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Articles by Robert Mbaraga
Rwanda in need of more doctors
IN SUMMARY Rwanda government remains under pressure to increase the number of medical doctors in the country to meet the desired international health staffing standards, despite recent increment in enrolment. This week the ministry of health deployed 94 junior medical officers who have been doing their internship since last year, and another 74 were commissioned to start their one-year professional internship.
Rwanda civil Society calls for sending of fewer offenders to
A symposium held in Kigali last week tasked the government with driving a review of laws and policies to reduce the number of people sent to prison. “There is a need for legislative reforms, to introduce probation in our laws and widen our diversion schemes as well as increase use of fines,” said Frank Mugisha, programme manager in the Legal Aid Forum, a civil society network of legal aid providers.
Bill to scrap judicial mediation centres now with President
Rwanda’s judiciary will have to go back to the drawing board should the president assent to the Bill that takes back power of mediation committees locally known as Abunzi. Parliament passed the bill last week and it might not take long to become a law given the speed and special treatment it was given. “You realise that a law is bad and hard to implement only when you have stared implementing it,” said Frank Mugabo, the director of Access to Justice Co-ordination Unit in the Ministry of Justice.
Law on maternity leave benefits awaits ministerial orders
Women on maternity leave will have to wait longer to enjoy the benefits of the new law that guarantees them payment of their full salary for three months. This law establishing and governing the maternity leave benefits scheme was officially published in April, but despite the provision of the new law that comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, employers both public and private are still applying the provisions of the old laws.
African spy chiefs in Kigali to debate security violations on
The African Union (AU) has described the arrest of the head of Rwanda’s National Intelligence and Security services Lt Gen Emmanuel Karenzi Karake by the UK as a ‘blatant’ violation of the principle of universal jurisdiction by a non-African country.
Nakumatt Rwanda woes deepen as court picks administrator
Nakumatt Rwanda woes deepen as court picks administrator Monday, April 23, 2018 12:08 By ROBERT MBARAGA Nakumatt Kagugu Supermarket in Kigali, Rwanda. PHOTO | FILE | NMG Nakumatt Rwanda has been put under provisional administration following several months of cash flow difficulties that threatened the supermarket’s loan repayment capacity.The Nyarugenge Commercial Court delivered its verdict on April 10, in an application filed by Nakumatt's board of directors.
Nakumatt Rwanda woes deepen as court picks administrator
The Nyarugenge Commercial Court delivered its verdict on April 10, in an application filed by Nakumatt board of directors. The court appointed Kayiranga Sebakara Gaspard as the provisional administrator. “The court orders the current management of Nakumatt Rwanda Ltd to hand over all company books to the provisional administrator, to provide him with all necessary information and assist him in implementation of this order,” reads the court decision order.
Low cement supply, rising demand sees prices go up in Rwanda
The narrowing supply of cement amid a backdrop of increased demand has resulted in a sharp rise in the price of the commodity in Rwanda, with manufacturers blaming the fluctuation on speculations by some players in the supply chain. A mini survey by Rwanda Today shows that a bag of Cimerwa and Hima cement, which was sold for between Rwf8,500 ($9.8) and Rwf8,700 ($10), is now being sold for Rwf11,000 ($12.7) - Rwf12,000 ($13.8).
Will Rwanda's investigation bureau be operational before
The Rwandan government is racing to meet the deadline for the transition of pre-trial judicial investigations activities from the Rwanda judicial Police to the newly established Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). The one-year transitional period to establish RIB is ending on April 7, and the Ministry of Justice, which will supervise the bureau, has vowed to meet the deadline.
Rwanda opposition group unhappy with political parties Bill
A recently tabled Bill on political parties and politicians has elicited mixed reactions, with the opposition terming provisions on funding for political parties as “not favourable for a vibrant democracy.” The proposed law leaves out reforms requested by the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, which the party believed would create a level playing field for all political parties.
Rwandan senators debate firms staying open during Kwibuka
Keeping businesses open during the commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi has divided opinion ahead of the 24th anniversary.
Rwanda's Judiciary pushes for mediation in commercial cases
Rwanda's Judiciary is pushing for more uptake of mediation in commercial cases in a bid to reduce the huge number of cases flooding the relatively young commercial courts. “We want to develop a well-functioning court-based mediation process that complements the existing litigation system,” said Chief Justice Sam Rugege, while launching a pilot mediation project in commercial courts. Increased uptake of mediation would reduce the burden on commercial courts, which are overwhelmed with law suits.
