preparation as the training has began. Igihe.com visited La Jeunesse FC at their training grounds at Mumena Stadium and talked to team officials on their preparations.

    “In the current transfer season we have signed 3 new players, Mazimpaka André from Police FC, Habimana Hassan aka ‘Papy from Mukura FC and Ndunguzi Faraj from Marines FC . We have also played friendly games in preparation. So far we played against Nyanza FC in which we lost 2-1.”

    “On Thursday we have a game against the Amavubi national team which is also in training and a game against Mukura FC towards the end of the week” said Ruremesha Emmanuel, La Jeunesse FC’s head coach.

    Igihe.com also talked to Habyarimana Kassim who is a midfielder in La Jeunesse who said: “This year plans are to perform better and finish much higher than last year.

    We plan to take the trophy or at least second position at the end of the league that would qualify us for international tournaments” said the playmaker.

    The pre-season games will start on September 7 while the actual season is scheduled to start on September 17.

  • Kagame Promotes Corp who returned Frw24M to Owner

    By Andrew kareba

    A police Constable Frank Bizimungu was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and decorated with a police exemplary medal by President Paul Kagame, after his selfless act of picking and reporting a bag containing US$ 40,000 (Frw 24 million) two months ago.

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    Bizimungu works at Kigali International Airport picked and returned the money to the rightful owner Idris Darcourt a British by Nationality. The bag contained the money with cheque books and credit cards.

    After decorating Bizimungu, the Minister of Internal Security Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana said, he could get this Rank after 9 year, but due to his (Bizimungu) exemplary act and integrity, he deserves a house from the Police housing projects.

    The country cannot develop if corruption is not fought, especially by the Authorities, Harelimana said. He further noted that, constable Bizimungu had forgone his salary 4000 times simply because it was his call, duty and responsibility to return the money to the owner.

    The Minister revealed the National Police is embarking on a project aimed at rewarding best performing police departments and now they have commenced awarding exemplary Police individuals.

    “Bizimungu is young and could have easily kept money with him. This should be a good example to Rwandans in general, this has promoted and recognized his actions,” said Immacule Ingabire the director of Transparency Rwanda.

    On his part the decorated police constable appreciated the recognition and rewards accrued to him.

    “I want to thank the President and the Rwanda National Police for considering what I did and trust me through the promotion and the medal. If I took the money, it could have been a great shame to me, my family and Rwanda as whole,” said Bizimungu.

    He called upon his colleagues to always set good examples in their duties and people they serve to give Rwanda a good image.

  • Christians Honor Virgin Mary’s Assumption

    By Igihe.com Reporter

    Hundreds of Catholic Christians in Rwanda since Sunday 14, 2011 have been engrossed in Marian feasts to commemorate Blessed Virgin Mary’s death and her bodily assumption into heaven.

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    Clad in their best wears Christians flocked different Eklizia to listen to different special sermons and programs like baptizing children.

    The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life is a defined dogma of the Catholic Church.

    The Feast of the Assumption, celebrated every year on August 15, is a very old feast of the Church, celebrated universally by the sixth century.

    “He is our role model mother and we have a role to play as Christians to be righteous at work, homes and neighborhoods and live exemplary life styles,” Bishop Nicodem Nagiziki who led the mass at St. Michael Church, Kigali.

    Bishop Nagiziki also called upon mothers to emulate Virgin Mary’s life and the way she played a role in upbringing her son Jesus Christ believed to have saved human kind.

    He also said another lesson to emulated from the assumption day, Nagiziki said that Christians should be obligated to bring joy to people living with them like Virgin Mary lived with Elizabeth in the bible whom they met while both pregnant and their fetus rejoiced upon meeting.

    Innocent Ndagijimana a Catholic Christian in Kimisagara sector said that the day reminds him that God has a future for him.

    He also said that it gives him hope because of the amazing grace that chose Virgin Mary to be a mother of world savior and not selective whether one is a Hutus, Tutsis, Twa or foreigners.

    “As a believer the story of Virgin Mary, a selected girl in Jerusalem in a poor family where probably there were more beautiful girls and even those in royal families but ended up being chosen by God to be the mother of a savior,” Ndagijimana said.

    The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary commemoration of the death of Mary and her bodily assumption into Heaven, before her body could begin to decay a foretaste of our own bodily resurrection at the end of time.

    Because it signifies the Blessed Virgin’s passing into eternal life, it is the most important of all Marian feasts and a holy day of obligation.

    The feast was originally celebrated in the East, where it is known as the Feast of the Dormition, a word which means “the falling asleep.”

    On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII, exercising papal infallibility, declared in Munificentissimus Deus that it is a dogma of the Church that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.

    As a dogma, the Assumption is a required belief of all Catholics; anyone who publicly dissents from the dogma, Pope Pius declared, has fallen away completely from the divine and Catholic Faith.

  • FDLR Leader to face ICC Judges

    Rwanda’s prosecutor general Martin Ngoga has told Igihe.com that Government of Rwanda is willing to continue offering its support to the Internaitonal Criminal Court at Hague in Netherlands.

    Ngoga was reacting to news that FDLR’s Callixte Mbarushimana is slated to face ICC judges this week to confirm charges for his alleged role in the murder, rape and torture of Congolese civilians in 2009.

    “Even though we’re not signatories to the Rome statute, we will support them (ICC) where necessary. So far we have assisted them in investigations and we hope to work more with the international court especially in transferring home some of the genocide fugitives,” Ngoga explained.

    Ngoga also revealed that Rwanda intends to press genocide charges against Mbarushimana once the ICC is done with his case on human rights violations.

    “We didn’t want to mix all these cases at once, let the ICC finish its case first and then we will come later, our aim also is to have him extradited back to Rwanda,” said Ngoga.

    Prosecutors will try to prove to the ICC judges that they have enough evidence to proceed to a war crimes and crimes against humanity trial against the 48-year-old Rwandan.

    Lawyers for the man identified as the executive secretary of the FDLR rebel group will also be given a chance to refute the charges in a hearing that opens on Wednesday and is set to last three days.

    After the initial hearing closes, judges at the Hague-based court will have a maximum of 60 days to decide whether there are prema-facie grounds for the trial.

    ICC prosecutors accuse the former computer technician of five counts of crimes against humanity and six war crimes committed in 2009 in two provinces in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, North Kivu and South Kivu.

    The case included murder, rape and torture against Congolese civilians. Prosecutors believe he “directed or helped to direct” from Paris the abuses carried out in clashes between the FDLR and both the Congolese and Rwandan armies.

    Prosecutors further allege that FDLR members forced civilian men to rape women, mutilated the genitals of rape victims, cut open the wombs of pregnant women to remove their fetuses, and burnt down homes.

    The FDLR, considered one of the most active rebel groups in the volatile Great Lakes region, is “the last incarnation of the group of persons who committed the 1994 genocide in Rwanda”, ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has previously said.

    More than 15,000 cases of sexual violence have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2009.

    Mbarushimana’s lawyer Nick Kaufman noted that the defense will “Argue and prove that there is no evidence to support the charges against Mbarushimana and he is not guilty of the offences the prosecution has alleged he has committed.”

    Kaufman further said the ICC prosecutor’s case “Solely relied on human rights reports coming from NGOs whose sources are unverified and unreliable”.

    Mbarushimana was arrested on an ICC warrant in October last year in Paris, where he had been living as a political refugee since 2002, and was delivered to the world court in January.

    Imprisoned at the UN’s detention centre in The Hague, he made an initial appearance before the ICC on January 28 when he protested his innocence.