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Farmers in Gatsibo District have today donated 40 cows to President Paul Kagame to support the national program of one-cow-per family he started.

This was during President Kagame’s visit to Gatsibo district in the Eastern Province where he inaugurated a Major Rice factory at Kabeza trading center, Ndatemwa, Kiziguro sector.

The Rice Factory has the capacity to process 2000 tonnes of rice per hour. Rice has already been grown in Hundreds of hectares of mash land in the district especially Ntende and Rwagitima swamps.

The President also toured an exemplary farmer Rukundo in Ndatemwa,Kiziguro.

President Kagame was briefed about the progress and challenges faced in Gatsibo District. He commended in particular the residents in the district and the entire Eastern province for their achievements.

He also told the residents that more can be achieved if they change their attitudes, work hard united in cooperatives and the government would support them in their objectives.

Gatsibo residents were encouraged to adopt a culture of entrepreneurship and Investment because the private sector has a big role in the development of the country.

They were also urged to utilize the existing infrastructure including, schools, roads, electricity, water, modern Markets and factories. “Desist from the attitude of waiting to be taken care of with donations from abroad,” President Kagame advised.

On 17 April 2012 the German state Rhineland-Palatinate commemorated the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi during an ecumenical commemoration service.

The organization of this annual event rotates among the different Partners and was organized this year by the secondary school Stefan Georg in the city Bingen.

Among the 100 guests who attended the commemoration service was H.E. Christine Nkulikiyinka, Rwandan Ambassador to Germany, together with representatives of the State Government and members of Parliament, Mayor for the city of Bingen as well as members of the partnership association.

Among the guests were also members of the Rwandan community in Germany.

In her address Ambassador Nkulikiyinka welcomed the sign of solidarity shown by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and its citizens with the victims of the Genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in 1994. She said that it means a lot to the Rwandan people to be joined in this difficult time of mourning.

“I am very grateful that you all came to Bingen and that you commemorate with us every year anew. You tell the people in Rwanda “You are not alone! We here in Rhineland-Palatinate are with you in our thoughts and we support you.”

“This means a lot to us Rwandans and gives us additional strength and courage to go forward rebuilding our country.”

The Rwandan envoy told the participants that as the commemoration theme reveals, Rwandans have decided not to allow the past to hold them captive. Rather they want to learn from the past and use the lessons learned to build a brighter future for generations to come.

Ambassador Nkulikiyinka commended the youth exchange between Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate stressing the common interests of youths for quality education, leisure activities and new communication technologies.

Mr. Fuckner who represented the state of Rhineland-Palatinate reciprocated the words of the Ambassador, saying that solidarity and respect for the Rwandan people were indispensable given the fact that the world looked away in 1994.

He further said that Germany could recall its own tragic history in order to make the attempt to understand what Rwandans have gone through after the genocide.

The commemoration ceremony is marked at a time when Rhineland-Palatinate and Rwanda are preparing for the 30th anniversary of the partnership. Throughout the year different events are planned in Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate to celebrate the anniversary.

Earlier on the same day, during a presentation for students and teachers, Ambassador Nkulikiyinka explained the actual situation in Rwanda, the development policies and achievements made the last years. Participants showed a big interest in particular on how Rwanda intends to achieve the vision 2020.

The members of the Rwandan community in Kaiserslautern and Munich also commemorated the victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi last week-end.

More activities are planned during the coming months in Berlin and other cities in Germany.

The Rwandan Peacekeepers within the Hybrid Mission of the United Nations-African Union in Darfur, UNAMID, have once again demonstrated that they live by the values characterizing the Rwanda Defense Force in regards to the social cooperation with the local population.

Besides the mandated tasks of peacekeeping, the Rwandan Contingent in Darfur supports the local population by implementing long lasting developmental projects funded by the UNAMID through Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) that make a difference for the people.

