HIGHLIGHTS

Rwanda National Investment Trust Iterambere Fund is an open and balanced fund that caters for the wealth creation aspirations of Rwandans. Through the fund unit holders participate in the capital market and the returns from the investment assets are fully passed on to the unit holders, net of fees proportional to their holdings in the scheme. “This is an efficient investment avenue for people who have a medium to long term investment horizon and who may later wish to be avail with liquidity in case of need. I call upon all Rwandans to come and invest in the future of Rwanda...” A unit will be sold at Rwf100.

RNIT

24 DEVELOPMENT BANK OF RWANDA

54 A PIECE OF RWANDA

34 ENGEN RWANDA

7 EDITORIAL Investment in improved technologies crucial for success of manufacturing sector

10 BRALIRWA’S automated assembly line promises increased production efficiency and safety

22 RNIT Iterambere Fund to boost saving and investment for low income earners

24 BRD stakeholders commit to increased agricultural financing

30 URWEGO answers your FAQs on its New Treasury Department

32 AIRTEL Adele Mukamusonera’s hope renewed through Airtel Touching Lives Initiative

34 ENGEN RWANDA sponsors 2016 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla rally

35 ENGEN Rwanda scoops best retail and distribution award in 2016 Expo

36 HOW Mukabarisa used VisionFund loans to come out of poverty

38 UAP Insurance Rwanda Eloquence in insurance, social services earns us 2016 2nd best exhibitor award

40 BRALIRWA Soft drinks plant scoops best Heineken plant

46 KWETU Film School Building capacities for Rwanda’s film content developers

48 MOTORING The FUEL FILTER

50 UTB Pomp and spectacle as Miss, Mr. UTB 2016 crowned

54 A PIECE OF RWANDA Angel Uwamahoro

22

Rwanda Foam Limited 2

Turkish Airlines 3

Airtel Rwanda 5

Hotel Des Mille Collines 6

Akagera Business Group 8

Safintra 9

Konka Products 14, 15, 44, 45

Crown Paints 16

Grazia Apartments 17

Sonarwa General Insurance 21

Nakumatt Supermarket 27

Airtel Rwanda 33

Century Real Estate 37

UAP Insurance Group 39

Popconn Rwanda 42

Davis & Shirtliff 43

Kwetu Residence Inn 47

Victoria Motors 49

Orchrard Cafe 52

Canaberra coffee shop 53

ZenRestaurants 53

Paint House 58

Oriental Papyrus 59

TIGO Rwanda 60

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CONTENTS

MAY 2016 ISSUE 644

COVER BRALIRWA’s automated

assembly line

PRESIDENTIAL MONTH

28

www.hope-mag.com 7

TEAM

Albert NdataBenigne Mugwaneza

Gahima VitalHategekimana valensHimbana Alexandre

Ishimwe YvonneKhellia IngabireManzi Joseph

Matthew RwahigiRumanzi AbrahamSharon Umunyana

Shema IgnaceShema Leonard

Sindayirwanya IsabelleWakibi Geff

Keith Ntagozera Mutabazi Jackson

Rebero Daniel

DESIGN & LAYOUT Dani K.

PUBLISHED BY Hope Magazine Ltd.

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COPYRIGHT 2013

Reserved by Hope Magazine, a monthly Magazine is

published by Hope Magazine Limited.

All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily

those of the editors and publishers of Hope Magazine.

Care is taken to ensure accuracy, Hope Magazine assume no liability for error or omissions in this publication. All Advertisements are taken in good faith, opinions and views contained herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. All copyrights and trademarks are recognized. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission by Hope Magazine. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts with the purpose of fair review. © 2013

PUBLISHER'S WORD

Investment in improved technologies

crucial for success of manufacturing sector

Rwanda’s vision emphasizes increased industrial production both quantitatively and qualitatively to significantly reduce imports and increase competitiveness of exports. Towards this end, key policies and strategies have been implemented including the doing business reforms which simplify investment procedures. But as the government

continues to play its part in this worthwhile journey towards sustainable industrialization, it is only responsible that manufacturers in the country invest in improved manufacturing technologies to ensure sustainability of their operations through efficient use of resources of for instance water and energy, and standard quality assurance. A good case of a local manufacturer that has taken the necessary steps towards installing state-of the art technology is BRALIRWA.

Over the past three years, this leading beverage manufacturer has injected substantial sums in its soft drinks and brewery plants particularly installing new state of the art technology to replace and improve antediluvian ones. At both factories, automated assembly lines have been installed and with them so much has changed. Among other impacts, the new BRALIRWA assembly lines are praised for unprecedented efficient use of resources and high productivity. For instance, the automated assembly line at the Gisenyi plant has significantly reduced water spillages ensuring that this scarce natural resource is efficiently and sustainably used. In addition, the reduced human interaction with the production process at the facility guarantees standardized quality products and promises to significantly eliminate workplace accidents that people operating the facility face.

Similarly, the new technology used by the assembly line allows use of alternative energy sources like solar power to be installed as you will read inside the magazine in our feature on the facility. Now, what BRALIRWA needs to invest in will be full utilization of technological possibilities allowed by the new facility. For instance since it is possible for alternative energy sources such as solar to be used, BRALIRWA can install these to reduce energy consumption and ensure environmentally friendly operations by cutting on the burning of hydrocarbons for energy. It is good BRALIRWA as a leading manufacturer has opened the way, others should follow suit, and why not, Rwanda is building for a sustainable future in which we all have a role to play for unless we standardize and improve the quality of our products through use of high-tech equipment available today, their market competitiveness will remain frail.

We appreciate your feedback. Please keep sending more on info@hope-mag.com or visit www.hope-mag.com, to post your comment

on any published story. We shall pick it and respond to you asap!

10

f Since 2013, Rwanda’s leading producer of beverages and the largest shareholder of the beverage market BRALIRWA has been making significant investments in its production facilities

both for the soft drinks and beer plants in Kigali and Rubavu (Gisenyi) respectively.

The latest in these investments is the instalment of a brand new, state of the art automated assembly line at the Gisenyi based brewery which is now already operational.

The first few minutes inside the facility are rather deafening like in any other industry with the clatter of machinery as they move the bulk of beer that flows from this brewery to only serve the local Rwandan beverage market but also Easter D.R

Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and other neighbouring markets whose demand for Rwandan brands like Mutzig, Primus, Turbo King etc has been augmenting in the recent past. But once settled into the facility, falling in love with it is instant.

BRALIRWA’s automated assembly line promises increased production

efficiency and safety

The movements of crates of empty beer bottles as thye arrive into the cleaning area and then bottles and crates are separated to go to different directions following through their various cycles of cleansing before they can be reunited clean, and filled with quality beer products ready to be shipped out to eager enthusiasts waiting in bars across Rwanda and the region. The cleaning process of the bottles is an immaculate and convincing one, ensuring that no probability of retaining contamination of any sort is given.

The bottles go through several compartments where they are washed with hot water and detergent, then leansed with clean water and into an inspection area. At the cleaning level and in all other levels of the production process, automated checks and balances remove all those bottles whose quality or the quality of their contents do not fit within set standards.

Bottles with cracks, water or any other liquids that may have been retained at the washing point are eliminated from the harmonious flow towards the filling level. Watching the machine work and the technical personnel feeding it with commands and responding to notifications, there is little room that one will not be drawn into its clatter amazed by the efficiency with which it operates and of course the economic impact this standards to have on not just BRALIRWA but Rwanda’s nascent manufacturing sector.

Commissioned into service early this year, BRALIRWA’s automated assembly line at the Gisenyi brewery has an installed capacity of outputting 40,000 and 35,000 beer bottles per hour of 33cl and 50cl respectively. The increase in terms of hourly output capacity if compared to the old facilities is not very huge but the efficiency that comes with the new automated facility and the assurance of uncompromised quality standards is a great boost to BRALIRWA’s capacity to satisfy the beer market in Rwanda

and the region. Smoothly operating, lesser noise and limited human interaction in its operation except through computerised commands, the new assembly line has brought procedures at the Gisenyi plant to international standard, significantly limiting human error and reducing the possibility of occupational injury to the 15 staff it employs. From observation of the operation of the new assembly line and conversations with staff working at the facility, the automated assembly line is a source of

12

relief for technical staff operating the plant’s production lines.

Increased production efficiencyRegarding improved production efficiency, the first feature of the new production plant is that there is limited human interaction with the production cycle which in turn minimises the probability of making errors in the process.

From the loading of crates of empty bottles, cleaning, verification of bottle standards, through the whole bottling process, packaging and branding, and to the last phase of gathering full crates filled with Rwanda’s most popular beers, human involvement is only at the stage of loading crates of empty bottles onto the system’s conveyer and at the end when they crates now full with beer-carrying bottles are offload and readied to be transported to the brewery’s storage area and consequently to the consumer market.

