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Showing posts from October, 2025

How Urbanization Changed the Meaning of Home

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  By Uwineza Roger | Lifestyle   As cities expand across Rwanda, the meaning of “home” is quietly changing. What was once a space for family, farming, and togetherness has become smaller, faster, and more private. In rural communities, home life centered on sharing and connection. “In the village, you didn’t have to knock to visit someone    every door was open,” says Mama Vestine, a 65-year-old from Rulindo. “Now in town, everyone locks their gates.” She added. Urban life brings convenience but also distance. Many city homes serve mainly as places to rest after long workdays. Apartments replace courtyards, and social media replaces fireside chats. Sociologist Jean Claude Habimana notes, “Urban living gives people privacy, but it also creates isolation.” The shift is also visible in design compact houses for nuclear families, not extended ones. Technology now shapes how people interact and spend time at home. Yet, some find new ways to connect. “I may not know my ne...

FERWAFA President tightens discipline and pushes tech as Rwanda football enters a new era

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  By Uwineza Roger | Sports Since his unopposed election as president of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) on 30 August 2025, Fabrice Shema Ngoga has begun reshaping the domestic game with a twin focus: stricter accountability for match officials and the fast-tracked introduction of technology to reduce controversial decisions.  FERWAFA’s refereeing commission has moved quickly. Following a review of fourth-matchday officiating, the federation suspended three referees for poor decisions, international referee Claude “Cucuri” Ishimwe (two weeks) and assistant Eric Mugabo (one to four weeks, depending on reports) for errors in APR FC vs Mukura Victory Sports, and Emmanuel Habumugisha for a controversial call in Rayon Sports vs Gasogi United. After one week of the case, another scenario happened in game between Bugesera fc Vs As Muhanga, Commission of referees in Rwanda after reviewing match highlights, Olivier Kwizera (was official referee) is suspended for one month and ...

The Hidden Cost of Rwanda's Nightlife Boom

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  By Uwineza Roger | Economy   When Rwanda introduced the 24 hour economy policy, the aim was to boost productivity, create more jobs, and make cities livelier after dark. Kigali, often praised for its safety and cleanliness, quickly became the face of this transformation. Yet, as more lights stay on through the night, many are asking who truly benefits from this round the clock system. The initiative has created new opportunities for some workers, particularly in the transport and hospitality sectors. “At night we get more passengers going home from work or events,” said Eric, a moto-taxi rider in Kigali. “It helps me earn a bit extra.” He added. Small restaurants and shops have also welcomed the change, noting an increase in evening customers in busy neighborhoods such as Nyamirambo and Remera. However, not everyone is experiencing the same success. Some employees say the extended hours have not translated into better pay. “We work longer, but the salary stays the same,” sa...

The Surprising Reason a Snake Coils Around the Medical Symbol

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  By Uwineza Roger | Health   If you’ve ever walked into a hospital or seen an ambulance rush by, you’ve probably noticed it a snake coiled around a stick. It’s one of the most recognizable medical symbols in the world, yet few people know the fascinating story behind it. The symbol, known as the Rod of Asclepius, dates back to ancient Greece. It was named after Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine. According to mythology, Asclepius carried a staff with a serpent wrapped around it, a sign of renewal, wisdom, and healing. “The serpent was seen as a creature that could shed its skin and emerge renewed a perfect metaphor for recovery and transformation,” explains medical historian Dr. Karl Oleson, who has studied ancient healing traditions. The staff itself symbolized authority and guidance, much like a doctor’s role in leading patients back to health. Over time, the image of the snake and staff became associated with medical practice, finding its way into hospitals,...

How Rwandan Students Combine Education and Sports

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  By Uwineza Roger | Sports Balancing academics and sports has become a common challenge among many Rwandan students. With the growing importance of both education and physical activity, students are learning to manage their time wisely to excel in both areas. Across schools and universities, sports such as football, basketball, and athletics have become part of students’ daily routines. Many institutions now encourage sports participation through organized training sessions and inter-school competitions.  However, combining the two is not always easy. Some students struggle to maintain good academic performance due to demanding training sessions, while others find that sports help them stay focused and disciplined in their studies. Eric Tuyishime well know as “Thawi”, is studying media studies at Mount Kigali and currently playing cricket, “You know it’s sports, bro    we can play a morning match at Gahanga Stadium, then have another one in the afternoon at IPRC, e...