In this regard, on 16 April 2012 Rwanbatt 28 (4Bn) handed-over seven (07) classrooms within its area of responsibility: 02 classrooms, a storeroom, and a toilet in NURSALAM Basic School; 02 classrooms and a veranda in EL SALAAM Basic School, both in KABKABIYA Locality; while in SARAF UMRA Locality, the same Rwanbatt 28 ceremoniously commissioned three classrooms and a staffroom in SAFRA JAMA Basic School.

In the same vein, on 18 April 2012, Rwanbatt 29 (157 Bn) handed over 10 classrooms constructed in the ABUSHOUK Internally Displaced People’s Camp, in El Fasher, North Darfur. The beneficiaries were over joyous for these projects that will support even the future generations.

The local population expressed their happiness and thanked UNAMID for its role in bringing lasting peace in Darfur, but most especially Rwandan peacekeepers who they brotherly called “their real own blood” for enhancing sustainabledevelopment spirit of Rwanda to Darfur.

The Local Leaders in all locations where the Rwandan Peacekeepers constructed classrooms for the needy population expressed satisfaction and praised the enhancement of education in Darfur as a most valuable means of promoting peace.

The Guest of Honor and Provincial Minister of Environment and Tourism, representing the North Darfur State Governor, Mr ADAM MOHAMED HAMID NAHLA remarked that having been personally in Rwanda in the recent past, there is no wonder to see what Rwandans are doing wherever they are.

That, although Rwanda is geographically very small country, it is humanitarian wise a great one.

On behalf of the UNAMID leadership, the Force Commander, Lt Gen Patrick NYAMVUMBA presided over the handover ceremonies in KABKABIYA, SARAF UMRA, and El FASHER, all in North Darfur.

On one side, the Force Commander praised the cooperation that exists between UNAMID and the local community; and on the other side he commended the Rwandan Peacekeepers that work hard to make a difference in the lives of the needy.

He reiterated the commitment of UNAMID in providing everything possible within their means in supporting the local community, and especially the young generation to live and grow in a better environment.

President Paul Kagame yesterday received representatives of Christian churches following their request to meet him over the ongoing debate regarding abortion in the penal code.

Parliament recently proposed exceptions to the law that criminalizes abortion.

Commenting on today’s discussion Bishop Smaragde Mbonyintege, President of the Rwanda Episcopal Conference (CEPR), who led the delegation, said he was pleased that President Kagame had responded positively to their request for dialogue on the important issue of abortion, which he attributed to the culture of good governance that characterises Rwanda today:

“We will partner with the government on initiatives to prevent unplanned pregnancies and offer our support and guidance to women who conceive as a result of sexual abuse. However, we recognize that ultimately, the choice of whether or not to proceed with the pregnancy belongs to the woman”.

Minister of Local Government, James Musoni who attended the meeting described the discussion with the religious leaders as constructive;

“Rwandan law continues to prohibit abortion, except under the circumstances stipulated in the Penal Code. But we agreed today that the rights of all people, including women facing traumatic situations must be respected”.

The National Commission for the fight against Genocide CNLG has commended the repatriation of genocide suspect Jean Uwinkindi to Rwanda for subsequent trial within the Rwanda judiciary.

Mucyo Jean de Dieu the executive secretary of CNLG notes in a statement; “This is the first time one of the Genocide suspects at the International criminal tribunal at Arusha will be tried in Rwanda.”

CNLG Commission requests that all genocide perpetrators be pursued and it would be very important if they are brought and tried in Rwanda courts because the genocide crimes were committed in Rwanda.

CNLG further notes that there are those perpetrators that have already been sentenced at the ICTR-Arusha, the Commission requests that they should be repatriated to Rwanda to complete their sentences in Rwanda.

The CNLG commission also requests those perpetrators whose cases are still being heard at ICTR should also be brought to Rwanda as well to continue with their case proceedings within Rwanda judiciary.

CNLG calls upon countries providing safe haven to genocide fugitives to deport and hand them over to Rwanda for trial where they committed genocide crimes.