The rest of the procedures are handled by an automated line, working on commands fed into the system by a highly skilled technical team. A good example of this highly automated state

of the art equipment is on the lubrication of the system which was one source of intermittent headaches to technical staff operating the old facilities.

On many occasions, the system would stop operating or several bottles would break as a result of increasing friction. With the new system however, this is a story of the past. Lubricants are splashed on where they are meant to be

BRALIRWA Ltd is a Rwandan company producing and selling beers and soft drinks. The Company beer portfolio includes Primus, Mützig, Guinness, Amstel and Turbo King produced in our Gisenyi brewery and Heineken beer which is imported. We produce Primus beer, our main brand since 1959 and our soft drinks plant started operating in 1974 in partnership with The Coca-Cola Company. We produce Coca-Cola brands; Coca-Cola, Fanta Orange and Fanta Citron, Fanta Fiesta, Sprite, Krest Tonic and own brand Vital’O.

The company was founded in 1957 with the construction of a brewery in G iseny i , located at Lake K ivu. Since 1971, BRALIRWA Ltd is part of the internationally renowned Group Heineken which holds 75% of BRALIRWA Ltd shares while the 25% remaining shares are hold by independent shareholders. As a socially responsible company BRALIRWA Ltd supports a variety of projects from Education to Health and Environment.

ABOUT BRALIRWA

BRALIRWA SPECIAL FEATURE

Reduction in risks to occupational injury

Another area that the automated production line has significantly impacted is the safety of personnel that operate it. Severity, frequency and probability of occupational injuries have been significantly reduced as staff at the facility shared. The most vivid testimony to the reduced risks to injury is the production lines Lock out tag out (LOTO) system which requires that the whole system be fully closed for it to run. This literally eliminates the chances of any

person being in harm’s inside the production system for the only time they are inside is when the system is not operating. Also, given the automatic cleaning system of the assembly line, there is no longer need for staff to climb the gigantic robot to clean its various features, which on old systems was a great cause for injuries suffered. After 57 years of existence, the automated assembly line at the Gisenyi brewery is a significant milestone that will certainly continue to ensure that BRALIRWA stands as Rwanda’s leading beverage producer.

by specialised nozzles installed on the line ensuring that the gigantic robotic structure continues operation with minimal distractions. As a result of the reduced production downtime, there is founded optimism that the production capacity of the facility will be efficiently utilised. In the past, operators of the old assembly line note that there were times the machines stopped working for more than four hours as technicians worked to find out what fault in the system was causing trouble. Such downtimes explain why at some occasions, the beer supply especially during peak seasons of the year like in Christmas and New Festivities would be insufficient to meet the high seasonal demand.

The optimism that there will no longer be downtimes as a result of faults in the production line is premised on the fact that the assembly line generates notification alarms whenever there is a fault, clearly detailing which area on the facility has a problem. This implies that time which would be spent identifying what the cause of a system failure is has been eliminated. This production efficiency is then reinforced by the efficient use of utilities particularly water and the reduced waste of beverage, both of which represent a significant reduction in the cost of operating the beer assembly line.

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6422

RWANDA NATIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST SPECIAL FEATURE

The Fund will have RNIT as the investment manager; the National Bank of Rwanda, as the custodian – to keep the scheme’s assets, supervise and monitor the regulatory compliance of the Fund transactions on behalf of the unit holders – and Board of Trustees, which will be responsible for overseeing its operations and the

benefits of the investors. In his opening remarks, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), Claver Gatete said that the initiative is in line with the Government plans to reduce poverty through setting in hand a fast and sustainable development of capital markets and other related financial services in the country.

“This will help integrate the unbanked population into the banking sector,’ he added. “The fund will help promote domestic resource mobilization which remains the biggest source of long-term financing for sustained growth, development and provision of public goods and services to Rwandans,” Gatete said. He added that it is an investment vehicle where a pool of money put together from many investors who have the same investment objectives will enable them to directly participate in the market through a systematically directed approach of the fund manager (RNIT Ltd).

RNIT Iterambere Fund to boost saving and investment

for low income earners f A new fund to promote financial inclusion

targeting Rwandans especially those with low earnings was launched the 12th July 2016 by Rwanda National Investment Trust Ltd (RNIT), a company that was established by the government of Rwanda with an objective to promote the culture of saving among Rwandans. The launch was presided over by right HON. Prime Minister Anastasi Murekezi in the presence of a number of invited guests including Governors, Ministers, the Mayor of the city of Kigali, and the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda.

Prime minister Murekezi, minister Gatete, mayor of Kigali, governors and invited guests pose for a group photo afer the launch

www.hope-mag.com 23

Minister Gatete and CEO RNIT during a press conference after the launch

He called upon Rwandans to respond positively to the fund and said, “The scheme is open for investment to Rwandans within and out of the country, East African Community nationals and international investors within the acceptable legal framework. In his speech Rwanda’s Premier Mr. Anastasi Murekezi, who graced the ceremony as guest of honor said the initiative has been timely when Rwandans need to embrace the culture of saving as a means of fighting poverty. “When people put money together, it becomes easy and fast for them to save enough for future investments and this is likely to increase the speed of national development,” he noted.

“We are fast as far as development is concerned but we need to be even faster, it is now time for the government to open the fund to all Rwandans, an opportunity for them to put into practice the saving culture,” he said. His Excellency the President Paul Kagame says if

we continue saving our economic development will always shine, he noted. Gashugi Andre, CEO RNIT thanked the government for the continued support to Rwandans on issues of saving. “Today we are launching our first product, initiated by the government and intended to promote financial inclusion and increase savings and investments for Rwandans,” he said. RNIT Iterambere Fund is an open and balanced fund that caters for the wealth creation aspirations of Rwandans. Through the fund unit holders participate in the capital market and the returns from the investment assets are fully passed on to the unit holders, net of fees proportional to their holdings in the scheme.

“This is an efficient investment avenue for people who have a medium to long term investment horizon and who may later wish to be avail with liquidity in case of need. I call upon all Rwandans to come and invest in the future of Rwanda,” he said. A unit will be sold at

Rwf100. However, the minimum investment in the Fund is Rwf2, 000 and there is no ceiling for investments. It will be working with commercial banks and stockbrokers in a bid to help investors. The Fund has two options: income option (with minimum investment of Rwf100, 000) and Growth option (minimum investment of Rwf2, 000), with no maximum limit.Income is distributed depending on the investors’ options. Those who choose the growth option are not entitled to income distribution and the income earned from investments of such unit holdings would automatically be re-invested by the Fund.

Those who choose income option will receive their respective income distribution. According to Gashugi, investors also have the right to withdraw their invested money any time they want based on their needs. However, he added, “The longer you leave your money invested, the greater the opportunity for wealth creation as the money is put to use to earn more money”.

L-R, Claver Gatete prime minister Anastase Murekezi and Gashugi Andre Minister Gatete, Premire Murekezi and ceo Gashugi share during the launch

About Rwanda National Investment Trust Limited RNIT is an independent asset management company established by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) with the aim of promoting the assets (fund) management industry. It is in line with the objective of the government of Rwanda of promoting the culture of saving by designing products that suit the various investment needs of the people and further developing the capital market.

one of the biggest employers in many African countries, feeding the populations; it is for these fundamental reasons that governments, commercial banks, insurance companies, NGOs and civil society organizations need to continue working together and to always ensure that the entire agricultural sector is working efficiently,” he said.

Kanyankole added that some of the key success factors of the sector include financing of the various agricultural activities such as the acquisition of improved seeds, mechanization, harvesting, post-harvest handling, agro-

processing and linking farmers to the markets so as to be able to produce for market demands. “It is therefore imperative to have an efficient mode of financing for the sector where best practices are identified and replicated.

The meeting here in Kigali to share best practices is a development opportunity for us all and I would therefore like to thank the AFRACA secretariat for providing this noble opportunity,” he said.

The AFRACA in partnership with the BRD, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (Minagri) and Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) organized the

International Conference on Best Practices in Rural and Agricultural Finance at the Marriot Hotel Kigali from 1st to 3rd August. Experts and practitioners in rural agricultural finance agreed to come up with best ways of enabling farmers access finance, increase production and cutting down the cost of production in agriculture.