The Accidental Birth of Your Morning Coffee

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By Uwineza Roger | Health  Coffee, one of the most loved beverages across the globe, has a fascinating origin that dates back over a thousand years. According to legend, coffee was first discovered in the Ethiopian highlands by a goat herder named Kaldi. He noticed that his goats became unusually energetic after eating red berries from a certain bush. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself and felt the same burst of energy. News of this magical fruit spread quickly. Monks at a nearby monastery used the berries to make a drink that helped them stay awake during long prayers. From Ethiopia, coffee traveled to Yemen, where it was cultivated for the first time in the 15th century. The Arabs began brewing coffee and called it “qahwa,” meaning “the drink that prevents sleep.” By the 16th century, coffeehouses known as qahveh khaneh had spread throughout the Middle East places where people gathered to talk, share ideas, and enjoy music. Traders later carried coffee to Europe, where it b...

The Power of the First Prayer

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  By Uwineza Roger | Religion   Prayer is one of the oldest forms of communication between humans and the divine. Long before organized religion existed, ancient people looked to the skies, mountains, and seas, speaking words of hope and gratitude to unseen powers they believed controlled life and nature. The earliest recorded prayers come from ancient Mesopotamia, around 3,000 BCE, where people prayed to gods like Anu and Enlil. In Egypt, prayers were made to Ra, the sun god, and in India, early Hindus offered chants to their deities as part of the Vedic traditions. As time went on, prayer became central to the world’s major religions. In Judaism, prayer developed around the worship of one God, Yahweh, and was practiced in temples like Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. Christianity later emerged from Jewish traditions, with Jesus teaching his followers to pray directly to God, the famous “Lord’s Prayer” became a foundation of Christian worship. The first Christian churches appea...

The Tears Behind the Pitch: The Unspoken Mental Struggles of Rwanda's Athletes

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  By Uwineza Roger | Sports On October 10, 2025, England international player Jude Bellingham spoke about athletes’ mental health struggles while speaking as a Laureus Ambassador for World Mental Health Day . In his words Jude said that: “There’s still a stigma around talking about mental health. I know there’s been times where I’ve felt vulnerable, doubted myself and needed someone to talk to. The truth is that I do, everyone does. You’ll feel a lot better from talking about your feelings and emotions. That hate can be really tough for athletes.” Question has risen in different Rwandan football supporters, “Do Rwandan ballers meet mental health struggles?” Big number of people said yes and they come up with different reasons which leads to mental health issues. Herve Gahunzire is a football support from UTB University and he has been a coach of school football team in Musanze district few years ago, when he was asked a question, Gahunzire shared his perspective. “An athlete ca...

Journalists View: What East Africa Must Do to Reach the World Cup Dream

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  By Uwineza Roger | Sport East Africa has watched other African nations shine on the global football stage, yet none from the region has ever made it to the FIFA World Cup. While countries like Senegal, Ghana, and Morocco continue to lift the continent’s pride, East Africa still battles to find its winning formula. Sports analysts say the region’s problem is not talent, but lack of proper structure and investment. According to Rwandan sports journalist Eric Nkurunziza, “East Africa has talented young players, but our football systems don’t support their growth. We need strong youth academies, better coaching, and consistent funding if we want to compete globally.” Another journalist, Diane Uwamahoro, shared a similar view, saying that leadership and management play a big role in football progress. “Federations must focus on planning and long term development. You can’t qualify for the World Cup if your football calendar keeps changing every season,” she said. Dylan Mugenga, a stud...

Kigali Gears Up for a Historic PFL Africa Night

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  By Uwineza Roger | Sports Kigali will roar this weekend as the (PFL) Professional Fighters League brings the PFL Africa Semifinals to the BK Arena on October 18, 2025, a landmark moment that elevates Rwanda into the fast growing global map of major mixed martial arts events. The card promises high stakes matchups, international star power and a measurable bump for the city’s sports and hospitality sectors.  PFL Africa launched earlier in 2025 as the organization’s continental league designed to showcase top African fighters and connect them with the PFL’s global season. The very first PFL Africa event was staged in Cape Town, South Africa, when the league officially debuted a tournament style slate of fights in mid 2025 setting the path for follow up events in Johannesburg and now Kigali.  Big names both global and African are attached to the Kigali semifinals card. International headliners who have been part of PFL Africa events this season include former Bellator cham...

