Rwanda | Providing for the family while in prison

 Nyandwi selling his father’s art pieces on a typical market day
Francois Nizeyimana, an inmate at Gikongoro main Prison, in the Southern Province, has managed to provide for his family’s needs through wood work; a kind of art that he learnt from prison.
He makes different wood carvings artworks which his son collects every Friday and sells for survival.
Nzeyimana’s son, Faustin Nyandwi, is one of his five kids who sell their father’s artworks every Saturday – during the market day. The sales bring in at least Rwf10.000 francs on every market day.
“The most interesting aspect is that my father learnt this profession from prison” says Nyandwi, “Many people buy Nzeyimana’s artworks, some wonder if they are made in Rwanda”
Nyandwi adds that other clients are interested in knowing where he gets these pieces of art and how his father learnt such a special skill.
Faustin sells all the crafts on each and every market day and some clients make special orders to be supplied on the next market day.
Nzeyimana’s family has hopes for the bright future, that when their dad gets out of the prison because he will expand the business.
Some of the art pieces include images of: birds, people and marriage gifts and many others– all made out of wood.




http://rwandaarts.com/rwanda-providing-for-the-family-while-in-prison/

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Rwanda | Critics lash at PGGSS music competitions

Some Rwandan music fans have criticized the 2^nd Primus Guma Guma Super Star Season music competitions for not including Rwandan cultural music category in the lucrative contest.
Bralirwa in partnership with East African Promoters organized the PGGSS for the second time as a way of supporting the Rwandan music. Twenty
The music categories in the competition include: Hip Hop, R&B, POP and Reggae which are normally selected based on the popularity of an artist (Super Star). 
Jean Paul Samputu, a renowned Rwandan cultural musician considers it unfair not to value the Rwandan cultural music when in actual sense the competition is to promote Rwandan music.
Samputu said, “It hurts when Rwandan cultural music isn’t part of the competition like PGGSS that is actually meant to promote the local music. Other categories can be ignored but not the cultural music category”
He added that “unless the completion included Rwandan cultural music, it will instead only end up promoting foreign music in to Rwanda”
He explained that this does not help the Rwandan music to sell on the international scene and it also discourages the Rwandan cultural artists.
Jean Paul Samputu disclosed that he and his colleague Masamba Intore have great plans of developing the Rwandan cultural music and the duo plans to set up competitions aimed at recognizing Rwandan




http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-critics-lash-at-pggss-music-competitions/

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Rwanda | Meet an economist who does music, Journalism

A renowned music artist and a journalist Ally Soudy, a husband to Carien Umwiza holds a bachelor degree in economics with a major in management which was conferred to him at Butare National University of Rwanda, though he surprisingly does music and radio broadcasting; a totally different and unrelated carrier.

Ally on a loving hug to his wife when he graduated two years ago

Born on 11^thNovember1983 in Kigali, Ally Soudy went to Ntwari primary school, did ordinary level of education at RILIMA, then APAPEC MURAMBI for Advanced level of secondary school in the year 2003. He later joined the National University of Rwanda in 2005 where he pursued a Bachelors degree in Economics with a major in international Economics management and graduated in the year 2010.

His reputation grew when he was working as a journalist at radio Salus and as an active musician in group of music artists called Testament at the National University of Rwanda. He latter casted for the Radio voice of Africa, which added to his reputation a sense of wide recognition.

He is currently working with radio ISANGO Star and he is very common in being an MC in many of the ceremonies held whereby he is even among the people that introduced IKIREZI Group which organizes SALAX AWARDS.

He came to do a career in music after splitting with his group Testament at the National University of Rwanda as he had started music during his studies. In 2008 he released his first single track which he called 25 years with the help of an American producer Amaya.

Ally Soudy has so far done songs like Lea, Byose ni Ubuzima, Ni Kicheko and many others. He has also done collaborations with other several artists and producers like The Ben, Urban Boyz, Elion Victory and United Friends.

Asked how he managed to juggle music, journalism and academics Ally Soudy said, “Music and Journalism are not very complicated things one can fail to match with academics as long as you have a well fixed program”.

http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-meet-an-economist-who-does-music-journalism/

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Rwanda | Rwanda Television coverage yet a problem

It is a long time since  Rwanda Information Office (ORINFOR)  promised the local population that Rwanda Television (RTV) will be watched everywhere in the country but still it is far from being fulfilled As in some parts still waits in vain.

People say that they have never watched RTV in Muhanga district, Kabaya sector yet most of them own television sets and they say they just use them to watch movies in these sectors.

Faissa Hakizimana, who resides in Kabaya town, says that the money he used to buy T.V set was a waste and he bought it believing that ORINFOR’s promise to make it possible for them to watch RTV was going to be fulfilled.

