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MINEDUC rewards 30 first ORATOR champions with a trip to UK in two weeks English training program

Mahame — 2026-07-19T20:47:24Z

The winners were announced on this Sunday, July 19, during the ORATOR English Competition 2026 Award Ceremony held at BK Arena in Kigali, where hundreds of students, educators, government leaders and development partners gathered to celebrate Rwanda's emerging generation of confident communicators.

The national competition, organized by Rwanda's Ministry of Education in partnership with iDebate Rwanda, attracted thousands of learners from public and government-aided secondary schools before narrowing down to 120 national finalists, 60 from Ordinary Level and 60 from Advanced Level.

Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana

Speaking after the ceremony, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana said the program is more than a competition, describing it as a long-term investment in Rwanda's education system.

He revealed that the top 30 finalists will travel to the United Kingdom for two weeks to further improve their English language skills before returning to mentor fellow learners.

"Today we announced the top 30 students who excelled in the competition. They will spend two weeks in the United Kingdom strengthening their English language skills before returning as role models to inspire other students," he said.

According to the minister, ORATOR will now become an annual national program while English clubs will be strengthened in schools across the country to ensure students continue practicing beyond the competition.

He noted that mastering English is essential because it is Rwanda's language of instruction, making it easier for learners to understand all other subjects taught in school.

The State Minister of Education, Claudette Irere

The State Minister of Education, Claudette Irere, said the competition represents much more than identifying the country's best speakers.

She explained that ORATOR is helping Rwanda realize its vision under the Competence-Based Curriculum by producing learners who are confident, innovative and globally competitive.

"Today, we celebrate more than a competition. We celebrate confidence, courage and the extraordinary potential of Rwanda's young people," she said.

Irere noted that the finalists had undergone four days of intensive coaching, where they sharpened their communication, leadership and public speaking abilities before competing on the national stage.

She emphasized that English should not be viewed simply as another classroom subject.

"English is our language of instruction, but it is much more than a school subject. It is a bridge to learning, a tool for leadership and a gateway to opportunities both here at home and around the world," she said.

She also encouraged all participants to continue believing in themselves, saying every student who reached the national stage had already demonstrated resilience, determination and courage.

Minister of Youth and Arts Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima

Minister of Youth and Arts Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima praised the initiative, describing it as an important investment in Rwanda's future leaders.

He said introducing young people to the language of international business at an early stage would strengthen their competitiveness in the global economy.

“This initiative is an investment in young people and in the future leaders of Rwanda. Learning a business language at an early stage creates opportunities for the youth and prepares them to contribute to the country's development, ” Dr. Jean Nepo Abdallah Utumatwishima said.

Abatoni Keza Briella with Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana

The competition's first national champion, Abatoni Keza Briella from ENDP Karubanda in Huye District, admitted that she struggled with self-doubt throughout much of the competition.

She said the support she received during the boot camp from facilitators, judges and fellow participants gradually boosted her confidence, eventually leading to victory.

Reflecting on her achievement, Briella encouraged young people not to fear making mistakes while learning English.

"You have to want to learn it and practice it every day. Don't let mistakes discourage you. Obstacles are part of every journey, but what defines you is whether you stand up and keep moving forward," she said.

Mbonimpaye Jean de Dieu with Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana

The second-place winner, Mbonimpaye Jean de Dieu from ES Rusumo in Kirehe District, described ORATOR as a transformative experience that taught participants not only how to speak effectively, but also how to listen, respect differing opinions and think critically.

He appealed to the Ministry of Education to expand future editions by increasing the duration of training camps, adding more competition rounds, establishing mentorship pathways for alumni and extending awareness campaigns to remote communities so more students can participate.

With plans to hold the competition every year and establish English clubs in schools nationwide, education leaders believe ORATOR will become a cornerstone in nurturing confident communicators, critical thinkers and future leaders capable of representing Rwanda on the global stage.

