get hands on regional opportunities. move freely 24hrs / 7days · 4. decorum shall be observed...

buses line up for entry at rwanda’s Gatuna border post

A MINEAC QUARTERLY MAGAZINE VOL 1 ISSUE 2 JULY 2012

not to be sold

Move Freely 24hrs / 7days

A PUBLICATION OF THE MINISTRY OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY: ISSUE 8

Get hands on regional opportunities.

MINAFFET Building 4th Floor | P.O. Box 267 Kigali-Rwanda | HOTLINE: 2525 | @MINEACRwanda | The Ministry of East African Community

Email: [email protected] | Website: www.mineac.gov.rw

Expanded Market of over 138 million East Africans

The 15Th Ordinary heads Of sTaTe summiT Of The eaC apprOves The

mOneTary uniOn prOTOCOl

Lead the widening and deepening of the EAC Integration process in order to promote development goals of Rwanda and the region.

Mission

Vision

THE MINISTRY OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

MINEACP.O.Box 267 Kigali-RwandaMINAFFET Buidling 4th [email protected]

A prosperous competitive, secure and politically united East Africa.

February 2014

3IntegratIon affaIrs

The Ministry of East African Community, Rwanda

36 Tusker Project Fame contest unites East Africans in consolidating regional show biz industry

38 Rwanda seeks to cultivate talent in order to benefit from EAC integration

PUBLISHED & PRINTED BY

Great Lakes Communications and Media Center (GLCMC) on behalf of the Ministry of East African Community (MINEAC)

Design, Art and Layout: Ojok Ivan Willy / Kamanu Mike Photography: Rocks James

www.glcmc.com, [email protected]

CONTENTS

5 Foreword

6 Ministry of East African Community management team

ISSUE 8, FEBRUARY ‘14intEGrAtion AffAirs

EDITORIAL TEAM

• Safari Innocent• Flavia Salafina• Florence Batoni

music & integration

milestones

local news

sportsregional news

• Jean Pierre Niyitegeka• Pascal Ngendahimana• Nathan Gashayija

31 EAC partners adopt seamless pay system

32 Finnish gov’t grants 3 million Euros to EAC

33 Kenya commits to regional integration as it marks 50 years of Independence

34 Over 54,000 East Africans use ID’s to travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda since January 1, 2014

35 Africa will succeed when we understand what has held us back

8 Ministry of East African Community Milestones 2013

13 MINEAC Conducts 4th EAC week 2013

14 3rd Policy Debate organized on tapping EAC integration benefits

16 SMS feedback launched at Gatuna Border post

17 The 15th Ordinary Heads of State Summit of the EAC approves the Monetary Union Protocol (EAMU)

19 Post-Summit Awareness on Monetary Union Protocol

21 MINEAC delivered awards to five Rwandan Institutions accredited as EAC Centers of Excellence

24 Rwandan Returnees from Tanzania resettled

25 Rwanda launches national umbrella for service professionals

26 The Role of EAC Civil Society in EAC Integration Process: A perspective of Rwanda’s Civil Society Platform

27 EACSOF Influences Policies through Research and Advocacy

28 Local freight logistics industry laud early benefits of Single Customs Territory

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35

41 Region’s outdated railways have betrayed our economic aspirations

43 Amavubi unable to sail past semi finals of CECAFA regional soccer tournament

44 How EAC flourished at the cycling continental contest Tour of Rwanda

46 Rwanda edges out Kenya in a tough battle out for supremacy in volleyball

4

Who shall sing or play the Anthem

1. East Africans citizens shall sing or play the Anthem on occasions of regional signifi cance.

2. The instrumental version of the Anthem may be played or the Vocal version may be sung.

3. Every person playing or singing the Anthem shall ensure that the tune and lyrics of the Anthem are complete and performed with dignity.

4. Decorum shall be observed whenever the Anthem is played or sung and every person present at the occasion shall stand up as a sign of respect.

Occasions when the Anthem should be played or sang The Anthem shall be played or sung on the following occasions:

a. All EAC Summit meetings;

b. All EAC Council meetings;

c. Commemoration of EAC days;

d. When a Head of State addresses EALA;

e. Opening of EALA Sessions

f. Opening of the EACJ Law Year;

g. All regional events such as Conferences, Sports and Cultural Events, Exhibitions.

h. All national occasions in Partner States as each Partner State may determine.

Application of the Anthem1. At all EAC Summit meetings and EAC Commemoration days, the 3 stanzas

of the Anthem shall be played or sung;

2. At any occasion of the Community where a Head of State is present 2 stanzas of the Anthem shall be played or sung;

3. At any other occasion 1 stanza of the Anthem shall be played or sung.

GUIDELINES ON EAC ANTHEM USE

1. Ee Mungu twaomba ulindeJumuiya Afrika MasharikiTuwezeshe kuishi kwa amaniTutimize na malengo yetu.

ChorusJumuiya Yetu sote tuilindeTuwajibike tuimarikeUmoja wetu ni nguzo yetuIdumu Jumuiya yetu.

2. Uzalendo pia mshikamanoViwe msingi wa Umoja wetuNatulinde Uhuru na AmaniMila zetu na desturi zetu.

3. Viwandani na hata mashambaniTufanye kazi sote kwa makiniTujitoe kwa hali na maliTuijenge Jumuiya bora.

east afriCan antHeM

4

Who shall sing or play the Anthem

1. East Africans citizens shall sing or play the Anthem on occasions of regional signifi cance.

2. The instrumental version of the Anthem may be played or the Vocal version may be sung.

3. Every person playing or singing the Anthem shall ensure that the tune and lyrics of the Anthem are complete and performed with dignity.

4. Decorum shall be observed whenever the Anthem is played or sung and every person present at the occasion shall stand up as a sign of respect.

Occasions when the Anthem should be played or sang The Anthem shall be played or sung on the following occasions:

a. All EAC Summit meetings;

b. All EAC Council meetings;

c. Commemoration of EAC days;

d. When a Head of State addresses EALA;

e. Opening of EALA Sessions

f. Opening of the EACJ Law Year;

g. All regional events such as Conferences, Sports and Cultural Events, Exhibitions.

h. All national occasions in Partner States as each Partner State may determine.

Application of the Anthem1. At all EAC Summit meetings and EAC Commemoration days, the 3 stanzas

of the Anthem shall be played or sung;

2. At any occasion of the Community where a Head of State is present 2 stanzas of the Anthem shall be played or sung;

3. At any other occasion 1 stanza of the Anthem shall be played or sung.

GUIDELINES ON EAC ANTHEM USE

1. Ee Mungu twaomba ulindeJumuiya Afrika MasharikiTuwezeshe kuishi kwa amaniTutimize na malengo yetu.

ChorusJumuiya Yetu sote tuilindeTuwajibike tuimarikeUmoja wetu ni nguzo yetuIdumu Jumuiya yetu.

2. Uzalendo pia mshikamanoViwe msingi wa Umoja wetuNatulinde Uhuru na AmaniMila zetu na desturi zetu.

3. Viwandani na hata mashambaniTufanye kazi sote kwa makiniTujitoe kwa hali na maliTuijenge Jumuiya bora.

east afriCan antHeM

Hotline: 2525

February 2014



Hon. Jacqueline MuHongayire, Minister of east african Community

Foreword

Our dear readers, a warm welcome to the 8th Edition of our magazine, “integration affairs” This issue offers you a recap of the major achievements of the Ministry for the year 2013 and some successes at EAC level.

In this issue we keep you updated on the key decisions of the 15th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held in Kampala- Uganda on 30th November 2013. One of the key decisions is the recent signed protocol of EAC Monetary Union which aims to promote and maintain monetary and financial stability to facilitate economic integration, attain sustainable growth and development of the community.

We also celebrate the progress made along the northern corridor’s integration projects: the use of ID card as travel document, the single tourist Visa and the single customs territory operational from 1st January 2014.

The edition also highlights some of the key recent achievements of the Ministry such as the 4th EAC Week, the launch of the national platform for professional bodies, SMS Feedback mechanism launched to report on NTBs encountered by transporters and other EAC citizens across Partner States.

As MINEAC stakeholders, we also update you on the role of Rwandan

Civil Society Platform in awareness raising and advocacy program on EAC Integration.

We remain hopeful that through our Team Work, Professionalism and collaboration with our Stakeholders, we shall continuously contribute to the realization of growth and sustainable development. At the same time we shall do our best to leverage sensitization and awareness programmes to ensure that the ordinary people, the business community, civil society and other stakeholders appreciate the opportunities and benefits of integration.

Enjoy reading the magazine as we look up to the new year with higher expectations.

6 IntegratIon affaIrs

February 2014

The Ministry of East African Community, RwandaMINEAC

Management team

Mr. Pascal ngendaHiManaadvisor to tHe Minister

MINIstry oF EAst AFrICAN CoMMuNIty management team

Mr. innocent saFariPerManent seCretary

Hon. Jacqueline MuHongayireMinister

Ms. Harriet gaKWayadireCtor oF FinanCe & adMinistration

Mr. nathan gasHayiJa direCtor oF eConoMiC,

inFrastruCture & ProduCtive unit

Mr. Jean Pierre niyitegeKadireCtor oF soCial, PolitiCal

and legal aFFairs

Ms. Flavia salaFinadireCtor oF inForMation, eduCation

& CoMMuniCation unit

Mr. aime uWasedireCtor oF strategiC Planning &

PoliCy researCH unit

Non-Tariff Barrierswww.mineac.gov.rw

Are you having problems clearing goods across EAC borders?

tell your problem to the right institution

• MINEAC• RRA• PSF• NATIONALPOLICE• IMMIGRATION• MINICOM• RBSetc

eg: Message (rrA i’m being charged extra taxes at Gatuna border, any recent raise from your institution?)

2525 (Local Messages)

0789 252 525 (Across rwandan borders)


February 2014


The year 2013 was an eventful for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs (MINEAC). The annual report of the Ministry for 2013 highlights some of the key milestones;

Milestones

Ministry of East African Community

Milestones

ACHEIVEMENTS

2013

RevIew oF StRateGIc PlaN 2010-2015

PRoGReSS towaRdS elImINatIoN oF NtBS.

IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMON MARKET PROTOCOL

FRee movemeNt oF GoodS

FREE MOvEMENT OF PeRSoNS aNd laBouR

oNe StoP BoRdeR PoStS

IdeNtIFIcatIoN caRdS

FINalISatIoN oF the eac vehIcle load coNtRol BILL

SIGNING oF the eac moNetaRy uNIoN PRotocol

the eaSt aFRIcaN commuNIty SINGle cuStomS TERRITORy

eac INteGRatIoN PRoJectS

awaReNeSS & outReach camPaIGNS

SeNSItIzatIoN SeSSIoNS

mINeac FoRmed 60 INteGRatIoN cluBS IN SecoNdaRy SchoolS

PaRtIcIPatIoN IN exhIBItIoNS

SummaRy oF

February 2014



1

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3

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Review of stRategic plan 2010-2015

The Ministry reviewed its 2010-2015 strategic plan to align it with the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS II).

signing of the eac MonetaRy Union pRotocol

The Ministry in collaboration with other ministries in Partner States successfully negotiated East African Monetary Union Protocol, which was signed by heads of states on November 30, 2013. The roadmap of establishing Monetary Union include the establishment of a fully-fledged Customs Union and Common Market, harmonization / approximation of related policies and laws to enable the attainment of macroeconomic convergence criteria.

Macroeconomic convergence criteria focuses on headline Inflation rate of not more than 8 per cent, budget deficit including grants of no more than 3 per cent of GDP, national debt of not more than 50 per cent of GDP, and foreign currency reserves to cover a period of four and a half months.

the east afRican coMMUnity single cUstoMs teRRitoRy

The Ministry participated in the roadmap development for the Single Customs Territory (SCT). Goods transiting through the territory of one Partner State to another shall be inspected and taxes collected at the first point of entry to the EAC, and taxes collected will be remitted to the final destination after verification of whether goods crossed the border into the destination territory. Free movement of goods, management of revenue, and the legal and administrative framework characterizes SCT. Single Customs Territory reduced the time frame of moving from Mombasa to Kigali from 22-8 days.

eac integRation pRojects

MINEAC in collaboration with Ministry of Local government, National Identity Card project, Migrations and Emigration directorate, Rwanda Development Board and related institutions in the Republics of Kenya and Uganda expedited the operationalization of Single Customs Territory along the northern corridor, use of ID cards as travel documents and single tourist visa (STV).


February 2014

The Ministry of East African Community, RwandaMilestones

5

6

7

awaReness & oUtReach caMpaigns

The Ministry’s Communication Strategy, funded by Trade Mark East Africa seeks to ensure that the potential opportunities created by Rwanda’s integration into the regional EAC market are known, understood, and maximized by all potential stakeholders. In implementing the communications strategy, MINEAC conducted 24 TV and radio programs. Radio and TV live talk shows were held on different issues such as elimination of NTBs, mainstreaming regional integration into national development plans, the first edition on EAC arts and culture festival 2013 (JAMAFEST), and the freedoms in Common Markets Protocol . The Ministry also enhanced it’s social media accounts to raise awareness on EAC Integration.

sensitization sessions

The Ministry organized different sensitization sessions on EAC integration and these included; representatives of PSF committees, coordinators of the National Youth Council, representatives of the Youth cooperatives from Districts, cordinators of National Women’s Council, representatives of women cooperatives from all districts, chamber of women entrepreneurs and chamber of Tourism.

The Ministry conducted outreach visits to Nemba and Gatuna in a bid to monitor the status of implementation of the EAC Customs Union and Common Market Protocols. A joint sensitisation session between Rwanda and Uganda was held at Gatuna border to raise awareness on EAC Integration among border communities.

Mineac foRMed 60 integRation clUbs in secondaRy schools

The Ministry established EAC Integration Clubs in sixty secondary schools of excellence across Rwanda. The aim of this project is to raise awareness of the EAC integration among secondary school children to promote a culture of learning through debates. After formation, Debates were conducted at district, provincial, and national levels and successful schools and students were awarded at national level with laptops, TV flat screens and monetary awards.

February 2014



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paRticipation in exhibition

As forums of creating awareness, the Ministry participated in the 16th international trade fair to promote awareness on EAC. The research carried at the exhibition showed that majority of the people were interested in understanding the benefits and opportunities in EAC. Youth speciffically were interested in knowing the educational opportunities available in EAC.Youth recommended use of social media as one of the easiest channels of communication that the ministry should employ to reach them.

pRogRess towaRds eliMination of ntbs.

Forty six NTBs were removed from the EAC, 100 percent identified in Rwanda were removed and 40 percent identified in Uganda were removed. The eliminated NTBs included diversification and classification of goods, harmonised procedures manual, delays in issuing bonds at the Kenya/Uganda border, ban of imports of fresh fruits from Burundi to Rwanda, and the lack of interface within the customs system in the Revenue Authorities in Partner States.

iMpleMentation of coMMon MaRket pRotocol

As of May 2013, implementation matrix showed that Rwanda had implemented 31 percent (48 out of 159) of the commitments made under the Common Market Protocol. 62 percent (96) of commitments are in the process of being implemented, and less than 1 percent (9) commitments are still pending.

fRee MoveMent of goods

Most commitments under free movement of goods have been fully implemented. Tariffs on internally produced goods were eliminated, there is full compliance with the EAC Customs Law and Rules of Origin, and the Common External Tariff (CET) was implemented across the board. Operationalization of the EAC Competition Act is in progress and Rwanda complies with the EAC Competition Act, competition and consumer protection act was also passed by parliament.

IntegratIon affaIrs

February 2014

The Ministry of East African Community, RwandaMilestones

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15

13

fRee MoveMent of peRsons and laboUR

Substantial progress has been made in the implementation of protocol commitments under the free movement of persons and labour. Citizens of Partner States move to Rwanda without restrictions and are automatically granted up to six months stay and freedom to seek employment.

one stop boRdeR posts

The new immigration law (No 19/2011 Article 33) provides for twenty-four hour border operations, and Rwanda operates two border posts for twenty-four hours (Gatuna and Kigali International Airport). Two Stop Border Posts (OSBPs) are being established at Gatuna and Nemba. OSBP at Gatuna is in progress while the one at Nemba is fully operational.

identification caRds

Rwanda issued common national identification documents to all citizens above the age of 18 and use of ID cards as travel documents started on January 1, 2014 under the Uganda Rwanda and Kenya trilateral initiatives.

finalisation of the eac vehicle load contRol bill

The Ministry in collaboration with other EAC Ministries finalised preparation of the EAC Vehicle Load Control Bill that will harmonise the axle loads of vehicles passing on regional roads protect roads and remove NTBs. The bill will also lead to a reduction in the cost of doing business in the region.

Get hands on regional opportunities.

MINAFFETBuilding4thFloor|P.O.Box267Kigali-Rwanda|HOTLINE:2525|@MINEACRwanda|TheMinistryofEastAfricanCommunityEmail:[email protected]|Website:www.mineac.gov.rw

Expanded Market of over 135 million East Africans

February 2014



The Ministry of East African Community organized the 4th EAC Week under the theme “Fast Tracking EAC Integration” from November 11-16, 2013 to inform stakeholders on the progress of EAC integration and respond to their questions and concerns.

The Ministry employs EAC Week as a forum for debate and live platform to interact with its stakeholders and provide immediate feedback. Annual EAC Week campaigns have increased knowledge and understanding of Rwandans on progress of the implementation of Customs Union and common Market protocols.

eac week activities in a snap shot

Media BreakfastA media breakfast was organized to officially launch the 4th EAC

MINEAC CoNduCts 4th EAC wEEk 2013

By Florence Batoni

Local News

Hon. Minister Jacqueline Muhongayire (right) and Ps safari innocent, (left) addressing media

EAC WEEK IS A FORUM FOR AWARENESS RAISING ON EAC INTEGRATION AMONG RWANDANS, BUT ALSO A PLATFORM TO PROVIDE IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK ON EAC ISSUES THROUGH LIVE AND FACE TO FACE PROGRAMS

Week and update journalists on the objective of EAC week and planned activities of the week on November 11, 2013 at MINEAC Offices. In her official opening remarks Hon. Minister Jacqueline Muhongayire informed the journalists that EAC Week is a forum for awareness raising on EAC Integration among Rwandans, but also a platform to provide immediate feedback on EAC issues through live and face to face programs.

Radio and TV Live show programsThree radio and 2 live shows were organized at Radio Rwanda, Kigali FM and Isango Star and RTV to interact with audience and provide feedback. Through live programs the Ministry learns the public’s concerns and questions on EAC Integration, which informs the Communication Strategy.

BENEFIT FROM AWIdERMARKET


February 2014


3rd PoLICy dEbAtE orgANIzEd

on tapping EAC integration benefitsEAC Citizens if it is people centered and business driven. He added that the required EAC integration is the bottom up EAC that expresses the will of people, but stressed that EAC programs to date are top down. The discussant appreciated the benefits and current achievements of the EAC Integration, but observed that the interests of stakeholders are different in the community. Citing an example of common External tariff which promotes the interest of business community, but increases the prices of commodities from outside the community and this affects the well-being of the Majority.

Sebahizi also stressed that sensitive goods are goods assumed to be produced in large quantities in the region and taxed 25% when are imported outside the community, but informed participants that their cost is very high for consumers yet sensitive goods are not sufficient in the region.

Local News

By Florence Batoni

The Ministry organized a policy debate on the theme as part of EAC Week activities to share views with key informants on EAC Integration including policy makers. The Minister who officiated the policy debate informed the participants that the objective of this debate was to update the Business Community and other key stakeholders on the benefits of EAC Integration, the available opportunities and the on going process of fast tracking EAC Integration.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of East African Community Mr. Safari Innocent was the presenter while Mr. Sebahizi Prudence, the Coordinator for East African Civil Society Organization Forum was the discussant. The Permanent Secretary presented key benefits of EAC, achievements to date,

P.s safari innocent (l), Hon. Jacqueline Muhongayire (C) and Prudence sebahizi (r) at the official openning of the policy debate.

challenges and the way forward. The presentation also highlighted the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects under trilateral initiatives.

eac benefits highlighted

Some of the EAC benefits presented by the Permanent Secretary included internal tariffs removed, export promotion schemes, simplified trade regime, duty remission schemes, the progressive identification and removal of NTBs, One-Stop Border Posts, and expedited customs clearance along Northern Corridor as well as Reduced border-crossing times which saves up to USD 70 million annually (World Bank, 2012).