Other news lovers who are also interested in other programs more than watching films said that ORINFOR should have made their promise into a reality because it is unfair for them.

There is only one television channel in the country, which is said to be the reason of such sluggish in coverage as there are no scoops.

http://itangazamakuru.com/index.php/2012/02/rwanda-rwanda-television-coverage-yet-a-problem/

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Rwanda | Inflation drops for January – report

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) reports that the inflation rate for January went down – as result partly of reduced transport costs.

Consumer prices in urban areas fell 0.35 percent in January compared to December last year. This indicates that the year-on-year urban inflation will ease to 7.81 percent from 8.34. Rwanda’s inflation rate is the lowest in the region.

Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel prices fell 1.29 percent from December, while transport costs were down 1.31 percent month-on-month.

Government has cut fuel prices and set transport fares to curb on businesspeople who take advantage of the fragile economic environment to increases prices of goods and services.

http://rwandaeye.com/2012/02/rwanda-inflation-drops-for-january-%E2%80%93-report/

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Rwanda | Inflation drops for January – report

The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) reports that the inflation rate for January went down – as result partly of reduced transport costs.

Consumer prices in urban areas fell 0.35 percent in January compared to December last year. This indicates that the year-on-year urban inflation will ease to 7.81 percent from 8.34. Rwanda’s inflation rate is the lowest in the region.
Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel prices fell 1.29 percent from December, while transport costs were down 1.31 percent month-on-month.
Government has cut fuel prices and set transport fares to curb on businesspeople who take advantage of the fragile economic environment to increases prices of goods and services.



http://rwandaeye.com/2012/02/rwanda-inflation-drops-for-january-%E2%80%93-report/

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Rwanda | Rwanda: Crops granary opened in Bugesera.

In order to protect the maize produce during the preparation process, an agricultural crops granary with the capacity of storing 300 tons has been opened in Gashora sector in Bugesera district.

Maize in the granary

This granary belongs to the “Indatwa ku Kigori” (INDAKUKI) cooperative  that has 154 members and works in Gashora, Ririma and Mayange sectors of Bugesera District, Rukumberi sector in Ngoma district and “Umucyo” cooperative.

Indakuki cooperative has 3,600 members and Umucyo cooperative has 3,114 members who grow beans and maize in Bugesera district and Akagera swamps.

In order to help farmers increase the quantity of the produce for the market and reap big while understanding how to manage cooperatives, USAID in partnership with PAM organized training for INDAKUKI cooperative members on well handling of the agricultural produce with an aim of selling quantity produce on market at good prices.

Jean Pierre Rwasa, cooperative member who underwent training said: “Before the training, we could get little produce    because we did not know how to handle it but now we harvest dry maize, dry it, and prepare it well for Pam to buy. This has helped us work with financial Institutions”.

Bugesera district mayor Louis Rwagaju asked the farmers to increase maize produce because maize flour supply is low compared to the demand while INDAKUKI cooperative has the capacity to increase it.

http://umuhinzi.com/2012/02/rwanda-rwanda-crops-granary-opened-in-bugesera/

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Rwanda | Gakenke: Fiya banana stems produce great yields

A banana plantation farmer in Rusagara cell Gakenke sector, Diogene Nsabimana says that the fiya banana clusters produce great yields if well taken care of.

On his banana plantation farm, Nsabimana has banana stem of fiya type which provided by Agricultural Researchers Institute (IRST) to produce great yields.

In order to get a good yield from Fiya breed, there are some guidelines that must be followed.

“It must be planted in a hole of 60 centimeters to 90 centimeters wide. The soil dug from the hole must be mixed with fertilizers before being put back to cover the banana tube watered and covered with dry grass to keep the water moisture there,” the farmers explains.

With this mechanism in place, he says the Fiya stem will produce a very big bunch of banana fingers, weighing almost 70-80 kilograms- that is worth Rwf6000-7000 francs.

He advises banana farmers to replace their plantations with fiya tubes so they can gain from the great yields of fiya banana tubes.

http://umuhinzi.com/2012/02/rwanda-gakenke-fiya-banana-stems-produce-great-yields/

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Rwanda | Researchers meet over bean quality

International and local researchers are converged in Kigali for a weeklong workshop to find ways of improving the quality and volume of the beans produced regionally.