RWB says key obstacles delaying Muvumba Project have been resolved and targets completion by March 2027

Mahame — 2026-07-01T15:25:05Z

The project, considered one of Rwanda's most strategic water investments, is expected to improve access to clean water, expand irrigation, generate electricity and support fisheries, benefiting hundreds of thousands of residents in the Eastern Province.

Emmanuel Rukundo, Director General of RWB

Appearing before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on June 30, 2026, RWB officials acknowledged that changes to the project's design, compensation of affected residents, procurement procedures and financing adjustments with the African Development Bank (AfDB) contributed to delays but said those issues have now been addressed.

"We have put in place measures to speed up implementation so that we complete the works within the project timeline," said Emmanuel Rukundo, Director General of RWB.

Rukundo explained that after the project was approved, additional engineering studies significantly altered the original design.

The revised plans increased the dam's height from 30 metres to 39 metres, while the planned irrigation area expanded from 6,000 hectares to 10,000 hectares.

These changes required fresh technical studies and lengthy negotiations with the African Development Bank to allow part of the approved financing to be redirected towards new project priorities, including irrigation works and compensation for affected communities.

According to RWB, the approval process delayed implementation because the original loan agreement had been based on the initial project design.

The mid-term project review was eventually approved by the AfDB Board on May 19, 2026, clearing the way for Rwanda and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to revise the financing agreement and utilize the remaining funds.

Officials said compensation for project-affected residents also contributed to delays, where more than 5,000 people are affected by the project, with approximately 790 hectares of land required for the reservoir.

Rukundo said nearly 90 percent of affected residents initially lacked legal land ownership documents, making compensation difficult.

Authorities subsequently worked with local governments to facilitate land registration and enable compensation payments to proceed.

With the major implementation bottlenecks resolved, RWB has intensified construction activities by introducing 24-hour operations, including weekends.

The agency has also increased equipment and manpower at the construction site. For example, the number of trucks transporting construction materials has increased from 60 to a planned fleet of 100.

"The measures we have introduced are aimed at accelerating construction and ensuring that the dam is completed within the agreed implementation period," Rukundo said.

He added that construction of the dam has now reached 61.5 percent, while nearly 90 percent of the current project financing is dedicated to dam construction.

RWB Executive Chairperson, Richard Nyirishema

The Executive Chairperson of RWB, Richard Nyirishema said the agency remains confident that construction of both the dam and its hydropower facilities will be completed by March 2027.

"Our commitment is to complete the construction of the dam and the hydropower facilities by March next year. Based on the current pace of implementation, we still believe this target is achievable unless unforeseen circumstances arise," Nyirishema said.

Following completion of the civil works, the project will move into the reservoir filling phase before irrigation and water supply infrastructure are commissioned.

The broader multipurpose project is expected to be fully operational by 2031.

Once completed, the Muvumba Dam will store 55 million cubic metres of water, supply 50,000 cubic metres of treated water per day to more than 800,000 people, irrigate 10,000 hectares of farmland, provide water for livestock, support fisheries and generate one megawatt of electricity.

The accelerated implementation comes after President Paul Kagame earlier this year called for closer oversight of the project, stressing that all planned components including irrigation, clean water supply and power generation should progress together to deliver the project's full socio-economic benefits.

RWB officials providing explainations in front of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

Rwanda Health Minister calls for urgent action on a serious threat of teenage pregnancies

Mahame — 2026-06-26T18:32:48Z

Speaking during the National Youth Forum held in Kigali on Friday, Minister of Health Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana warned that teenage pregnancy remains one of Rwanda's most pressing public health and social challenges, exposing adolescent girls to life-threatening childbirth complications while placing their children at greater risk of premature birth and stunted growth.

"Girls under the age of 19 face the highest risk of dying during childbirth because their bodies are not yet fully developed for pregnancy. One-third of premature births and one-third of stunted children are born to mothers who became pregnant before the age of 19. The consequences extend far beyond the girl who becomes pregnant or the person responsible. They affect families and the entire nation," Dr. Nsanzimana said.