Debate DiscussionsThe discussant Mr. Prudence Sebahizi informed the participants that EAC integration could benefit

SOME OF THE EAC BENEFITS PRESENTED BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY INCLUDED INTERNAL TARIFFS REMOVED, ExPORT PROMOTION SCHEMES, SIMPLIFIED TRADE REGIME, DUTY REMISSION SCHEMES, THE PROGRESSIVE IDENTIFICATION AND REMOVAL OF NTBS, ONE-STOP BORDER POSTS, AND ExPEDITED CUSTOMS CLEARANCE ALONG NORTHERN CORRIDOR AS WELL AS REDUCED BORDER-CROSSING TIMES WHICH SAVES UP TO USD 70 MILLION ANNUALLY

February 2014



taxpayers registration and compliance.

Common Market • It was noted that while some

countries like Rwanda do not charge work permit fees on citizens from EAC Partner States, some other Partner States charge high work permit fees and participants called for advocacy on elimination of work permits across partner states.

• The debate raised the fact that few categories of workers are allowed to move freely under the EAC Common Market Protocol and recommended additional commitments on free movement of workers.

• Telecommunication rates were said to be high especially roaming charges across partner’s states due to non-harmonized tariffs and participants called for the harmonization of communication tarries among partner states.

• Lack of information on the number of Rwandans that have established businesses in other EAC Partner States was also raised and recommended for documentation of statistics of

Rwandan citizens with business establishments in other Partner States.

• It was noted also noted that the process of standardization in Rwanda’s Private sector is still poor which effects the competitiveness of Rwanda’s exports and recommended Improvement of standardization of products.

Awareness• The debate raised the fact that

awareness of on EAC Integration among EAC citizens is low and called for more awareness raising and conduct research to assess the levels of awareness. Some of the participants especially Trade Mark recommended for a strong tripartite awareness raising initiatives between private sector, civil society and MINEAC to avoid duplication of communication activities.

The policy debate was a successful forum that provided fruitful discussions and views on EAC issues. The representative from MINEDUC updated on the harmonization of education curriculum, RBS representative Mr. Philip NZAIRE updated participants on quality assurance and standardization in EAC, the Director General of Rwanda Regulatory Utilities Mr. Regis Gatarayiha responded on questions regarding high roaming charges within Partner states, while the Deputy Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority and Commissioner in charge of Customs Mr. Richard Dusabe responded to concerns regarding VAT and withholding tax.

Over 60 participants attended the policy debate from private sector, government ministries and agencies, members Development partners such as TMEA, civil society, and higher institutions of learning among others.

soMe of the key issUes Raised by paRticipants dURing debate discUssions

Customs Union• Under customs union it was

noted that informal sector is not aware of the existing incentives and trade facilitation initiatives on cross border trade within EAC and recommended that there should be display of information at the border posts to provide informal sector with information on available opportunities and trade incentives.

• The Common External Tariff on sensitive products, assumed to be locally produced in sufficient quantity to satisfy regional market demand leads to increased prices and negatively impacts on the well fare of EAC citizens and participants recommended that a list of sensitive goods should be reviewed.

• It was noted that Withholding tax of 5% is also levied on importations by non-business community, yet it is an advance payment on profit tax made to business people and recommended to remove withholding tax and strengthen


January 2014


sMs FEEdbACk LAuNChEd at gatuna border post

As part of the EAC Week, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Mr. Innocent Safari launched the SMS Feedback on November 15, 2013 at Gatuna border post. Mr. Safari noted that SMS project will increase awareness on the nature of prevailing NTBs and the location in which those NTBs are encountered. The systems will also serve as an M&E tool for NTBs that continue to hinder smooth business in partner states. He also informed the participants that the project is in its pilot phase and will continue to be improved in the process of implementation.

The Permanent Secretary added that few institutions were considered in the pilot phase, but more institutions would be added as the project progresses. “We also hope to include diplomatic missions in the partner states to support in the process of combined efforts to eliminate NTBs through contacting responsible authorities in their respective countries whenever possible”. Safari said.

The Ministry of East African Community is the host institution of the program, there are other stakeholder including Rwanda National Police (RNP), the Directorate of Immigration, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Ministry of Trade and Industry ,(MINICOM) Rwanda Burea of Standards (RBS) and Private Sector Federation (PSF) and Immigration and Emigration Directorate . All these have focal point persons to respond to NTB questions and concerns related to their institutions. “Messages are sent with a key word that shows the institution to which the SMS is addressed to. For example if the questions are addressed to RRA, the concerned person writes RRA- space write a message and send to 2525 or +250789252525,” explained the PS.

The example applies to all institutions stated above and for more details one can write the word help and send it to 2525 for guidance.

Local News

By Hassan Mutuhe

Sending SMSThere two codes used to send an sms. 2525 is a short code for local sms and long number +250 789 252 525 for users outside Rwanda.

The Ministry of East African Community established a national SMS feedback mechanism to enable the Ministry and its stakeholders address NTBs encountered in Rwanda and other EAC Partner States through SMS. The launch was attended by Ugandan border counterparts as well as well as the relevant institutions such as clearing and forwarding agencies, transporters and importers, MINCOM, RRA, members from civil society and Trade Mark East Africa.

MINEAC PS- Innocent Safari placing a sticker of the sMs feedback system on a vehicle after the launch.

MINEAC PS- Innocent Safari placing a sticker of the SMS feedback system on a vehicle after the launch.

The 4th EAC Week was successful as all planned activities were implemented effectively; most concerns and questions of the stakeholders on EAC issues were addressed and increased the awareness of EAC integration through media and organized forums.

EAC Week came as a Council decision (Ref: EAC/CM 20/Decision 119) of the 20th meeting of Council of Ministers held on 26th March 2010 which urged Partner states to hold regular EAC Weeks on annual basis during November to raise awareness on EAC Integration. The Ministry of East African Community started the implementation of this directive in November 2010.

January 2014



The 15th Ordinary Heads of State Summit signed the Monetary Union Protocol, on November 30 2013, in Kampala Uganda after successful negotiations. East Africa Monetary Union (EAMU) is the third stage of EAC Integration after Customs Union, and Common Market Protocols, which are in the process of implementation. EAMU protocol paves a way for the creation of a single East African currency over in the next 10 years.

“EAMU is meant to enable East Africans harmonize their economic and monetary policies for long-term growth and transform East Africa into

thE 15th ordINAry hEAds oF stAtE suMMIt oF thE EAC approves the Monetary union Protocol (EAMu)By Fred Oluoch-Ojiwah

a stronger single market”. Nathan Gashayija the Director for Economic, Infrastructure and Productive Unit at MINEAC says.

Gashayija also said that the protocol will enable East African economies carry out the necessary institutional and economic reforms needed so that the region attains a more strengthened economy through a number of new measures such as eventual establishment of a regional central bank.

Formation of the regional central bank will be undertaken progressively through a gradual shift in placing responsibility in developing of key fiscal responsibilities and future monetary decisions away from the five national central banks to the new single regional central bank.

It was agreed that countries will only adopt a single currency after all the conditions set in the protocol and that East African single currency can

The Five EAC presidents demonstrating the Monetary Union Protocol after signing.

THE PROTOCOL WILL ENABLE EAST AFRICAN ECONOMIES CARRY OUT THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL AND ECONOMIC REFORMS

Cover story


February 2014


Political FederationThe summit received the progress report for the establishment of the East African political federation and noted that the revised model structure, road map and action plan will be considered by the council of ministers and submitted to the extra ordinary summit meeting in April 2014.

EAC PassportThe summit directed that internationalized new generation of East African Passport be launched by Nov 2015.

French LanguageDirected the Council of Ministers to study the modalities of including French as a language of the community in addition to English and Kiswahili.

SecurityDiscussed the prevailing security situation and the need for concerted efforts towards combating terrorism and negative forces in the region and reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security in the region.

President Museveni handsover the EAC Chairmanship to President Uhuru Kenyatta.

only be adopted by at least three countries in the initial stages.

The Summit directed that all partner states should conclude the ratification process of the protocol by July 2014 and the council of Ministers should implement the road map of the protocol.

The five presidents tasked the Council of Ministers to develop the necessary bills for the establishment of new bodies provided in the protocol.

It is expected that the bills will be taken to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) for debate and enactment as provided for in the roadmap for EAMU. The East African Monetary Institute (EAMU) along with the East African Statistics Bureau (EASB) are two of the four key institutions meant to prepare the East African economy for the proposed the monetary union.

In order to provide oversight functions two other separate bodies will be formed; The East African Surveillance, Compliance and Enforcement Commission responsible for surveillance, compliance and enforcement of macroeconomic convergence by Partner States; and The East African Financial Services Commission responsible for financial services.

The summit also directed that the overall supervision of implementation of EAMU will be carried out by the Sectoral Council on Finance and Economic Affairs.

The main objective of Monetary Union is to promote and maintain monetary and financial stability aimed to facilitate economic integration to attain sustainable growth and development of the community.

otheR key decisions Made at the 15th oRdinaRy eac heads of state sUMMit

Change of ChairmanshipThe Bureau of the Summit was changed whereby the Republic of Kenya took over the EAC Chairmanship from the Republic of Uganda whereas the United Republic of Tanzania took over from the Republic of Burundi as the Rapporteur.

Among others the Summit of Heads of State received the annual report 2012-2013 of the council of Ministers and noted the steady progress on removal of non-tariff barriers..

February 2014



Following the signing of the Monitory Union Protocol on November 30, 2013 in Kampala Ugnda, by the five EAC Heads of State, the Ministry of East African Community organized a post summit town meeting to raise awareness of Rwandans on the Monetary Union Protocol at Telecom House on December 9, 2013.

Minister of East African Community Hon. Muhongayire Jacqueline, Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Claver Gatete, and the Governor of National Bank Hon. Rwangombwa John were the hosts of the town meeting aired on Rwanda Television and Radio Rwanda.

l-r; Finance Minister Claver gatete, eaC Minister Jacqueline Muhongayire (M) and national Bank of rwanda governor John rwangombwa (r) after a town meeting to inform Rwandans about Monetary union protocol.