The workshop which begun February 13, will be a platform for sharing knowledge on beans and peas production as a way to fight malnutrition.
Officials from the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) that was instrumental in organizing the workshop said Rwanda was selected because of the increasing volumes of beans produced locally.
Rwanda has an unusually rare type of beans called climbing beans. The fifteen varieties, developed in 2010 by the Rwanda Agricultural Research Institute (ISAR) in collaboration with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), were billed at the time as of huge benefit to smallholder farmers in similar areas across Central and East Africa.
Unlike the more commonly-planted ‘bush beans’, the beans are resistant to legume diseases such as anthracnose, root rot and ascochyta, which are found in damp, higher altitude areas.
The new climbing beans are also higher yielding, producing triple and even quadruple the yields of bush beans. The beans can be cultivated up two metres-high stakes — ideal for countries such as Rwanda where space is scarce — and reduce soil erosion in sloping areas that experience heavy rain, according to ISAR.
Data for the period ending June last year shows that beans production was very high and Uganda was biggest destination for Rwandan beans.
Speaking at the workshop launch, RAB director general, Prof. Martin Shem NDABIKUNZE said: “Currently, Rwanda produces 3-5 tons of beans per hectare… Also Rwanda is the only country that has taken a big step in producing beans and peas of high quality in the region and both crops play a vital role in reducing malnutrition.”





The researchers in a group photo on first day of workshop



http://umuhinzi.com/2012/02/rwanda-researchers-meet-over-bean-quality/

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Rwanda : Methane gas project gets global award

ContourGlobal, the American company, which is extracting methane gas from Lake Kivu to be transformed into electricity, has been awarded the 2011 Africa Power Deal of the Year by Euromoney’s Project Finance magazine.

The firm got the award announced February 14 for innovative financing arrangement it obtained from various sources for the KivuWatt project.
This award recognizes the groundbreaking nature of the KivuWatt for being able to acquire some $142million recently. The magazine said the innovative financing will enable a safe, low cost, and environmentally friendly source of power generation.

“We are grateful for this recognition of our innovative and path-breaking KivuWatt project and are delighted to share this award with our finance and legal partners without whom this much needed project would not have been realized,” said Joseph Brandt, President and Chief Executive Officer of ContourGlobal, in a statement from New York.

“We look forward to bringing Phase I of KivuWatt into operation later this year.”

The KivuWatt lending group includes the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO), the African Development Bank, and Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries NV/SA (BIO).

This latest award represents the third consecutive African Power Deal of the Year prize for ContourGlobal.




http://rwandaenergy.com/2012/02/rwanda-methane-gas-project-gets-global-award/

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Rwanda | Nyabihu district targets adult education programs

Nyabihu district has pledged to sponsor adult literacy programs of at least 3600 in residents, as part of the district’s performance contracts that started from July 2011 and ended this month February 2012.
This will increase the number of residents who can read and write and to fight ignorance in general in the district.
The Vice mayor in charge of social affairs in Nyabihu, Alexandre Sahunkuye, says that the number of residents who are taking reading and writing lessons has increased from 3600 to 4000, than earlier planned in the performance contracts.
Sahunkuye Alexandre continues to say that the increase in the number of people willing to read and write was brought by the government’s effort in providing allowances for teachers which encouraged them to mobilize more residents to go to schools.


http://thebasic12.com/2012/02/rwanda-nyabihu-district-targets-adult-education-programs/

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Rwanda : Young Graces biography.

Marie Grace Abayizera or Young Grace was born on the 21^st, Sept, 1994 to Samson Turatsinze and Immaculee Yankurije. She is a Rwandan rapper.

She attended her Primary school at Centre des Jeunes Gisenyi and in her form one; she was at Lycée de Gisenyi while she went to GSK in Ruhengeri for form two and three. She finished her Advanced level of secondary education (A ‘Level) at Ami des Infants in Humanities with the combination (HEG).

She joined music industry in 2010 when she released her first song HIP Hop Game the Song become popular in Rubavu district in Gisenyi where she stays with her family.

She later released other songs like Adresse, Bible, Sinareka Muzika, and Mpa Umusada featuring Jay Polly, Uri Final, Ikigusha, and many others.

She became very popular in Rwanda after winning the Best Teen Artist 2010 in Salax Awards. She competed for the best female artist 2011 with Knowles, Miss Jojo and Oda Passy.

Young Grace will also be attending Primus Guma Guma Super Star (PGGSS) season two as female artist with Knowles, Paccy and Jozy who took Miss Jojo’s place after she declined to participate in this competition.

http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-young-graces-biography/

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Rwanda : American pop star Whitney Houston died

Whitney Houston was born on 9^th August 1963 she became one of the most popular American recording artist, actress, producer, and model. The black American singer died on Saturday afternoon 11^th February 2012 at 48 years of age.

Singer Whitney Houston

Her death was confirmed by Jill Fritzo and Kristen Foster who said “Whitney Houston’s death is sad news but it is true”. Houston died at around 3:55 from Beverly Hilton Hotel in United States of America prior to Grammy Awards ceremony.

A Police official in Beverly Hills town Lt. Mark Rosen said that Houston’s body was found in the Hotel room but there were no signs that she could have been killed. Police investigations are going on to find the cause of death of the American super star.

