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University Students from Kayonza district today merged at the districts headquarters to officially present their association KUSA to the district authorities in a ceremony headed by the Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs Mutesi Anita.

Originating from the National university of Rwanda, KUSA today openedup welcoming new members from other universities and institutions of higher learning in Rwanda such as Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Kigali Health Institute (KHI), Higher Agriculture and Veterinary Institute (ISAE), School of Finance and Banking (SFB), Umutara Polytechnic University (UPU), Kibungo University of Agriculture, Technology and Education (UNATEK), Kigali Independent University (ULK), Kigali Lay Adventist University (UNILAK), RUKARA COLLEGE, Kigali Institute of Education (KIE).

The cheerful students expressed their gratitude to the district administration that has been working hard to make this day come true; a day most of them thought of as a dream.

Mutangana Emmanuel KUSA president at NUR told igihe.com that the purpose of this gathering was to link all university students from Kayonza district with the districts administration and determine what the students can do to support the district.

“We are here today to meet the district authorities to express our support to the district developmental agenda and shariing our vision and plans for the district with the district authorities.” Mutangana said.

“As a student from UPU I am ready to help my district in achieving the desired development by use of the knowledge I have gained. I am also ready to help the district in realizing its performance contracts so as to develop our district to the level of Singapore.” Mphinganzima Ariane an ICT student at Umutara Poltechnique University told igihe.com.

Students openly expressed their desire to freely work with the district and support its programs such as sensitization of Kayonza residents on the need for family planning, fighting against illiteracy, voluntarily teaching English to students in the 9year basic education program, creation of income generating projects for the youth, demonstrations of how to make modern kitchen gardens and tippy taps (Kandagira ukarabe) among others.

University students on the other side requested the district to always consider their thoughts during the district’s planning and implementation of some programs that don’t need expatriates.

“We are ready to work for our district free of charge given the facilities and recognition by the district and sector authorities. All we need is to be informed of the districts plans and progress such that we plan our agendas in accordance to the districts orientation.”

In her speech, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs thanked the university students for their courage in making this day a reality despite the challenges they encountered.

She reminded the students that they are the catalyst to the district development given the fact that they are the learned ones.

“Nobody is going to develop your home/district better than yourselves. Use the knowledge and influence you have in your community to develop Kayonza. The district is trying to deal with all challenges but we need your support in order to efficiently realize what we contracted with the president of the Republic.”

On the point of communication and access to districts Anita assured the students that district is doing all it can to daily inform the general public of what is taking place in the district via its website (www.kayonza.gov.rw).

“With effect from next month our website will contain all updates from each sector for you to follow and know where you can lay your support most,” the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs said.

In her advice to the students Anita encouraged them to elect student focal point members in every sector at their respective universities for easy communication between the district and the students at their universities.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) has awarded five artists who participated in a song competition that encourages youth to use their talent and knowledge and be the change

Two months back, MINICOM encouraged youths on how to generate small scale business through songs in Kigali, but now this will take place in all districts and provinces while passing the message using the top 5 selected artists.

Among 71 competitors under conditions of awarding the finest song containing extraordinary message for youths encouraging them to work, in his speech, the permanent secretary of MINICOM Emmanuel Hategeka said, “If youth listen to such a song with message, it encourages them to accomplish their goals”.

The five competitors for the finals at Serena Hotel that MINICOM awarded include; Ingeri Band led by Jean Paul Samputu, Runyurana Jean Pierre and Abedé, a group of two girls who inspired the audience” Lucky Girls” known as Gloria Mukamabano and Iradukunda Debut Consolée, Dieudonné Munyanshoza known as Mibilizi, Manamana John Victor and Semivumbi Daniel ”Danny” from the brothers

Before Semivumbi receive a cheque of Frw 2million, all competitors had equal time to sing for the public and the judges proclaimed Semivumbi Danny from the brothers, a singing group which once won Salax Music Awards.