The forum brought together about 2,000 participants, including students, out-of-school youth, parents, government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, faith-based groups and private sector representatives to discuss ways of addressing the growing challenge.

Chief Executive Officer of Imbuto Foundation, Shami Elodie, described teenage pregnancy as more than an individual tragedy, saying it amounts to a setback for national development.

"When a girl becomes pregnant, that in itself is a crime. It is a tragedy for the nation, but it is also the result of preventable circumstances that should have been addressed before a child became pregnant. Ending this problem is everyone's responsibility," she said.

Dr. Nsanzimana identified school dropout as the leading driver of teenage pregnancy, citing findings from the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (DHS).

According to the survey, girls who fail to complete primary education are five times more likely to become pregnant before the age of 19 than those who complete secondary school. While only four percent of girls who finish secondary education become pregnant before the age of 19, the figure rises to 21 percent among those with lower levels of education.

"Education is the most effective vaccine against teenage pregnancy," the minister said, stressing that keeping girls in school is one of the country's strongest prevention measures.

He also cited misinformation about sexual and reproductive health, negative peer influence, poverty and sexual and gender-based violence as other major factors driving teenage pregnancies. He urged young people to make responsible choices, avoid risky relationships and reject offers of gifts or money that could expose them to sexual exploitation.

"No one gets soaked without going into the rain. What benefit is there in accepting a mobile phone if it costs you your future? It is a bad bargain and a poor choice," he said

Director of Isange One Stop Center, Shafiga Murebwayire, said many teenage pregnancies result from the crime of defilement, emphasizing that such offences do not expire with time.

She noted that many survivors fail to obtain justice because of delayed reporting, lack of sufficient evidence and attempts to shield perpetrators.

University lecturer Prof. Clémentine Kanazayire urged parents to strengthen emotional bonds with their children and create an environment where young people can openly discuss challenges affecting them. She said strong family relationships help children trust parental guidance instead of relying on misinformation from peers or outsiders.

To significantly reduce teenage pregnancies, Dr. Nsanzimana said Rwanda must ensure that every girl completes at least secondary education, noting that this measure alone could reduce teenage pregnancies by nearly 70 percent.

He also emphasized expanding access to adolescent-friendly reproductive health services, which he said have been shown to reduce teenage pregnancies by as much as 50 percent where they are effectively implemented.

The minister added that Rwanda's legal framework allows adolescents to access reproductive health services and that these services are increasingly being brought closer to communities through health centres.

He called on parents, teachers, health workers and communities to provide young people with accurate information about reproductive health while encouraging discipline, responsible behaviour and self-care.

Government figures show that teenage pregnancy has remained a persistent challenge over the past decade. Rwanda recorded 17,331 teenage pregnancies in 2017, rising sharply to 23,622 in 2019.

The number stood at 19,701 in 2020 before increasing to 23,534 in 2021. Although it declined to 19,406 in 2023, it rose again to 22,454 in 2024, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to protect girls and secure the country's future.

Rwanda launches RSB Quality Academy to strengthen its competitiveness and build a new generation of quality professionals

Mahame — 2026-06-24T19:42:32Z

The academy, officially launched at RSB headquarters in Kigali on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, is expected to become a national and regional center of excellence for standards-related training, producing highly skilled quality professionals capable of supporting industrial growth, trade, and innovation.

The facility was established under the project to Strengthen Rwanda Industrial Standardization ICT Capacity (SISIC), funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by RSB under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The initiative is part of Rwanda's broader strategy to strengthen standardization, metrology, and conformity assessment services, which are considered critical pillars for achieving the country's long-term socio-economic transformation goals.

RSB Director General, Murenzi Raymond

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, RSB Director General Murenzi Raymond described the academy as a landmark investment in Rwanda's future, emphasizing its role in building a quality-driven and knowledge-based economy.

“Today we mark an important milestone in our journey towards strengthening the national quality infrastructure, which fosters innovation and supports industrialization, export competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth,” he said.

