News as at
August 3, 2026, 8:08 pm
50 in Custody Over Illicit Alcohol Production, Distribution
- [New Times] At least 50 people have been arrested over the production and distribution of illicit alcohol as the government intensifies a nationwide crackdown on illegal manufacturers linked to dangerous alcoholic beverages.
Asbestos Phaseout Set for Completion in 2027
- [New Times] The removal of asbestos roofing from public and private buildings is expected to be completed by the end of the 2026/27 fiscal year, with officials saying the nationwide exercise is now in its final phase despite delays caused by funding constraints and public sensitisation challenges.
Rwanda Signed the AU Convention but Prevention Must Begin Before Abuse Becomes Normal
- [New Times] Rwanda's signing of the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls - becoming the ninth AU member state to join the landmark treaty - is an important national and continental commitment.
Fitnesspoint Brings Protein Boost to Gym-Goers With Fresh Eggs Kigali Deal
- [New Times] Gym-goers at Fitnesspoint will have access to fresh, protein-rich eggs at discounted prices following a new partnership with Fresh Eggs Kigali Ltd, as the fitness centre strengthens its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle through better nutrition alongside exercise.
Five Things to Know About Upcoming Rwanda Institute of Computing
- [New Times] Rwanda is set to strengthen its digital transformation agenda with the launch of the Rwanda Institute of Computing (RIC), the country's first specialized institute dedicated to university training in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
Niyonkuru Reaps Medals After 'Years of Patience'
- [New Times] Patience is one of the greatest lessons sport teaches. For many athletes, success comes only after years of sacrifice, setbacks and unwavering belief. Few embody that journey better than Rwanda's Florence Niyonkuru.
Tenge Tenge Created Content to Fund His Education - Then Fame Found Him
- [New Times] Ugandan teen content creator Tenge Tenge has opened up about his remarkable journey from a boy who could not afford to attend school to becoming one of Africa's most recognised internet personalities.
Parliament Flags Seven Gaps in Labour Mobility Policy
- [New Times] The Chamber of Deputies has directed the Ministry of Public Service and Labour (MIFOTRA) to present, within three months, a roadmap for fully implementing Rwanda's National Labour Mobility Policy.
How Life Abroad Deepened One Man's Bond With Rwanda
- [New Times] When John Kalisa was recently recognised with a Lifetime Community Service Award in Massachusetts, the honour reflected years of work bringing together Rwandans living in the US state.
Over 95% of Youth in Rehab Centres Linked to Alcohol Abuse - Minister
- [New Times] More than 95 per cent of young people admitted to rehabilitation centres in Rwanda are battling addiction to illicit alcohol and drugs, Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana has said.
Rwanda Closes Eight Alcohol Factories, Orders Nationwide Recall of 38 Liquor Brands
- [Nile Post] The Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority (Rwanda FDA) has ordered the immediate closure of eight alcoholic beverage manufacturing facilities, revoked all their manufacturing licences and directed a nationwide recall of their products over public health concerns.
Global HIV Funding Falls 25%, Hitting Lowest Level Since 2007
- [New Times] Global donor government funding for HIV programmes in low- and middle-income countries fell by 25 per cent in 2025, reaching its lowest level in nearly two decades, according to a new report.
Kagame, U.S. Congressional Delegation Discuss Energy, Health Cooperation
- [New Times] President Paul Kagame on Thursday, July 30, received a bipartisan United States Congressional delegation led by Representative Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
RPF Investigators Preserved Evidence of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi
- [New Times] Following the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the RPF conducted extensive investigations, partnering with international bodies and the USC Shoah Foundation to preserve millions of survivor testimonies. The USC Shoah Foundation, formerly known as the Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, is a non-profit organization dedicated to recording and preserving audiovisual interviews with survivors and witnesses of the Holocaust, known in Hebrew as the Shoah.
Inside Plan to Buy Solar Power From Households
- [New Times] The government is exploring a system that would allow households, businesses and institutions generating electricity from rooftop solar panels to sell surplus power to the national grid, as the country seeks to expand electricity generation to meet rising demand.
Senator Donatille Mukabalisa Passes On
- [New Times] Senator and former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies Donatille Mukabalisa passed away due to an illness, Senate President François-Xavier Kalinda said on Thursday, July 30.
Who Was Senator Donatille Mukabalisa?
- [New Times] Donatille Mukabalisa, a Senator and former Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies who also served as leader of the Liberal Party (PL), has died on Thursday, July 30, due to an illness. She was 66.
Obadiah Noel - Former APR Star Joins Patriots Ahead of Rbl Playoffs
- [New Times] American guard Obadiah Noel has joined Patriots ahead of the Rwanda Basketball League playoffs, which are scheduled to run from August 5 to 28.
Bank of Kigali Launches Wellness Festival to Promote Healthier Workplace
- [New Times] Bank of Kigali (BK) has launched the inaugural BK Wellness Festival 2026, a four-day initiative bringing together health experts, nutritionists, fitness professionals and wellness partners in a move aimed at promoting employee well-being while encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Experts On Why Fires Increase in Dry Weather
- [New Times] Fire outbreaks become more common during the dry season because dry conditions make it easier for sparks to ignite combustible materials, according to fire risk management experts.
When Will Kinshasa Realize the Gods Must Be Crazy?
- [New Times] In 1980, director Jamie Uys made cinematic history with the satirical comedy The gods must be crazy. The story begins with an act so ordinary that it appears insignificant. Flying over the Kalahari Desert, a pilot casually tosses an empty Coca-Cola bottle from his aircraft. For the San people who discover it, the smooth, transparent, unbreakable object can only be a gift from the gods.
$2.5m Scholarship Fund Targets Needy University Students
- [New Times] Education officials have called for more scholarship opportunities to help financially disadvantaged students access university, welcoming the launch of a new scholarship fund worth more than $2.5 million.
Research, Innovation Key to Africa's Seed Market Ambitions
- [New Times] Africa can significantly increase its share of the estimated $85 billion global seed market by investing in agricultural research, strengthening seed systems, embracing innovation and creating a predictable business environment that attracts private investment, experts have said.
Academic Calendar - Schools to Reopen On September 7
- [New Times] The National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) has released the official academic calendar for the 2026/27 school year, with the first term set to begin on September 7.
'Be Problem Solvers, Not Complainers,' Kagame Tells Youth
- [New Times] President Paul Kagame has urged Rwandan youth to become problem solvers rather than complainers, encouraging them to take initiative, work together and pursue solutions instead of waiting for others to fix problems for them.
Rwanda Signs AU Convention On Ending Violence Against Women, Girls
- [New Times] Rwanda has signed the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, becoming the ninth African Union (AU) member state to join the landmark treaty.
Your Pension Doubled and That Smaller Pay Slip Is Good News
- [New Times] If you are formally employed, you may have noticed a little less landing in your account each month. Since January 2025, the mandatory pension contribution rose from 6 percent to 12 percent of your salary, split evenly between you and your employer. Your share went from 3 percent to 6 percent.
How Bat Conservation Protects People and Nature
- [New Times] For many people, the sight of bats hanging from trees sparks fear. Wildlife experts say that fear is often based on misconceptions.
In the Digital Age, Our Devices Carry Both Evidence and Livelihoods
- [New Times] Over the past 32 years, Rwanda has built institutions centred on its people. Courts have become more accessible, banking services have reached communities, and government services have gone digital. Today, however, these achievements are intersecting with a new reality: the smartphone.
Over 2,000 Young Athletes Join National Talent Dev't Camp
- [New Times] More than 2,000 athletes aged under 17 have joined a Sports Development Training Camp being held at provincial level from July 28 to August 10.
