Weekly Review

Measles immunization kicks off The week started with a massive immunization drive against Polio and measles around the country in a bid to curb infant mortality. The campaign which was spearheaded by the Ministry of Health chose to concentrate on measles because it’s one of the deadly diseases affecting infants. According to the Ministry, efforts to combat measles have recently been successful. It was also revealed that many Rwandans living around areas neighboring DRC and Rusizi do not take their children for immunization, that this is their chance to be immunized. Gov’t moves to rescue locals from crocodiles Early this week, it was reported that the government is moving to establish ways of saving locals from being killed by crocodiles in the Akagera River. This comes after people were alarmed by circumstances surrounding the latest victim of a crocodile attack, a14 year old Stella Mutesi who the reptile killed while she was drawing water from the river. Among the measures being undertaken is addressing the water scarcity problem which has made locals resort to the crocodile infested river. Another measure is fencing the area surrounding the river. According to authorities, the issue is going to be addressed as a national problem. Rwanda’s economy to grow by 7 percent During the recently concluded World Bank and IMF meeting in Instabul, it was revealed that Rwanda’s economy is expected to grow by 7 percent as other economies. The secret as revealed by James Musoni, Rwanda’s Finance Minister, lies in higher government expenditures, a trend which he advised should be used by other African economies as a safeguard from exogenic economic shocks. Parliament puts minister to task over new electoral bill Parliament put to task the State Minister in the Ministry of Local Government, Christine Nyatanyi, to explain several loopholes existing in the proposed electoral bill, months before Rwanda goes to polls. The Minister responded that the law which has been in operation had been overtaken by events, and that a lot has changed since then, that this bill will make things much easier for both voters and candidates. Rains destroy 53 houses It was also reported that over 53 houses were destroyed and 257 hectares of crops destroyed in Rubavu district over last Sunday due to heavy rains which swept through the area. Residents continue to live in fear because forecasts say the rains are continuing. However, authorities are trying to liaise with humanitarian agencies to come up with precautionary measures and a rescue plan. Gov’t welcomes fugitive arrest Mid this week saw the arrest in Uganda of Ildephonse Nizeyimana, one of the most wanted Genocide suspects. Government welcomed the arrest by Ugandan security operatives. Nizeyimana who is commonly referred to as the “Queen killer” for killing Queen Rosalie Gicanda the wife of late King Mutara 3 was arrested by Uganda police in a hotel in Kampala and was immediately extradited to the ICTR headquarters in Arusha. RIAM bosses denied bail It was reported that the intermediate court of Nyarugenge denied bail to Mark Kabandana the former Director General of RIAM and his co accused Annet Mbabazi the former accountant, the group of four will remain in custody as investigations continue. Ombudsman gets more powers The ombudsman’s office was given more powers to investigate corruption and injustice cases in a new ministerial order which was published recently.The office’s roles in its new capacity will involve investigating all acts of corruption and push for prosecution. There will be a special 24 staff unit which will operate independently but within the confines of the law. EAC rejects ICTR proposal on trials It was also reported that the East African Community rejected the request by ICTR for trial of the remaining cases through the EAC’s court after ICTR closes its operations. The EAC Secretary General Juma Mwapachu said that the regional court is only capacitated to handle the regional bloc’s affairs. Ends