According to Murenzi, the academy will provide industries, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and professionals with the technical skills needed to meet international standards and improve product quality.

“Quality is the foundation of competitiveness. Quality is life. Quality is everything,” he remarked.

He noted that in an increasingly interconnected global economy, countries that consistently deliver products and services meeting international standards are better positioned to access regional and international markets.

Murenzi said the academy is not only designed to serve Rwanda but is also expected to support the country's ambition of becoming a regional and continental hub for quality infrastructure, standards, and industrial competitiveness.

“Through this academy, Rwanda is establishing a sustainable mechanism to provide the expertise required by industries while supporting professional development across both the public and private sectors,” he said.

The Director General also praised KOICA and other development partners for their continued support, describing the academy as a catalyst for economic transformation that will produce quality professionals capable of serving Rwanda, Africa, and beyond.

PS to MINICOM, Chantal Tuyishimire

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Chantal Tuyishimire, said the academy represents the success of a strong partnership between Rwanda and the Republic of Korea and reflects a shared commitment to promoting a culture of quality.

She highlighted the knowledge transfer component of the partnership, which enabled Rwandan professionals to learn from Korea's globally recognized quality management systems and industrial practices.

“Through this partnership, we have learned the value of precision in manufacturing, innovation, quality assurance, time management, and continuous improvement,” she said.

PS Tuyishimire emphasized that although quality may not yet be an obsession in Rwanda as it is in Korea, it must become an integral part of the country's culture and daily practices if Rwanda is to achieve its industrialization ambitions.

“Today's event is not only about launching the RSB Quality Academy. It is also a celebration of partnership, a shared vision, and our collective commitment to building a strong quality ecosystem that supports innovation, trade, industrial development, and consumer confidence,” she said.

The Ambassador of Korea, H.E. Jeong Woo-jin

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Rwanda, H.E. Jeong Woo-jin, congratulated Rwanda on the successful establishment of the academy and reaffirmed Korea's commitment to supporting Rwanda's development journey.

He praised Rwanda's growing leadership in quality infrastructure and digital transformation, citing the successful hosting of the ISO General Assembly in Kigali last year as evidence of the country's rising international profile.

“Rwanda and Korea have always worked side by side on the journey of digital transformation,” the ambassador said.

He described the relationship between the two countries as one built on friendship, mutual benefit, and shared aspirations for development.

Ms Rita Mahoro

The event also featured testimony from Rita Mahoro, a graduate of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) and former RSB intern, who shared how exposure to RSB's quality systems transformed her professional outlook.

Mahoro said her internship allowed her to move beyond classroom theory and witness how quality principles are applied in real-world settings.

“One of the most important lessons I learned is that quality is not something inspected into a product at the end of the process. Quality is built into every step, every procedure, every measurement, and every decision,” she said.

She noted that professional training and mentorship received at RSB helped shape her career path and equipped her with practical skills that she now applies as a food processing technician.

Encouraging future trainees, Mahoro urged young professionals to embrace learning opportunities provided by the academy, saying they would play a critical role in shaping the next generation of quality experts.

The newly established academy is equipped with modern ICT infrastructure and digital learning facilities that will support training, certification programs, and capacity-building initiatives for professionals from Rwanda and across the region.

Officials believe the institution will help address existing skills gaps in industry, strengthen conformity assessment services, and enhance the competitiveness of Rwandan products and services in global markets.

As Rwanda continues implementing its Vision 2050 agenda and National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the RSB Quality Academy is expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing the expertise needed to support industrial growth, innovation, and sustainable economic development.

MINUBUMWE Urges Rwandans to support Leadership that promotes unity and national development

Mahame — 2026-06-21T19:22:54Z

The message was delivered by the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana, during the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi held on June 21, 2026, in Busasamana Sector, Nyanza District.

Addressing residents and genocide survivors, Dr. Bizimana emphasized the importance of understanding the history of hatred and divisionism that culminated in the genocide, saying such knowledge is essential to protecting Rwanda from forces that could drag the country back into tragedy.