Alex Kanyankole, the Chief Executive Officer of BRD while delivering opening key note address noted that Agriculture continues to play a key role in the lives of many Africans. “Agriculture continues to be

DEVELOPMENT BANK OF RWANDA SPECIAL FEATURE

AFRACA CONFERENCEBRD, stakeholders commit to

increased agricultural financing

Access to Finance Rwanda's Technical Director Ms. Judith Agoga Acon (2nd from left) enjoys a light moment during the AFRACA Conference held at the Kigali Marriot Hotel last monthDr Usman M. BUGAJE from Nigeria was one of the participant of the conference.

f As part of efforts to commercialize the agricultural sector, the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) along with other rural agricultural finance players agreed to extend more credit facilities to the sector. The resolution was reached during the African Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (AFRACA) conference that took place in Kigali early this month.

A participant takes in some of the best practices that were shared in agricultural financing during the AFRACA conference

CEO, Alex Kanyankole speaking at the AFRACA conference this month

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6424

Saleh Usman Gashua, Secretary General of AFRACA also noted that there are many reasons as to why rural agricultural development f inance is important. “Agriculture is the only sector which affects all; everyone is a stakeholder, unless there is anyone who doesn’t eat. About 60 to 70 per cent of our populations are involved in one way or another in the agricultural value chain. “Less than five per cent of us have access to formal agricultural finance which is really very unfortunate which is why we are here,” he said. “The issue of access to finance has been a big problem and we are here to see how we can reverse the situation.”

Policymakers laud AFRACA conference

Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Vice Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda said, as a Central Bank and Rwanda in general, they were happy to have access to the important knowledge sharing and networking event to discuss agriculture financing and the rural economy. “Today, in Rwanda, we have made tremendous progress as regards financial inclusion.

We are talking of around 11% of the population who are excluded from financial services. “We have reached there by focusing on key policies such as forming and strengthening savings and credit cooperatives and also having mobile

financial services and other innovations such as agency banking. “All these are creating proximity in providing financial services. However, we still have a gap in the actual usage of f inancial instruments which is low,” she said. Talking of agricultural sector, Nsanzabaganwa said formal lending programs are mainly through the SACCCOs and are now at 6% up from 1% 10 years ago in Rwanda. “This conference was important for us because I

believe we can learn from best practices; so that what works elsewhere can be implemented or adapted in other areas. “Governments are pushing millions of dollars in this sector and as policy makers we need to know how to manage t

hat to the best use,” she said. Gerardine Mukeshimana, the minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources said that given that most of the African countries’ workforce is employed in the agricultural sector, there is need to have an integrated and prosperous sector by transforming from subsistence farming to innovation-driven and market-oriented farming. “The potential impact of agricultural transformation in Africa can be seen by the fact that 60% of arable land is producing only 10% of the global agricultural output.

This tells us that we need to have a private-sector led agricultural sector which can be done by addressing critical constraints of financing critical agricultural value chains,” she closed. Judith Agoga Acon, the Technical Director of Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR), noted that most lenders are yet to begin trusting farmers under the pretext that the sector is too risky. “I hope the government continues putting in place measures that will end this,” she said. While closing the conference Nsanzabaganwa called on financiers to overcome the fear of risk while financing the agricultural sector.

“Agriculture should not be thought of as a risky business. We should know how to deal with risk management instead of risk avoidance. I see global brands that are in this sector and are making a lot of money. We need to collaborate, coordinate and come up with innovations to harness that potential including using technology,” she said. Kanyankole revealed that BRD will, in the next five years, invest Rwf 80 billion to support agro-processing industries and post-harvest loss management.

After discussing agricultural financing for the better part of the conference, the participants went on a field visit to Nyanza

in the Southern Province on the third day

Delegates at the ongoing AFRACA conference pose for a group photo

Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Ms. Geraldine Mukeshimana makes her remarks during the AFRACA conference

A participant shares his views on best practices on agriculture financing during the AFRACA conference

Participants at the AFRACA conference pay attention during the event held at the Kigali Marriot Hotel

www.hope-mag.com 25

Delegates at the ongoing AFRACA conference pose for a group photo

Some traditional dance entertainment was provided for the visiting participants during the three-day meeting

Alex Kanyankore(CEO of BRD) ,Dr Geraldine Mukeshimana Hon. Minister of agriculture and

animal resources during the confernce.

BNR Vice Governor, Monique Nsanzabaganwa makes her remarks this morning

Alex Kanyankore, CEO of BRD giving a welcome address as he opened the day one confrence , 1st August 2016.

The delegates also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site

BRD's Kanyankole makes his key note opening speech this morning at the AFRACA conference

The officials from different countries had time to also share what they could do to improve agricultural financing

Some of the delegates of the AFRACA conference pose for a group photo as the event progressed

PICTORIAL

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6426

1. President Kagame hosted the 27th African Union Summit | Kigali, 17-18 July 2016

2. Kagame opened the 13th Ordinary Session of CISSA Conference | Kigali, 4 August 2016

3. President Kagame hosted the African Union State Banquet | Kigali, 17 July 2016

4. President Kagame presided over closing of Itorero Indangamirwa IX | Gabiro, 19 July 2016

5. President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame received Israeli Prime Minister,

Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara Netanyahu who were in Rwanda on a one day official visit | Kigali, 6 July 2016

6. President Kagame attended the Regional Summit on Counter Terrorism | Kampala, 4 July 2016

7. President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame visit a smart classroom and laboratory at the school provided as part of Rweru model village as part of the 22nd Liberation Day celebrations | Rweru, 4 July 2016

Presidential Month Pictorial Highlighting the President's monthly activities undertaken in and outside the country

8. President Kagame officiated at the 3rd Graduation Ceremony of the University of Rwanda | Kigali, 29 July 2016

9. President Kagame chaired the Smart Africa Board Meeting in Kigali, 18 July 2016

10. President Kagame received credentials of new envoys. Ambassador Bruce Rata Shepherd of New Zealand presents credentials to President Kagame | Kigali, 11 July 2016

11. President Kagame Inaugurated the Kigali Convention Centre | Kigali, 8 July 2016

12. President Kagame received Malala Yousafzai | Kigali, 13 July 2016

13. President Kagame received Carnegie Mellon president, Subra Suresh | Kigali, 23 June 2016

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6430

T o start with, the treasury depart-ment of a bank is responsible for balancing and managing the daily cash flow and liquidity of funds within the bank. The department

also handles the bank's investments in se-curities, foreign exchange, asset/liability management and cash instruments. RICHARD NGABONZIZA, the Head of the new Treasury department at Urwego talked to HOPE MAG-AZINE to give an insight into how it operates. . Below are the excerpts;

�� Briefly tell us how the Treasury department works

A bank from the old times is an institution that collects deposits from clients and lends them to customers in form of loans. But every deposit isn’t issued as a loan because some money has to remain for people to transact. Most of the time, the deposits come at a cost therefore they have to be utilized in a profitable way which is why our treasury department was formed.

�� We want to make sure that our clients’ money is invested in profitable avenues.

A bank from the old times is an institution that collects deposits from clients and lends

them to customers in form of loans. But every deposit isn’t issued as a loan because some money has to remain for people to transact. Most of the time, the deposits come at a cost therefore they have to be utilized in a profitable way which is why our treasury department was formed. We want to make sure that our clients’ money is invested in profitable avenues.

Besides, the bank not only trades with people in the country but also those abroad so there is always need to convert a country’s currency to another’s currency to make sure that people settle their payments. As a bank, we need to ensure that people are able to bring in foreign currency into the country or get it to buy items outside the country. Therefore we look at the deposit side and foreign exchange sides of the market as a treasury department..

�� Of what value are Urwego’s treasury activities?

For example, if a client has money and they want to use it in the next three months to a year, they can come and deposit it with us as fixed deposit where we agree the terms and interest rates because the money will be used by us until the client really needs it. A client may find it hard to invest in government treasury bills or bonds because these terms

are usually hard for them to understand yet as a bank we aim at serving all kinds of people. Therefore, as a treasury, we always go and look out for people and inform them of investment opportunities where they can invest their money, compare the returns compared to their other businesses and invest. There could be a government paper that can earn you an interest of 12% per year for three to five years and if you feel that you are earning less than that, this could be an avenue for you to invest in.

When it comes to international trade, when someone wants to import goods from outside the country, we would first educate the client on the prevailing exchange rate, then after receiving the bank address of the person the client wants to send money to, we use the bank swift code to communicate between our correspondent bank and the client’s correspondent bank.

Once the transfer is authorized and goes through, there is a print out that we give to the client to show the supplier so that they are assured that money has been transferred.Therefore we help people to settle their international bills, invoices and any other payments. All they need is to have an account with sufficient funds with us and give us the addresses of those to receive the

f Since the formation of its exciting Treasury department early this year, people’s bank Urwego Opportunity Bank this month took it upon itself to attend to the different queries about the department.