Annonciata Kuradusenge a pilot for the judges during the selection told all competitors; the criteria’s were the message from the lyrics, to witness if the public appreciates the song and the rhythm of the track.

After the criteria and judgment, Danny came first and was awarded Rwf 2 million, Dieudonné Munyanshoza received Rwf1 million, Jean Paul Samputu came third with Rwf500,000, Lucky Girls forth given Rwf 300,000 and Manamana John Victor Rwf200,000.

The Joyful Semivumbi said, “I was afraid of Samputu and Mibilizi”

I composed this song with a help of my wife and the way message flows, inspires youth to work, he added that, he will use the money accordingly so that when the project is successful, he will recognise MINICOM, he said.

Clay Therapy Laughter Yoga and Counseling Volunteers Club has released a new track composed with message for healing the vulnerable in Rwanda and included people who are in trainings by CVC.

Kim O’meara, holding an Advanced Diploma in Counseling, international Ambassador of Clay Therapy and a teacher of Philosophy at Sophia College in Australia says, Laughter Yoga clubs are social clubs free for all.

After Rwandan Genocide many people’s hearts were full of grief and loss and chose to come to Rwanda and share knowledge through trainings.

Ras Banamungu who is the president of CVC in Rwanda says they started with a group of 12 people but now they have more than 1,000 members including street kids, HIV positive and volunteers from all over the world.

He further says: “I participated in CVC as a person with a heart of giving not by accident since last year and we do offer trainings to people who have broken hearts like the way I was before.

“I had bad memories which seemed negative to my fellows and always thought of having wonderful times, I saw and heard staying deeply stored for many years until I came along Kim O’meara and entered consciousness which took my part of life” he said

On October 9 at Murindi Japan One Love, CVC is launching an extravaganza fundraising at 4pm and the amount which will be gathered will help street kids, and other vulnerable.

Laughing, acrobat, songs and other activities will be used to entertain the audience while passing the message of how affected people can laugh and access good times of fathers and mothers and empower their hearts.

Laughter Yoga has made a major difference in the lives of many people with physical and mental disabilities in India, Canada, USA, Australia and Portugal. Now it is expanding to Rwanda.

In Bangalore, India, the introduction of Laughter Yoga for the mentally and the physically challenged children has revealed a marked improvement in their mortar and expressive skills besides control of hyper activeness.

People who come to the sessions in wheel chairs have shown tremendous improvement in their physical condition and mental health. Laughter Yoga has also been introduced in many schools for the Blind, and among the deaf and mute children, to help them cope with their disabilities and generate a more positive attitude, that will help them to enhance their wellbeing.

A team of journalists under Abasirwa association will now start posting stories on the association’s website concerning HIV/AIDS awareness and other health related stories.

Over 200 journalists met for a two-day workshop aimed at building capacity on various ways to report about HIV and how citizens would fight the spread of the virus.

Abasirwa executive secretary Enoc Bahati(below) pointed out that the role of media in fighting the spread of HIV wasn’t well utilised yet if well exploited the message would reach many people.

One of the trainers, Sylvie Sargueil encouraged employers of various media houses to conduct in-house training in order to improve their journalists’ delivery.

She however stressed that; the employers ought to offer motivation to reporters who show the will of delivering better and especially those who report on HIV/AIDS awareness.

“According to my personal research, most journalist lack motivation, they are either paid less or are never facilitated to report health issues,” she remarked.

Theo Barasa a journalist at Radio Flash urged his colleagues to be more creative in reporting on matters related to the virus.

“What we hear nowadays has become monotonous; the press should report other things like how does one stay healthy after being infected. Readers would want to know more about which nutrition is better for instance.”

The report titled “Because I am a girl” focuses on young men, regarding them as part of the solution to eradicating poverty and attaining female empowerment.

The report released surveyed Rwanda, United Kingdom, 1,000 young Canadians, as well as nearly 4000 teens from India, says 26 per cent in Rwanda hold similar tough-guy notions agreeing that gender equality is good for both men and women.