“We must understand this ideology so that we can recognize the dangers it brought and prevent it from re-emerging.At the same time, we should support the good leadership we have today because it provides a positive vision for every Rwandan. This is something that did not exist under the administrations of Presidents Kayibanda and Habyarimana. Such inclusive leadership had not been seen since the era of the Rwandan monarchy. We must therefore protect, respect and value our leadership,” he said.

His remarks came as Rwanda continues to strengthen efforts aimed at preserving national unity and combating genocide ideology through civic education, historical awareness and reconciliation programs.

During the commemoration, 43 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi were laid to rest with dignity at the Nyanza Genocide Memorial.

Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana

Dr. Bizimana described the burial as a powerful symbol of victory over the forces that sought to erase the victims and their memory.

“The extremists and Interahamwe militias never imagined that they would be defeated and that one day we would be able to bury our loved ones with dignity, honor their memory and openly speak about both their heroism and the crimes committed against them,” he said.

He also reassured genocide survivors that Rwanda remains committed to their welfare and to ensuring that the atrocities of 1994 never happen again.

“The Government of Rwanda will continue to stand with survivors, and what happened in 1994 will never be allowed to happen again,” he said.

Dr. Bizimana reflected on the historical origins of ethnic division and hatred in Rwanda, tracing them back to the colonial period when racial theories and discriminatory governance systems were introduced by German and Belgian colonial administrations.

Before colonial rule, he noted, Rwandans shared a common identity, language and culture despite existing social categories. However, colonial policies institutionalized ethnic divisions, including the introduction of identity cards bearing ethnic labels in the 1930s.

These divisions later evolved into discriminatory political ideologies that fueled violence against Tutsi communities, beginning in the late colonial period and continuing through the First and Second Republics.

According to the minister, discriminatory policies in education, employment and governance, coupled with hate propaganda spread by politicians and sections of the media in the early 1990s, laid the groundwork for the Genocide against the Tutsi, in which more than one million people were killed in just 100 days.

Dr. Bizimana highlighted the progress Rwanda has made since 1994 in rebuilding national cohesion through policies aimed at fostering unity, reconciliation and equal citizenship.

These efforts include the removal of ethnic identifiers from official documents, the enactment of laws against genocide ideology, the promotion of accurate historical education and continued investment in programs that strengthen national unity.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant against divisive ideologies and to work closely with national institutions in preserving the gains Rwanda has achieved over the past three decades.

“Our responsibility is to protect the Rwanda we have built together and ensure that future generations inherit a country founded on unity, dignity and shared progress,” he said.

UTB students urged to stand against anyone with genocide ideology

Mahame — 2026-06-21T18:38:51Z

The call was made during the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi held at the university on June 19, 2026.

Commissioner Francis Kaboneka

Francis Kaboneka, Commissioner at the National Commission for Human Rights, challenged students to become defenders of truth by confronting genocide denial and minimization wherever they encounter it.

He emphasized that young people should not remain silent when individuals spread false narratives about the Genocide against the Tutsi, especially through social media and other digital platforms.

“Those who deny or trivialize the Genocide against the Tutsi should be challenged with facts. Many use technology to spread false information, and young people should use the same platforms to counter those lies,” Kaboneka said.

He stressed that students should reject genocide ideology even when it comes from people close to them.

“Even if it is your own parent trying to instill genocide ideology in you, reject it and distance yourself from such beliefs. Do not allow anyone to mislead you,” he added.

Kaboneka reminded students that Rwanda's liberation and recovery were achieved through sacrifice, urging them to protect the gains made since the genocide was stopped in 1994.

“We are not asking you to sacrifice your lives. We are asking you to speak the truth, build your country, reject evil, and challenge those who seek to spread division. Today, one of the greatest threats we face is genocide ideology,” he said.

UTB founder, Zulfat Mukarubega

UTB founder, Zulfat Mukarubega also encouraged students to remain vigilant against people who seek to divide Rwandans through hate-based ideologies.