Whitney Houston got married to Singer Bobby Brown but later divorced, where she started abusing drugs resulting into her bad health and set problems in her pop music singing career by ravaging her unique sweet voice.

Whitney Houston has been commonly known for her song “I will always love you” that was used in the film she played called “the Bodyguard”.

http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-american-pop-star-whitney-houston-died/

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Rwanda : Meet The TNP group, your adorable Artists

TNP group is made up of three young men namely Trecy, Nicolas and Passy but only two are on regular performances since the third ‘Nicholas’ went abroad to study football, thus the two perform without him most of the times.

TNP group before one of them left for abroad
They joined the music industry towards the end of 2011 after releasing their song ‘Imisozi n’Ibibaya’. After that in 6 months, they released ‘Kamere’ and after they made videos for both of their songs (audios). They later made a song with a rapper Rider man called ‘Kubwinshi’.
Their last song is called Ndamburiraho Ibiganza of which they did at T-Brown’s studio. They are planning to finish off a song they are doing with Lick- Lick.
They were selected to compete in Salax Awards as a group that became popular in 2011 and young artists who are developing.




http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-meet-the-tnp-group-your-adorable-artists/

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Rwanda : Sandra Mirajs biography

Sandra Umulisa famously known as Sandra Miraj is a Rwandan artist doing Hip-Hop. She was born to Nadia Mukandutie and Ibrahim Saleh on 5^thMarch 1991 She is the 5^th among 7 children and stays at Kacyiru, Kinamba with her parents. Her names are Sandra Umulisa and her Islamic names are Miraji Allia Ibrahim and it is where she got Sandra Miraji which has also become her stage name.
She attended her primary education at Camp Kigali-Nyamirambo and did secondary education in Gisenyi at St. Fidele School.
Ever since she was a little girl, she loved music and she liked Eve and Dabrat artists and she could mime their songs at school for other students.
Her first song is called ‘Best Friend’ was done by Producer Lick Lick’s Unlimited studio and was released in January.2011. In that song she talks about a person you can call a best friend and later that same person disappoints you.
She later did a song called ‘Impeta n’urupfu’ featuring Green P; she also performed in rappers all stars’ remix called ‘Imari Iziritse’. She sang ‘Byakaze’ and ‘Icyemezo’ later on.
She has already released the video for her song ‘Byakaze’ and she recently released the video for her ‘Icyemezo’ that was done by Mariva of Bridge records.
She is now doing her first album and she plans it to be out by October or December 2012. She says she will announce the date and the name of the Album in one month’s period.




http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-sandra-mirajs-biography/

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Rwanda : Muhanga residents are complaining about music in the night.

Some residents of Muhanga town are complaining about the way people who spend weekends playing music loudly throughout the nights, which has resulted to sleepless nights for the neighbors.






Yvonne Mutakwasuku Muhanga district Mayor


Innocent Kazungu , a resident of Gahogo cell said most incidences happen a zone called ‘Sinyola’ where they play loud music through the weekend nights in the s and mostly by those who are planning to host weddings.
“Sometimes it is too much that we wait for authorities to intervene but in vain” Kazungu said that “this happens many times and sometimes there is loud music during week days”.
Other residents say that apart from weddings and weekends, the noises are eveident with the bar areas around the residences. The bars play loud music and the clients, who are mostly drunk, make a lot of noise for the residents.
The Mayor of Muhanga district, Yvonne Mutakwasuku, stated that no one is supposed to distract their neighbors’ peace of mind. She said that “only night clubs with the legal permission are allowed to play music in the night and they should have music proof so that it doesn’t make the neighbors uncomfortable”.
Similar complaints had earlier on been raised about churches -where Christians would pray and make noise with musical instruments. However this has already been taken care of since no church is allowed to exceed 10pm praying.
The Mayor promised that the district will take necessary measures to stop this problem because this, in itself, causes insecurity for the residents.


http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-muhanga-residents-are-complaining-about-music-in-the-night/

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Rwanda : Mashall Mampas history.

Jean Paul Mugabo commonly known as Mashall (Masho) Mampa was born on August 10^th 1986 in Kicukiro in Kigali city. He is the 2^nd in the family of 4 children. He is a son to John Twiringire and Blandine Kanzayire -who are both passed away.

He attended his primary education in Kicukiro and for his secondary, he was in ESPANYA in Nyanza and then to Des Amis in Kicukiro and he finalized at APEBU in Nyamata.

He joined music industry in 2008 and after leaving the ‘G-Unit’ group he released his first song ‘Ibyanjye Ndabizi’ where he featured with ‘Fireman’, ‘The Diplomate’ and ‘P’Fla’,- a record produced by lick-lick, of Kigali’s famous studio- F2K studios.