Urwego answers your FAQs on its New Treasury Department

A client may find it hard to invest in government treasury bills or bonds because these terms are usually hard for them to understand yet as a bank we aim at serving all kinds

of people. Therefore, as a treasury, we always go and look out for people and inform them of investment opportunities where they can invest their money, compare the

returns compared to their other businesses and invest.

www.hope-mag.com 31

funds.Another scenario is if there is a person from outside Rwanda who wants to invest in Rwanda or buy treasury bills or bonds, they can come to us and we advise them on transferring the funds here. As soon as their bank transfers the money we are notified and credit the money to their account here.It can be an account of any currency, from dollars to Rwandan francs. Depending on the currency of the funds a client is receiving, we can also agree on a favorable exchange rate.

�� How do you deal with exchange rate fluctuations?

Being a market-driven economy, the foreign exchange market is driven by demand and supply. The Rwandan franc depreciating means that there has been higher demand compared to the offers. One can keep their dollars today and sell at a higher price tomorrow. But we say there is no need to do that.

If you came to me and told me you wanted to buy US dollars in three months, I would use a simple formula which checks the dollar deposit rate today and gives me an estimate of how much it would be in three months. We do it this way because people may see the dollar appreciating today and rush to buy them in fear of buying them expensively after a few

weeks thereby creating an artificial demand which leads to even faster depreciation. This is why the central bank ensures that people are educated and don’t panic because it is through panicking that you create artificial demand for something you will use in three to four months or a year. There is a law that was passed recently where every contract in Rwanda has to be invoiced in Rwandan francs.

A common example was of the landlords of houses and buildings who used to invoice their tenants in dollars. They were doing this because they knew the dollar value keeps on going up so in reality the rent value was also increasing.This would prompt their tenants to go to the market to look for dollars while at the same time there were importers who wanted to import raw materials for their factory and thus would see themselves fight for the few dollars in the market.

Of course, whoever was willing to pay more would get the dollars. The needs were entirely different. While the tenants wanted to pay rent, the importers wanted dollars for a greater need which would see them pay more taxes and employ more people thus developing the economy. This is what the government is trying to avoid by ensuring people are gett ing dollars for genuine reasons.

�� How do you work to ensure that dollars are put to good use?

When someone wants to do a transfer, we cannot do it until they show us a proforma invoice from their supplier. Given that the central bank intervenes in the forex market once or twice a week by selling dollars to commercial banks, we have to see the proforma invoices sent by the clients.

For example if you want to import sugar from Zambia, you have to show me the proforma invoice from the Zambian seller after which I will send it to the central bank for approval before transferring the money directly to the supplier.It has to be a genuine business enterprise. As for family and friends, we don’t control it in the same way given that they always send small amounts of money which although could be in small amounts could be dangerous if done very often by many people.

�� Conclusion

Our goal is to serve the underprivileged but people also need to know that Urwego has a license to operate as a commercial banking institution which is why we are now reaching out to commercial banking clients for any service they require from one. We are different ethical wise and are the best people you can deal with.

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6432

Du r i n g t h e g e n o c i d e A d e l e c o n t r a c t e d HIV through

rape. She was raped by a number of people, including children, she says. Adele goes ahead to narrate her sad story mentioning that she was thrown in a pit latrine with her son on her back and forced to remove all her cloths before she was raped. “I had him (his son) on my back. When they got us, I put him on my chest and they threw us in the pit latrine. My arm got burnt, but we did not die. I managed to get out of the latrine with my son and we went back home. When I got home I took my son Gilbert to my mother and went down the road to find something to eat. As I reached the second road they (genocidaires) found me, asked me to remove my cloths and started to throw stones at me”, narrates Mukamusonera

“I was raped by three men and the fourth one was a child of 7 years. My dad was nearby being bitten as they tortured me. At some point he said they should kill him instead of me being killed”, added Mukamusonera with tears rolling down the left cheek. Her family around her could not take

care of her needs besides sheltering her with her 80 years old mother. Nonetheless living on one meal of porridge a day, she dreamt to have her own house and have a decent meal like any other normal family one day. Adele’s dreams were yesterday answered through Airtel’s touching lives initiative that aired on Television Rwanda (TVR) as the first beneficiary of the initiative since it launched this year in April.

Airtel Rwanda Touching Lives experience rewards people who have gone the extra mile to make life better not only for themselves, but everyone. “I cannot believe this, I did not think there are still people out there that cared for each other the way I have been cared for. I have always dreamt of owning my own house and a decent meal like

any normal person”, Adele Mukamusonera said excitedly. Airtel touching lives also visited the family of Jean De Dieu & Mukampabuka Rusi a resident of Kicukiro district, Gatenga Sector, Nyarurama. The Jean De Dieu family has four children of which two (boy and a girl) are disabled. The girl cannot walk, sit or even speak, neither can the boy talk nor sit. “At 6 months old his son became sick. He would fall down every time he tried to sit down like any other children. I started to realize he was suffering from mental illness. The Doctors said that due to lack of oxygen at birth he ended up with this condition”, sadly tells Mukampabuka.

“It is a challenge when you have children living with disability. My wife and I are limited, one of us has to look for a job while the other stays to look after the children”, says Jean De Dieu. Amidst years of hardships Jean De Dieu and family saw the light at the end of the tunnel when Airtel Touching lives yesterday renewed hope for his family by offering to pay for school fees at Inkuru Nziza Ortopedic

Hospital where children with disabilities can study and get treatment including Kinesitherapy. Among other benefits, Airtel Touching lives offered a bicycle designed especially for the disabled children to help their son move from one place to another. Additionally, Jean De Dieu and family were offered a small business that will add value to their daily lives.

Airtel Rwanda Managing Director Michael Adjei Nii Boye also commented that “There are a lot of people that need the society’s help to live to see another day, which is why we are going on to reward those that need our assistance”. The Airtel Touching Lives Initiative will be airing two stories per episode on TVR at 7:30pm and Tuesdays on TV1 at 6:30pm for 11 weeks.

Adele Mukamusonera’s hope renewed through Airtel Touching Lives Initiative

f Kigali, Rwanda. July, 2016 – Adele Mukamusonera a resident of a rural suburb at Mont Kigali, is one of the Rwandans who was lucky to survive the genocide and still deals with the wounds that arose from the genocide against the Tutsi.

Emotional Adele Mukamusonera tell

his sad story

Mukampabuka Rusi with her husband Jean De Dieu and their child who lives with disability on Airtel touching lives show

ADELE Mukamusonera on the Touching Lives being congratulated by the host of

Airtel Touching Lives show, Lilliane

www.hope-mag.com 33

Airtel Rwanda has signed a partnership agreement with Western Union, one of the world’s leaders of remittances, to ease international money transfers to Rwandans from across the globe. Airtel Money subscribers in Rwanda can now receive money

through Western Union at no cost. The subscribers will be able to pick their money at any Airtel Money agent or withdraw the money from an ATM machine, 24 hours a day. In the past, money sent via Western Union needed to find a bank or Western Union Agent to withdraw the funds, often spending a lot of time in the queue. Mr. Michael Adjei, Managing Director said; “This is a transformative development in the area of international funds transfers given that customers will save both time and money.” With proximity to mobile money agents, people can easily access and transact with mobile money services. Receiving money on one’s Airtel Money account through Western Union gives the receiver the freedom to access it at any given time. This will be a secure option as it reduces the risks associated with carrying cash.

Molly Shea, Senior Vice President in charge of Digital for MAAE: ( Middle East, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe ) Region in Western Union said; “Western Union continues to grow its reach across Africa, while delivering an exceptional experience across retail and mobile platforms, allowing customers to conveniently and reliably move money. Western Union is delighted to work with Airtel Rwanda, as both companies are focused on making the lives of customers better.” In the case of foreign exchange and currency fluctuations, the receiver will receive the same amount of money that will have been sent by the sender. On receiving the message from the sender, the receiver may then pick up the transfer directly into his or her mobile wallet.

f Customers will receive the money at no cost. f Airtel Money subscribers to pick up Western

Union Money Transfers to their mobile wallets

About Bharti AirtelBhart i Airtel L imited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 18 countries across Asia and Africa. Headquartered in New Delhi, India, the company ranks amongst the top 3 mobile service providers globally in terms of subscribers.

In India, the company's product offerings include 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services, mobile commerce, fixed line services, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, enterprise services including national & international long distance services to carriers.