She noted that while the armed struggle to liberate the country ended long ago, the fight against genocide ideology continues and requires the active involvement of the younger generation.

“Every Rwandan deserves equal opportunities and education. Do not allow anyone, including parents with genocide ideology, to pass such beliefs on to you. Instead, focus on values that promote unity and development,” she said.

Gerard Mbarushimana, President of Ibuka in Rubavu District, reminded students that education alone does not prevent people from engaging in harmful ideologies, noting that many of those who planned and executed the Genocide against the Tutsi were highly educated.

He urged students to use their education to promote unity, truth, and reconciliation rather than division.

Rubavu Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Pacifique Ishimwe, echoed the message, calling on students to defend the truth regardless of who is spreading harmful narratives.

“Stand for what is right even when it is difficult. Reject wrongdoing and genocide ideology no matter who promotes it. We must ensure that such dangerous beliefs do not take root among future generations,” he said.

The commemoration event was held as Rwanda continues to emphasize the role of young people in safeguarding the country's history and ensuring that genocide ideology has no place in society.

President Kagame urges African Nations to ease Visa restrictions citing Rwanda's success in trade and tourism

Mahame — 2026-06-15T19:58:14Z

President Kagame made the remarks on Monday while addressing participants at the African Air Transport Convention & Expo, taking place in Lomé, Togo, from June 15 to 19, 2026.

The convention is jointly organized by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the African Union (AU), bringing together transport ministers, civil aviation authorities, airline and airport executives, industry leaders, investors, and development partners from across Africa.

During a panel discussion, President Kagame emphasized that the success of Africa's common market depends on countries implementing and respecting harmonized regulations and policies.

He noted that while continental regulatory frameworks already exist, member states must fully support and comply with them, including policies governing visa requirements.

Rwanda has implemented a visa-free policy for all African citizens for nearly eight years, a move that Kagame said has yielded substantial economic benefits.

According to government data, Rwanda registered investments worth $2.62 billion in 2025 through 799 projects, up from 612 projects recorded in 2024. Tourism revenues also increased from $647 million in 2024 to $685 million in 2025, representing a 6 percent growth.

Kagame attributed part of this progress to Rwanda's decision to eliminate visa restrictions for African travelers.

“In Rwanda, we removed this particular obstacle because we wanted people to visit, connect, and discover opportunities. As we have seen, it was the right thing to do. We have witnessed stronger business activity, growing tourism, and an expansion of air travel routes,” President Kagame said.

The President stressed that Rwanda's experience demonstrates how cooperation and openness are essential drivers of development in the aviation sector.

“No region can reach its full potential when its parts remain disconnected. Air connectivity unlocks countless opportunities,” he said.

The convention aims to accelerate the implementation of the African Union's Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative, which seeks to eliminate barriers to air transport across the continent and strengthen cooperation among African countries in the aviation industry.

Participants are also discussing strategies to build a stronger and more integrated air transport sector capable of supporting economic growth and regional integration throughout Africa.

On the sidelines of the event, President Kagame is expected to hold bilateral talks with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, the President of the Council of Ministers of Togo.

Minister Bizimana calls on religious leaders to fight against genocide ideology still present in some faith communities

Mahame — 2026-06-14T00:32:58Z

Dr. Bizimana made the remarks on June 13, 2026, while joining members of the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda (EPR) and residents of Karongi District in the 32nd commemorating of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kirinda Memorial Site.

The commemoration honored the victims who were massacred on April 14, 1994, at Kirinda Hospital and the neighboring School of Nursing, where thousands of Tutsi had sought refuge.

According to historical records, only one person survived the killings. The victims' bodies were later thrown into the Nyabarongo River.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Bizimana recalled reviewing statements issued by various churches during the genocide period. He specifically referred to a declaration published in May 1994 by four Catholic bishops and eight Protestant church leaders following a meeting aimed at discussing ways to end the violence in Rwanda.

