Rwanda Roundup: National Heroes Day, foreign investments, football
Rwandans honour national heroes
Rwandans observed National Heroes Day on February 1, 2024, to honour all fallen heroes who exhibited patriotism and bravery by fighting for the restoration of peace in the country during the Rwandan genocide. This year’s ceremony was held at the National Heroes Mausoleum located in Remera in the capital city of Rwanda, Kigali. The heroes categorised into Imanzi's and Ingenzi’s were laid to rest at the mausoleum. Prime Minister Eduoard Ngirente led officials to pay tribute to the fallen heroes according to local news outlet The New Times. Meanwhile, President Paul Kagame who is currently in the United States for the National Breakfast Gathering preached a message of reconciliation while underscoring the importance of peace to prevail.
UK commits to invest in Rwandan development
The United Kingdom has pledged to help create an environment for investment in Rwanda. This was highlighted by the British Ambassador for Trade in Rwanda, Dolar Popat during the meeting of the Business Forum between both countries. He indicated that establishing a place dedicated to industry in the country’s capital Kigali will also attract other investors. Minister of Finance and Planning of Rwanda Dr. Uzziel Nagijimana on his part expressed the country’s continuous support to investors towards the development of the country, Kigali Today reported.
Senate confirms government nominees
Officials appointed by parliament have been approved by the General Assembly of the Senate in Rwanda for the commencement of their respective duties, local media, RBA reported. These officials including the Ambassador of Rwanda to Zambia Emmanuel Bugingo and Rwandan Representative in Switzerland, and the UN Office in Geneva James Ngango will begin work after the approval of the Senate. The officials were part of persons assigned by the Cabinet meeting led by President Paul Kagame on January 25, 2024. They were approved after meeting the requirements set by the Senate.
President visits U.S.
President of the Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame joined over 4,000 citizens in Washington D.C. in the United States to mark the eleventh edition of Rwanda Day. The theme for this year’s Rwanda Day was “Rwanda: A Legacy of Inclusiveness within and beyond Our Borders,”. The First Gentleman and Lady Jeannette Kagame also joined some 3,000 guests including UN diplomats, US Congress members, and other diplomatic corps on February 2 for the National Prayer Breakfast. The programme is an annual event held in Washington D.C to assemble political, social and business leaders. Paul Kagame was the keynote speaker, according to The News Times.
Local football games
The Police Football Club (FC), an association football club based in Kigali scored professionals Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Football Club (APR FC) to win the Intwari Cup in the final match at the Kigali Pelé Stadium on February 1, 2024. Police FC beat APR FC by two goals to one (2-1) Peter Agbrevor and scoring two goals for the former. APR FC who began the game with a goal in the 12th minute with Nshimiyimana Yunusu but failed to redeem themselves by the 90th minute after their opponents equalized and scored an additional goal. AS Kigali won the cup in the women’s game by beating their opponents Rayon Sports 1-0, local media Kigali Today reported.