Post-suMMIt AwArENEss oN Monetary union Protocol

through harmonised payment systems, create monetary stability across the region, and create resilience against external shocks while facilitating movement of capital and financial assets. The Minister said EAC partner States are learning lessons and experience from the Euro zone to put in place a durable mechanisms that will help stop a crisis similar to the one of Europe.

“The Euro is not entirely to be blamed for the crisis Europe is facing, there are many vast opportunities those in the Euro zone have harnessed when compared to those European countries outside the Euro zone, this is one of the lessons we are learning,” Amb. Gatete said. He added that Monetary Union will minimize the cost of doing business, but also regional financial transactions. Monetary Union will enhance investment flows, integrate regional markets and help in preventing the unwanted monetary measures. Minister of East African Community Hon. Muhongayire Jacqueline called upon Rwandans not to view a single currency as a new concept because it already exists in Europe and West Africa citing an example of how Kenya, Uganda Tanzania and Rwanda present their national budgets simultaneously– every year in June.

In her concluding remarks Hon. Muhongayire said it is hoped that by 2015 the Customs Union and the Common market Protocols are expected to be fully functioning to create a base for the implementation of a Monetary Union.

Local News

MONETARY UNION WILL EASE CROSS BORDER BUSINESS AND HELP ADVANCE RWANDA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH

The objective of the Town Meeting was to inform Rwandans about EAC Monetary Union Protocol and its roadmap as well as responding to questions and concerns of the public on this protocol.

Minister Gatete Claver informed the public that Monetary Union will ease cross border business and help in advance Rwanda’s economic growth by providing macroeconomic stability, increase markets, attract more investments and increase household incomes.

The Governor of the National Bank Mr. Rwangombwa, said that the currency will enable intra-trade

Export your local products to Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda free of customs duties.


















February 2014



MINEAC dELIvErEd AwArds to FIvE rwANdAN INstItutIoNs

accredited as EAC Centers of Excellence

The Ministry of East African Community held a ceremony to deliver awards to Rwandan 5 institutions that were accredited as EAC Centers of Excellence at Lemigo Hotel on December 19, 2013. The awards including plaques and certificates of excellence had been awarded by the heads of state in the 15th ordinary summit that took place in Kampala as directed in the Council of Ministers in their 26th meeting of November 26, 2013.The Council of Ministers recommended that EAC Summit awards Mementos and certificates of excellence and grant the 19 centers of excellence

Board; Institute of Science and Technology Research and Rwanda National Museum Institute

In her remarks the Minister for MINEAC Hon Jacqueline Muhongayire said that EAC Treaty

By Florence Batoni

permission to use the EAC logo together with their institutional logo.

The Rwandan institutions awarded include Kigali Institute of Science and Technology; Tumba College of Technology; National Examination

Local News

Dr. Vincent Biruta (R), Minister of Education handing over a plaque to Dr. Jean Baptiste Nduwayezu (L), DG/IRST.

THE RWANDAN INSTITUTIONS AWARDED INCLUDE KIGALI INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; TUMBA COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY; NATIONAL ExAMINATION BOARD; INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AND RWANDA NATIONAL MUSEUM INSTITUTE


February 2014


in Article 102 and 103, provides for cooperation in Education, Training, Science and Technology. It is in that regard that EAC Secretariat called for Partner States to apply for regional Centres of Excellence in 2009, to promote Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Tertiary Education Institutions, Universities, Research, ICT, Culture, Language and Tourism Institutions within in EAC

Minister Muhongayire noted that the awards demonstrate good level of Rwanda’s participation in EAC issues and called upon Rwandans to exploit the opportunities and benefits from EAC integration.

Present also was the Minister for Ministry of Education Hon. Vincent Biruta who said that it is of great

importance for Rwanda’s institutions as centers of excellence and called upon those institutions to continue working hard to maintain their excellence positions. “You should use a conducive environment that was created by government of Rwanda for innovation and not relax because you have been recognized’. The minister said.

The aim of creating centers of excellence in the region is to provide new and enhance existing training, research or service provision in order to develop and strengthen innovative approaches that aim to improve quality training and research or services focused to meet current and future skills needs and technical innovations which are fundamental for implementation of a successful

regional integration process.

A Centre of excellence is an institution which provides the best practices in research, training or service provision and is an institution which is relentlessly in pursuit of continuous improvements in both results and the way results are achieved.” Report of Experts to review the criteria and develop guidelines and benchmarks for operationalization of EAC centers of Excellence 20-24 May 2013- Entebbe Uganda.

5 out of 19 centers of excellence will be supported by EAC in the first phase and these include National institute of Public health of Burundi, Rift Valley Technical training Institute in Kenya, Kigali Institute of Science and Technology of Rwanda, Uganda Industrial Research Institute and

Minister Muhongayire presenting a certificate of recognition to one of the negotiators of EAMU.

February 2014



and the members of the National High Level Task Force on Monetary Union Protocol negotiations were also recognized and given their certificates in the ceremony organized by the Ministry of East African Community.

The ceremony was attended, Dr. Kigabo Thomas Chief Economist in the national bank of Rwanda and the head of Monetary Union high level task force, Rectors and heads of five institutions awarded, Chief Economist and Monetary Union negotiator, EALA members Rwanda chapter, Members of High Level Task Force for Monetary Union, the recently appointed EAC Judge Dr. Ugirashebuja Emmanuel and Sindibu Nteziryayo among other dignitaries.

Maurice Mwiseneza (Midde foreground) a Rwandan student from Corner Stone Secondary school who won EAC essay competition.

Members of HltF of Monetory union-rwanda.

Taasisi ya Sanaa na Utamaduni Bagamoyoin Tanzania.

The 15th Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State of November 30, 2013 also awarded the best performing students in EAC Essay Writing Competition 2013 and High Level Task Force (HLTF) of Monetary Union with Certificate of Special recognition for contributing to the successful negotiations and conclusion of the protocol.

Maurice MWISENEZA, a student from Cornerstone Leadership Academy-Rwanda


February 2014


The Republic of Rwanda started receiving a massive number of Rwandans expelled from the United Republic of Tanzania from August 4, 2013. The expulsion targeted all foreigners including Rwandans living in Tanzania to have left the territory in two weeks time.

Rwanda had received 13,809 evictees by end of December 2013

rwANdAN rEturNEEs FroM tanzania resettled

By Florence Batoni

One of the refugee transit camps in Eastern Province.

Local News

and all were re-integrated into districts early February.

District officials especially mayors are supporting in settlement of evictees through free land allocation for Settlement exercise which commenced on 2nd January 2014.The settlement exercise was launched on January 3, 2014. The Ministry of Disaster Management

and Refugee Affairs provides iron sheets and other partners involved in the exercise include International Organization for Migration which provides transport and World Food Programme with the food support.

The Government of the Rwanda is committed to allocate land to expelled families and reintegrate them across the country.

February 2014



The Ministry of East African Community in partnership with the Private Sector Federation and the Ministry of Labour and Public Service officially launched a national platform for professional services on December 12 at Lemigo Hotel. The objective of the platform is to advocate for issues affecting professional bodies both at national and regional level and enhance competitiveness on regional market.

In her opening Remarks, Hon. Muhongayire Jacqueline, the Minister for Ministry of East African Community recognized the efforts of Private Sector Federation (PSF) in working closely with Government to promote professional services to reap EAC opportunities and benefits. She also commended Trade Mark East Africa for supporting National platform for professional bodies in Rwanda under private Sector Federation.

The Chef executive Officer for PSF Mr. Hannington Namara underscored that professional bodies will only benefit from regional markets if they are organized. Namara emphasized that one way of being organized is to register and regulate their bodies for easy identification, strong bargaining power and building a strong synergy.

Hon. Anastase MUREKEZI Minister of Public Service and Labor who officially opened the launch of the National professional platform said that services of Professional Bodies/Associations are foreseen to become the pillar of the national economy and service sector contributes 45% to GDP, which explains commitment of the government to improve quality service. “By partnering through one organized Platform in Rwanda, Professional Bodies can be able to

rwANdA LAuNChEs NAtIoNAL uMbrELLA

for service professionalsBy Fred Oluoch-Ojiwah

enhance competitiveness, regionally and globally, easy dialogue with Government on policies, education curricula for the purpose of regional integration”. Minister said.

The Minister also said that the platform will ensure that Rwandan professionals have required credentials to provide quality services, build individual capacities, increase public -private dialogues, contribute to resolution mechanisms and facilitate conclusion of mutual agreements.

The platform was formed in light of the EAC Common Market Protocol, which provides for the free movement goods, persons, workers, services, capital and right of establishment and residence. Professionals will utilize use this provision as an opportunity to compete on EAC market.

Some of the professions whose mutual agreements have been concluded at EAC level include accountants, architects, lawyers and doctors. There is however a need for development of an operational framework of these Mutual Recognition Agreements across EAC.

Dr. Kanimba P. Celestin, Chairperson of the Chamber of Liberal Professions, who spoke on behalf of liberal professionals, extended his appreciation to Ministry of East African Community for having facilitated to bring together the Professionals to strategize on how to use the opportunities as EAC Market. He said that Associations increased from 6 to 40 associations to date.

Rwanda’s professional associations include Kigali Bar Association and Rwanda Medical association among others. The National platform will contribute experience sharing and professional partnership with regional bodies. The Ministry of Public Services and Labor oversees movement of workers and PSF coordinates professional bodies under the chamber of liberal professions while MINEAC coordinates EAC intergration issues in Rwanda.

Hon. Jacqueline Muhongayire and other guests during the official launch of the National Umbrella for service professionals.

Local News

IntegratIon affaIrs

February 2014


The East Africa Civil Society Organization Forum (EACSOF) began operational in 2007 and the General Assembly decided to facilitate the set-up of country chapters in 2009. The Rwanda Chapter was established in 2009 and integrated into the Rwanda Civil Society Platform (RCSP) in order to administer and implement EAC integration related action plans.