His former group composed of artists like Lick Lick, Diplomate and Isaac, they were in competition with the then Hot side that comprised of Kamichi, Rafiki and others and Good Guys and Bad Boys.

He then released ‘Babiri ku rutonde’ featuring Diplomate and then ‘Irimbi ry’abazima’ with The Ben.

He was later imprisoned for 2 years and while in prison, he composed a song called ‘Wasi we’ and many other songs. He has so far managed to make two albums – which have not yet officially launched but the young artists has hopes to do that soon.

http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-mashall-mampas-history/

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Rwanda : Mani Martin will not attend PGGSS 2nd season

Although he was nominated among 20 artists prior to selection of 10 of them who will be competing for PGGSS (Primus Guma Guma Super Star) Mani Martin has suddenly announced that he is not going to attend the competition.

Martin showing off for a snapshot

Mani Martin after attended a meeting with those who are preparing PGGSS 2^nd season after the selection with other selected artists where they were given contracts and numbers but when he announced he is not going to attend, everyone was surprised at his change of plan.
Many people were wondering why he is not participating yet he attended that meeting and he even had attended the 1^st season as many thought it is because of his beliefs as he had threatened on the 11^th,Feb,2012, he said that not participating in this competition is due to his personal reasons.
“I have many projects and especially doing the videos of my songs which I will do in Tanzania and I have accepted invitations to attend many festivals in May and so after seeing the timetable for PGGSS 2^nd season, I found that it was impossible for me to participate and carry out my personal things at the same time. It is not about my beliefs or anything.”
He promised his fans to always do the best to please them.


http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-mani-martin-will-not-attend-pggss-2nd-season/

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Rwanda | Pastor Jean Uwinkindi to be transferred to Rwanda – ICTR Spokesman Roland Amousouga

Photo: Pastor Jean Uwinkindi
The spokesman for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) based in Arusha, Tanzania has said that nothing will stop the transfer of Pastor Jean Uwinkindi to Rwanda. The latter is accused of crimes against humanity committed in 1994 his Kanzenze parish church, Bugesera
Roland Amousouga also revealed that Uwinkindi’s transfer is scheduled for Thursday February 23rd 2012. He told reporters that the transfer is due before or at the latest February 23 as was required by the decision of the appeals chamber. Uwinkindi’s defense team had repeatedly asked the tribunal to cancel the transfer decision.
On 16 December 2011, the ICTR Appeals Chamber affirmed the 28 June 2011 decision by the Referral Chamber, which ordered that the Accused Jean Uwinkindi be transfered Rwanda for trial under Rule 11bis.
The Appeals Chamber dismissed Uwinkindi’s appeals regarding concerns over fair trial rights and the prospective conditions of detention, recalling that the Referral Chamber reached its conclusions ‘based on the totality of the evidence and arguments before it’, while noting that the detention conditions would be monitored by a representative of the Tribunal or the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Uwinkindi had been previously convicted in absentia by two Gacaca courts in Rwanda, convictions which were later vacated by Gacaca appellate courts in order to pave the way for referral and prevent any violation of the principle of double jeopardy.
Pentecostal Pastor Jean Uwinkindi was arrested in Uganda in June 2010 and transferred to the ICTR detention facility in Arusha, Tanzania. He is accused of genocide and crimes against humanity committed in 1994 in particularly in his Kanzenze parish church in Bugesera district where he was a pastor.


http://uburenganzira.com/2012/02/rwanda-pastor-jean-uwinkindi-to-be-transferred-to-rwanda-ictr-spokesman-roland-amousouga/

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Rwanda : Chrispin Ngabirama to launch Adieu l Afrique Shida album

Local reggae artist, Chrispin Ngabirama, who is commonly known by his stage name ‘Chrispin’ is set to launch his debut album-“Adieu l’Afrique Shida” on the Sunday March 11, at Kigali Serena Hotel from 5PM.
Chrispin explained the launch will attract famous local reggae artists like Natty Dread and Holly Jah Doves (Ras Kayaga Maguru)- who will perform in live reggae music.
traditional singer, Masamba Intore will also be there, accompanied by ‘Dada Cross’- a Rwandan female rapper who lives in the USA, among many other artist invited at the event.
Other details about this launch will be announced later on.


http://tukabyine.com/index.php/articles/rwanda-chrispin-ngabirama-to-launch-adieu-l-afrique-shida-album/

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Rwanda | Working in public gardens is a pride of a woman.

Working in public gardens may seem like an odd job for some onlookers, but for the public garden cleaners in Runda sector, this job is a sense of pride for a woman desire for beauty and cleanliness

The women say that these gardens make Ruyenzi town look nice and also provide them with jobs and wages which enable them to provide for their families.