He criticized the statement for failing to recognize the Genocide against the Tutsi and instead portraying the violence as killings committed by both sides.

“They avoided using the term genocide. They claimed that both sides were killing each other and called on the RPF to stop the war, arguing that if fighting ceased, government forces would restore security for Rwandans,” Dr. Bizimana said.

He noted that the same government forces being entrusted with restoring security were actively involved in the extermination of Tutsi civilians.

The minister further emphasized that no religious denomination was exempt from responsibility, as perpetrators of the genocide were found among both church leadership and ordinary believers.

“There is no church that did not have leaders, pastors, bishops, or ordinary Christians who became perpetrators of genocide. That is a serious issue,” he stated.

Dr. Bizimana also highlighted the unique nature of the Kirinda Memorial Site, where no victims' remains are buried because those killed were thrown into the Nyabarongo River.

He explained that the practice of killing Tutsi and disposing of their bodies in rivers was not unique to 1994 but had been used in earlier waves of anti-Tutsi violence dating back to 1959.

“Throwing Tutsi into the Nyabarongo River in 1994 was not something new. Many of the methods used during the genocide had already been practiced since 1959. Victims were often killed and their bodies dumped into rivers,” he said.

He added that similar atrocities occurred during the 1963 massacres, when Tutsi victims were killed and thrown into the Nyabarongo and other rivers across the country.

The minister urged religious leaders and faith communities to learn from the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and to remain vigilant against genocide ideology, denial, and minimization, which he warned still exist within some religious circles.

“Everyone should draw lessons from this history and strive to become a new Rwandan. Those who committed these crimes are not only part of the past. Genocide ideology, denial, and distortion of the Genocide against the Tutsi still exist, including among some members of religious institutions,” he said.

Dr. Bizimana concluded by calling on religious leaders to promote truth, unity, and responsible citizenship as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that such atrocities never happen again.

Rwanda assures citizens of food security despite global economic uncertainties

Mahame — 2026-06-11T22:14:38Z

The assurance was given by the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, on Thursday, June 11, 2026, while presenting the 2026/27 Draft State Budget Law to members of Parliament and the Senate.

The proposed budget, which has already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies, amounts to Rwf 7.796 trillion, representing an increase of Rwf 844 billion compared to the 2025/26 fiscal year.

According to Minister Murangwa, domestic revenues are projected to reach Rwf 5.274 trillion, while foreign grants are expected to contribute Rwf 548.3 billion and external loans Rwf 974.1 billion.

He noted that domestic revenues combined with external borrowing will account for nearly 93 percent of the national budget, highlighting Rwanda's continued efforts to reduce dependence on foreign aid.

Concerns over global economic pressures

During discussions following the budget presentation, Senator Dr. Frank Habineza raised concerns about the potential economic impact of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, warning that it could further disrupt global markets, particularly fuel prices.

Habineza pointed out that key economic indicators have changed since the preliminary budget framework was unveiled in May 2026. Among the developments is the National Bank of Rwanda's decision to increase its key policy rate by one percentage point.

He also highlighted the sharp increase in diesel prices, noting that the cost of a litre of diesel has risen from Rwf 2,205 to Rwf 2,927, an increase of Rwf 722. According to the senator, rising fuel costs have far-reaching implications for transportation, food prices, construction materials, and other essential services used by citizens on a daily basis.

Additionally, he expressed concern that higher interest rates could make loans more expensive, posing challenges for young entrepreneurs seeking financing for innovative business ventures.

Government prioritizes agriculture to protect food supply

Responding to the concerns, Minister Murangwa said the government has already put in place measures to cushion the economy from international price shocks, with a particular focus on strengthening agricultural production.

“The government will continue prioritizing agricultural output so that, regardless of external challenges, Rwanda will not face food shortages,” Murangwa said.

He explained that substantial resources have been allocated to the agriculture sector, particularly for fertilizer subsidies aimed at increasing crop yields and ensuring sustainable food production.