A three-year grant from Trade Mark East Africa was given to RCSP in 2012, to implement EACSOF Strategic Plan which focuses on three strategic objectives: Capacity Building of Rwanda Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); Raising Awareness and Understanding of CSOs on EAC regional integration process and its potential benefits; and engage CSOs more effectively with government and EAC Secretariat on integration policies through research on key topics related to the regional integration and advocacy. This article highlights the progress of EACSOF -Rwanda chapter in the implementation of its strategic plan.

In order to prepare a consistent contribution to the process of regional integration, the East African Civil Society Organizations (EACSOs) re-organized themselves and re-defined their programs and priorities. CSOs want to enable their members gain more understanding of EAC programs and monitor their implementation and influence policy making cycle within EAC. As a first step, the regional CSOs from the 5 EAC Partner States formed East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF) to facilitate the citizens of East Africa to effectively shape and drive sustainable development and growth in the region.

MoRe than 2000 Rwandans fRoM 20 distRicts

thE roLE oF EAC CIvIL soCIEty IN EAC INtEgrAtIoN ProCEss: A perspective of rwanda’s Civil society Platform

tRained on eac integRation

In light of the above mentioned interventions, the Rwanda Civil Society Platform is conducting a countrywide sensitization campaign targeting 4500 people in 30 districts. About 2000 people from 20 districts have been trained. The beneficiaries of this sensitization campaign include local leaders, bankers

Local News

Mr sebahizi Prudence, coordinator eaCsoF during a training.

insurance companies, cooperative members, PSF members, High School teachers, women leaders, church leaders, youth representatives, among others. 48% Rwandans that have improved their level of awareness and understanding of EAC integration through this program are women (EACSOF Training reports).

EACSOF also ran a weekly radio talk show since July 2012 – June 2013 for awareness raising advocacy on EAC policies and participates in EAC Weekly activities such as policy debates on regional integration and border visits. From the show, it was realized that many Rwandans were not aware of the technical aspects of EAC integration. The limited number of phone calls proved that limitation.

February 2014

IntegratIon affaIrs


While EACSOF represents Rwanda CSOs on different committees such as the National Monitoring Committee on Non-Tariff Barriers and the National Implementation Committee on the Implementation of Common Market Protocols, it also participates in the East African Community Dialogue Framework a platform that brings together the private sector and civil society to discuss EAC integration issues with governments and the EAC Secretariat.

EACSOF uses different fora to interact with key decision makers for advocacy purposes and it is from that context that EACSOF used the national dialogue forum held in August 2013, to develop 5 advocacy papers on challenges facing women in cross border trade, movement of workers in the EAC, corruption as a Non-tariff barrier, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements and more importantly the expulsion of Rwandans by the United Republic of Tanzania. These papers were submitted to Secretary General Forum that took place in Nairobi, on 7th and 8th October 2013. The papers were discussed at the SG Forum and clear recommendations were made for consideration by EAC decision-making organs.

In the same spirit EACSOF participated as a discussant in the Policy Debate organized by MINEAC under the theme “Tapping into EAC Benefits” and raised issues of high tariff on staple food in EAC (rice, sugar, wheat flower, milk products, etc.), high roaming charges in the region, and the impact of withholding tax on consumer prices in Rwanda

Different research projects have been undertaken by CSOs with the support of EACSOF to inform policy makers and these include Impact of Withholding Tax on Consumer prices, the implications of non-compliance with SQMT (Standards, Quality Assurance, Metrology and Testing) on consumer welfare and Impact of

EACsoF INFLuENCEs PoLICIEs through research and Advocacy

VAT law on staple food prices in Rwanda, Challenges facing women in cross-border trade, status of harmonization of labour and social protection services in East Africa. These studies will not only influence policy, but also improve citizen participation in the process of the East African integration as well as contributing to an informed civil society.

bUilding capacity and pRoviding technical assistance to csos in Rwanda

More than 120 CSOs employees were trained on Project Cycle Management, Policy analysis, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation through systematic trainings organized by EACSOF.

The Forum also supports member CSOs to participate in different regional meetings, and so far 24 representatives of CSOs were taken to EAC Partner States for a one week study visit to raise their exposure and understanding of EAC integration and build network with their counterparts in the region.

By Prudence SEBAHIZI, National CoordinatorEACSOF Rwanda

Local News

2525 (Local Messages)

0789252525 (Across Rwandan borders)

Non-Tariff Barrierswww.mineac.gov.rw

Are you having problems clearing goods across EAC borders?

Tell your problem to the right Institution• Mineac • RRA • PSF

eg: Message [rra I’m being charged extra taxes at Gatuna borders, any recent raise from your institution?]

• Police• Immigration• Minicom

• RBS• etc

• MINEAC• RRA• PSF• NATIONALPOLICE

• IMMIGRATION• MINICOM• RBSetc


February 2014


LoCAL FrEIght LogIstICs INdustry LAud EArLy bENEFIts of single Customs territory

By Hassan Mutuhe

Launched on 28th October 2013 under the auspices of the Integration Summit Projects the Single Customs Territory (SCT) is already bringing down the cost of doing business along the Northern Corridor, according to freight logistics industry stakeholders.

Preliminary reports from the freight industry stakeholders indicate that Rwandan traders could save up to Rwf 45 billion every year mainly in the form of scraping of clearing fees levied along the common borders of the trade route. In addition, people

in freight industry say that the SCT brought down the number of days it takes to transport cargo from Mombasa to Kigali from 22 days to 8 days.

The construction of the rusumo one stop border post once completed is expected to ease travel between Rwanda and Tanzania.

Local News

THE SYSTEM ALLOWS FASTER AND CHEAPER CIRCULATION OF GOODS IN EAST AFRICA WITH VARIATIONS TO ACCOMMODATE GOODS ExPORTED FROM ONE PARTNER STATE TO ANOTHER. CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS AT DESTINATION STATES RETAIN CONTROL OVER ASSESSMENT OF TAxES

The JourneyThe SCT is part of other major Integration projects Summit of October 28, 2013 mooted by the four presidents of Rwanda,

February 2014



Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan with intentions of boosting regional competitiveness.

Under the Integration Projects Summit, the three countries removed weighbridges, roadblocks, the lengthy customs procedures and documentation that served to reduce efficiency along the trade route to minimize NTBs and fast track EAC Integration.

The new systemWith the SCT arrangement, East Africans engaged in cross - border trade will enjoy a smoother trade flow because clearance of goods, assessment and collection of revenue are done at the first point of entry.

Mr. Theodore Murenzi, the former Secretary General of a local freight logistics association, the Rwanda Long Distance Drivers Association. He explains that under the SCT, cargo will be weighed once at the point of entry into each member state territory.

“That means that the time for cargo to reach Rwanda from the port of Mombasa would fall to 8 days from 22. The end result of this is that traders and businesspeople will receive their merchandise on schedule. There won’t be unnecessary delays that sometimes affect perishable goods.”

The system allows faster and cheaper circulation of goods in East Africa with variations to accommodate goods exported from one partner state to another. Customs administrations at destination states retain control over assessment of taxes.

The ScoreThe initial results according to Rwanda Revenue Authority officials have been very encouraging. “Under the SCT system, revenue authorities are

working to harmonize and eventually conduct their business at points of entry into the region. This is very good news for those in the logistics business. It means that duty for goods in transit to Uganda and Rwanda is being collected at the Port of Mombasa”, Richard Tusabe, deputy Commissioner General in charge of Customs at Rwanda Revenue Authority.

The SCT effectively eliminates the previous system where taxing goods was conducted at each border crossings which is very cumbersome process for business operators.

Tusabe revealed that:“ Since Oct 2013, when SCT was launched

RRA has received a number of consignments cleared by both Uganda and Rwanda from the port of Mombasa.”

He adds; “at least 68 containers manifests were received electronically from Mombasa and allowed clearance of goods including payment of import duties of Rwf 47 million. In Uganda, 123 trucks were cleared using the facility just prior end of the year”. With the full adoption by EAC of SCT importation costs are likely to drop tremendously.

“The decisions by the five presidents on SCT for East Africa are very welcome because we expect cost of doing business to go


February 2014


There is smuggling along all the common borders of East African countries. A combination of this and large quantities of goods that illegally enter the partner states greatly harm the economies of the region in terms of revenue losses. But all this will soon be controlled under the SCT.

“The system of exchanging data will minimize smuggling, and probably put it to an end to it,” says a hopeful Murenzi. “And as you may know, the government has been losing revenue because some people evade taxes at the border. All that is coming to an end,” he says.

Experts say that with SCT, the cost of transporting a 20-foot container from Mombasa to Kigali is also expected to drop from $383 to $193, resulting in savings of about $45 million annually.

The Bigger PictureBy attempting to build a better system of trade facilitation in East Africa, the SCT is expected to cover various aspects of regional trade from the handling of imported goods in the EAC to intra-EAC transfer of goods. The new system will also ease export of goods from partner states to markets outside the EAC through enhancing port and border operations.

Locally produced goods for transfer from one partner state to another shall also be entered only once in the destination partner state and the information shall be transferred to the originating partner state.

It is hoped that with the SCT, it will be faster to clear goods and reduce on the cost of doing business.

Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan jointly launched the SCT to boost business in the region.

down by as much as 10 percent. For instance, the consignment clearing costs will be reduced by 50 per cent,” says Fred Seka a freight industry operator.

The SCT will eliminate delays caused by repetitive checks along the

This presents a very big market of expanding the frontiers of banking services in East Africa. That is what local banks need to focus on going forward.”

In the case of Rwanda, importers will be expected to pay due taxes to

corridors as well as incidences of dumping and diverting of cargo.

With full operationalization of SCT by June 2014,it means that all the tax bodies in East Africa will have interfaced their IT systems so that, importers will be able to declare and pay duties and taxes at a single entry.

“The new system is all about increasing intra EAC trade flows which presents new opportunities for banking. The same applies to the increasing foreign exchange flows”,says Sanjeev who is the CEO of I&M Bank Rwanda.

He adds;“Banks are currently not dealing with each countries currency.

Rwanda Revenue Authority Customs Department, using local banks. After confirming payment, RRA will then send a message to Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Revenue Authority to release the goods. Once the goods reach the borders of Malaba and Gatuna, they are not checked to save time and losses.