While 90 per cent of Canadian youth said they agree gender equality is good for both men and women, nearly 45 per cent agree that being a man you need
to be tough.

“When you see the famine in the Horn of Africa, for example, the instinctive reactionary response is to get aid and hands on the ground. And most of the research out there says that educating men and women about gender equality improves their quality of life.” The report says

Todd Minerson, Executive Director of White Ribbon Campaign, says responding to poverty issues globally is rooted in challenging gender stereotypes.

“It’s definitely a stretch for some people to get from dealing with poverty to empowering women and dealing with male stereotypes,” Mr. Minerson said.

Margaret Capelazo, senior gender adviser at CARE Canada, who works mostly with men in developing countries such as Vietnam, Pakistan and Kenya, says usually men tend to work on different activities to fit in their masculine.

The survey also reveals that 31 per cent of Canadian boys think a woman’s most important role is to take care of her home and cook for the family.
In the U.K., only 15 per cent of young boys think the same, while the number is 74 per cent in India.

People were treated to drama in the city center when an unknown lady seized a man accusing him of robbing her Rwf 31000. The lady claimed she had paid him to be her husband but instead the man ran away with the cash.

The slim short lady seemingly in her mid 20’s grabbed the man almost in the same age group by his belt complaining and requesting to be refunded her cash for not having done what she had paid him for and ran away.

The lady claims she wanted the man to be her husband but she had requested to stay with him for a while as they look for a way to renew what seemed to be marriage contract.

“Yesterday I paid him my money and he never did what I paid him for, therefore am not letting him go if he does not give back my money,” an identified woman told the police at the scene that had turned up to settle the matter.

The scuffle took place at 1:53pm at Rubangura shopping complex.
This attracted the police attention who could not allow journalists get details or take pictures of the parties.

The plain cloth policeman confisticated the camera of our reporter at the scene saying, “do not photograph”, he later showed his Police Card to our reporter and took the camera of our reporter. Our reporter pleaded he would not take any photographs and his camera was returned to him.

The police constable at the scene immediately ordered the man to give back the money upon hearing the lady claims and the man refunded. Police constables left the scene after the money was refunded. Lastly both the lady and the accused man ran away from the scene.

One of the Rwanda’s rap music icons Jay Polly has united with his former teammates from the rap group the Taff Gang.

This follows his former teammates to commit themselves to support him in the due album launch titled IWACU.

Real names Josua Polly Tuyishime will launch his second album of 7 songs at petit Stade Remera October 7, this year.

“I want my second album to be successful not as the first one” said Jay Polly adding that all artists on posters confirmed their performance.

On his launch Jay Polly will feature local artists like Pacson, Uncle Austin, and Ally Saudi are also expected perform along with him.

The launch is sponsored by Rwanda’s beers and sodas monopoly BRALIRWA fulfilling their promise mentioned when awarding the guma guma super star winner Tom Close recently.

BRALIRWA the major sponsor of the launch promised him Rwf 2m and this Friday a press conference is expected to throw more light about the progress of the event.

Jay Polly had fallen out with his former team the Tuff Gang particularly with P Fly. Tuff Gangs is a Kigali based group composed of Green P, Fire Man, Bull Dog and P Fly.

Kim Kizito a radio presenter also a local artist says it was good that Tuff Gang members were reuniting with their former member Jay Polly adding that he has also realized how good the team is though he also had negative perception towards them.

In related development, Jay Polly will not perform in the Scooper’s launch September 30, 2011 due to serious rehearsals he is carrying out in preparation for his album launch.

The 23-year-old artiste, rapper, singer-songwriter and painter were a co-founder of Tuff Gangs, a rap group that was founded in 2008.

He joined Rwanda’s music scene in 2004, with his debut single ‘Nakupenda’ but it was his 2010 track ‘Ndacyariho Ndahumeka’ which introduced him to the spotlight.

Following our yesterday’s scoop that Jeanne D’Arc Gakuba may win Kigali City senatorial elections, it is now becoming more factual.

