DeGeneres Gorilla Campus launched, Rwanda hosts major tech summit, more about last week
Sunday, June 12, 2022

The $15m Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund was finally launched in Musanze district, near the Volcanoes National Park, the natural habitat for the mountain gorillas. Funded by the renowned American TV personality, the campus was built in honour of renowned conservationist Dian Fossey.

Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente who presided over its launch described the campus as a conservation milestone which will significantly boost the efforts to create a safe space for the Mountain Gorillas.

A day later, Ellen DeGeneres and her spouse Portia de Rossi were welcomed by President Paul Kagame at his office in Kigali.

Earlier during the week, President Kagame had presided over the 8th edition of World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) 2022, which kicked off in Kigali on June 6, under the theme "Connecting the unconnected to achieve sustainable development.”

President Kagame also attended the official launch of Rhode and Schwarz, an international electronics group, marking its footprint on the African continent on the same day.

The group specializes in the fields of electronic test equipment, broadcast and media, cyber security, radio monitoring and radiolocation, and radio communication, among others.

On June 9, the Joint Forces of Rwanda and Mozambique started helping with the evacuation of people displaced by the terrorists from a vast camp of Internally Displaced People (IDP) of Quitunda in Palma District, which is near Afungi port, to return to their homes in Mocimboa da Praia city.

On June 10, two rockets were shelled on Rwandan territory in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Rwanda Defence Force confirmed on Friday.

It was the third time in less than a month the Congolese army, FARDC shelled on Rwandan territory.

Nevertheless, RDF announced on June 11 that its two soldiers that were kidnapped by FARDC while on patrol on June 23 were safely returned to Rwanda.

Last week also saw the return of Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi contest, with youth aspiring to become future entrepreneurs in arts waiting in their wings to take advantage of the platform to showcase their talents.

In cricket, this year’s Kwibuka Women’s T20 tournament started off with Uganda beating Rwanda by 6 wickets at Gahanga Cricket Stadium, while defending champions Kenya defeated Botswana by 35 runs at IPRC-Kigali on June 9.

On Sunday, Moïse Mugisha, arguably Rwanda's best cyclist presently won the 2022 Tour du Cameroon. He becomes only the second Rwandan to win the race after Bonaventure Uwizeyimana in 2018.

Below we chronicle the past week in pictures...

Ellen DeGeneres and partner Portia de Rossi pose for a group photo with staff of the campus after the official inaugurationin Musanze District on Tuesday, June 7. / Photos: Olivier Mugwiza

President Kagame poses for a picture with Ellen DeGeneres and her spouse Portia de Rossi at Village Urugwiro.

President Kagame at the Rohde & Schwarz Rwanda Office inauguration.

President Kagame and other officials pose for a picture at the 8th edition of World Telecommunication Development Conference in Kigali on June 6, 2022.

Mozambican people cheer on Rwandan army and Police as they help with the evacuation of people displaced by the terrorists and return them to their homes

A bus of displaced people being evacuated to return to their homes in Mocimboa da Praia city.

A group of models showcase their designs to the judges at the second edition of Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi contest.

Contestant Alphonse Ndagijimana describes his painting to the judges at the second edition of Art Rwanda Ubuhanzi contest.

Rwandan player Uwera bats the kookaburra bowled by the Ugandan counterpart.

10. Kenya and Botswana captains pose for a picture before the game.

Moïse Mugisha, arguably Rwanda's best cyclist presently, has won the 2022 Tour du Cameroun. He becomes only the second Rwandan to win the race after Bonaventure Uwizeyimana in 2018.