Angelique Mukamazimpaka, one of the three permanent workers in the Runda garden, located near the sector office, adjacent to the Runda Catholic Church- which is about 25 minutes drive from Kigali city.

The gardens contain over 50 various trees- which were planted by the community as a sign and remind of the need to develop a culture of unity and reconciliation.

Mukamazimpaka also takes care of the trees and flowers that on the road from Nyabarongo River to Ruyenzi center, along the Butare -Kigali highway

Angelique says that this job makes them able to provide for their families and solve their personal problems. She says that it is also satisfying to see their town looking so nice and clean and that makes them do all it takes to make the gardens look nice by watering them especially in this sunny weather.

Jeannette Mukeshimana, also who does the same job as Angelique says that many married couples come to these gardens especially at the Catholic Church to take pictures on their weddings- which is a source of income for the sector and thus their salary are guaranteed.





http://thecleancountry.com/articles/rwanda-working-in-public-gardens-is-a-pride-of-a-woman/

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Rwanda : Men should have different view on Gender balance

In order for gender to benefit the whole family, it must be taken as social development instead of seeing it as a women’s’ program that do not concern the family.

Kayiranga Jean Nepomuscene Kayiranga presenting the findings

This was said this February 2012 by Mrs. Kayiranga Jean P. Kayiranga, Deputy for Chief Gender Monitor in Charge of Fighting against Injustice and Gender based Violence during the presentation of one week gender findings that took place in Rulindo district.

“Let us take Gender as social development not as women. This will enable men allow their wives join cooperatives because they will be know that it is for the good of the whole family” adds Mrs. Kayiranga.

Mrs. Jean Nepomuscene kayiranga in her findings revealed that District Advisory Council and Leadership committee of Rulindo district observed gender balance in leadership as; 33.3% of women and 66.7% of men although there are some leadership sections that did not have any woman.

She said: “Among the Head teachers and 17 leaders of sectors that make Rulindo district, there is only one woman.”

A group of people that produced findings asked Rulindo district to allow its workers talk about gender, revising the rights of the employees like giving maternity leave and others.

Justus Kangwagye, Rulindo district mayor asked the concerned party about gender to organise training for Rulindo district on gender based policies.

http://womenhall.com/index.php/2012/02/men-should-have-different-view-on-gender-balance/

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Rwanda | Bugesera: Miss Bugesera pageant to vibrate in June 2012

African youth have found beauty contest as part of
Income sources.  Photo: internet



Youth representatives in Bugesera district have a program of organizing Miss Bugesera pageant but they still have a challenge of lacking enough funds.
The head of Nyamata youth centre Jean Bosco Muhirwa said UNICEF had promised them some funds last year to organize the pageant but after UNICEF failing to fulfill the promise the contest was postponed to June.
Muhirwa continues to say that they even requested the district officials to fund the project but it was not possible as they were told it had not been budgeted for in the financial budget and there were priorities to be worked on urgently.
Jean Bosco Muhirwa who came up with the idea of organizing Miss Bugesera pageant said the selection for contestants will soon start within the 17 institutions of higher learning in Bugesera district.


http://rwandashow.com/index.php/2012/02/rwanda-bugesera-miss-bugesera-pageant-to-vibrate-in-june-2012/http://rwandashow.com/index.php/2012/02/rwanda-bugesera-miss-bugesera-pageant-to-vibrate-in-june-2012/

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Rwanda | Rwandan young girls taking over male jobs

A young lady busy on her work
After realising that they have lagged behind development and yet have equal potential like men, girls in Rwanda have now put aside what they considered taboos in ancient times and joined the labour market. Olive Byukusenge, 23, is one lady who makes 4000rfw per day at a construction site belonging to Jean Noel Ruzibiza in Mageragere sector, Nyarugenge district, in Kigali city. She is proud of the job and she says that feels no shame to be working at a construction site.  “Why should I feel ashamed yet the money I get here helps me fulfill my needs and even support my family, I sure there are few young boys of my age who make this money” she said. Byukusenge encourages other women and young girls to forget about the cultural aspects, and states that “this is a generation of gender equality which calls for women to compete on the same platform with men.” She explained that her job is a profession careers of which she attained a certificate from Tumba College of technology after undergoing a 3 years course. She urges other girls to join technical schools and urged them to be proud of being what they are. Brick making and construction are two areas dominated by men in Rwanda following ancient myth that women don’t climb houses; however gender equality and globalization have changed life in Rwanda and especially women are have now also joined the construction sector, engineering and other fields that were usually referred to as male jobs.




http://monpalais.com/2012/02/rwanda-rwandan-young-girls-taking-over-male-jobs/

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Rwanda : Kabarore shop burns to ashes