All the roadblocks between Mombasa and Kigali will, therefore, be eliminated and the weighbridges reduced from nine to three at most.

From the drivers to the businesspeople and the government, everyone will be a winner, according to Mr Murenzi.

February 2014



It is part of a larger plan by the EAC economies to integrate their money and capital markets and has been under development for over a year.

The bank regulators in the region have already implemented robust RTGS systems in the respective countries and some such as the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) have placed a ceiling above which traders must use the system to move funds so that an audit trail can be generated.

CBK requires the use of RTGS for payments of more than Sh1 million ($11,550) but over time the system has proved popular even for payments of as low as Sh100,000 ($1,150).

EAC PArtNErs AdoPt seamless pay system

By the East African Reporter

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda central banks established interconnected payment systems to offer traders and bank customers an alternative method of transfer of money.

The system works in a similar fashion to the real time gross settlement system (RTGS) which has been in use in each of the three countries for a number of years and has become very popular with traders who move large sums of money.

Louis Kasekende, deputy governor, Bank of Uganda (BoU) said that the East African Payment (EAPS), which is eventually expected to link the RTGS’s of all the East African Community (EAC) member countries, went live on November 25.

“Rwanda and Burundi are expected to join the integrated regional payment system at a later date when ready,” said Louis Kasekende, deputy governor BoU said in a statement.

The new payment system was introduced after the five presidents ofsigned the Monetary Union Protocol which is intended to result in a single currency in 10 years’ time.

in suMMAry

Early this year, the National Bank of Rwanda announced that it had rolled

out its Rwanda Integrated Payments Processing System connecting the country to the Comesa Regional Payments and Settlement System.

The EAC region has made huge gains in intra-regional trade and increased movement of workers and families among member states since 2005 but the lack of a convenient and safe way to make and receive payments has remained an impediment.

Dr Kasekende said that the EAPS is a multi-currency system in which payments are effected using any of the currencies of the EAC partner states.

“It will make cross border payments easier and facilitate safe and efficient transfer of monetary value within the region. EAPS will also be vital in promoting regional trade and enhancing economic integration,” said Dr Kasekende.

Sourced from EAC news website

the national Bank of rwanda headquaters in Kigali.

regional News


February 2014

The Ministry of East African Community, Rwandaregional News

FINNIsh gov’t grANts 3 MILLIoN Euros to EAC

Sourced from EAC news website

The Grant Agreement was signed by EAC Secretary General Dr Richard Sezibera and Finnish Ambassador to Tanzania who is also accredited to EAC bloc, Ambassador Sinikka Antila, during the ceremony held at the Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.

According to the signed agreement, the Government of Finland shall make available on a grant basis and subject to annual parliamentary approval in Finland, a contribution amounting up to a maximum of three millions Euros to support the EAC Partnership Fund during the period of 2013-2016.

By Vision reporter

the Finnish government granted three million Euros (about sh105b) to support various regional integration activities through the EAC Partnership Fund.

The first payment of 1m Euros shall be made against a written request upon the entry into force of the agreement. Subsequent payments shall be made in accordance with the actual progress of the activities and on the basis of the financial needs for the coming period, against a written request.

Sezibera said that the signing of multi-year agreements with development partners made it possible to predict the contribution to the Partnership Fund and therefore facilitated the development of EAC multi-year plans.

The EAC Partnership Fund is a basket fund mechanism with annual

contributions from Development Partners (DPs) aimed at supporting the EAC projects and programs that are geared towards regional integration. It was established on 15 September 2006 and is open to DPs who finance it through Contribution Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed between DPs and the EAC.

The objective of Finland support to EAC Partnership Fund is to support the EAC Integration Agenda and promote Economic and political stability.

eaC secretary general dr richard sezibera.

February 2014



as part of the Africa Peace and Security Architecture agreed during the last Assembly of AU Heads of State and Government,” Kenyatta said.

He added: “Kenya is also ready to partner with our sisterly countries in the southern, central, western and northern regions, to fast-track the implementation of the recently adopted Continental Free Trade Area to sustain and enhance deeper investment in intra-African trade.”

Kenya will offer technical support for the process and ease business processes and procedures among African countries.

Kenya will undertake include fast tracking the implementation of the African infrastructure programme within the Eastern Africa region and working with African countries to implement an integrated air transport and African open skies policy.

“We believe these measures are important to add impetus to Africa’s growth efforts and show our deep commitment to our continent.”

kENyA CoMMIts to rEgIoNAL INtEgrAtIoN as it marks 50 years of Independence

Celebrations began with the Kenyan flag raised in Nairobi’s Uhuru Gardens -- meaning “freedom” in Swahili -- in a reenactment of the moment 50 years earlier when Britain’s rule since 1895 came to a close.

“On this night 50 years ago Kenyans gathered at these grounds... that night was at once the dusk of oppression and the golden dawn of liberty,” Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta said.

“From that night the empire waned and a proud new nation was born....finally Kenyans were masters of their own destiny.”

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses the public at the Kasarani stadium

kenyans marked half a century of independence from britain on 12th december 2013, celebrating progress as a key player of regional economic progress.

Tens of thousands of Kenyans waving flags and singing gathered later at the main sports stadium in Nairobi for military parades and speeches.

President Kenyatta used the occasion that was attended by 14 presidents and heads of government from across Africa to announce initiatives that Kenya would embark on to promote the continental integration.

Various heads of state addressed the gathering with Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni speaking in Kiswahili.

“Kenya will contribute to a brigade to be part of the Rapid Response mechanism

Kenyan troops parade past the presidential dias.

Sourced from Agencies

regional News


February 2014


Over 27,000 East Africans have so far used national identity cards (IDs) and other accepted documents such as voter cards or student IDs to travel in the region with less than one month after the new system went live on January 2014.

Rwandan immigration officials say that the new system has definitely eased free movement of people in line with the laws of the East African Community (EAC).

“The use of IDs or voter cards for Ugandans and or student IDs as valid travel documents cover the three countries of Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. It applies at borders, airports and ports”, Ange Sebutege head of Communications and Customer Care at the directorate general of immigration and emigration revealed.

ovEr 54,000 EAst AFrICANs usE Id’s to travel between kenya, uganda and rwanda since January 1, 2014

As of 10th February 2014 about 48,000 Rwandans, 2,000 Kenyans, 4,000 Ugandans have used their national IDs or voting cards or student IDs to cross the border into or through or out of Rwanda.

“The number of Rwandans and Ugandans is high, because the two countries share a common border”, Sebutege notes adding that, “majority of travelers are therefore from border communities”.

Going by such figures from border officials, the new system has high potential of boosting cross border trade within communities sharing the common national borders of East Africa.

The new system was mooted by the three presidents of Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya during the trilateral summit that was held at Entebbe on 25 June 2013.

In order for the new system to take effect and to function effectively, the immigration border control system by the three collaborating countries of Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda had to be harmonized.

“ There is a procedure manual signed by heads of immigration of the three countries regarding use of the new system”, Sebutege says.

The ease in travel by the new system is seen when considers that it is not only cost effective but the process is made easier for the average citizens of the three countries. With the new system in place, it is now a reality that the Muturage or common man in East Africa can easily access speedy travel procedure despite earlier skepticism that it was bound to be cumbersome.

“Citizens now are facilitated to move freely and easily using their national IDs, voter or student IDs which is easy and cheap. It is no longer now a requirement for them to go through actual processes to acquire standard travel document. This saves time and money for the citizen and it is likely to promote cross border trade”, Sebutege observes.

For children to cross the border using the new system, they need to be accompanied with one of the parents or another person with authorization from the parents.

However, travelers who may travel for the purpose of work or study will still need to move with the standard travel documents like passport and Laissez-Passer since they will need to get work permits . This also applies to children who do not hold national IDs or voter cards.

By Fred Oluoch-Ojiwah

regional News

East African travellers at Gatuna border post line up to clear using their IDs.

February 2014



President Kagame arrived in Kenya on January 20, 2014 to address the first Governors’ Summit hosted by the Nation Media Group. Nearly 10 months after the General Election at which they were placed in charge of the newly-created counties, the summit is an opportunity for Kenyan governors to examine how much progress they have made.

“This new beginning is a unique opportunity to use your home-grown solutions to achieve and sustain the goals of your respective counties and ultimately, to attain your national vision. One enduring lesson is the need to consistently take ownership of our problems as well as the solutions in order to move forward. We have learned and continue to learn that sustained

frank dialogue between leaders and citizens at all levels, combined with working together, even with limited material means, is the only way to move forward towards our national goals. Our journey of nation-building has shown us that effective decentralisation requires both the autonomy of local governments and the capacity to deliver on their mandate. But support from and coordination with the central government is indispensable.”

Other speakers included H.E. Isaac Ruto, Governor of Bomet and Chair of the Governors’ Council, Philip Kinisu , Chairman - Governance Board, PwC Africa, Linus Gitahi, Group CEO, Nation Media Group and Prof. Olive Mugenda, Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University.

“Africa will succeed when we understand what has held us back, strengthen our capacity to govern effectively and engage directly with the needs of citizens to develop strong nations. We can then unite in forging a strong and globally relevant region and continent.”

The 2010 Kenyan Constitution established 47 county governments; based on the delineation of administrative districts as created under the Provinces and Districts Act of 1992.

Kenya practices devolution, a form of decentralization that consists of granting powers from the central government of a sovereign state to government at a sub national level, such as a regional, local, or state level.

Source: www.paulkagame.com

AFrICA wILL suCCEEd whEN wE understand what has held us back

regional News

Rwandan President Paul Kagame fielding questions at The Governors’ Summit 2014 at Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha, Kenya on January 20, 2014


February 2014


tuskEr ProJECt FAME CoNtEst uNItEs EAst AFrICANs IN CoNsoLIdAtINg regional show biz industry

Tusker Project Fame is a single musical contest that has made a name for itself with potential of integrating East Africans through music. Sponsored by East African Breweries Ltd, Tusker Project Fame (TPF) is truly is becoming one of the East Africa’s most popular reality show. The regional contest has become a platform for young talented musicians from 5 EAC partner states to gain skills and confidence in the music industry.