Wednesday, 18 April 2012, a Cabinet Meeting, chaired by the President of the Republic, H.E. Paul KAGAME, was convened in URUGWIRO Village.

1. The Cabinet Meeting approved decisions taken in its earlier meeting of 04/04/2012, after some amendments.

2. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on the current status of computerized sharing integration system in Local Government and requested all concerned institutions to further sensitise private operators and the citizens in general to embrace this program.

3. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on the status of market food prices and requested all concerned institutions to devise strategies to ensure increased production and availability of sufficient food on markets.

4. The Cabinet Meeting heard a progress report on jatropha biodiesel production project and requested all concerned institutions to address problems that hinder its progress.

5. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on the operationalisation of the Kigali National Library and commended the progress made since it started operating. The Cabinet Meeting requested all concerned parties to speed up completion of unfinished stages and encouraged people to acquire a reading culture.

6. The Cabinet Meeting was briefed on fertilizer access program and its sustainability and requested beneficiary farmers to pay for their fertilizers on time.

7. The Cabinet Meeting approved a Declaration accepting the competence of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to receive petitions involving the Republic of Rwanda, filed by individuals and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with observer status before the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights.

8. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following draft laws:
– Draft Law establishing the Rwanda Management Institute (RMI) and determining its responsibilities, organization and functioning;

– Draft Law governing architecture and engineering services in Rwanda;

– Draft law modifying and complementing law no 16/2005 of 18/08/2005 on direct taxes on income.

9. The Cabinet Meeting approved the following orders:
– Prime Minister’s Order determining the mission, functions, organizational structure, and summary of job positions in the Prime Minister’s Office;
– Prime Minister’s Order determining the mission, functions, organizational structure, and summary of job positions in Rwanda Public Procurement Authority(RPPA);
– Prime Minister’s Order removing from office Ms. MUKAMBERUKA Consolée, the Prosecutor at the Primary Level of MUHANGA for abandonment of office;
– Ministerial Order determining a sitting allowance for members of the Executive Council of National Women’s Council (NWC) at national level attending ordinary meetings;

– Ministerial Order establishing Arbitration rules for the Kigali International Arbitration Centre;

– Ministerial Order determining the denomination of Public Roads in Kigali City.

10. The Cabinet Meeting submitted the candidacy of Mr. MUTSINZI Jean for the post of Judge in the African Court on Human and People’s Rights and requested renewal of his term of office for an additional three years.

11. The Cabinet Meeting appointed staff as follows:

1) IN THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION
COMMISSIONERS

– Mr. HAVUGIYAREMYE Aimable, Vice-Chairperson
– Ms. Judith MBABAZI, Executive Secretary
– Mr. Robert Ssali
– Ms. Alice KAGOYIRE,
– Ms. Claudine NYIRAMIKENKE,
– Ms. Loyce BAMWINE.

2) IN THE NATIONAL PUBLIC PROSECUTION AUTHORITY

Prosecutor at the Intermediate Level:

• Mr. BUTERA Oscar : Chief Prosecutor at the Intermediate Level;

• Mr. RUGEMA Jean Claude : Prosecutor at the Intermediate Level ;

Prosecutors at Primary Level :

– Mr. RWABAHIZI Theogene;

– Ms. MUKANKUSI Grace;

– Ms. BATETA Jeanne;

– Ms. DUSABE Charlotte;

– Mr. UWAYEZU Jean de Dieu;

Team of Prosecutors at National Level
– Ms. NIYONKURU Francoise;
– Mr. MUNYANEZA NKWAYA Eric;
– Mr. AFRICA Frederic.
3) IN THE SUPREME COURT

Intermediate Court of Karongi

Ms. NAMARA Kellen: Internal Resource Manager

4) IN MINECOFIN

Mr. KABERA Godfrey: Director of Policy Evaluation and Research Unit

5) IN THE NATIONAL IDENTIFICATION AGENCY (NIDA)

Mr. NYAMURINDA Pascal: Director General

12. In A.O.B.:

a) The Prime Minister informed the Cabinet Meeting of his recent visit to the Districts of Rubavu, Nyabihu and Musanze on 14.04.2012, following severe rains of 11th – 12th April, 2012 which caused floods in the area leading to the death of 5 people, destruction of 176 houses and crops on Ha 876.