Our reliable sources from all polling stations have revealed that Jeanne D’Arc Gakuba has topped the nine-senatorial race in Kigali City.

According to our sources one of her rivals Wellars Mukama a former diplomat to Burundi emerged the second whom Gakuba beat with a lengthy difference.

By this morning, Gakuba’s votes had reached 164 in all three Districts of Nyarugenge, Gasabo and Kicukiro Districts beating the rest including the popular Swahilli coach Pacifique Malonga.

According to our reliable sources, Gakuba got 51/80 votes, 47/62 votes, and 51/61 votes in Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge Districts respectively.

Wellars Mukama collected 4/61votes, 6/80 votes, 9/62 votes in Nyarugenge, Gasabo and Kicukiro Districts.

Senatorial elections commenced today where senators representing public and private institutions of higher learning where only one candidate Laurent Nkusi campaigned to represent private institutions of higher learning.

“I am still waiting for the official announcement, however if that is the case It is all happiness to be trusted by the public, but also it is a commitment to use very well the trust the public they have given me and despite one is elected from one constituency but a senator is for all,” Gakuba has said by telephone interview.

“Partly i am surprised upon getting this news because competition is competition, however on the other hand i was deeply confident due to have worked with Kigali City residents for long time on a regular basis and so they didn’t have to speculate who i was, they knew me very well and my capabilities,” Gakuba has told igihe.com.

Of those who registered, 16 vied for the Southern Province slot, 15 in the Eastern, 11 in the Western, nine in Kigali City and five in the Northern Province.

The 26 members of the Senate, only 14 will be elected. The President of the Republic of Rwanda will nominate eight others while the Consultative Forum for Political Parties will nominate four.

Two people will be elected in the Northern Province, one in Kigali City while three people will be elected in each of the other provinces.

On electoral commission official website, Prof. Dr Chrysologue Karangwa the chairman of the National Electoral Commission calls upon Rwandan populations to vote as a sign of patriotism.

“As Rwandans, we should continue to be patriotic by showing capacity and capability in strengthening Democratization process in our country,” Prof. Dr Karangwa says in his welcoming remarks on the website.

“The post–genocide election period, is one of the proof which can justify our levels of understanding democracy, Good Governance and sustainable development. We already understand that elections are a strong pillar which connects Good Governance and sustainable development in Rwanda,” Karangwa added.

The electoral colleges at the provincial level today were composed of district and sector councils while those representing higher institutions of learning will be composed of only permanent lecturers, who are Rwandan nationals and registered in their respective institutions.

There are 55 polling stations country wide including 30 in all districts and 25 in higher institutions of learning.

In an announcement from the Prime Minister office on 26th September 2011, Rt. Hon Bernard MAKUZA announced with sorrow the sudden death of the Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs in the Ministry of Local Government, Christine NYATANYI.

Nyatanyi passed away at Saint-Luc University Hospital at around 6:00 pm local time in Brussels- Belgium where she has been undergoing treatment.

The Minister of Local Government, James MUSONI described Nyatanyi’s death as a big loss to the Country, adding that it is very unfortunate: “we will certainly miss her. She was a very knowledgeable person, committed with a lot of passion and patriotism.”

The late Hon. Marie Christine Nyatanyi graduated in 1991 from the Institute of National Economy of Odessa, Ukraine (Former Soviet Union) as an economist. She attended many conferences and seminars related to the integration of refugees in Europe.

Minister Nyatanyi occupied a number of different posts before she was appointed Minister of State in charge of Social Affairs and Community Development in October 2003.

After the 1994 Genocide perpetuated against the Tutsi, she became Assistant in the Tracing Department of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) respectively in Goma and Nairobi.

In 1997, she was assigned the role of Project Officer in the Flemish Council for Refugees in Brussels where she also worked as an assistant in the accountancy department.

Late Nyatanyi was sworn in as the state minister in the ministry of Local Government on 11th May 2011.

The Prime Minister on behalf of the Government extended his condolences to the bereaved family and friends.