Nyandwi’s shop in ashes
Norbert Nyandwi’s dreams of a propersous buiness were shattered on the February 8, when his Rwf1.5 million  worthy retail shop was set ablaze due to high voltage, living the shop in complete ashes.
Nyandwi, a sole proprietor of a located in a larger business mall that houses 24 different shops in Kabarore district, says he woke up at 4:00 am only to receive the sad news about the destruction of his business, which was his only source of livelihood.
According to Nyandwi, his shop was burnt due to high voltage electricity supply from Electrictiy and Water supply company (EWSA). Before the shop caught fire, an electric pole from which his shop was connected,  got burnt prior to his shop.
“Had it not been by the help of Rwanda National police that brought fire extinguishers, all the 24 neighbouring shops could have turned into ashes.”says the disappointed Nyandwi.
Director of Electricty and Water supply (EWAS) in Kabarore district, Vedaste Kanamugire said that the cause for the fire was electricity but the accident was not as a caused by result of the company faults.
Vedaste explains that “the power lines to Nyandwi’s shop were poorly installed with electric materials that lacked enough capacity to handle high voltage supply power needs.
Not everything Nyandwi had turned into ashes, collegues who run the other neighbouring 23 shops have promised to make a fundraising meant to bring back Nyandwi into business since what happened to him was never his fault and can happen to anyone else.


http://rwandaenergy.com/2012/02/rwanda-kabarore-shop-burns-to-ashes/

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Rwanda : Climate change at the forefront of environmental concerns

The government of Rwanda is at the glance combating climate change impacts on the social economic spheres to ensure a sustainable environment.

  
Mankind and human activities have been ranked the main causes of climate change. In general, forests are sensitive to climatic variability and change. Climatic factors that influence forest health-temperature, rainfall, atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases and extreme weather and fire events—are changing and are expected to continue changing due to human activities.
Research has indicated that the most industrialized countries are contributing much to global warming which is turning most countries fringing to south of Sahara to turn into deserts.
A report by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) on the economics of climate change in Rwanda has revealed that climate change has had a significant setback on the economy, especially in the past four years. The research which was funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) assessed the impact of the various climate change conditions such as carbon emissions, droughts and floods.
However the government of Rwanda is now embarking on more determined steps to integrate climate change considerations into social and economic plans. It has commissioned the preparation of a National Strategy on Climate Change and Low Carbon Development that will guide national policy and decision making. The new strategy will position Rwanda to take maximum advantage of international climate finance such as the new Green Climate Fund.
The use of firewood or charcoal as the primary source of energy extends to 96% of the rural population and 72% of the households in the capital, Kigali. The government estimates that total demand for firewood outstrips the sustainable supply by a factor of four.
Although the 2010 MDG progress report considers there to be “little prospect” of increasing forest cover to the MDG target of 25% by 2015, the government has an energetic National Forestry Policy.  One billion seedlings are to be planted by 2013.
However, the government recognizes that the use of firewood cannot be eliminated in the short term. Its biomass energy strategy encompasses the use of energy efficient stoves and the creation of sustainable wood harvesting environments, as well as more conventional investment in alternative energy sources.


http://ibidukikije.com/2012/02/rwanda-climate-change-at-the-forefront-of-environmental-concerns/

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Rwanda : IRST- Rwandas agricultural research archive

The Institute of scientific and Technological Research (IRST) is the place where brains are ever at work, researching about scientific and technological activities in and outside the Rwanda in order to improve the agricultural sector and knowledge based agricultural activities.

Through this article, umuhinzi.com wishes to take you through a particular department of IRST called Herbarium – which is a place where you will find each and every plant that exists or has ever existed on Rwanda’s soil.

Vedaste Minani is the head of Herbarium and is mostly specializes in carrying out research on new plants planted on the Rwandan soil.

“We have a collection of 3600 different plant species. These species are kept dry and in their original format with trunks, leaves, seeds and flowers such that at first glance, a person can identify which type it is” Minani explains.

Details of the stored plants include names and places of where they were extracted, are all written in both Kinyarwanda and English versions.

For some people who are not inclined to scientific findings, it is easy to ask questions of doubt – like: of what importance is such a collection?

For the IRST scientists, explanation is very important. “Through such research we are able to determine which plants are on the verge of extinction and devise means of preserving them. Such collections are further used for study purposes rather than wasting time to travel looking for where such plants can be found” Minani explains

Since herbarium stores plants in accordance to their respective districts of origin, it helps IRST determine which plant best suits which area, most especially during times when a particular area is to be given its earlier image.

Such research example include the process of re-planting trees in the deforested parts of Gishwati forest, in which research findings are very crucial and the steady developments are put under study at the institute.

http://umuhinzi.com/2012/02/rwanda-irst-rwandas-agricultural-research-archive/

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Rwanda | Rwamagana to solicit markets for farmers

Rwamagana district has committed itself to supporting maize farmers to access markets for their produces which are to be harvested in this season.

