Johnson Kanamugire
Verified
(He/Him)
As seen in:
Rwanda Today,
The East African,
The Guardian,
ReliefWeb,
Daily Nation,
AllAfrica,
Daily Monitor,
The Citizen (Tanzania),
IPP Media,
Ex Bulletin,
Klimareporter,
TRT Afrika
Covers:
Public Interest Journalism - Rights&Social Justice
Journalist, &Publisher; of newspaper.africa *** AU MEDIA FELLOW 2022. Unapologetic nonconformist. Ex- @The_EastAfrican @KFM987
Articles by Johnson Kanamugire
"Abfall"-Exporte nach Afrika
Altkleider, Gebrauchtwagen, ausrangierte Batterien, Elektro- und Elektronikgeräte: In den vielen Tonnen an Gebrauchtwaren, die jedes Jahr hauptsächlich aus Europa nach Afrika verkauft werden, verbirgt sich eine Umweltbelastung, die für Millionen Menschen eine Gesundheitsgefahr darstellt. Es ist ein Milliarden-Dollar-Markt, doch der dabei anfallende Müll verschlimmert – zusammen mit Plastikabfällen – die Umweltverschmutzung.
Klimafinanzierung läuft an Menschen in Afrika vorbei
Ab diesem Jahr sollen die globalen Klimahilfen von jährlich 100 Milliarden US-Dollar bis 2035 auf 300 Milliarden steigen. Für die vom Klimawandel bedrohten Länder in Afrika und darüber hinaus ist dieser Beschluss des Klimagipfels im vergangenen November in Baku eine Enttäuschung. Doch das ist nicht das einzige Problem. Auch die Art, wie die Gelder ausgezahlt werden, steht in der Kritik.
Why data-hungry Facebook woos Africa with ‘goodies’ and what’s at stake
Facebook, world largest social media network owned by US-based Meta, turns 20 on February 4. If it were a landmass, it would be world's most populous nation boasting more than 3 billion inhabitants in total. Mark Zuckerberg, the man who founded the platform from a Harvard dormitory, would be the wealthy king at its helm, and not satisfied.
Experts weigh in on ways to make zero-waste economy work
Imagine living in a world without litter, and when there is [litter] it becomes a resource. Experts concur that such a life would be well within reach if people prioritised sustainable lifestyles — where nothing goes to waste. It’s this that paves the way for what’s popularly known as the circular economy, and the question many ask is: What does it take? For years, humanity promoted extract-transform-use-and-throw away lifestyle when it comes to management of earth resources.
African countries must expedite mutual recognition of academic certificates
It may have come as a shock to many when, after more than two years of the Covid-19 pandemic-induced closures of educational institutions, a wave of rejection of degrees and qualifications obtained via online and distance learning emerged in a number of African countries over quality concerns.
Gender inclusion in agribusiness can help Africa feed the world
CURRENT AFFAIRS Scientists believe that if harnessed, Africa resilience to the vagaries of climate change could solve the ongoing global food crisis, and could take an unimaginable toll on the world as we know it, if unaddressed. Africa continues to show resilience to climate change after decades of pollution and destruction from the Global North.
Gender inclusion in agribusiness can help Africa feed the world
CURRENT AFFAIRS Now, scientists believe, that if harnessed, Africa resilience to the vagaries of climate change could solve the ongoing global food crisis, and could take an unimaginable toll on the world as we know it, if unaddressed. Africa continues to show resilience to climate change after decades of pollution and destruction from the Global North.
Flying to Rwanda: Why airlines could be compelled to share your details
ON THE SPOT Rwanda will join a long list of countries that so far require travel operators to share passenger details such as names, nationality, itinerary, and other information held in their systems ahead of departure. In a bid to nab criminals and people of interest, like those on sanctions and travel bans or on national and Interpol wanted lists, Rwanda is moving to compel airlines to share passenger and crew details ahead of arrival.
Flying to Rwanda: Why airlines could be compelled to share your details
ON THE SPOT Rwanda will join a long list of countries that so far require travel operators to share passenger details such as names, nationality, itinerary, and other information held in their systems ahead of departure. In a bid to nab criminals and people of interest, like those on sanctions and travel bans or on national and Interpol wanted lists, Rwanda is moving to compel airlines to share passenger and crew details ahead of arrival.
Q&A: AU’s Musabayana on fixing media coverage of Africa climate issues
INTERVIEWS There have been grievances from a section of news consumers that journalists fail to communicate properly the climate discourse to the public, and many picked on the coverage of the Africa Climate Summit. Africa demands on climate issues as formulated in resolution of the inaugural Africa Climate Summit held early this month in Nairobi took centre stage in debates at ongoing UN General Assembly this week.
