The latest news from Rwanda, summarised in English from the local press: politics, business, society, culture and sport. 18 articles published.
Brother Musanganya Simweragi Christophe, former head of G.S Kabgayi B school, has been sentenced to three years and six months in prison for embezzling public funds and forgery. He must also pay 774,102 Rwandan francs and repay 1,032,000 francs to the state, according to Panorama.
Source: Panorama
A court in Muhanga, Rwanda, has ordered the pre-trial detention for 30 days of Habyarimana Daniel, the district education officer, and several school staff members. They face charges including disclosure of professional secrets, abuse of power and falsification of documents, according to Umuseke.
Source: Umuseke
Tito Rutaremara, president of the Rwanda Elders Advisory Forum, discussed five little-known aspects of Paul Kagame’s personality and leadership. In an interview with Taarifa Rwanda, he spoke in particular about Kagame’s ability to anticipate, his willingness to listen and his compassion.
Source: Taarifa
Two hundred and twenty primary and secondary schools in Kigali have begun teaching pupils the values of heroism, patriotism and cohesion. The campaign, launched on 15 October 2026, is also intended to prevent alcohol and drug use among young people, according to Rwaka Nicholas, head of research at CHENO.
Source: Imvahonshya
Anne-Marie Ibangarye, a former Rwanda women’s international footballer, has announced her retirement after more than 20 years as a professional. The Indahangarwa WFC player is becoming the team’s manager and hopes to train as a coach, after winning several trophies with Kigali WFC, according to Umuseke.
Source: Umuseke
Rwanda U17 beat Sudan 2-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the CECAFA zonal qualifiers for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Pacifique Bahati and Valentin Tuyizere scored the goals, ahead of a match against Somalia on Saturday, according to Ktpress.
Source: Ktpress
Soraya Hakuziyaremye, Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, joined other African central bank governors in calling for faster, cheaper and more secure cross-border payments. Discussions on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok focused on connecting existing systems and financial inclusion, Taarifa reports.
Source: Taarifa
Rwandan police seized prohibited alcoholic drinks from bars and a warehouse in Kigali’s Muhima and Rusororo sectors. Operations on 10, 11 and 14 October 2026 intercepted several hundred bottles and 192 cartons; suspects were arrested and others are being sought, Imvaho Nshya reports.
Source: Imvahonshya
A seven-year-old Rwandan child died after falling into a water-filled pit while watching over a rice field in Kamonyi. The incident happened in Rugarika sector and local authorities are urging families to do more to protect children, Rwandan media outlet Umuseke reports.
Source: Umuseke
Formula 1 has signed a 10-year agreement with Rwanda to organise an African Grand Prix in the early 2030s on a circuit to be built in Bugesera. The project, led with the Rwanda Development Board, must meet the highest standards of the International Automobile Federation, according to Formula 1.
Source: MyJoyOnline
The wildlife and conservation television series Wild Africa has launched on Rwanda TV with 13 episodes. Produced for African audiences, it showcases initiatives in Rwanda, Kenya, Nigeria and Namibia, according to Peter Knights, the series’ producer and chief executive of Wild Africa.
Source: Taarifa
Rwanda has ratified air services agreements with the United Kingdom and eight other countries, covering scheduled passenger and cargo flights. Approved by Parliament and then ratified by President Paul Kagame, the agreements formalise the framework for routes already operating between Kigali and London, according to Ktpress.
Source: Ktpress
The number of Rwandan adults using insurance rose from 1.2 million in 2020 to about 2.1 million in 2024, representing 27% of the adult population. Private insurers paid out 47.6 billion Rwandan francs in claims and increased their net profits by 14% in 2025, according to the FinScope survey and the National Bank of Rwanda.
Source: Rwanda Dispatch
Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised the commitment of Dafroza Mukarumongi Gauthier, a Rwanda-born campaigner who spent decades helping prosecute in France people suspected of involvement in the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. She died on 3 October aged 72 and was buried in Reims on 12 October, according to Rwanda Dispatch.
Source: Rwanda Dispatch
A fire at GOICO Plaza market in Musanze, Rwanda, destroyed goods valued at more than 30 billion Rwandan francs and severely damaged the building. Seventeen people were admitted to hospital, including two who were injured, before 15 were discharged, Umuseke reports, citing Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde.
Source: Umuseke
Rwanda presented its coffee in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah to boost exports and broaden its international markets. The country exports 60% of its coffee production; 604 tonnes generated $1.6 million over five days, according to Imvahonshya.
Source: Imvahonshya
The fire at GOICO Plaza, which housed Musanze market in Rwanda, destroyed goods valued at more than 30 billion Rwandan francs; the building is estimated at 17 billion. These preliminary figures, provided by the Northern Province governor to the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, remain under assessment, while the government promises to help traders resume their activities.
Source: Taarifa
The Rwandan government has reserved more than 600 commercial spaces for traders displaced after the Goico market fire in Musanze so they can resume their activities. Ministers Dominique Habimana and Antoine Kajangwe met the traders and authorities are continuing to look for premises, according to Ktpress.
Source: Ktpress
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