The sixth season of Tusker project came to an end in early Dec 2013 with a Burundian crooner Hope Irakoze winning the Kenya Shs 5 million (equivalent of Rwf 35 million) as the first runner prize and a one year recording deal with Sony Music despite strong opposition from other contestants such as Kenyan duo Amos and Josh, Hisia from Tanzania and Uganda’s Daisy Ejang.

Gospel singer Patrick Nyamitari, the only Rwanda’ s hope of a local artist to reach the grand finale of Season 6 of the contest was evicted a few hours to the crowning of this year’s winner.

Rwandan Phionah Mbabazi and Uganda’s Derrick Kojjo were two contestants who were evicted at the semi finals of televised music show held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Nyamitari was disappointed that he couldn’t emulate what Alpha Rwirangira did to Rwanda by winning the third season of TPF.

“I am obviously disappointed that I was not the winner. But I gained a lot during the time I spent in the academy,” said Nyamitari upon arrival in Rwanda.

Despite his loss, Nyamitari was seen by many Rwandans as always performing to his best.

Before being evicted, Phionah’s last appearance on the stage was with eventual winner, the Burundian Hope.

By Théophile Harushyamagara

Music & Integration

The winner of TPF6, Hope Icyizere of Burundi receiving his dummy cheque of Kshs 5million

The top five finalists moments before the announcement of the winner.

The Judges and some of the faculty members of Tusker Project Fame 6 academy.

February 2014



On the day she got evicted, Phionah and Hope performed Maurice Kirya song “Mulembe gwa Kirya” in a show which many people took to Twitter and Facebook to appreciate despite a microphone glitch that almost spoilt the act.

When it was announced it turned out to be Rwanda’s Phionah and Uganda’s Kojjo. Many followers of Miss Mbabazi took to Twitter and Facebook to express their frustration, but it’s a global practice that every competition has winner and a loser.

A Tusker Project Fame Season national preparations starts with usually a two-day audition event across all the participating countries. In Rwanda, the TPF6 auditions took place on the 18th and the 19th August at Sports View hotel in Remera.

The jury comprised of local musicians Ruth Nirere (Miss Shanel) and Aline Gahongayire, a renowned gospel singer. Kenyan actor and famous Tusker Project Fame judge, Ian Mbagua was also part of the panel of judges.

Miss Shanel and company, nominated three artists Patrick Nyamitari, Peace Jolis and Phionah Mbabazi.

The same process took place in the six East African countries of Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan, to have their representatives in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, battling out for the coveted prize of five million Kenyan shillings.

The luck winner of the preliminary auditions is admitted to the performance academy in Nairobi, where they live throughout the duration of the competition, usually eight weeks.

In the academy, Nyamitari believes he was exposed to deep insights of the trade as he was with the rest of contestants. He says that he was trained and coached into becoming a true music professional by members of the faculty. The faculty is a group of music professionals whose main responsibility is to teach and train the contestants.

At this year’s contest, judges were Ian Mbugua (Kenya), Juliana Kanyomozi (Uganda) and Hermes Bless aka Hermy B (Tanzania).

Rwanda has been represented in the previous competitions, with Alpha Rwirangira winning the Tusker Project Fame season three and the TPF All Stars.

Tusker project is not only a platform for professional training of young musicians in East Africa, but also an economic venture that provides the best winners with a reasonable amount of money to reinforce their skills. It is thus a social and economic integration aspect that helps young professionals to improve their socio-economic life styles.

The six-year project has greatly entertained and united East Africans through its televised program through out its process of competitions across partner states.


February 2014


rwANdA sEEks to CuLtIvAtE tALENt IN ordEr to bENEFIt from EAC integration


Within a relatively short period of time ever since it joined the regional economic bloc, various sectors of the Rwandan economy have successfully managed to integrate into the East African Community (EAC) socially and economically.

However, the case of the local music industry is a unique story. The local music industry is yet to find its solid footing in the integration journey despite the fact that the music industry in the region is rapidly progressing.

There are very few local musicians who can be referred to as truly East African. Key stakeholders in the industry such as leading artists , producers and ministry officials in charge of music industry development give their views of causes and likely solutions to this situation. The picture coming out is that local artists find it difficult to penetrate in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda.

However in the local context, top ministry officials paint a different picture. According to the ministry of sports and culture, Rwanda has managed within a very short time span to cultivate its own home grown stars. The stars are expected to be in better position to compete favourably in the region in the near future.

Miss Butera Jeanne d’arc aka “Miss Knowles” during a recent musical event in Kigali.

Music & Integration

February 2014



Among the few avenues local stakeholders are using to improve competitiveness of the local music industry is through a national music contest now on its third season. The national contest dubbed The “Guma Guma” Super star search is sponsored by Rwanda Breweries Ltd (Bralirwa) through its flagship brand Primus.

“The Primus Guma Guma music contest is a barometer of the competiveness of the local music industry. The three previous seasons offer the best platform of how Rwandans can nurture and prepare raw talent in the sector. Artists going through the contest are in abetter position to partake on opportunities offered by integration”, Protais Mitali the Minister of Sports and Culture (minispoc) says.

Home grown stars known to products of the contest include

the current season king rapper Gatsinzi Emery aka “The Riderman”, previous season winner Afro beat singer James Ruhumuriza aka “King James”, current season runner up Miss Butera Jeanne D’arc aka “Miss Knowles”, or hip hop star Joshua Tuyishime aka “Jay Polly”.

Despite the picture painted by ministry officials, stakeholders are in agreement that one of the major obstacles hindering integration of local music with the region is what is known as regional performance barrier.

“The Rwandan music industry has to be taken in the context of its age. It is very young and that is the major reason why we are yet to make serious inroads in the region,” says King James.

“Many local musicians are unable to sing or even adequately perform in

Kiswahili or English the unifying and official languages of East Africa”, King James observes.

However, King James adds that, ”this regional performance barrier declines in the case of local musicians making forays and serious inroads into the Burundian market since Kirundi is closely related to Kinyarwanda language”.

King James gives the example of artists who have benefited from performing in official EAC languages such as Jose Chameleon from Uganda or “Mr Nice” from Tanzania and recently Kigoma singer “Diamond”.

“These artists have had hits in Rwanda. However it is worth noting that very few Rwandan artists are yet to take up the full opportunities that regional integration offers the local music industry. That partly

Contestants of the 3rd seasoan of PriMus GUMA GUMA Superstar contest battling it out for the top slot.


February 2014


way of attracting local support.

“What comes first? Is it money or quality?” wondered the PS. “I think that if you produce quality music, money will definitely follow you. The main challenge we have is the quality of the music being produced. Once this is sorted then we shall be more competitive in East Africa,” he adds.

So what is the way forward? Industry stakeholders must come together to tackle problems collectively, according to the PS.

“Our ministry sees unity as a major solution to overcoming our challenges. Once we overcome our internal short comings we are keen to see our artists being part of the larger East African music industry that is emerging”.

explains why highly rated local artists are yet to make a mark in the region”.

The issue of language barriers affecting Rwandan artists from accessing the larger East African market is altogether down played by other commentators. There are artists who have managed to transcend language barriers in East Africa very successfully.

“There are very many Ugandan songs sung in Kiganda that are very popular in East Africa. Also there are very popular Kiswahili songs taken as hits right here in Rwanda. So to me local artists could have the same hits in the region regardless of the language the message is conveyed in”, Clement Ishimwe a local music producer notes.

Ishimwe is the CEO of Kina Music Label record that produces for leading artists such as local song bird Miss Knowles. The CEO of Kina Music says that the problem is that fans are yet to start buying music in order to provide support to their local stars.

“The problem is more about the attitude of the society. The fans should start supporting their local stars by buying their music as it is the case in other East African countries”.

However, Ishimwe’s arguments are disputed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports and Culture in charge of music development Edwards Kalisa. Mr Kalisa suggests that the local music industry has instead to focus on producing authentic high quality music as one

riderman, winner of the third season the PriMus guMa guMa Contest.

February 2014



Over the past year, the East African Community has registered tremendous strides and energised activity on many fronts. The strides we have taken are big, and have put us firmly on the road to full attainment of our collective aspirations.

The Community is now fully embarked on enormous, ambitious and transformative initiatives. We are responding to the imperative of our time: To expand our respective national capacities while at the same time integrating in order to optimise benefits from economies of scale.

Everywhere in the world, markets are coalescing into formidable economic powers.

rEgIoN’s outdAtEd rAILwAys have betrayed our economic aspirations

opinion

of the East African Community Monetary Union Protocol is the logical culmination of our integration efforts.

We now have the framework required to unlock the promise of integration. The Union will eliminate the costs attendant to juggling different currencies, thereby reducing transaction costs.

Moreover, currency volatility and fluctuation will be minimised. Businesses will find more freedom to trade and invest more widely, and foreign investors will find additional, irresistible reasons to pitch tent in our region.

President Uhuru Kenyatta with Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure Engineer Michael Kamau (third right) among other leaders during the launch of the standard gauge railway line at Changamwe Marshalling yard in Mombasa, November 28, 2013.

In East Africa, we are called upon to rise up and compete effectively in the global economy. To develop the necessary capacity, we must deepen trade with each other even more.

This way, our private sectors will develop the strength, resilience and stature needed to take on the world. We intend to make the East African Community the ideal launching ground to global competitiveness.

For three years, the Community has been implementing the Common Market, while the Customs Union was launched seven years ago.

We are commencing the third important pillar of integration, which is the monetary union. The signing


February 2014


Trade growthEver since the establishment of the Customs Union and the Common Market, intra-EAC trade has continued to increase. The Monetary Union will catalyse trade growth even further.

Now the intention of integration through the instruments and institutions of the Community is manifest: To eliminate barriers to movement of people, goods and services within the Community. The logic of integration does not admit the maintenance or existence of these barriers.

In other words, we have a duty as a Community to give life to the instruments we establish by rigorously and conscientiously abiding by their provisions. Barriers to trade, in particular, assail the spirit of the Common Market and the Customs Union.

Numerous non-tariff barriers continue to hold back trade, and increase the cost of doing business in East Africa. Such barriers, like unnecessary and

lengthy clearing procedures and regulations, constitute significant obstacles to our regional business competitiveness.

Others, affecting the free movement of persons and services also pose a similar threat.