Q&A: AU’s Musabayana on fixing media coverage of Africa climate issues
INTERVIEWS There have been grievances from a section of news consumers that journalists fail to communicate properly climate policy discourses to the public. In fact, many criticised the coverage of the Africa Climate Summit.
KUBWIMANA to Govts: Ensure people's land tenure rights, they will fight climate change
INTERVIEWS Mr. Audace Kubwimana is of the view that land tenure security issues have not gained the attention they deserve and they should feature prominently in deliberations leading up to the UN climate negotiations this year.
Q&A: Grant people’s rights to their land, they will fight climate change
INTERVIEWS Mr. Kubwimana is of the view that land tenure security issues have not gained the attention they deserve and they should feature prominently in deliberations leading up to COP28 in November.
Why Africa must prioritise merging currencies for free trade
ECONOMY Traders’ efforts are weighed down by the fact that they have to use their valuable time and capital to purchase third currencies. The designation of 2023 as the year of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) implementation by the African Union has so far given impetus to raising awareness and exchange on issues that need most attention in the drive to accelerate inter-regional and intra-continental trade.
Why Africa must prioritise merging currencies for free trade
The designation of 2023 as the year of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA ) implementation by the African Union has so far given impetus to raising awareness and exchange on issues that need most attention in the drive to accelerate inter-regional and intra-continental.
Will historical emitters heed Africa call for debt-for-climate swaps?
AFRICA Africa holds solutions to climate change, and ignoring its demands will have implications on everyone and will see climate efforts by other parts of the world namely Europe and the United States negated. One of the key highlights of the recently-concluded Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi is the need to urgently address the debt-climate nexus as the former continues to exacerbate the toll of climate change in many countries on the continent.
Will historical emitters heed Africa call for debt-for-climate swaps?
AFRICA Africa holds solutions to climate change. Ignoring its demands will have implications on everyone and could negate climate efforts by other parts of the world namely Europe and the United States, experts say. One of the key highlights of the recently-concluded Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi is the call to urgently address the debt-climate nexus as the former has been singled out as exacerbating the toll of climate change in many countries on the continent.
Will historical emitters heed Africa call for debt-for-climate swaps?
One of the key highlights of the recently-concluded Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi is the call to urgently address the debt-climate nexus as the former has been singled out as exacerbating the toll of climate change in many countries on the continent.
KASEYA: Vaccinating your dog, cat could keep next pandemic at bay
The next pandemic is coming, and health experts say the prediction is based on multiple studies that singled out climate change as a likely trigger. With Africa being uniquely affected by the climate crisis, and relying heavily on imported drugs and vaccines, the prediction is a wakeup call to policy makers to devise ways to respond, according to officials at Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
KASEYA: Vaccinating your dog, cat could keep next pandemic at bay
INTERVIEWS Dr. Jean Kaseya, a citizen of the Democratic Republic of Congo was this year elected to head Africa CDC. He previously held several health dockets at continental and global level. “The next pandemic is coming,” health experts say, citing studies that singled out climate change as a likely trigger.
Leaders in fresh push for redesign of green projects financing
CURRENT AFFAIRS Funding access hurdles are acting as a stumbling block in Africa path to green transition and inclusive economic development of the continent that got to devise ways to plug growing energy, transport and IT infrastructure gaps, among others.
Is full legal protection for Africa climate migrants finally in sight?
AFRICA People lay hopes in ongoing negotiations by African leaders to adopt a legal instrument that seeks to, among other things, ensure the dignity, protection and rights of climate migrants in accordance with international and regional commitment and frameworks.
Africa: New platform seen bridging the disconnect between citizens and Govts
AFRICA Without a platform like CEP and other avenues for citizen participation, it would signal a bottleneck in the quest to achieve Africa's future, one that rest with its estimated 1.3 billion people projected to hit 2.5 billion by 2050, as envisioned in AU Agenda 2063.
In Africa, nature shields climate challenges - Our growth ignites global solutions
OPINION We must stop chasing the western world economic models. There must be an African economic development model that supports our economic aspirations but not at the expense of wildlife and wild lands. As our continent faces the unprecedented challenges of a changing climate, the moment's urgency cannot be overstated. From droughts to floods, our communities are on the frontlines of a crisis threatening our environment, economies, cultures, and way of life.