“In the previous fiscal year, the government allocated Rwf 39 billion for fertilizer support. Under the new budget, that amount has increased to nearly Rwf 64 billion, almost doubling the investment,” he stated.

The minister attributed the increase largely to rising fertilizer prices on the international market, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts in the Middle East.

Continued support to mitigate fuel price increases

Minister Murangwa further noted that the government will maintain subsidies in the energy sector to reduce the burden of increasing petroleum product prices on citizens.

He emphasized that public transport operators remain among the beneficiaries of these interventions, which are intended to prevent sharp increases in transport fares and the cost of goods and services.

The government's strategy, he said, seeks to protect household purchasing power while maintaining economic stability amid a challenging global environment.

Following parliamentary approval, the draft budget law is expected to undergo further scrutiny by the parliamentary committee responsible for national budget and state property, while senators will continue providing their input before final adoption.

The 2026/27 budget reflects Rwanda's broader commitment to strengthening economic resilience, enhancing food security, and reducing vulnerability to external shocks as the country pursues its long-term development goals.

Rwanda to continue measures to shield citizens from rising fuel prices – PM Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva

Mahame — 2026-06-06T20:00:39Z

Speaking during a press briefing on Saturday that focused on Rwanda's economic outlook and the impact of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East on the country's economy, Dr. Nsengiyumva said government intervention has significantly reduced the burden that would otherwise have been placed on consumers.

Prime Minister Dr. Nsengiyumva

He revealed that without government subsidies, the price of diesel would have risen to Rwf 3,581 per litre instead of the current regulated price of Rwf 2,927 per litre announced by the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).

“Diesel prices increased by Rwf 700 due to rising prices on the international market. However, the announced price includes a government subsidy of 18.26%.This means that the diesel price we should have announced was Rwf 3,581 per litre, but as you have seen, the announced price is Rwf 2,927 per litre,” he said.

On June 5, 2026, RURA announced new fuel prices effective June 6, setting the maximum retail price of petrol at Rwf 2,938 per litre and diesel at Rwf 2,927 per litre.

Fuel prices have risen sharply since March 2026, reflecting increased volatility in global energy markets. Petrol prices have increased by nearly 47.7%, from Rwf 1,989 per litre in March to Rwf 2,938 in June, while diesel prices have risen by 50.3%, from Rwf 1,948 to Rwf 2,927 per litre over the same period.

The Prime Minister noted that diesel has experienced a steeper increase than petrol, particularly between April and June, when its price rose from Rwf 2,205 to Rwf 2,927 per litre. Petrol prices, meanwhile, have remained unchanged at Rwf 2,938 per litre since April 17.

Despite the upward pressure on fuel costs, Dr. Nsengiyumva stressed that the government remains committed to protecting citizens' livelihoods.

“The government will continue to do everything possible to ensure that increases in petroleum product prices do not significantly disrupt the welfare of citizens,” he said.

He added that authorities deliberately chose to maintain petrol prices at their current level after assessing the potential impact that further increases could have on the broader economy.

The Prime Minister also announced that the government will continue subsidizing public transportation to prevent fare increases and ensure affordable mobility for citizens.

He cited the example of a passenger travelling from Nyabugogo to Musanze, who would have paid Rwf 4,281 without government support. Instead, passengers will continue paying Rwf 3,821, with the government covering the difference of Rwf 460 per ticket.

According to Dr. Nsengiyumva, these interventions are part of broader efforts to protect households from the ripple effects of global economic shocks while sustaining economic activity.

Beyond fuel and transport, the Prime Minister said Rwanda will continue supporting the agricultural sector through subsidies on fertilizers, irrigation programs, and other strategic interventions.

He emphasized that the government is determined to ensure that agriculture, a critical pillar of the country's economy, remains resilient despite global economic challenges.

PM Dr. Nsengiyumva reiterated that Rwanda has mechanisms in place to respond to both current and unforeseen economic disruptions, expressing confidence in the country's ability to navigate external shocks while safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.