Dollar Weakens as Rate Cut Hopes and China Tensions Shake Global Markets

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  By Uwineza Roger | Economy   The U.S. dollar slipped on Tuesday as investors grew more confident that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates soon, while renewed trade tensions between the United States and China added more pressure to global markets. Analysts say the market now expects the Fed to ease its policy before the end of the month, a move that would make the dollar less attractive to investors seeking higher returns. The weaker dollar also reflects growing concerns about slowing U.S. economic growth and uncertainty in international trade. At the same time, tensions between Washington and Beijing have resurfaced, sparking fears of a fresh round of tariffs and restrictions. These developments pushed investors to seek safer assets, such as gold and the Japanese yen, while selling off dollars. According to Reuters, the dollar index which measures the greenback against major currencies fell slightly as the euro and British pound gained ground. Market watchers belie...

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga Dies in Kerala at 80

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  By Uwineza Roger | Politics In a dramatic turn of events, Kenya’s veteran politician Raila Odinga has passed away at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in the southern Indian state of Kerala. His death marks the end of an era for Kenyan politics.  What Happened? According to multiple media reports, Odinga collapsed during a morning walk on the grounds of an Ayurvedic treatment facility in Koothattukulam, Kerala. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital (Devamatha Hospital, Koothattukulam) but was pronounced dead at approximately 9:52 a.m. local time, following efforts to resuscitate him.  While the precise medical cause has been cited as a cardiac arrest, no further official statements have yet been made by local authorities or Odinga’s office regarding underlying conditions or the full circumstances.  His body remains at the hospital pending arrangements for repatriation and further procedures.  Legacy in Kenyan Politics  Raila Odinga’s polit...

Suspect to Undergo Mental Health Evaluation in State House Guard’s Fatal Stabbing

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  By Uwineza Roger | Politics   A man arrested for the fatal stabbing of a presidential guard outside the State House in Nairobi is set to be taken through a psychiatric evaluation, after a court granted police 14 days to hold him for further investigations. According to the Associated Press, the suspect, named Kithuka Kimunyi, appeared before Judge Christine Njagi on Tuesday claiming he'd been “sent by the devil” and said he sustained a leg fracture during the attack.  What the Reports Say The attack took place on Monday near the main gate of State House, where the suspect was disguised as a homeless person. The guard who was stabbed was identified as Ramadhan Hamisi Matanka, who later died in hospital. It remains unclear whether Kithuka Kimunyi and the guard had any prior contact or relationship. During his court appearance, Kimunyi limped and told the court he fractured his leg during the incident. Judge Njagi ordered he first be taken to hospital for treatment. Police...

Africa: The Birthplace of Clothing 100,000 Years Ago

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 By Uwineza Roger | Entertainment   Clothing has a long and fascinating history that began thousands of years ago when early humans sought protection from harsh weather. The first known people to wear clothes lived in Africa about 100,000 years ago. They used animal skins and leaves to cover their bodies and stay warm during cold nights. As humans migrated to different parts of the world, their clothing changed according to the environment. In ancient Egypt, people wore light linen made from flax plants to stay cool under the hot sun. Meanwhile, in colder regions like Europe and Asia, wool and fur became common materials to keep people warm. Around 3000 BC, civilizations began to add creativity to their clothes. In Mesopotamia, people wore woven garments decorated with colorful patterns. The Chinese, on the other hand, became famous for silk, one of the world’s most precious fabrics, which was discovered around 2700 BC. India also played a key role in textile history, producin...

The Amazing Story Behind the First Call

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  By Uwineza Roger | Technology | October 14,2025   A Big Dream That Changed Communication  The mobile phone, one of the most powerful tools we use today, started as a simple idea many years ago. Before smartphones existed, people could only talk using telephones connected with wires. But in the 1970s, a new dream was born, talking to anyone, anywhere, without a wire. Motorola: The First Company to Make It Real  The first real mobile phone was created by Motorola, an American company from Chicago, USA. In 1973, an engineer named Martin Cooper worked with Motorola to build the first handheld mobile phone. Cooper, who was born in Illinois, USA, became known as the “father of the mobile phone.” The First Call in New York City  On April 3, 1973, Martin Cooper walked down a street in New York City and made the world’s first mobile phone call. He called Dr. Joel Engel, a rival engineer at Bell Labs, another big communication company. This moment is remembered as the s...