In the rest of the geographies, it offers 2G, 3G and 4G wireless services and mobile commerce. Bharti Airtel had over 361 million customers across its operations at the end of May 2016. To know more please visit, www.airtel.com

Airtel Rwanda partners with Western Union to ease money transfers for

Rwandans across the world

About the Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides

consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. As of December 31, 2015, the Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services were offered through a combined network of over 500,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories and

over 100,000 ATMs and kiosks, and included the capability to send money to over one billion accounts. In 2015, The Western Union Company completed 262 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $82 billion of principal between consumers, and 508 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com

Engen sponsors 2016 Rwanda Mountain Gorilla rally

The three-day FIA Africa Rally Champion-ship rally, which ended on August 15th, had its flagging off of the cars and su-per sprint stage held at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali on the first

day of the event and competitive stages in Nya-mata, Bugesera District in the Eastern Province. Engen Rwanda sponsored all the fuel used by the 24 cars that raced in the event, among which included a car driven by Jean Claude Gakwaya, who led the Rwandan team and emerged fourth in the competition, providing them diesel, engine oils, vouchers and tyres. Speaking at the start of the rally, Sarah Doukoure, the Engen Rwanda

Managing Director said motor sports, especially the rally are an important sport for the Engen marketing strategy, the main reason why they always sponsor the event and actively take part in its organization every year. “We believe that we should not under estimate motor sport, es-pecially the Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally in the nation’s growth as it plays a critical role in the development of tomorrow’s achievers and the dynamic young people,” she told Hope Magazine.

“We have been sponsoring rallies in Africa; in South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania because we believe there is a direct correlation between the sport and our business as a fuel service provider that supplies quality fuels and tyres and the best service. They need our support and we will always be there to support them,” she explained. Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally is the fifth round of the African Rally Championship calendar, and there are two more rounds left, namely Uganda and Madagascar.

Out of 24 cars that started the three-day event, only 12 finished the race, with most competitors bowing out on a grueling second day. Burundian driver Valery Bukera won his f irst Rwanda Mountain Gorilla Rally title with Zambian rally champion Muna Singh Jr. f in ishing second on Sunday at Golden Tulip Hotel in Nyamata. Rwanda’s Gakwaya finished fourth with a time of 02:01:27 and was the only Rwandan to finish in top ten while Uganda had the highest number of riders in top ten (five).

f Leading fuel marketer, Engen Rwanda sponsored this year’s Rwanda Mountain Gorilla that also saw its main sponsored car emerge an impressive fourth in the competitive rally.

Engen Team ready for the circuit at Amahoro Stadium

JC Gakwaya arrives for servicing at Engen Kicukiro station

Rwanda's Gakwaya, fourth in the rally sprints during the superstage in Amahoro Stadium on the first day of the rally

Ms. Doukoure flags off Burundii's Bukera at the start of this year's rally in Kigali's Amahoro National Stadium

Sarah Doukoure, Engen Rwanda Managing Director speaks at the rally event

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6434

f Doing one’s best to impress more than 20,000 people visiting your stand every day of the week isn’t an easy feat. But with the best team, products and sales service, it isn’t impossible.

This is what the team at Rwanda’s leading fuel marketer, Engen Rwanda had to do in order to scoop the best retail and distribution award of the just-concluded 2016 Rwanda International Trade Fair

(Expo). The firm, which was also a Silver Sponsor of the 16-day event, beat other retail exhibitors

at the Expo to the award, with its Managing Director, Ms. Sarah Doukoure commending the outstanding efforts of her staff which complemented the impressive petrol station design of their stand to getting the award. “What enabled us to win the award was the

design of our stand which was in the form of a petrol station. Obviously it wasn’t a full-size petrol station but we put our branding similar to that of a petrol station and I also believe the team attended well to the clients and marketed our products well,” she explained. She noted that explaining petroleum products to clients isn’t as easy as selling a product off-the shelf due to their varying technical aspects. “There is a technical expertise that it comes with and the team was trained well to be able to convince customers.

We explained to people and created an interest in them about the different products we have.” Ms. Doukoure noted that the Expo this year was an ideal platform for them to market Engen’s products, especially those that they had previously launched but weren’t getting the right exposure. “The Expo was the right platform for us to launch them and we also had a promotion for our customers. The promotion was, if a client bought five liters of any Engen product, they would get a free liter of our already mixed coolant. It’s a coolant that is pre-mixed and can be used in any type of car,” she explained.

About EngenEngen is an Africa-based oil marketing company focusing on the downstream refined petroleum products and related businesses with a presence in 17 African countries. Engen commenced operations in Rwanda in November 2008 acquiring the assets of TOTAL and thus becoming one of the market leaders in the Rwandan petroleum business. This acquisition complemented Engen footprint in the region with existing interests in neighboring countries; Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The company is excited about Rwanda’s fast growing economy and expansion of the energy sector and continues to invest to deliver high quality products and services. The Rwanda power supply program is one of the most ambitious in the region and Engen is proud to be part of this progress by providing a full range of lubricant products across the entire energy value chain.

�� Engen, with us you are number one

Engen Rwanda scoops best retail and distribution

award in 2016 Expo

Engen MD, Ms Sarah Doukoure receives the Certificate of Appreciation from P.S.F CEO, Stephen Ruzibiza at the Expo

Designed Engen Rwanda stand

Some of Engen's engine lubricants displayed during this year's Expo

www.hope-mag.com 35

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6436

Mukabarisa is so proud of her children and she states that they bring her joy. However life has not been a straight road for her, in 1994 she thought she

would never recover and wondered how life would go on without her beloved husband who was killed during the genocide.

She struggled to pick up the pieces and this was a huge hurdle for her to jump. In the year 2000, Mukabarisa together with some members of her community formed a group and approached VFC to acquire their first loan. She slowly began doing a business, it was a struggle but eventually in 2009, she graduated to take out her first individual loan worth 600.000 Frw $ 900 and

opened up a small restaurant business. Since then she has taken out six loans and she is hugely successful. All the last three loans she has taken out are worth Rwf 1.5 million ($ 2,300). The restaurant is operating really well, on top of that, she runs a guest house and a conference room. Mukabarisa is also highly respected in the community since she has given employment to the locals and they have seen her start from scratch- alone and as a woman, it is never easy especially since she has children she had to take through school.

Her daughter Arlette Umubyeyi says that she is proud of her mother and she has learned from her that hard work eventually pays off. She helps in the running the day to day of the business.Mukabarisa gives credit to VFC for the loans they provide to people like her and she adds that such loan transforms their dreams into reality and they are able to live a successful life wherever they are. She advises people not to let past circumstances hold them down but always remember to be prayerful in their day today lives.

f Mukabarisa Daria born in 1958 has four children, 3 girls and a boy. Daria resides in Bugesera district, Ruhuha sector in the eastern region of Rwanda. Two of her children have completed university and the other two are still pursuing their first degrees.

How Mukabarisa usedVisionFund loans to come out of poverty

The hall was used by VFC to meet its clients in 2014 Mukabarisa (R) poses with her daughter Umubyeyi (L) at her restaurant

Mukabalisa poses at the door of her guest house

Their house before the VFC loans

Their house after the loans

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Thanks to its innovative products such as UAP Akanigi, UAP Mashariki, UAP Icyashara and UAP Agriculture Solutions, and an outstanding sales team, the company,

fended off competition from other firms to achieve the feat. Claudine Mukakibibi, Customer

Service Manager at UAP Insurance Rwanda told Hope Magazine shortly after be ing handed the award that they were happy to win the p r i z e, e m p h a s i z i n g they really deserved it because they have been focusing on the best customer service standards and followed their brand guidelines in setting up their stand.

“ We we re foc u s e d in everything we did

and were passionate about our work. Our team was always on time and served our customers well,” she said. “I can say that among our selling channels, we had what we call a Direct Sales Force who were a team of five going around the entire Expo area to meet people wherever they

were to explain about all our products, giving out brochures,” she added. This year’s Expo was the 19th of its kind and took place from Wednesday 27th July, 2016 and ended on Thursday 11th August 2016 at the Magerwa, Gikondo expo grounds. UAP Insurance Rwanda were Gold sponsors of the annual event.Ms. Mukakibibi explained that every year they introduce new benefits on their existing products which they promote among their clients.

“For example today, we have the UAP Akanigi for women and probably next year we will have another product/benefit for another category of people,” she explained. She noted that the fair created an avenue for them to showcase their products as well as networking opportunities. The products they specifically promoted during the fair included;

�� UAP Akanigi which is an innovative product designed and inspired on women’s needs and challenges regarding technical car assistance in several circumstances. The product targets women clients owning cars for private use only.

�� UAP Mashariki a comprehensive East Africa cover for customers frequently driving in the region. The cover will compete with traditional motor cover with geographical limit of Rwanda, requiring extension of East Africa.

�� UAP Icyashara Retail Business product One comprehensive insurance cover for small businesses; shops, salons, restaurants … covering losses and damages caused by fire, disasters and burglary

�� UAP Livestock A Livestock Mortality Cover against losses due to accidental death, terminal diseases, emergency slaughter on advice of a recognized veterinary surgeon and theft of livestock in raising units or paddocks.