Fighting lies about vaccines and the harm they cause: Experts’ take
ON THE SPOT Who believed or still believes that the Covid-19 vaccines contain a microchip that can track and control people? Anyone still thinks that the vaccines will change their DNA? Does anyone believe there are people who die/died as a direct result of the Covid-19 vaccine? What’s the true motive behind claims that the Covid-19 vaccines contain cells from aborted foetus, or that they cause infertility? These and other claims once spread like fire, and many fell for them.
‘Extremely untrue’, Officials deny Africa climate summit agenda hijack claims
AFRICA Civil Society Organisations said the summit agenda was unduly influenced by McKinsey and Company, US-based consultancy firm seen as pushing agenda of Western powers and corporations it represents. Kenyan government has rubbished claims by a group of African civil society organizations alleging hijack of the upcoming Africa Climate Summit agenda by global think tanks pushing a pro-West agenda and interests.
Will curfew rules deter youth binge drinking in Rwanda?
OPINION Drug and alcohol abuse among Rwandan youth, like other social issues such as indecent dressing and rising teen pregnancy cases which lately preoccupied this society have, in my view, a lot to do with gaps in parenting and education system that is wanting in quality.
Niger crisis, like previous coups, threatens gains from trade under AfCFTA
The recent military coup in Niger has not only undermined democratic governance but also threaten to reverse intra-continental trade gains under African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) now in second year of implementation. On July 26, 2023, President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger was ousted by a military junta, sparking a political crisis that has been widely condemned by regional and international actors.
What to expect when Rwanda's data privacy rules take effect
Entities -- public, private, NGOs and others -- that deal with personal data have two months to adjust their data privacy policies and seek licenses as a new law comes into force to check breach cases and cyber crimes. All data controllers and processors in Rwanda are also required to store data in the country under the law enacted in October 2021, but whose enforcement was delayed by two years to allow concerned entities to prepare. The transitional period ends this year on October 15.
How Rwanda’s rural Districts missed out on surge in FDI
Rwanda’s rural Districts and secondary cities missed out on the surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) over the past six years, a new report reveals. Despite the nation generally recording substantial inflows of FDI that resulted projects and subsequent creation of work opportunities across sectors over the years, much of it benefit residents of richer regions of the capital Kigali and surrounding Districts.
Rwanda varsity shines in inaugural Africa rankings
University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Northern Burera District of Rwanda has emerged among top ten in the inaugural ranking of Universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The rankings by Times Higher Education, the renowned provider of data and insights to global higher education, is part of a project designed to offer world-first bespoke university ranking and performance analysis system developed specifically for Africa.
U-TURN: Govt to repeal parts of the controversial property tax law
The controversial provisions of the new property tax law that could see rates paid by homeowners and tenants rise steeply across Rwanda’s urban areas are to be repealed by Parliament, RwandaPost has learnt. The much-disputed immovable property tax hike in the 2018 law had not been brought into force as the treasury suspended its enforcement twice amid public uproar and concerns from low income property owners.
Rwanda's incoming digital IDs: What you need to know
The Rwandan government has signaled that existing plastic identity cards will no longer be in use in three years as authorities move to create and operationalize a National Single Digital Identity System (SDID) for all the persons domiciled in the country and citizens living abroad. The changes will have implications on modalities of delivering different services in the country, and use of other cards in physical forms such as driving licences and health insurance will be affected.
Narrative control: Who is telling the Sudan crisis story?
IN SUMMARY: Press freedom advocates say that there has been more foreign influence into the narrative of what’s happening in Sudan than is the case internally, and this further fuels the crisis and compromises the drive by Africans to tell own stories. With threats piling on journalists on ground, it becomes difficult to fact check and detect the motives behind narratives that have been created.
Rwanda’s $4.4 billion 2023/24 budget in a nutshell
IN SUMMARY: The country will hold both Presidential and Parliamentary polls in August next year, and government seeks to ensure adequate preparation, the treasury indicated in the budget explanatory note sent to Parliament. Rwanda proposes to boost spending to $4.4 billion (Rwf5 trillion) in the 2023/24 fiscal year from $4.3 billion (Rwf4.7 trillion) this year, RwandaPost has learnt.
Are youth shaping Africa's future?
IN SUMMARY: More than 60 per cent of Africa’s population is under the age of 25, and there is a total of over 450 million youth on the continent, a number that is expected to rise significantly to constitute 42 per cent of global youth by 2030. Do African youth have requisites to power the much-desired economic transformation?
INFLATION: Just how healthy are school meals?
IN SUMMARY: The reality on ground is that schools purchase what is relatively cheaper rather that what fit to make a balanced diet, and this is likely to remain the case in absence of additional meal budget, or support. Inflation – the rate of increase in prices -- is forcing academies to slim the menu and could have disrupted normal school meal program at your kid's school if managers did not reach out asking you to chip in financially.