Petrol dealer asks court to fine Engen-Rwanda
A Rwandan petroleum dealer, Valens Kajeguhawa, has asked the Supreme Court to impose a fine and punitive damages to transnational oil firm Engen-Rwanda, for “delaying” a multibillion court case that is pending before the Supreme Court. The two parties were recently in court over the lease agreement of petroleum storing facilities in Karuruma, in Kigali. However, Engen-Rwanda requested the court to adjourn the case for three months, citing concerns over legal representation.
Rwanda MPs push for lowering of retirement age to 55
A section of Rwandan lawmakers has called on the government to lower the retirement age “to give a chance to unemployed Rwandan youth,” as the country plans to amend its labour law. MPs want the retirement age reduced to 55 from the current 65, terming the current settings “unfair to fresh graduates”. “Young people are graduating at 21 and their chances of securing jobs remain minimal,” said member of parliament Théobald Mporanyi.
Rwandan court seek more years for Rugigana
The Supreme Court of Rwanda has deferred to April the hearing of the appeal against Lt-Col Rugigana Rugemangabo, a brother of exiled general Kayumba Nyamwasa, convicted of threatening state security. The hearing of the case was due on March 12, but the court said the accused and his defence team had not yet made available their submissions detailing the grounds of the appeal and responding to the prosecution’s submissions.
Rwandan fast food start-ups to appeal brand verdict
Rwandan fast food start-ups Pizza Inn Ltd and Chicken Inn Ltd said they would appeal a verdict by Nyarugenge Commercial Court, which ordered them to stop trading using the two brand names. According to the court, the names “infringe on registered trademarks.” The court ruled that the two brand names belong to Mauritius-based fast food giant Innscor, which registered the trademarks in Rwanda in February 2014.
Rwanda skies now open for commercial drone flyers
The new regulations were approved in January and seek to govern the use of UAS to conduct complex commercial drones operations. “The new regulations allow drones to fly above the visual line of sight and the use of highly automated drones originally not included in the repealed regulations,” said Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the Minister of State in charge of Transport in the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA).
Hundreds of cases to delay over pending law on Rwanda courts
Hundreds of cases that are pending in the Rwanda's Supreme Court might stall even further owing to a delay in passing crucial Bills that contain judicial reforms, aimed at reducing a backlog of cases at the Supreme Court. “The delay in passing this laws means we can’t have the Court of Appeal in place as early as expected, and the issue of cases accumulating in the Supreme Court will not be addressed as anticipated,” said Severin Simugomwa, an advocate.
Rwanda's referral hospital losses appeal in negligence case
King Faisal hospital and its insurer Sonarwa have lost a long judicial battle against a patient who was awarded Rwf50 million ($58,500) in damages for medical negligence. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal by the hospital and the insurer, saying it did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter.
Rwanda Rights group’s new task: Prevent torture
Rwanda’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will now investigate and monitor cases of torture following a recent move by the government to extend the commission’s mandate. The lower chamber of parliament has approved the Bill on “modifying and complementing” the 2003 law, which determines missions, organisation and functioning of the National Commission for Human Rights. It gives the commission special powers to investigate torture.
Many generations on, the fight for royalty payments continues
His remarks came against the backdrop of a court case where some radio stations had been ordered to pay damages to legendary Rwandan singer, Cecile Kayirebwa, over the use of her music without her permission or paying her royalties. “It is good that today artistes can claim rights over their songs and can even take the matter to court. This was not possible back in the day,” Mwitenawe said.
Kinyarwanda under threat of extinction
The ongoing debate about Kinyarwanda being under threat of extinction has revived calls for the government to review current policies and adopt new measures aimed at preserving the country’s national language. Last week, the Rwandan Academy of Language and Culture (RALC) raised the alarm about Kinyarwanda being in danger of dying out should current generations continue favouring foreign languages over their mother tongue.
Mashirika versus Mashariki: Who can spot the difference?
The arts company says the NGO’s brand name imitates its own and is considering taking legal action should Mashariki refuse to change its name. Director and founder of Mashirika, Hope Azeda, said Mashariki’s name was causing confusion and is likely to taint the company’s image or cost them business. “In the past two years, we have received many calls from our partners seeking an explanation on the festival that is organised by Mashariki.
Africa: Recall of Lactalis Products in Rwanda and Burundi Starts
By Robert MbaragaRwandan government has begun recalling products by French food giant Lactalis days after it issued an order similar to that given by manufacturers. Pharmacie Arc en Ciel, the distributor for Lactalis dairy products in Rwanda and Burundi, confirmed the move. Niyonzima Leocadie, a manager at Pharmacie Arc en Ciel, the exclusive distributor for Lactalis Picot brand, said it had begun to get stock from Rwandan and Burundian retailers ahead of working out modalities for compensation.
Recall of Lactalis products in Rwanda and Burundi starts
Niyonzima Leocadie, a manager at Pharmacie Arc en Ciel, the exclusive distributor for Lactalis Picot brand, said it had begun to get stock from Rwandan and Burundian retailers ahead of working out modalities for compensation. The French giant first ordered a global recall of some of its products last December. Last week, the Rwandan Ministry of Health, also ordered Lactalis milk products, which have been linked to possible contamination with salmonella bacteria, off the shelves.
King Faisal Hospital appeals court ruling to pay out $58,000
King Faisal Hospital in Kigali has petitioned the Supreme Court to quash a court decision that ordered the hospital to pay Rwf50 million ($58,000) in damages for negligence that caused uterine rupture and the loss of a child for an expectant mother in 2015. The hospital is appealing a High Court ruling, confirming a decision by the Gasabo intermediate Court, which found that Kamatenesi Jovia, the victim, was given an overdose of Cytotec, a drug used to induce labour.
Patients face hard times as cost of medicine increases in Rwanda
A sharp increase in the price of medicine in Rwanda has added to the suffering of patients who are caught between medical underwriters — who have not revised catalogue price agreements — and pharmacists, who are now forcing medical insurance policy holders to top-up the price differential on certain prescribed medicines.
Rwandan court finds brother and sister guilty of terrorism
A Rwandan court has found two minors charged with terrorism guilty and sentenced them to more than ten years in prison while another two were acquitted. The special chamber for minors of Gasabo Intermediate Court returned a guilty verdict against a brother and sister, from western Rwanda, for terrorism -related charges. The boy got a 14-year sentence while the girl got 10 years in prison.
Rwanda farmers now given control of Irish potato trade
Rwanda's government has listened to farmers’ grievances and handed them control of management of the Irish potato supply chain. Farmers’ co-operatives will now be in charge of the day-to-day running of potato collection centres. The decision was reached after a series of crisis meetings between the ministries of Commerce, Agriculture and Local Government and farmers and other stakeholders.
Rwanda's top court to rule on legitimacy of High Court Chambers
Rwanda's Supreme Court is set to issue a landmark ruling on the competence of the detached chambers of the High Court to try international and trans-border crimes. A ruling that favours the petitioner would raise questions over the legitimacy of decisions made by courts that did not have jurisdiction over the cases.
Rwanda: People with disabilities ask to be insured for
Organisations for persons with disabilities have renewed calls to the government to extend the coverage of the community-based health insurance Mutuelle de sante to include prosthesis and other special medicines. The National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) raised their concern last week, during the celebrations of the international day of persons with disabilities, held in Kayonza district in eastern Rwanda.
Former Rwandan soldier appeals life sentence for murder
A demobilised Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) junior officer has appealed his life sentence for a murder he committed 15 years ago and in which his accomplices have already served their sentences. A military court sentenced former private Nzabahimana Edouard to life imprisonment in 2014 for his role in the 2002 murder of Mukamusoni Astherie — a neighbour he accused of killing members of his family. He is now pleading to have his sentence reduced due to mitigating circumstances.
African Rulers Oppose ICC but Won't Set Up Justice System for War Crimes
By Robert MbaragaThe prosecution of crimes under international law in Africa is in doubt as leaders maintain a hostile posture to the International Criminal Court, but remain non-committal to setting up an alternative judicial mechanism on the continent.
African rulers hesitant to set up justice system for war crimes
The prosecution of crimes under international law in Africa is in doubt as leaders maintain a hostile posture to the International Criminal Court, but remain non-committal to setting up an alternative judicial mechanism on the continent.
Africa rights groups push govts on SDGs
National human-rights institutions in Africa have agreed to push governments to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality and accelerate growth and sustainable development. Representatives from 44 African human-rights groups recently met in Kigali to define their role in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Country laws could hamper aid efforts
Global Humanitarian law experts have raised the alarm over national counterterrorism laws that could hamper the work of organisations providing relief in conflict situations. The remarks were made by Pretoria-based lawyer Sarah J. Swart, the regional legal adviser of the International Committee of the Red Cross, at a public lecture titled “International Humanitarian Law and Terrorism,” in Kigali.
Rwanda tightens law on human traffickers
A draft Bill before parliament proposes the heavy punishment for traffickers of more than one person, repeat offenders and those trafficking vulnerable people like children and pregnant women. “We want to send a strong message that human beings are not commodities, and that whoever thinks otherwise must pay heavily,” said Nadine Gatsinzi Umutoni, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion.
ILO rules in favour of Somali journalists’ trade union
The International Labour Organisation has ruled against Somalia in a case brought against it by trade unions in the country over infringement of freedom of association. The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association asked the federal government to institute “independent judicial inquiries” for serious violations of freedom of association and persecution of trade unions, identify those responsible, punish the guilty, and prevent repetition of such acts.
ILO rules in favour of Somali journalists’ trade union
The International Labour Organisation has ruled against Somalia in a case brought against it by trade unions in the country over infringement of freedom of association. The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association asked the federal government to institute “independent judicial inquiries” for serious violations of freedom of association and persecution of trade unions, identify those responsible, punish the guilty, and prevent repetition of such acts.
Kagame warns Paris over reopening of genocide probe
Several hundred people may have been in contact with people infected by the disease.
Rwanda: UN Rights Team, Rwanda Disagree Over Ingabire
By Robert MbaragaDisagreement over visiting and interviewing jailed opposition politician Victoire Ingabire is at the centre of the standoff between Rwanda and the UN torture prevention body, sources have told The EastAfrican. A delegation of the subcommittee against torture, wanted to meet the leader of the non-registered political organisation, FDU-Inkingi, and other incarcerated people and conduct private and confidential interviews, which did not go down well with the Rwandan authorities.
UN rights team, Rwanda disagree
Disagreement over visiting and interviewing jailed opposition politician Victoire Ingabire is at the centre of the standoff between Rwanda and the UN torture prevention body, sources have told The EastAfrican. A delegation of the subcommittee against torture, wanted to meet the leader of the non-registered political organisation, FDU-Inkingi, and other incarcerated people and conduct private and confidential interviews, which did not go down well with the Rwandan authorities.
Solitary confinement to go in new Rwanda law proposals
Rwanda is moving to drop solitary confinement from its penal code, in response to incessant calls from national and international human rights organisations. “We have received several recommendations especially from the UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review (UPR), to drop this sentence,” said Evode Uwizeyimana, the Minister of State in charge of Constitutional and Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Justice.
Rwanda bans raw milk exports as shortage bites
Rwandan government has banned the export of unprocessed milk, following reports of unregulated milk flows from Rwanda to the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the problems between producers and processors escalate. “No raw milk should be exported any more, and all milk for export should be from recognised dairies,” the directive read.
Africa must boost arbitration centres
The arbitration experts were meeting in Kigali for the East Africa International Arbitration Conference, whose theme was Linkages between International Arbitration and Africa’s Economy. The conference was held on September 28 and 29. “More than 95 per cent of all African cases are taken to arbitration centers outside the continent, and this is money getting out of local economies,” said Thierry Ngoga Gakuba, one the participants.
Rwandan Courts new sentencing guidelines
The guidelines set a starting point for sentencing by calculating the average between the minimum and the maximum punishment as stipulated in the penal code. Currently, some judges go beyond the maximum sentence if there are aggravating factors and below the minimum sentence if there are mitigating factors. Should the guidelines be approved, no judge will be allowed to go below the minimum sentence provided for in the penal code.
Rwanda: Green Party Seeks Poll Reforms
By Robert MbaragaRwanda Democratic Green Party (DGPR), the country's main opposition party, plans to challenge sections of the electoral law that restrict political parties from accepting foreign donations, ahead of the September 2018 parliamentary elections. Party leader Frank Habineza said his party is working on a document that details shortcomings caused by electoral legal norms.
Rwandan Green Party seeks poll reforms
Rwanda Democratic Green Party (DGPR), the country’s main opposition party, plans to challenge sections of the electoral law that restrict political parties from accepting foreign donations, ahead of the September 2018 parliamentary elections. Party leader Frank Habineza said his party is working on a document that details shortcomings caused by electoral legal norms.
Rwanda bids for World Heritage status for memorial sites
Rwanda will this month file a formal request with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for the recognition of four memorial sites — dedicated to remembering the Genocide against the Tutsi — as world heritage sites.
BPR plans new products, better client service
The new managing director of Banque Populaire du Rwanda — Part of Atlas Mara — Maurice Toroitich, has vowed to focus on customer satisfaction as a strategy to take advantage of the bank’s countrywide network. Mr Toroitich, who was the managing director of KCB Rwanda, said that under his tenure, Banque Populaire du Rwanda (BPR) will use its countrywide network to enter new market segments.
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