The Cabinet Meeting approved strategies to support victims of the floods according to their needs (Shelter, food, water and medicine) and prevent future calamities at all national administrative levels.

b) The Minister of Internal Security informed the Cabinet Meeting that starting from Monday, 23.04.2012, the Rwanda National Police will follow up on Road Traffic offences that would lead to the confiscation of vehicles or revoking of one’s driving permit.

He also informed the Cabinet Meeting that jointly with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Rwanda will host a meeting of the Regional Center on Small Arms (RECSA) Focal Points on 03-04/05/2012, with a view to organize an International conference on management of Small Arms.

c) The Minister for East African Community informed the Cabinet meeting that the 10th Extraordinary EAC Summit of Heads of State is scheduled to take place in Arusha, Tanzania on 28th April, 2012 and will be chaired by President Mwai KIBAKI of the Republic of Kenya, and current Chairperson of the EAC Summit of Heads of State.
She also informed the Cabinet Meeting that on the 07th May, 2012 Rwanda will host the EAC Speakers of Parliament forum and also serve as the Secretariat.

d) The Minister for Trade and Industry informed the Cabinet meeting that this year’s Kigali Agricultural Show is scheduled from 4th to 10th June 2012. The Show is organised annually to exhibit innovations and best practices in the agriculture sector.

This year’s theme is: “Accelerating Agricultural Transformation by Promoting Agro Processing Industries and Post Harvest Technologies”.

e) The Minister of Youth, Information and Communication Technologies informed the Cabinet Meeting of planned trainings for the youth aimed at equipping them with skills to start viable businesses and enhance self-employment opportunities.

This statement is signed by Hon. MUSONI Protais, Minister in Charge of Cabinet Affairs.

Embattled Genocide suspect pastor Jean Uwinkindi has arrived in Kigali-Rwanda aboard Rwandair.

Alain Mukurarinda Spokesperson of the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) said, “NPPA would like to thank the ICTR generally for the significant vote of confidence it has given to the Rwandan justice system, and for the smooth execution of this transfer.”

Uwinkindi’s lawyer Claver Sindayigaya had petitioned the Appeals Chamber of the ICTR to stay at the Arusha facility citing recent developments in opposition leader Victoire Ingabire’s case before the High Court in Rwanda.

Sindayigaya had alleged that compelling evidence had come to the light that the prosecution authority has acted in a manner inconsistent with respect for the defendant’s fair trial and, at the same time, the High Court before which Uwinkindi’s case would be heard has permitted such serious violations of rights to go unchecked.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) volunteers in HUye and Gisagara districts have offered six cows to survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi aimed at supporting them to improve their lives.

This was also accompanied by the renovation of Genocide memorial sites on 18th April at Ruhashya in Huye district and Gishubi in Gisagara district of southern province.

Vicent Karekezi 54, was given a cow. He commends especially President Paul Kagame for this one-cow per family program which has transformed their lives and hope for a brighter future.

Kagabo Sylvestre the coordinator of Electoral commission in Huye-Gisagara thanked the volunteers for their selfless act.

Police in Karongi district has arrested Theodore Ndagijimana after he was found bribing Police officers with Frw 600,000.

The incident took place at Kyakigezi technical school located in Kiniha cell, Bwishyura sector Karongi district during a driving license exam.

Ndagijimana attempted to offer the bribe to enable four people including one of the employees of Hope driving school to pass the exam without sitting for it.

Ndagijimana is currently held at Bwishyura Police station as he waits to be produced in court to answer corruption charges.