The livestock covered include dairy cattle, beef cattle, poultry pigs, sheep and goats. The firm also took the Expo as an opportunity to introduce its new brand, which is UAP Rwanda after it re-branded from UAP Insurance Rwanda last year. UAP Insurance Rwanda committed to strengthening its relationship with the event organizers, the Private Sector Federation (PSF) and create room for the UAP Insurance brand engagement with the PSF Golden Circle Members.

UAP Rwanda's head of customer care

The diligent UAP staff await clients at their stand during the Expo UAP Rwanda stand at the just concluded 2016 trade fair

UAP Insurance Rwanda Eloquence in insurance, social services earns us 2016 2nd best exhibitor award

UAP staff pose for a photo with their certificate at the just concluded 2016 Expo

It was joy and celebrations at the UAP Insurance Rwanda stand as the leading insurance services provider emerged the second best insurance and social services exhibitor at the recently concluded Rwanda International Trade Fair (Expo 2016).

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6438

Taking this award is a stamp to the quality of not only BRALIRWA’s end products but also of all other processes including human resource skills and capability, environmental friendly and sustainable

operations among other standards evaluated by the Heineken Group within its various plants. The award was given to BRALIRWA through a competitive process involving close to 40 other Heineken Group plants in Africa. Speaking during an event to celebrate the tremendous feat at the plant, an elated Jonathan Hall, BRALIRWA’s Managing Director, said the award is a vote of

confidence that the group believes in not only the Rwandan beverage sector but also the country as a whole. “It is not the first time we have won this award, and it certainly will not be the last as we continue to innovate and improve our services and procedures. Nonetheless, winning such a highly competitive award, that is sought after by all Heineken Group’s beverage plant’s in Africa is a great achievement on our part.” BRALIRWA’s brewery in Gisenyi was the Heineken Group’s best plant of the year in 2011. For this achievement, Mr. Hall had his staff at the Kigali based soft drink’s plant to thank who he said had

not failed to utilize the state of the art production facilities on which the company has spent over US$40 million worth of investment over the past three years. The award is part of the return on investment for BRALIRWA and an indication of the dedication and commitment of staff to giving the best to Rwandan consumers. Regarding the significant sums Heineken Group has injected into its Rwandan operations over the last three years, Hall reiterated that is a demonstration of their confidence in Rwanda’s present and future. “We have invested in Rwanda’s future and well knowing that it is going to pay off,” he echoed.

BRALIRWA Soft drinks plant scoops best Heineken plant

of the year 2015 award

Each year, a competitive process to select the best plant within the Heineken Group is conducted and for the year 2015, BRALIRWA’s soft

drinks plant in Kigali scooped this highly coveted award.

Dedication and commitment of staff to ensuring quality identified as among factors for winning the award. Staff and management take a group photo in celebration

40

What areas did the Award consider?

To win the award, a number of parameters were evaluated including the plant’s operational efficiency, environmental friendliness and quality. With regards to the quality standards, the score was at more than 99% thanks to the most recent investments in among others the automation of the packaging line which certainly eliminates human errors that compromise quality. “This is not only one of the best Coca-Cola plants in Africa but in the World” BRALIRWA’s top manager revealed adding that “it should be a source of pride for the whole country and more reason to continue enjoying our soft and alcoholic beverages”.

On areas that saw BRALIRWA scoop the award, the Technical Director Sander Bokelman explained that in addition to investment in new state of the art equipment especially the automated assembly line, the milestone resulted from significant improvements in the knowledge and skills of the plant’s human resource particularly the supply chain department which as a result made the production and logistics units’ work swifter and seamless. Also, the award evaluated environmental friendliness and sustainability which is equally a strong efficiency point within the

group’s operations and on which BRALIRWA scored convincingly. “We improved a lot with regards to efficient consumption of utilities,” Bokelman explained. For instance, water usage compared to the past reduced and given its scarcity, it is a very important environmental friendliness parameter for the award. Bokelman further noted that there has been significant reduction in electricity and thermal energy consumption in production thanks to the new equipment and efficiency of the people running the site.

“People running the plant have more skills to do faster changeover of the packaging lines which if you do in a day enables us to produce more than what we did before.” He added, “We have also improved tremendously on quality hence the high 99% score during the evaluations for the award on this parameter.” As for safety, the plant reportedly experienced zero accidents in the past two years.

“The award is a weighted average of all the aspects. Our Operations Performance Indicator (OPI) shows us how efficient we are working, by not only looking at how good our packaging lines and operators are but also taking into account our inputs. Also the logistics team behind it has to make sure that we have the right bottles on the

packaging line at the right time. We run this plant at 40,000 bottles per hour so we have to be very fast, meaning every department has to be at its best all the time,” he noted.

Maintaining the award Bokelman noted that maintaining the award will be challenging but was confident they will do it again in the near future. “Bralirwa has been investing in new equipment and a few months ago the firm launched its new plastic packaging line so there are now 15 PET products in the market, which means that the business has become more complex and sophisticated and demands more from our machines and people. It will be extremely challenging for us to maintain that number one position but am definitely sure that we will be number one in the near future,” he closed.

Challenging the company’s brewery in the Rwanda’s Western Province district of Rubavu (formerly Gisenyi) to win the next prize, Hall said, “We have also invested over US$ 100 million in the Gisenyi plant and certainly given input from all our colleagues at the facility, we can maintain our standard as the best plant in the Heineken Group by taking the next award.”

“Bralirwa has been investing in new equipment and a few months ago the firm launched its new plastic packaging line so there are now 15 PET products in the market, which means that the business has become more complex and sophisticated and demands more from our machines and people. It will be extremely challenging for us to maintain that number one position but I am

definitely sure that we will be number one in the near future,”

Jonathan Hall (L) Sander Bokelman (R)and staff celebrate the best plant of the year award

41

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6446

Kwetu Film School in Gacuriro estates in Kigali is a growing film institution that is here to provide trainings and education for interested and talented students and professionals in the creative and

technical fields of film and TV. In exclusive interviews, Enoch Ssemuwemba, the school’s manager and Rene J. Nkurunziza, the Marketing Manager enlighten in detail about the Institute complex.

Excerpts from the school manager

�� Tell us about Kwetu Film School, its vision, mission and situation.

�� Enoch: Kwetu Film School is located in Gacuriro estates in Kigali. It is a center of academic excellence for exploring new kinds of communication, cultural expression, and regional civic engagement. Our vision is to be among the leading training institutions in filmmaking, media and design in Rwanda and the region.

�� What is the nature of your programs? Enoch: Our programs include trainings and polishing skills and Media Design courses in a variety of programs within the areas of production. The program includes modules and lessons in directing, script writing, film and TV production, camera, editing, sound and light, history of film, marketing, set design, post production, laws and regulations of the film industry. These courses which run for only three months are supported by the Ministry of Education and the Workforce Development Authority (WDA). The film institute partners with the Rwanda Media Project to offer a two-year full time diploma training for media designers. This program is supported by the German government, Deutsche WelleAkademie and European Film Babelsberg. Kwetu

has also got scholarships for students who show potential to excel but have difficulties with funding their training.

�� What is the financial cost of taking up courses at Kwetu Film School?

Enoch: Today, the 3-month ‘Fast Track Filmmaker’ course costs Rwf 320 000. That is 20 000 RWF Registration Fee and 300 000 RWF Enrollment Fee, which is spread over the duration of the course in three equal parts. We also offer the Rwanda Media Project ‘Media Designer’ course in partnership with DW Akademie and GIZ (German International Development Cooperation). This full-time course takes two years for a total cost of 1, 4 Million RWF or 700 000 RWF per year.

�� What is the future of the film industry in Rwanda? Enoch: The film industry in Rwanda is young and a lot is still needed to be worked on but I reckon it has very big potential to reach greater heights. The future is bright and soon Rwanda will become a film industry hub with the most sought professionals in Africa. Kwetu wishes to enroll approximately two thousand students in the next five years who will be exposed to all the important aspects of cinematic media creation. With practitioner instructors, experts in various fields of media, KFI offers professional, hands on media training programs founded on solid academic criterion.

Excerpts with the marketing manager

�� What is the nature of your cinema training & education?

Nkurunziza: The nature of the cinema training & education is very much focused on “learning by doing.” This “Hands On” method has proven to be the most effective in especially short term courses but also on the longer term it contributes to an accelerated professionalization process.

�� Who are the target group and what does Kwetu have in store for these future film developers?

Nkurunziza: Students that have successively completed “O” and ‘A’ levels, graduates from colleges and universities and professionals of any kind are our major target groups. As for the Target Groups, KFI is creating various programs targeting different segments of the population. This summer we had a pilot program for teenagers on holidays to learn about film and photography. We are also in the process of creating new courses to fit both individual working professionals as well as marketing departments of private companies and even public institutions who see the need to be able to communicate effectively with still images and motion pictures.

