A Kigali-based veterinarian has established the 70‑hectare Umusambi Village sanctuary to protect endangered cranes and other species threatened by urbanization and past domestication practices. The sanctuary provides safe habitat for disabled and visiting birds while promoting conservation awareness through controlled public access. Efforts focus on expanding partnerships and funding to sustain wildlife care amid ongoing environmental pressures.

Nearly 50,000 beneficiaries of Rwanda’s student loan programme face new penalties under a ministerial order imposing fines on defaulters and their employers. Despite Rwf272 billion in disbursed funds since 2016, only a small portion has been recovered, prompting stricter enforcement measures. Borrowers report difficulties accessing repayment information and resolving errors, while the Development Bank of Rwanda promotes its Minuza platform and mobile payment options to improve recovery. Officials argue the penalties are necessary to sustain the national education financing system.

A localized foot and mouth disease outbreak in Rwanda’s Eastern Province has led to the slaughter of 206 cattle and restrictions on livestock movement as authorities vaccinate more than 43,000 animals and collect daily samples. Officials attribute the outbreak to illegal cross‑border cattle movements between Rwanda and neighboring countries, which have historically made districts like Nyagatare disease hotspots. Farmers have previously criticized strict control measures, but government policy mandates slaughter of infected animals. Efforts continue alongside measures to address Rift Valley fever, while global health authorities highlight the significant economic impact of foot and mouth disease.

Flooding on May 2 compounded years of setbacks in Rubavu, where the economy had already been strained by the pandemic, volcanic eruptions and Rwanda‑DRC tensions. Cross‑border trade sharply declined, tourism collapsed and local markets were destroyed, leaving thousands homeless and traders without livelihoods. Residents and business owners now face deep uncertainty as recovery prospects fade.

RwandAir’s new cargo flight and the launch of a Kigali cargo hub in partnership with Qatar Airways are enabling Rwandan agricultural exporters to increase shipment volumes and benefit from lower transportation costs. Exporters report significant reductions in cargo rates to European and regional markets as competition grows. New intra‑Africa cargo routes operated by Qatar Airways Cargo further expand access to export markets, supporting continued growth in RwandAir’s cargo traffic over recent years.

Publicly listed companies in Rwanda, led by major banks and Bralirwa brewery, are resuming dividend payouts as profitability returns following pandemic disruptions. Bralirwa plans a full net‑profit distribution, while Bank of Kigali and I&M Bank have proposed dividends despite recent challenges, including fraud losses. Regional groups Equity and KCB have also recommended dividends pending shareholder approval at upcoming annual meetings.

Audit findings show a sharp rise in unaccounted and unlawfully spent public funds in Rwanda, with wasteful expenditures and diversions increasing significantly between 2021 and 2022. The Auditor General attributes the losses to weak internal controls and the absence of strategic plans or boards across several public institutions, including WASAC and multiple government agencies. Despite higher overall government spending and an expanded audit scope, recovery of previously misused funds remained low. Some improvement was noted in the rate at which institutions implement audit recommendations, rising to 57 percent.

Business leaders at the Katuna–Gatuna border urge Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to pursue further negotiations to restore unrestricted cross-border trade between Uganda and Rwanda. Despite the border’s reopening, Rwandan residents are still barred from entering Uganda for routine purchases, and exporters face burdensome documentation requirements that hinder the movement of perishable goods. Trader associations call for decentralised processing and simplified customs procedures to revive local commerce and ease longstanding trade restrictions.

A play depicting how Radio-Télévision Libre des Mille Collines fueled the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi highlights the destructive power of irresponsible media. Despite Rwanda’s expanded media landscape, much radio content remains superficial, while unregulated online outlets spread misinformation and genocide denial. Strengthening professional standards, producing insightful content, and fostering a well‑informed public are emphasized as essential to prevent manipulation and promote positive social impact.

Stresses the need to counter growing genocide denial by reinforcing accurate historical knowledge of the Genocide Against the Tutsi, particularly among youth. Calls for compulsory genocide education, expanded research support, and deeper engagement strategies that encourage dialogue and independent learning. Highlights social media as a vital tool for disseminating accurate information and urges active youth participation in commemoration activities to ensure long-term preservation of national history.