District Mayor Nehemie Uwimana said that the district will use all the available resources to promote maize growers.

Agriculture department statistics projects the expected maize harvest at 45,036 tons, while 30% of the produce (13,510tons) is expected to be used by farmers in the families, leaving the district with 31,525tons to be sold on markets.

“Our goal is set on finding market for the farmer and in order to attain this objective, the farmers have to be supported in producing quality maize, ensure good storage facilities- and this will increase their earnings” Uwimana said.

The mayor made the remarks while addressing growers’ cooperatives in the district. He asked the farmers to focus on the ministerial guidelines in order to maintain both quality and quantity of maize as seen in the national agriculture strategy.

The mayor asked that all sector leaders in Rwamagana to chip in their support to farmers during harvest and proper storage programs and during the soliciting of markets.

The ministry of Commerce has promised to provide market for all the national product and the prices have already been earmarked at Rwf140 per a kilo of dried maize.

http://umuhinzi.com/2012/02/rwanda-rwamagana-to-solicit-markets-for-farmers/

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Rwanda : Men should have different view on Gender balance

In order for gender to benefit the whole family, it must be taken as social development instead of seeing it as a women’s’ program that do not concern the family.

Kayiranga Jean Nepomuscene Kayiranga presenting the findings

This was said this February 2012 by Mrs. Kayiranga Jean P. Kayiranga, Deputy for Chief Gender Monitor in Charge of Fighting against Injustice and Gender based Violence during the presentation of one week gender findings that took place in Rulindo district.

“Let us take Gender as social development not as women. This will enable men allow their wives join cooperatives because they will be know that it is for the good of the whole family”adds Mrs. Kayiranga.

Mrs. Jean Nepomuscene kayiranga in her findings revealed that District Advisory Council and Leadership committee of Rulindo district observed gender balance in leadership as; 33.3% of women and 66.7% of men although there are some leadership sections that did not have any woman.

She said: “Among the Head teachers and 17 leaders of sectors that make Rulindo district, there is only one woman.”

A group of people that produced findings asked Rulindo district to allow its workers talk about gender, revising the rights of the employees like giving maternity leave and others.

Justus Kangwagye, Rulindo district mayor asked the concerned party about gender to organise training for Rulindo district on gender based policies.

http://womenhall.com/index.php/2012/02/men-should-have-different-view-on-gender-balance/

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Rwanda | Bugesera: Miss Bugesera pageant to vibrate in June 2012

African youth have found beauty contest as part of

Income sources.  Photo: internet

Youth representatives in Bugesera district have a program of organizing Miss Bugesera pageant but they still have a challenge of lacking enough funds.

The head of Nyamata youth centre Jean Bosco Muhirwa said UNICEF had promised them some funds last year to organize the pageant but after UNICEF failing to fulfill the promise the contest was postponed to June.

Muhirwa continues to say that they even requested the district officials to fund the project but it was not possible as they were told it had not been budgeted for in the financial budget and there were priorities to be worked on urgently.

Jean Bosco Muhirwa who came up with the idea of organizing Miss Bugesera pageant said the selection for contestants will soon start within the 17 institutions of higher learning in Bugesera district.

http://rwandashow.com/index.php/2012/02/rwanda-bugesera-miss-bugesera-pageant-to-vibrate-in-june-2012/

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Rwanda | Rwandan young girls taking over male jobs

A young lady busy on her work

After realising that they have lagged behind development and yet have equal potential like men, girls in Rwanda have now put aside what they considered taboos in ancient times and joined the labour market. Olive Byukusenge, 23, is one lady who makes 4000rfw per day at a construction site belonging to Jean Noel Ruzibiza in Mageragere sector, Nyarugenge district, in Kigali city. She is proud of the job and she says that feels no shame to be working at a construction site.  “Why should I feel ashamed yet the money I get here helps me fulfill my needs and even support my family, I sure there are few young boys of my age who make this money” she said. Byukusenge encourages other women and young girls to forget about the cultural aspects, and states that “this is a generation of gender equality which calls for women to compete on the same platform with men.” She explained that her job is a profession careers of which she attained a certificate from Tumba College of technology after undergoing a 3 years course. She urges other girls to join technical schools and urged them to be proud of being what they are. Brick making and construction are two areas dominated by men in Rwanda following ancient myth that women don’t climb houses; however gender equality and globalization have changed life in Rwanda and especially women are have now also joined the construction sector, engineering and other fields that were usually referred to as male jobs.

http://monpalais.com/2012/02/rwanda-rwandan-young-girls-taking-over-male-jobs/

Read more »