On Wednesday August 26, 2020, His Excellency Paul KAGAME, the President of the Republic of Rwanda chaired a Cabinet Meeting to discuss the status of COVID – 19.

1. The Cabinet discussed an unprecedented increase of COVID – 19 cases, related deaths and community transmission particularly in the city of Kigali. Full compliance with health measures, endurance and vigilance are necessary for better health outcomes for all.

 2. Local leaders are responsible and accountable for respect of all health guidelines and lack of compliance by the public will lead to penalties including the closure of non-compliant businesses.   

The following measures will be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment.  

General preventive measures

a. Masks must be worn properly in public at all times.

b. All resumed services must continue adhering to health guidelines from health authorities (hand hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing).

c. All traders are required to accept digital payments as an alternative form of payment. d. Movements are prohibited from 7 PM to 5 AM.  

Specific measures in the city of Kigali

 a. Public transport between Kigali and other districts is prohibited.

 b. Private transport between Kigali and other districts will continue but movements must be in adherence with health guidelines.

 c. Public offices will remain open not exceeding 30% of existing staff while other employees continue working from home on a rotational basis.

d. Private businesses will continue not exceeding 50% of existing staff while other employees continue working from home on a rotational basis.

e. Malls and markets will operate at 50% capacity with vendors working on rotational basis.

f. Mass gathering are prohibited except with special permission and events must not exceed 30% of venue capacity. Applications to host essential events will be granted by local authorities and RDB upon fulfillment of health requirements.

g. Domestic and international tourism will continue however tourists must have valid reservations and possess valid negative COVID – 19 test results.  

Services to continue nationwide

a. Public offices will remain open not exceeding 30% of existing staff while other employees continue working from home on a rotational basis.

b. Private businesses will continue not exceeding 50% of existing staff while other employees continue working from home on a rotational basis.

c. Event organizers including conferences and meetings must comply with all COVID - 19 preventive measures.

d. Tourism activities will continue.

e. Passengers arriving at Kigali International airport must present a negative COVID -19 PCR test taken within 120 hours prior to departure and should comply with health guidelines.

f. Non-contact outdoor sports is permitted however gyms shall remain closed.

g. Motos are permitted to carry passengers except in areas under lockdown. Strict hygiene must be observed and masks worn at all times.

h. Attendance at a wake/vigil (Ikiriyo) should not exceed 15 people at any one time.

i. Places of worship shall operate upon compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures.

 j. Civil marriage ceremonies will continue but should not exceed 15 persons.

k. Religious ceremonies for burial shall continue with no more than 30 persons. Funeral gatherings should not exceed 30 persons. 

Services to remain closed nationwide

a. Movement between Rusizi and other districts (except for goods and cargo) remains prohibited.

b. Schools will remain closed to allow sufficient time for a further health assessment and thorough preparedness for resumption of in-person classes. Remote learning is encouraged and should be strengthened

c. Land borders will remain closed, except for goods and cargo, as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents. All returnees will be subjected to mandatory quarantine in accordance with existing health guidelines at their own cost.

d. Gaming activities remain prohibited.

e. All bars including restaurants and hotels will remain closed.  

3. The Cabinet was briefed on the impact of COVID-19 on employment in Rwanda.  

4. The Cabinet approved the draft law governing education in Rwanda.  

5. The Cabinet approved a management agreement for the Kigali Arena facility between Government of Rwanda and QA Entertainment Technology Consultants.  

6. The Cabinet made the following appointments:    

National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS)

o ACP Lynder NKURANGA, Director-General of External Intelligence  

National Cyber Security Agency

o Col David KANAMUGIRE, CEO   
Rwanda Space Agency

o Lieutenant Colonel Francis NGABO, CEO

o Georges KWIZERA, CTO  

Rwanda Revenue Authority

o Jean-Louis KALININGONDO, Deputy Commissioner General

o Hajara BATAMULIZA Commissioner for Domestic Taxes

o Charles KAGAME Deputy Commissioner for Revenue Investigation

 o Paulin Jean UWITONZE, Deputy Commissioner for Taxpayer Services

o King Geoffrey NGABONZIMA, Deputy Commissioner for Risk Management  

Advisory Board: Center for Artificial Intelligence Policy and Innovation (Rwanda C4IR)

o Hon. Paula INGABIRE, Chairperson

o Ali PARSA, Vice-Chairperson

o Davy UWIZERA, Member

o Eric Cyaga NDIMUBANZI, Member

 o Alline KABBATENDE, Member

 o Moustapha CISSE, Member

o Manuela VELOSO, Member

o Leonard MUNGARULIRE, Member   

Kigali, August 26th 2020       
Dr. Edouard Ngirente Prime Minister