�� Apart from training and skills development, what other services do you offer at Kwetu school complex?

Nkurunziza: Kwetu offers services that include; renting out material, over the creation of company advertisements for the purpose of corporate identity building to the shooting of public and private events. We also have a cozy Boutique Hotel - Kwetu Residence Inn - at our Kwetu Film Institute where we host journalists, filmmakers, artists of any kind as well as tourists from anywhere in the world. It’s a great place to be. Come and check it out some time, prices are absolutely affordable.

�� How will the student benefit from Kwetu programs?

Nkurunziza: At the end of a program with Kwetu Film School, students are able to work and communicate easily and professionally and thus operate clearly with both still and motion pictures in the 21st century. This creates efficiency in the era of virtual communication through social and other media.

�� You want to be one of the best schools in the film education and training in Africa, what strategies are you putting up in order to compete with the stiff competition in the region?

Nkurunziza: We are currently in the process of revising our strategies in order to indeed gain more of the market share and to attract students from anywhere in the region, the continent and the world. Our biggest asset at this moment is the fantastic network we can tap from to organize guest lectures of seasoned professionals, whether they are screenwriters, editors, cinematographers, custom-designers, actors, directors or producers coming from the most advanced countries in the world when it comes down to filmmaking. Much of this network has been built over the years by the Founder and CEO of the Kwetu Film Institute, Mr. Kabera Eric. It is now up to us to make good use of the existing network and find ways to incorporate this in a grand strategy that will make Kwetu and Kigali the hub for filmmaking in the region and on the continent.

Kwetu Film School Building capacities for Rwanda’s film content developers

f Film industry is one of the biggest in leisure and the entertainment world. The nascent film industry in Rwanda is beginning to blossom and a number of players have come up to support it thus. A sustainable film industry in Rwanda can only be supported by a strong and sustainable capacity building mechanism in creating Film Content Providers with a spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship.

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MAY 2016 ISSUE 6448

When a car is designed, the manufacturer sets out a service schedule for the car, which they believe will keep it running reliably and safely.

A well-maintained car is also more efficient, so you’ll save money on fuel as well. If you need to claim on a warranty, you’ll normally have to show that you’ve got a complete service record A fuel filter is a filter in the fuel line that screens out dirt and rust particles from the fuel, normally made into cartridges containing a filter paper. They are found in most internal combustion engines. Fuel filters serve a vital function in today’s modern, tight-tolerance engine fuel systems. No matter the Vehicle make or model, all vehicle fuel systems must be maintained in line with manufacturer’s guidelines using recommended fuel filters and with non-adulterated fuel.

Here is why. Every vehicle’s fuel system, in the course of its working life, accumulates after burn debris or sticky sludge (gunk), dust particles and corrosion due to moisture collected from the environment during fuelling.Over time, these elements, if left unchecked, will accumulate in the fuel tank, clog fuel lines and the fine holes in the fuel injectors. This development can reduce engine performance by preventing prompt fuel delivery pressure. In order to solve this problem, vehicle manufacturing companies have devised filtering kits to trap this expected debris and try to contain the above problem. Some vehicles have fuel filters fitted in the engine bay while others, especially the long-life ones, are fitted in the fuel tank.Most manufacturers fit filtering strainers onto the fuel pump. Fuel filters although largely effective in containing the above problem ought to be replaced in line with manufacturer guidelines.

Where to Locate a Fuel Filter on a Vehicle?

In-Tank Fuel FilterMost often these kinds of fuel filters are long life filters and come fully integrated with their fuel pump.

Engine Compartment (under the Bonnet)This accounts for most fuel filters. When you open the vehicle Bonnet in the engine compartment area, you will clearly see the Fuel Filter with a pump on the top

How Often should a Fuel Filter Be Replaced?The life span of a fuel filter greatly varies depending on quality of Fuel used, quality of Filter (Genuine filter from an Authorized Dealer is always safe) and also whether it is Diesel or Petrol vehicle. For most diesel-fuelled vehicles, a Genuine Filter should be replaced any where between 15,000km to 20,000km. For most Petrol-fuelled vehicles, a Genuine Filter should be replaced any where between 20,000km to 25,000km for the filters under the hood/bonnet.

For in-tank filters, the filters will last for up to 100,000km. The length of use of the fuel filter is also highly dependent on the kind of fuel the vehicle consumes. This is because the filters become clogged as they trap the sludge, micro-particles and debris. This curtails fuel delivery pressure as it overworks and damages the fuel pump. In addition, avoid utilizing ‘adulterated fuel’ (fuel mixed with kerosene or water) by fuelling your vehicle from a recognized fuel station. Also make sure to buy a fuel filter from a genuine Parts Dealer only and find a qualified mechanic or workshop to safely replace it.

Motoring...

What is a Fuel Filter?

The FUEL FILTER

�� by – Joshua Nshuti

On Chassis

f They all walked with grace, every step speaking of intent and purpose; gliding on the stage—the catwalk—with deliberate sensual swaying of their bodies, limbs and looks that you would take for born royalty instead of practice. The audience was lit with the corralled assembly of beauty. The dressing was magnificent.

Such was the excitement and delight on Saturday 6th Aug 2016 evening as the Un ivers i ty of Tour ism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB), held the final selection for

Miss and Mr. UTB 2016 beauty pageant.

The pageantry which takes place annually draws contestants from both UTB Kigali and Gisenyi campuses to showcase the gift of beauty, strength of intelligence and confidence of young Rwandans.

The event saw 20 female and male contestants, out of 32 from both campuses, vying for the university’s prestigious title organised by Mind Africa group.The event of the beauty pageant started with glamouron Sunday evening, 17th July 2016 when the university held the pre-selection for the beauty pageants, at Hill Top Hotel in Remera-Kigali where Judges scrutinized and evaluated personality, elegance, beauty, intelligence and talent. It was a pre-requisite for all contestants to design and present a project that can benefit society.

During the pre-selection event, Mr. Callixte Kabera, the vice-Chancellor of UTB, said: “The youth should feel that they have the power to impact their community.” He called upon all of them to be agents of change wherever they are.Speaking at the same event of pre-selection, Jordan Mukubu, the head of Mind Africa Group and the organizer of the show said, “The purpose for this event is to showcase Rwanda’s beauty. We want to provoke curiosities among the Rwandan youth to use their beauty, talent and intelligence to generate income.”

Pomp and spectacle as Miss, Mr. UTB 2016 crowned

Albine Nishimwe Uwingabire, Miss UTB 2016 (center), poses together with both runners

up, Marie Merci, 1st runner up (right) and Cynthia Buranga, 2nd runner up (left)

Miss UTB 2016 Albine Nishimwe Uwingabire (UTB Kigali Campus)

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The final bitIn a colourful ceremony at Lemigo Hotel on the evening of Saturday 6th August 2016, Nishimwe Uwingabire and Ruthi Patrick stood high up on the pulpit to celebrate their crowning as Miss and Mr. UTB 2016 respectively. The trendy event was spiced by Charly and Nina, Active Group and Oda Paccy working the audience with their famous hits.“Somehow I don’t believe it is true. It was tough.

However I have finally come on top of this game. It is rather difficult for me to express how happy I am but, but all I have to say is that I am happy for winning this crown. The competition has been very stiff, where everybody was doing the best they could, but the contest is all about winning.

I am going to focus on my project I presented here because it played a big role in putting me up to this level,” Nishimwe Uwingabire told Hope Magazine.In a similar reaction, Ruthi said he really feels happy to have gone that far, which he says has given him more conf idence in what he plans to do and will motivate his future projects.

The jury selected the w inners bas ing on criteria like; cat walks, online voting numbers, stage appearance, self-esteem, content and significance of project presentation, public speaking and many ot he r c a p a b i l i t i e s.

At the end of the big day, Albine Nishimwe Uwingabire from

Kigali campus and Ruthi P a t r i c k o f G i s e n y i

c a m p u s h a d w o n most onl ine votes a nd i m me d i a t e ly announced Miss and Mister UTB 2016.

M i s s a n d M i s t e r U T B 2 0 1 6 w e n t

home with Rwf 350, 000 each, allowed to

o bt a i n S u lfo p ro d u c t s throughout the year, and were

granted scholarships for the rest of their studies at the University-what a great achievement!

Contestants crowned in 5 categories were as follows;

�� Miss UTB2016: Albine Nishimwe Uwingabire (UTB Kigali Campus)

�� Mister UTB 2016: Patrick Ruthi (UTB Gisenyi campus)

�� 1st Runner-up Miss UTB: Marie Merci

�� 1st Runner-up Mister UTB: Charmant

�� 2nd Runner-up Miss UTB: Cynthia Buranga

�� 2nd Runner-up Mister UTB: Pacifique Cubahiro

�� Miss Photogenic: Marie Mercie Kazeneza

�� Mister Photogenic: Gilbert Maboneza

�� Miss Popularity: Tidjalat Uwamahoro

�� Mister Popularity: Enock Nkurunziza

Callixte KaberaVice Chancellor UTB The panel of judges

Mister UTB 2016 Patrick Ruthi (center) with runners up, Charmant, 1st runner up (right) and Pacifique Cubahiro, 2nd runner up (left)

Mister UTB 2016 Patrick Ruthi (Gisenyi campus)

www.hope-mag.com 51

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6454

But while her performance at the Opening Ceremony 27th African Union Summit was what got many people in Rwanda to know Angel Uwamahoro, it was one among many other high

profile poetic performances the 25 year old’s performing arts career has had. When did Angel begin performing? What has she done so far, and what more is there for her to do? Hope Magazine caught up with her, should we say got some little time in her very busy schedule, to chat about her life in the arts and here are excerpts.

First who is Angel Uwamahoro?

Angel/I was born in Rwanda in 1990 and three months later, we flee with my mother to Uganda as the political situation at this time was already very fragile and dangerous. At the age of seven,

we relocated to the United States of America where I was raised for about four and half years, then returning home to Rwanda in 2002. I am currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in theatre and performing arts from Fordham University in the United States of America where I have about four months left to graduation.

when did you start performing?

As early as I can remember, I always had a role in plays; I remember this particular time in primary school when I performed as baby Jesus, then also after we moved to the USA, I acted on some plays as Martin Luther King Jr, Alice in the Wonderland, and in other several plays mostly in school and church. If I was to precisely say when I began, the answer would be as early as my memory can recollect. But I was also lucky to be brought

up by an artistic family. My mother is an interior designer, my grandmother a tailor; a number of my aunts are dancers and my uncles are visual artists. So I had the privilege of growing around them and as soon as they noticed my interest in the arts, they kind of nurtured and pushed me into that direction.

What we have heard so far is the plays, when did you begin writing and poetry in particular?

At Green Hills Academy where I studied my lower high school from, I was known for singing which of course also involved some writing. Soon after I had acted one of the plays I had written and I won the best playwright’s award at school, I was encouraged to join one of Rwanda’s leading theatre groups, Mashirika performing arts, and

Performing AFRICA-DO YOU REMEMBER Your Dreams at the Opening Ceremony of the 27th AU

A Piece of Rwanda

Angel Uwamahoro f During the 27th African Union Summit that was held in Kigali, a young Rwandan lady recited a poem at the heads of states

dinner. Then the rest of what happened after that performance was a cocktail of social media praises for an extraordinary representation of the African people’s devotion to changing the continent’s fate and several other ways that everyone

thought they would voice their appreciation to this very special piece of Rwanda.

www.hope-mag.com 55

this was at 16 years. So that is how I started as a working artist. Concerning writing, I was always requested at school to write a story on this or that but for serious writing, I started after graduating from High school.

What was your first story about?

Unfortunately I used to write stories and give them away to friends but my mum kept a good number of them. However, the poem I vividly remember as my first was about my wishes of when I grow old, the freedoms of adulthood; every child’s dream.

You acted in plays and loved singing. What can you say pushed you more towards poetry?

After Green Hills, for advanced high school classes my parents took me to a French school and having been brought up as a pure English speaker, it was a tough time for me. I quit a lot of the things I loved specifically singing because I needed to concentrate more so as to get the minimum I needed to pass my classes which were all in a language I was only struggling to learn.

So all the frustrations and challenges were channeled into writing poems and that is how I grew poetry more and started to do less of singing.

Do you miss singing and would you go back to it given the chance?

Actually I used to be known to have a good voice and it saddens me to think I lost that part. So of recent I have begun working on my voice. I have taken up an online voice course and I am collaborating with some music artists like Pastor P., Hope Turemire, and a few others. So this summer, I believe I will be in the studio very often.

As a young artist, who are your models?

I cannot say there is a certain person or people I am trying to imitate and live like but rather I have a long list of people who inspire me and through this inspiration, I try to position myself to try and achieve the best through my God-given talents, wishes and the opportunities I get. But yes there are people that inspire me such as Madam Janet Kagame, Oprah Winfrey, my mother and a number of others whose deeds speak directly to me.

What performance have you had and you were like, yeah that was good?

I have had very few moments like that if any at all to be sincere. But all my performances have been rewarding to my career. Though I have got good comments from people about my performances, I am always my worst critique. I always will look

Angel in OUR LADY OF KIBEHO by Katori Hall which was categorized among 10 best shows of 2014 by Time out New York Critic Adam Feldamn

Angel Uwamahoro recites a poam at NUR Women empowerment Forum in 2013

MAY 2016 ISSUE 6456

back at my acts and see where I need to polish, what I need to do better, so I have actually not had any such time when I said, yeah I hit it.

How was your performance at Opening Ceremony the 27th African Union Summit?

Frankly, this is the first interview that has asked me about this and the answer is a pretty very emotional one. On the day before the performance, I woke up and noticed I had a bad cough. In the afternoon, I went to rehearse and after the rehearsal I lost my voice. I was panicked, I said God I need my voice back for it is all I needed to be able to perform. So I went to the pharmacy, and asked the pharmacist to give me anything but promise I will have my voice back. I packed the medicines which she asked me to take and remain silent until morning. My mother too was panicked.

On the next morning, the day of the performance, I whispered to myself and yeah my voice was coming back and by afternoon it was back to normal. Now is time for performance, I am in there with all these Presidents and I am like oh my God, am I going to remember my lines, is everything going to be OK? I walk onto the stage

A Piece of Rwanda - Angel Uwamahoro

www.hope-mag.com 57

and my legs are shaking. But then I told myself, this moment is not about you, it is about the African people and the message they want to give to their presidents.

I remember telling to myself that “I am here to remind our presidents of what we expect of them and to air our commitment to supporting them, acknowledging that their task is not easy but assuring them that together we can make the Africa we want and deserve.” So I vowed to give this message loud and clear in all languages so that it is heard by all the leaders that were in the gathering.

Once I had talked to myself into that, I forgot about myself and focused on delivering the message of the African people. So though I was practically still shaking, I channeled that energy into the performance and everything went well, I have got very excellent feedback about it. It was a wonderful experience. I am very grateful to the people who helped me to put together that piece and who supported me throughout to the very last minute.

Was the 27th African Union Summit your first high profile performance?

I have been lucky to perform for high profile gatherings before and this was my second time performing for the African Union.

The first time was in Addis Ababa Ethiopia during the 50th anniversary of the African Union. I also have performed twice for the UN in New York. I have also had the privilege to perform for the President I love the most, H.E Paul Kagame like during the 25th anniversary of the RPF in 2012 where President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda was in attendance too.

I have also performed on a couple of Rwanda Day events, performed for Imbuto Foundation events for Madam Janet Kagame, the first Lay I profoundly love. So yes I have had the opportunity to perform for some big events for people who can do something in transforming people’s lives.

What is your messaging often about?

For the leaders and people in power, I often want to remind them that the dreams they had at a younger age are still valid and that though they may be having challenges, they have the support of the people and these dreams of making people’s lives better can still be achieved. On the other hand, my message is often to encourage people to be better, that they are worthy and can make it. That yes there is going to be challenges but we are going to bit them and succeed.

Do you usually put together the spoken work pieces yourself and where does your inspiration come from?

Yes I write my pieces but after I share them with family and friends I trust who can help to edit them. For instance my piece at the 27th African Union Summit, my friends and colleagues helped me transform a nine page poem I had written into a three paged piece that brought out the message strongly and precisely. For those performances I collaborate with others, we sit together and come up with the messages. As inspiration, I pretty much think that my life which included living away from my home country and being always reminded of where I belonged played a role in shaping my perspective of life.

And being in a country like Rwanda where so much is happening, and from observing the struggles of everyday life of people around me. Also, I get the inspiration from the Rwandan people; strive for Agaciro (dignity) and their struggle for socioeconomic transformation.

After school, do you plan on coming back to Rwanda and what would you do?

My academic visa in the USA allows me one additional year of working in my field of study so I want to have some more practice particularly in the films. Once I am done, I will come back home and try to use what I have learnt to contribute to the development of the country. One thing I intend to work on once I am back is to start an arts school and contribute as much possible to the growth of performing arts.

Angel Uwamahoro performs her famous poem 'Future' for the members of the Pan African Movement Rwanda Chapter at Parliament.

Jasbir Singh Managing Director

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