We must confront these barriers with urgency. We must remove those obstructions in the path of our Community’s engine of growth.

It is time to liberate our people, businesses and capital to move freely within the Community and allow them to do their rightful work of generating prosperity. That is the promise of integration.

The full benefits of our Community’s trade initiatives will not be realized unless the business environment is inclusive. Businesses and traders in the small and micro-enterprises sector need to be enabled to trade in the regional arena.

For integration to work as intended, it must be underpinned by a sound infrastructure system. Effective roads,

railways, aviation, port, ICT and energy infrastructure are required to support vigorous enterprises within a forward-looking Community.

Development of infrastructure connecting our countries is, therefore, the foundation of integration. Much work has been done to implement the East African Road Development Network, and we have had a foretaste of what infrastructure contributes to prosperity.

The region’s largely outdated railway network has betrayed our development aspirations. Its inefficiency has placed a disproportionate burden on the slow, cumbersome and more costly road network.

As a result, the cost of goods and services is unduly high and simply uncompetitive while at the same time, our road networks deteriorate rapidly. Upgrading the railways network within the Community will, therefore, go a long way to boost our national and regional competitiveness.

We are now a people destined for greatness, prosperity and happiness. Our borders are fast becoming mere formalities. As we integrate, we cease to be a group of neighbouring nations, and become one people.

Let us think with one mind, speak with one voice and walk on one road to our promised destination, “A better East Africa for all its citizens.”

The old railway system in place is being replaced by a modern faster network.

This article is a partial speech of HE.

Uhuru Kenyatta, the President of

the Republic of Kenya the current

Chairman of The EAC delivered

to the 15th Summit of the East

African Community Heads of State in

Kampala on November 30th 2013.

February 2014



AMAvubI uNAbLE to sAIL PAst sEMI FINALs of CECAFA regional soccer tournament

sports

Rwanda’s national football team “Amavubi” failed on second successive occasion to reach the semi finals of this year’s GOtv CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup after being knocked out by hosts Kenya with 1-0 defeat.

Amavubi were struggling to qualify for the last eight from group C , and needed second chance to go in the next round as best second losers alongside Burundi.

Amavubi were required to beat Eritrea in their last match, after defeats in two opening matches against Uganda and Zambia with 1-0 score.

The team managed to get a much needed 1-0 win over Eritrea to qualify as second best losers, but that insured they were handed the most difficult fixture available which was to encounter Kenya in their home turf.

teams to have reached the semis.

Highlights of this year’s championship

GOtv, a pay TV brand, became the official main sponsor of the CECAFA senior challenge cup as they set aside $125,000 to partner the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) and another KSh54million in kind towards the production of all 26 matches of the competition.

The support is, according to GOtv Kenya General Manager Felix Kyengo, part of their commitment towards promoting football in the region as well.

“Our decision to partner with CECAFA is part of the efforts to promote football in the region,” he said.

Gotv, a branch of Supersport in East came on board as sponsors alongside Coca-Cola who committed to give (KSh6.5million), and UAP (KSh5.5million).

But, this year’s sponsorship from Gotv is less than what the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) got during the last edition in Uganda.

The organizing committee in Uganda had announced a $ 450,000 sponsorship package from the East African Breweries under their Tusker brand.

Despite less sponsorship money, the tournament attracted visitors and African giant, Zambia, the 2012 winners of the African cup of Nations (AFCON).

While South Sudan was taking part in their second regional tournament, the very surprise of this year’s Cecafa challenge was a strong Somalia side, usually a country reputed to have a weak national football team. Somalia have improved considerably over recent years and their team are no longer looked at as push over.

Amavubi were comprehensively knocked out by Kenya in the last eight, to return home with the coach Eric Nshimiyimana obviously disappointed.

“We are disappointed. We did our best, but results we wanted didn’t come. The only thing we are going to do is to focus on the CHAN (Nations African Championships) that we are hosting in 2016,” said Nshimiyimana upon arrival at the Kigali international airport.

The national coach shares his disappointment with a man he replaced as Amavubi head coach, now Uganda technician Milutin Sredojević Micho, whose team were knocked out without reaching the semi, for the first time in over a decade.

Tanzania knocked Ugandan’s cranes on shoot outs, after the game ended in a 2-2 draw. Host Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Zambia are the other


“amavubi” of rwanda lost out to Harambee stars of Kenya at the CeCaFa regional tournament.


February 2014


Tour of Rwanda

sports

how EAC FLourIshEd At thE

cycling continental contest


Rwanda hosted the Tour of Rwanda continental cycling contest from the 17th to the 24th December 2013. Rwandan riders emerged top performers compared to the rest of the East African countries that participated in the cycling contest. South African Girdlestone Dylan won after riding the total of 804.6 km in just 20 hours 35 minutes and 55 seconds.

With Burundi and Uganda missing the tournament for the first time in over two years, Rwanda fielded three teams- Karisimbi, Muhabura and Akagera, composed of five riders each- while Tanzania and Kenya, other participants from the region, had respectively teams of five and four riders each.

Rwanda managed to stay in touch with top teams of the continent like Algeria, Eritrea, MTN – Qhubeka club of South Africa in the previous tour of Rwanda editions, and this year was no different.

Hadi Janvier, a Rwandan riding for Karisimbi team, managed to win the opening stage (Kigali-Kigali prologue) after riding 54 km in just 04 hours 05 minutes and 36 seconds. No Kenyan or a Tanzanian was in the top 10 ranking of the general classification after the first stage.

While Rwanda had 4 riders in the top 20 in the ranking of the first stage, Kenya had just one rider in Agorir Paul at the 17th place.

And the first stage trend showing Rwandan supremacy to Kenya and Tanzania was maintained throughout the competition.

Another Rwandan, Ndayisenga Valens of team Karisimbi won the 151.5km second stage between Rwamagana and Musanze, with the host country having 5 riders in the top ten ranking of the stage, while Kenya had just Njoroge John in the top ten ranking.

And at the final stage, the contest between Kenya and Rwanda for top ranking was confirmed. With the Tanzania team at last place on rank of 14 teams that participated, Rwanda’s teams Karisimbi, Akagera, Muhabura finished 2nd, 4th and 10th respectively, while

February 2014



Kenya team finished at the 6th place. The Eritrean team known as AS.BE.CO Cycling Team emerged tops.

While Rwandans were in overall the best performers throughout the competition, Kenyan Njoroge John was the most consistent of all the regional riders, as he finished one place adrift of the podium in the general ranking.

But Rwanda was the country with most riders in the top 10 of final ranking , with Nsengiyumva Jean-Bosco of team Karisimbi and Niyonshuti Adrien finishing at respectively 6th and 9th places.

toUR dU Rwanda iMpacting positively on eac integRation

With Rwanda becoming more and more of a stronger cycling country mainly in the region and across Africa, other EAC countries are benefiting from it.

Burundi is the first country to make sure the techniques and skills

Rwanda have are passed to them, although it is still at bourgeoning stage.

“We have a project to open training facilities in Burundi. Besides, we are looking at a possibility to organise a

race between Kigali and Bujumbura, in order to enhance the cooperation between the two countries,” said Festus Bizimana, the Rwanda cycling federation vice president.

The project to be rolled out in the near future entails building a regional training centre in Musanze, which will be used by the EAC countries trying to emulate Rwanda.

“Racing techniques, training methods, and better coaches, I think is what is making us having an edge on our counterparts from EAC,” said Nathan Byukusenge, one of outstanding performers in the last Tour of Rwanda Edition says. Organizers of the tournament say that the event helps to boost the country’s visibility and tourism activity.

It is anticipated that Rwanda’s expertise in cycling will be passed to her EAC neighbours through increased collaboration.


February 2014


With Rwanda reputed as bottlers when it comes to the 5th set that requires a huge experience, fans that hugely turned out in the stands wondered laudly whether their team was going to carry the day.

Behind their team, fans and coaches were nervous, as former Kenya national team captain, and now Rwanda’s coach Paul Bitoki affirms.

“We were nervous after Kenya came back at us. But thankfully, we managed to get hold of them, “Said Bitoki.

Rwanda relied heavily on named Most Valuable player of the tournament Lawrence Yakan to turn around the course of the last part of the game.

Rwanda won the last set to insure they were first runners up behind Egypt, with a chance of being better seeded in the next round.

Egypt won all matches to be joined respectively in the next round by Rwanda and Kenya. While the date of the next round are to be decided by the African volleyball confederations, winning three matches and losing one for Rwanda , insured Kenya came at the third place with two wins and loss. Uganda finished in fourth position with one win over Burundi, who came fifth after losing all their four matches without winning a single set.

In the next round to be held in Cameroun, Rwanda joins hosts, Algeria, Nigeria and Gabon in group A, while Kenya join the group B of Egypt, Botswana, Zambia and Cape Vert.

The top three teams from the next round will qualify for the World championships, as the International Volleyball Federation has guaranteed three places for Africa this year.

Rwanda edged Kenya the second time to qualify for the next round of the next year’s Volleyball World championship in Poland, in a quest to dominate the game in the East African Community.

Rwanda were hosts of this year’s zone V qualification games for the next year’s world tournament, with EAC countries battling for three tickets available for the region.

rwANdA EdgEs out kenya in a tough battle out for supremacy in volleyball

opening matches against Rwanda and Kenya to insure their early ticket to the next round, the remaining two tickets were played between Burundi, Tanzania Rwanda and Kenya.

The match between Kenya and Rwanda on the second day of the qualifiers was likely to decide which nation comes second behind Egypt on the final ranking.


While Egypt is considered member of the zone V and are always almost assured for a ticket for the next round due to their technical supremacy compared to the rest of the region, the contest is an opportunity to volleyball national teams from the region, to test their resilience, and this year’s edition didn’t disappoint.

With Tanzania missing this year’s event and Egypt predictably winning their two

While Rwanda won the first two sets in that match and looked like they were going to register an easy victory against Kenyans that have been dominating the game from the last two years, Kenya didn’t bow out easily.

They recovered in a spectacular fashion, and won the third and fourth set to send the match into a decider 5th set.

sports

Rwanda defeated Kenya to emerge as one of the regional representatives at next year’s Volleyball World championship in Poland.

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