Irrigation uptake seen closing gender inequalities in Rwanda
IN SUMMARY: Without support, acquisition and maintenance of irrigation equipment could not be afforded by majority of rural smallholder farmers, and especially women due to the cost constraints, as well as the fact that women were already marginalized due to limited empowerment in a wide range of aspects.
Odai on African diaspora and why migration shouldn’t be a do or die affair
IN SUMMARY: The African diaspora has been expanding thanks, in part, to prevailing problems of poor governance and corruption which induce poverty and high unemployment levels that fuel migration both within the continent and towards other continents. Many Africans equally end up abroad owing to factors such as political instability, environmental factors and conflicts, among others.
African youth demand Govts action on rising unemployment
IN SUMMARY: There are at least 11 million young people coming to the labor market every year in search of work, yet only 3 million jobs are created across the continent, leaving estimated 8 million without work, according to International Labour Organization (ILO). Initiative by the AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat seeks to create work opportunities for 300 million African youth by 2030.
Q&A: We still see conspiracy of silence when journalists come under attack
IN SUMMARY: Veteran Kenyan journalist Churchill Otieno who's been leading Eastern Africa Editors' Society (EAES) as President since its establishment in 2021 recently handed over to his successor, Uganda editors' guild Daniel Kalinaki. Elections by delegates from editorial associations in the region were held on the margin of the Second Africa Media Convention in Lusaka, Zambia a week ago.
Africa: Media fraternity key asks to Govts on freedoms
INSUMMARY: Media practitioners want UNESCO to lead efforts to create an African media fund to finance and enhance media sustainability and viability. They say the move is necessary to protect the media from political and economic pressures. The media fraternity in Africa has put forward a list of demands they want governments on the continent to attend to in a bid to address prevailing concerns over state of press freedom, and salvage media from financial crisis.
Weighing the future of Africa media: Experts' take
IN SUMMARY: A binding instrument adopted in November 2019 obliges States in Africa to promote a conducive economic environment in which all media can flourish, including through the adoption of policies for the provision of financial or other public support for the sustainability of all media. However, this remains aspirational in practice.
EA journalists brave threats to carry out their reporting
IN SUMMARY: At least four journalists were killed in the region since the year started while a dozen others are languishing in prisons across the region simply for doing their jobs The media fraternity has hailed journalists in the region for 'selfless' dedication to the profession in light of prevalent risks that range from physical harm, imprisonment, threats and death.
Rwanda floods: The not-so-visible hand of wealthy nations
IN SUMMARY: Inaction on climate injustices is fomenting the worst for vulnerable communities across parts Africa where the climate change effects increasingly worsened to levels mitigation or adaptation alone cannot prevent. The deadly floods that hit parts of Rwanda, DR Congo and Uganda over the past week exposed, yet again, the injustices resource poor nations on the African continent suffer amid inability to mitigate or adapt to the vagaries of raging global climate crisis.
Where is the money? Audit flags holes in Mgt of State projects
IN SUMMARRY: There has been accumulation of taxes not paid to the taxman estimated at Rwf550.6 billion and decentralized taxes filed not yet paid of Rwf2.5 billion. The sum include fines, penalties, and other levies on goods and services collected by entities of behalf of Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). This denies the treasury access to the much-needed cash flows for important development activities.
World street vendors to rally for protection at congress in Kigali
IN SUMMARY: The conference is happening at a time street vendors continue to decry various forms of discrimination and harassment in their work spaces, alongside criminalization, all threatening their livelihoods and survival.
No quick fix for Africa's pandemic, Ukraine war-induced food crisis
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis entered its second calendar year just weeks ago. It continues to foment hardship for consumers across countries on the African continent, as the efficiency of measures instituted by governments to curb the resultant effect on food supply faces a litmus test.
BACK TO SCHOOL: Changes coming to the meal program, study loans
Schools in Rwanda now have leeway to determine parents' contribution to the school feeding program under a new legislation published ahead of reopening of academies for the second term this Monday, January 9, 2023. Over 2.5 million learners at all levels of primary education were added to the school meal program last year when government expanded school feeding in drive to improve education quality, tackle dropout rates and malnutrition.
AfCFTA story good, but hard to sell without free movement
It's been interesting to see and hear African leaders lately speaking passionately about need for Africa to trade more with itself, and moving to make changes that will allow citizens on the continent to trade beyond the colonial borders, a development premised on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). This is the protocol that paved the way for the launch of the 1.2 billion people continental market on January 1, 2021.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Johnson
Contact Johnson, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack