The Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya

My guest this week is Sharon Akanyana. Sharon is the Founder and Managing Director of Ishyo Foods, an agro-processing company that manufactures jam and yogurt.We shall discuss her own journey, the challenges she overcame building her business, her future ambitions for Ishyo Foods and the outlook for Rwanda’s agro-processing industry.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen...

Our guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Robert Kabushenga. A lawyer by training, Robert is the former CEO of The New Vision Group, the largest media company in Uganda.We shall discuss the role of media in projecting a country’s image, the likelihood of agriculture developing Africa, the transformative power of online conversations and what the region will possibly look like in the coming decades.#TheKampalaConversations #Uganda #Rwanda Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya...

Our guest this week is Gerald Mukyenga. A Kampala-based businessman, Gerald is the Managing Director of Multilines International, a regional logistics company. We discuss is early life, how he built his business from scratch and the challenges he's faced, and his experience being a Ugandan Munyarwanda.#TheKampalaConversations #Uganda #Rwanda #BanyarwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-s...

Our guest this week is Brian Kabayiza. A Kampala-based lawyer, Brian is a partner at KMA Advocates. We shall discuss his own journey, the challenges he's faced as a Ugandan Munyarwanda, how he's built his law firm business from scratch and some of the legal hurdles Ugandan Banyarwanda face in their quest for full citizenship rights #TheKampalaConversations #Uganda #Rwanda #Banyarwanda Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcas...

Our guest this week on the long form podcast is Frank Gashumba. A Kampala-based businessman, Frank is also a motivational speaker and social commentator.We shall discuss his own journey, his lived experience as a member of the Banyarwanda ethnic group in Uganda, the challenges the group face as well as his views on his ancestral home, Rwanda#TheKampalaConversations #Uganda #Rwanda #Banyarwanda #frankgashumba Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcas...

Our guest this week on the long form podcast is Gayatri Datar. Gayatri is the co-founder of EarthEnable, a company whose goal is to provide Rwandans with healthy, more affordable homes. We shall discuss her journey, affordable housing, why the majority of rural homes are unhealthy and what solutions are out there to improve Rwandan housing.Find out more about EarthEnable Here: https://earthenable.org/ Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://pod...

Our guest this week on the long form podcast is Gatete Nyiringabo Ruhumuliza. Gatete, a lawyer by profession, is a writer, activist and civil society voice.We discuss the state of Rwanda’s civil society, the controversy around surrogacy as well as Kigali City’s threat to terminate land ownership. We also discuss DRC’s flirtation with Akazu members.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast...Listen to the Long Form with Sanny N...

Our guest this week on is Retired Lt. Col. Charles Karangwa. Charles Karangwa is the Director General of Rwanda Forensic Institute. He joins us this week to discuss the work the Forensics Institute does and its contribution to a crime-free Rwanda.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast...Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4...Follow Long Form with Sanny Ntayom...

Our guest this week is Annie Kairaba, founder of Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD). We discuss her personal journey and what makes Rwanda's civil society unique. We also delve into the role civil society can play in resolving conflicts like those in Eastern DRC.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast...Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4......

Our guest this week is Marc Hoogsteyns. Marc, a veteran Belgian journalist, is one of the very few western reporters who have travelled to M23 Controlled territory in Eastern DRC and spoken directly to the rebels.We discuss the events happening on the ground at the moment, DRC’s war strategy, the likelihood of the regional peace process working and what the future holds for the peoples of Eastern DRC.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple...

Our guest this week is Rohan Shah. Rohan, a Singaporean who has made Rwanda his home, is the founder of Imizi, Rwanda’s first award-winning rum brand. We discuss his personal journey, schooling in Harvard, why he chose Rwanda to open his liquor factory and his ambition to create Rwanda’s first multi-million-dollar local alcohol brand.#Rwanda #Rum #artisanal #singapore #harvard #alcohol #africa Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple....

Our guest this week is Maryse Mbonyumutwa. An entrepreneur and granddaughter of Dominique Mbonyumutwa, the interim first President of Rwanda, Maryse is the Founder and CEO of Pink Mango , a textile manufacturing company based in the Kigali Economic Zone. We discuss her life journey, her choice to return to Rwandan and her ambitions for the local textile industry and Rwandan fashion.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcas...

Our guest this week on the long form podcast is Eliane Umuhire. Born in Rwanda and currently based in France Eliane is a multi-award-winning actress, starring in "A Quiet Place: Day One', alongside Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyongo. We discuss her life journey, her foray into acting and the truth about Hollywood and the manner in which it treats African talent.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with...

Our guest this week is Andrew Mwenda, a renowned Ugandan journalist, publisher and political commentator.We discuss his relationship with President Paul Kagame, the state of Uganda-Rwanda relations and unpack some of the regional political challenges and try to navigate a way forward. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya...

Our guest this week is Israel Bimpe. Isreal, a pharmacist by training, has served as CEO of Irembo since 2022. We discuss his personal journey, his tenure as CEO of Irembo and his ambitions for the Rwandan public service tech platform.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast...Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4...Follow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya o...

Our guest this week is Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General andSpecial Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. She discusses her role as Special Adviser, explore the challenges the United Nations faces in preventing genocide, and offers advice to young people on how they can contribute in the efforts to prevent these atrocities. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcas...

Our guest this week is Moise Nkundabarashi, President of the Rwandan Bar Association. He joins us to discuss his own journey, the challenges the Rwandan legal system faces and his experience representing reformed terrorist Callixte 'Sankara' Nsabimana in court. YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on SpotifyFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on Twitter: @TheLongformrw...

Our guest this week is Lt (Rtd) Joseph Sabena, a soldier who fought and was gravely wounded during the Liberation War (1990-1994). He joins us to discuss his life growing up as a Rwandan refugee in Uganda, surviving the camps, joining the Ugandan army in 1987 and later the RPF-Inkotanyi in the Virunga mountains. He also takes us to the fateful day that he lost his ability to walk and how he has managed to live with his disability. YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long...

Our guest this week is Dr. Richard Mihigo, Senior Director, The Vaccine Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland. He joins us this week to discuss his personal journey, his work and why he is standing for the post of World Health Organization Regional Director for AfricaYouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on SpotifyFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on Twitter: @TheLongformrwFollow Long F...

Our guest this week is is Dr. Jack Kayonga, the CEO of Crystal Ventures Limited (CVL). CVL was established in 1995, initially under the name Tri-Star Investments Limited. CVL is a company owned by the Rwanda Patriotic Front, the ruling party of Rwanda. We discuss his career so far, unpack public perceptions about CVL, its future plans and the effects of CVL’s forays into the African continent to do business. YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny ...

Our guest this week is Eugene Rutagarama, the owner of the Emeraude Kivu Resort. He shares his life; opening up about surviving childhood discrimination, multiple instances of exile, imprisonment, numerous near death experiences to finally build a 4-Star hotel in Rusizi.YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on SpotifyFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on Twitter: @TheLongformrwFo...

Our guest on The Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya is Tesi Rusagara, the CEO of the Agaciro Development Fund. Agaciro Development Fund is Rwanda's sovereign wealth fund. She shares her experience as CEO, why the government created the sovereign wealth fund, its valuation today, as well as the strategies that are being used to grow the fund and shield Rwanda from future external shocks.YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the L...

Our guest on The Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya is the Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, John Rwangombwa. As the National Bank celebrates its 60th anniversary, we discuss the efforts that were put into rebuilding the Bank after 1994, the future of the East African common currency and where he sees our economy in the next decade.YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify...

This week, we are joined by Clare Akamanzi, the CEO of NBA Africa. The former RDB CEO, oversees the NBA's business and basketball development efforts in Africa and is responsible for continuing to grow the popularity of basketball, the NBA and the Basketball Africa League across the continent. We discuss her experience so far as CEO and her goals for NBA Africa SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sann...

My guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Carl Wilkens. Carl is an American author and public speaker.As Country Director of ADRA, he was the only American who stayed in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He refused to abandon Rwanda in its darkest time. He shares his story with us.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Nt...

This week, we are joined by the Minister of Sports, Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju. We discuss the business of sports and Rwanda’s ambition to become home to world class sports infrastructure; the newly revamped Amahoro Stadium being is one such facility. She will answer the question, does everything Rwanda is doing make any financial sense? Or are we building white elephants? SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to t...

This week we are joined by Frank Habineza , Member of Parliament and President of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda.The Opposition Leader discusses his early life as well as his political awakening and journey. We also converse about the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and the role he believes the political opposition plays in Rwandan politics.SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast...

This week we are joined by Andrew Wallis, an English author and researcher. He joins us to discuss the infamous 'Akazu' and its leader, former first lady, Agathe Kanziga Habyarimana, and his belief that France played a major role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He wrote about these two subjects in his books, 'Stepp’d in Blood: Akazu and the Architects of the Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi' and 'Silent Accomplice: The Untold Story of the Role of France in the Rwandan Genocide'.SUBS...

This week we are joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Dele Olojede. He joins us to discuss his experience reporting about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, its aftermath and the effect the tragedy had on its victims. SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on SpotifyFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on ...

This week we are joined by international lawyer and former prosecutor at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Dr. Charles Adeogun-Phillips. He joins us to discuss his work investigating and prosecuting the crime of genocide at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), shares his biggest regret and divulges the evidence proving the double genocide theory false. SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaLis...

#Kwibuka30 This week we are joined by Christian Intwari, the Founder and director of 'Our Past Initiative. He shares memories from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, reveals acts of activism in high school, opens up on how ‘Our Past’ begun and suggests how memory can be transmitted to young people.SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long ...

Our guest this week is Dr. Didas Kayihura, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda. An expert in international business law, Dr. Kayihura not only the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the former National University of Rwanda. He discusses the challenges that the University of Rwanda has faced, why its global rankings are so low, and rejects the perception that its graduates are competitive.SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwan...

This week we are joined by business tycoon Faustin Mbundu. We discuss his childhood and life in Uganda, navigating Rwandan identity, his first forays in international gold trading in the 80's, doing business in Rwanda just after the Genocide and what advice he'd give to aspiring entrepreneursSUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntay...

Our guest is Innocent Tuyubahe, an ex-FDLR rebel. He unveils the anti-Tusti ideologies taught by the FDLR, the real members of the anti-M23 coalition, how we discovered the truth about Rwanda from a captive and his journey for redemption after joining the Demobilization and Reintegration center in Rwanda. SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long F...

Our guest on is Eugene Ubalijoro, a Rwanda business executive who serves as Vice President at Molson Coors beverage company responsible for sales in Central region states of the US. We discuss his career journey from starting as a sales rep at Bralirwa, to becoming the first African Regional Manager in the entire Heineken system and now Vice President at Molson Coors. He reveals his future plans and his hope for Rwanda.We had this conversation on the sidelines of the recent Rwanda Day e...

Our guest this week on The Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya is Michael Fairbanks. Michael is the Executive Chairman of Akagera Medicines, bestselling author, development expert and member of President Kagame's Presidential Advisory Council (PAC). We discuss his life journey, Akagera Medicine and delve into his personal relationship with Rwanda and President Kagame.SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content: YouTube/ @thelongformrwanda Liste...

In today’s episode, we are joined by fitness guru and wellness advocate, Ivan Munyengango. Ivan is not only a personal trainer with a certification from the International Sports Science Association, he is the founder of FitPipo, a health and wellness management firm. Ivan also owns Cali Fitness, a popular Gaculiro-based gym. SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content on YouTube Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to t...

My guest this week is Samson Ndayishimiye, newly elected president of Ferwacy, the Rwandan cycling federation. He shares his personal journey, talks representing Rwanda at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, his ongoing tenure as FERWACY president and what to expect from this year’s edition of Tour du Rwanda.SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya content on YouTubeListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple PodcastsListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayomb...

My guest this week is Yseult Polfliet Mukantabana. Yseult is a Rwandan Jewish Queer woman who has worked in advocacy, hosted a podcast and is a published author. She is also currently co-directing a romantic comedy “The heights of Kigali” a film portraying a Rwanda Queer couple. She is going to give perspective on what life is like through the lens of diversity, her conversion to Judaism and a guide to having uncomfortable conversations.SUBSCRIBE to get the latest Long Form w...

My guest this week is Dr. Frederick Golooba-Mutebi. Fred is a veteran Ugandan political scientist, researcher and writer. He is also a member of the Parliament of the Buganda Kingdom, The Lukkiko. He will give us his perspective on the controversial Banyanrwanda question in UgandaListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayomb...

My guest this week on this special edition of The Long Form podcast recorded from Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, is the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4bUyIeYktQhWOljcFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayom...

My guest this week is Christian Irakoze, the co-founder and CEO of Eza Neza, a agriculture company that specializes in hydroponic greenhouse farming of berries. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4bUyIeYktQhWOljcFollow Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya on Twitter: https://...

My guest this week on The Long Form podcast is Annet Uwizeye, the founder of both Nano Studios Africa and A.Wize Media. She She is one of the few women at the top of the Rwandan film industry, and she has a great story to tell.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4bUyIeYktQhWO...

Our guest this week is Yamina Karitanyi, the CEO of the Rwanda Mines, Gas and Petroleum Board. She help us better understand the mining industry and the role it plays in Rwanda. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7HkkUi4bUyIeYktQhWOljcFollow Long Form with S...

Jes'ka Washington (popularly known as Jai Essence) is an educator, author, Youtuber and businesswoman. Jai's pursuit of new horizons led her from the United States to Rwanda in November 2020. This journey inspired the creation of Jai Essence Enterprises, encompassing My Cousin Connection, 365 Rwanda, and the Inzozi Center, and also led to the establishment of Jai Essence Farms, focusing on sustainable rabbit farming.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts ...

As Rwanda welcomes the world, the world will change what Rwanda is. How shall we navigate this? What are the risks and what are the opportunities? Is Rwanda ready to become a multicultural country?Dr Alphonse Muleefu, Acting Principal of the University of Rwanda, College of Arts and Social Sciences joins us on The Long Form podcast this weekListen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id16698796...

He is an artists favorite artist. He has fans in Rwanda, East Africa and across the globe. He’s been bubbling over for the last few years but I think its his time now. I am excited to have Mike Kayihura on the week’s episode of The Long Form podcast Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spo...

For far too long, Rwandans have spent their hard-earned money enriching other countries, especially when it came to apparel. we either were the target market for second hand clothes from the West, or new, cheap clothes from the East. Since the Government of Rwanda decided to ban second hand clothes, and facilitate a local clothing industry, we have seen some positive movement. Today, on the Long Form podcast, I speak with Mathew Rugamba, Founder of House of Tayo, a pioneer in Made i...

Human Rights Watch recently released a report titled “Join us or die: Rwanda’s extraterritorial repression”, in which they accuse the Government of Rwanda of committing human rights abuses on Rwandan nationals living abroad.In reaction, local writer and activist Gatete Nyiringabo Ruhumuliza, penned a rebuttal titled ‘Human Rights Watch: Rwanda’s ‘Uninvited Savior’. We shall discuss the Report in question, Gatete’s rebuttal and the way forward for the Government of Rwanda in this week’s e...

Rwanda is many things. On one hand, it is among the poorest countries in the world and on the other hand, it is, to me at least, one of the most forward-thinking nations on the globe. Actually, when you think about it, the lack of resources perhaps creates the innovation. Let’s look back at what’s been done so far. Rwanda partnered with an American startup, Zipline, to deliver lifesaving drugs to rural health centers by drone. Then it partnered with Starlink, Elon Musk’s company, to prov...

Rwanda, like many other developing nations, has borne the brunt of climate change. We’ve seen searing hot temperatures over the last long dry season and now, when it rains, its not the gentle drizzle of the past. Rather we suffer rain storms that destroy farmers fields, and cause killer landslides. What is most unfair about this climate change is the fact that we aren’t the cause of it, but rather the victims. It is the industrialized countries that have put all of us at risk, with their...

It’s been a trying few months for our pockets. Food prices are consistently rising and with new prices for fuel, transport costs will be higher. This will surely make life harder for each and everyone of us. In addition to all of this pressures, our national currency, the Rwandan franc, has been losing value against the US dollar, leading to what podcast listener called, an issue of “inflation, inflation, inflation”. So what is going on, how did we find ourselves in this situation ...

Rwanda is just emerging out of its long dry season, and as if often the case during that time, food prices have risen around the country. What is particularly shocking this year however, is just how high prices of our staple foods have become. Kigali residents are seeing prices of potatoes, beans and rice double or even triple. The question that I, along with many other people, ask ourselves is, what is going on? Have our farmers simply stopped going out to their fields to farm? Or ...

FDLR, FNL, and the other genocidal militia operating out of the forests and hills of Eastern DRC have one goal in mind, the violently overthrow of the Rwandan government and commencement of another genocide. In 2008, Chris McGreal, a journalist from The Guardian, travelled to the jungles of Eastern DRC and reported on the FDLR.In one extremely chilling exchange with a 13-year-old FDLR militiaman, who left Rwanda as a baby on his mother’s back, Chris revealed the hateful ideology that pow...

Over two months ago, veteran journalist, Marc Hoogsteyns, became the very first international reporter to pay a visit to the M23 rebel strongholds in Eastern DRC. As he recounted during an interview that he had on this very podcast in July, he not only spoke to a couple of M23 junior officers, he also met and interviewed young, Rwandan-born FDLR fighters who had been captured on the battle front. Taking advantage of a lull in the fighting Marc last week went back to the DRC, and got...

The announcement that Rwanda will partner with German-Canadian company, Dual Fluid, to conduct a Critical Demonstration Experiment is probably the biggest news this month. Why? Because this experiment is the first step in Rwanda’s nuclear journey. This partnership is really exciting for me because this means that Rwanda is on the cusp of joining the exclusive club of nuclear states. And for a country like ours that needs cheap, sufficient power for both people and industries, nuclear is ...

Adonis Filer currently plays point guard for the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) basketball team. He holds the BAL record for the most assists in a single game. Adonis has also represented Rwanda in the Afrobasket tournament. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois in 1993, Adonis Jovon Filer started his basketball career in high school and sustained to college and beyond. Adonis played for the Clemson Tigers and Florida Atlantic teams in college. Listen to the Long Form with Sa...

With the announcement yesterday of the new partnership with German superclub, Bayern Munich, it brings to three, the number of European football teams that Visit Rwanda partners with. The first two being Arsenal FC, in England, and Paris Saint Germain in France. What is especially noteworthy is that this new partnership comes exactly half a decade since the first one was signed with Arsenal in 2018. In the year that the first Visit Rwanda partnership was announced Rwanda earned $425...

The Government’s investment in building a world class conference and sporting ecosystem is obvious. It has spent a reported 300 million dollars on the Convention Center, 104 million dollars on the BK Arena and is spending around 130 million dollars on renovating the Amahoro Stadium. This is in addition to the close to a billion dollars that has been spent on upgrading Kanombe airport and increasing the Rwandair fleet. Some people will say, that that was money that could have been better ...

On the morning of the 26th of July, a group of Nigerien soldiers from the presidential guard detained president Mohamed Bazoum and his family. This action was then followed by Presidential guard commander General Abdurahaman Tchiani proclaiming himself the leader of a new military junta.The events that followed included presidential guard forces closing the country's borders, suspending state institutions, and declaring a curfew.This is the fifth military coup d'état since the country gained ...

The concept of sheer luck giving us access to untold wealth is a tale as old as time. The other tale that is as old as time is, a fool and his money will be easily parted. The gambling industry is at the nexus of these two concepts. The multi-billion-dollar gambling industry is probably the lucrative in the world. In fact, gambling is the foundation of entire cities like Las Vegas, Monte Carlo and Macau. The bright light of the gambling halls and the money they generate hide a darker sid...

When we are asked to identify the East African region’s big brother, we look to Kenya. It’s the richest country in the 8-nation East African community, its home to the biggest metropolis, Nairobi, it’s the regional manufacturing hub and its currency is the strongest. Its Gross Domestic Product in 2021 was slightly over 110 billion dollars. In comparison Rwanda’s was just over $11.5 Bn. Its city of Mombasa is an absolutely important port of entry into and out of East Africa A nation with ...

The never-ending crisis in Eastern DRC is often in the news. We watch the terrifying scenes of war and carnage on our tv screens, then read stories of rape and killing in our newspapers. And on social media, we see images of the EACs heads of state meeting in different East African capitals to discuss the insecurity that has bedeviled Eastern Congo for close to 30 years. If you only listen to what the DRC the UN, the NGOs and the human rights groups are saying, you’ll think that the M23...

For 4 days, from between 17- 20 July, Rwanda’s capital will welcome thousands of guests from around the world who’ve come to attend the Women Deliver 2023 Conference. With its slogan ‘Where the world comes together to advance Gender Equality’ the Women Deliver conference will host the great and the good of the global gender equality movement. Choosing Rwanda as the host nation was, in my opinion, an easy decision. Not only did it have the capacity to host the event due to its investment ...

On the 30th of June, the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) released the second Rwanda NCD Risk Factors Survey, to quite a bit of media fanfare. The study surveyed 5,676 people from across the country, the majority between the age of 30 and 44. And while the study included findings about tobacco smoking, physical activity, and food choices, the findings that seemed to have worried everyone, including the President of Rwanda, was the finding on alcohol consumption. So, what were these fi...

What is it like being ambassador to the DRC representing Rwanda? What are the motives of the political class in Kinshasa when it comes to the violent escalation of the conflict in Eastern DRC? Will it rope in Rwanda? Or is it all part of the Congo’s election process? Former ambassador to the DRC, Vincent Karega, joined me last week to answer my questions on the history of Banyarwanda in Congo. This week we shall try to unpack what is happening today If you didn’t listen to last wee...

Once again, the decades long conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and its myriad of players in in the news once again. This time because of the UN Group of Experts Report that was leaked to media at the start of last week. The Report details the arming and financing of the FDLR by the DRC Government, M23 activity and makes allegations about Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict. These allegations were rubbished by the Rwandan government in a statement that was released on...

The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning on Thursday revealed that Rwanda’s national budget for the year 2023/2024 is 5.1trillion Rwandan francs. That is slightly above 4.3 billion US dollars. This years budget is a 6% increase from last years. My biggest takeaway from the budget reading the fact that foreign aid was only 13% of the total budget. While still high, we have to remember that there was a time overseas development assistance was the majority of the budget. We are s...

The news that the UN court in The Hague would not try infamous genocide funder, Felician Kabuga, for his crimes on the grounds of his old age, though sad, did not come as a shock to me. So, with this and other recent judicial travesties in mind, where do I think this all leaves us? I also examine the reasoning behind Malawi’s move to revoke the citizenship of over 200 Rwandans following the arrest of Fulgence Kayishema in South Africa. We will then conclude the podcast w...

This week, I shall share my thoughts on what I saw during BAL, the week long festival of basketball as well as what this all means for the private sector. I shall also talk about the news that Somalia might soon be entering the East African community and explain why I think it might be a bad idea. We will then end this weeks podcast talking about Uganda’s anti-homosexual law, the international reaction to it and what lessons we can take from the US’s threat to cut ...

The running joke is that Rwandans should just concentrate on hosting international sporting events and forget about actually winning any competition. So, should we just give up, concentrate on building amazing sporting facilities and become known as the country where foreign teams come to win from? Or is there a plan to turn things around? To answer this question, I am joined today by the Permanent Secretary of The Ministry of Sports,Zephanie Niyonkuru. Listen to the Long Form...

Today, not only are over 60% of all members of parliament women , they are also heads of government departments and leading financial institutions.But listening the conversations that Rwandans have, both on and offline, it seems to be that there needs to be further steps to ensure gender equality. Especially when it comes to certain aspects of Rwandan culture. And in the context of new definitions of sex and genderFeminist and activist Sylvie Nsanga, and Glory Iribagiza, The New Times G...

Research reveals that when fathers are not active in the home it creates in children Emotional and Behavioral Issues, poor Academic Performance, increases the likelihood of Relationship Issues in the future, creates an Increased Risk of Substance Abuse and almost guarantees a Higher Risk of eventual Poverty. So, the main question that I attempt to answer today is, what should fathers do, to ensure that they are raising happy, healthy, well-adjusted and productive adults? &nbs...

The news last week has not made for pretty viewing. Right here in Rwanda, a mammoth relief effort is currently underway in the Northern and Western Provinces, as a result of the disastrously heavy rains that fell between 2-3 of May. Further afield, a deadly civil war in Sudan has erupted. The war, that kicked off on 15, April, is pitting two factions of the Sudanese military government against each other. And in Uganda, a State Minister in charge of Labour was shot and killed by his...

HDI (Health Development Initiative) Executive Director Dr. Aflodis Kagaba takes us through the findings of the 2022 'Examination of LGBT people’s lived experiences and public perceptions of sexual and gender minorities in Rwanda' Report. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/sh...

This is second part of the conversation that we had with RPF stalwart Protais Musoni . In it he reveals how exactly RPF was formed. This year, the ruling party, the RPF celebrated the 35th anniversary of it founding in 1987. If you want to share your thoughts on the topics I discuss use the hashtag #LongFormRw on Twitter and follow us on Twitter and Instagram on our handle @TheLongFormRwBe a part of the conversation.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny ...

This year, the ruling party, the RPF celebrated the 35th anniversary of it founding in 1987. Today, the party is the engine of Rwanda’s transformation and has been at the helm since 1984. RPF stalwart Protais Musoni will reveal how exactly RPF was formed. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on ...

In his acceptance speech, the re-elected Chairman of the RPF, President Paul Kagame, spoke about two things. His happiness to serve. And the need to eventually replace him . To discuss this we are joined by Fred Golooba-Mutebi, a Political Scientist with special interest in Political Economy Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sa...

Over the weekend, the ruling party, the RPF held its first National Congress in a few years. During the congress, the top most positions in the organisation were voted on by party members. These positions included party chairperson, the vice, the secretary general and other members of the National Executive Committee. Why is this a big deal? Because, as RPF goes, so does the country. This week, I shall talk about why this particular congress is so important for Rwanda’s future.&nb...

#8 Joining me today is one of my favorite young, Rwandan artists Kivumbi King. From hit songs with 2 Saint, Kenny K Shot and Bushali, he has steadily created a lane for himself in the rising Rwandan hip hop scene. We will talk not just about his musical journey, we shall also discuss about just how accepting the larger Rwandan community is about hip-hop Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-w...

#7: This week I am joined by Yolande Makolo, the Spokesperson of the Government of Rwanda to discuss the Rwanda-UK migration partnership. This deal, lauded by some, and absolutely hated by others, aims to create a new way of dealing with refugees and illegal migrants who attempt dangerous journeys to reach western shores. Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621...

The Rwanda Development Board is looking to attract at least Rwf19 billion in investments in marijuana. This week, we shall discuss this push for investment and how it relates to criminal justice. We will also spend a bit of time on the issue of misogyny besetting Rwandan domestic football and then we shall conclude this week’s podcast answering the question on how should we punish the crime of child rape Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast o...

At around 10pm last Monday, the Government of Rwanda released an odd official statement titled ‘Rwanda Hails Outcomes of AU Meetings, Reinforces Border Security’. To discuss what this statement means, as well as the quickly moving events on the ground, I am joined by New Times editor and experienced regional analyst, Edwin Musoni Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id16...

44% of all deaths in Rwanda are a result of non-communicable diseases or NCDs. These diseases, most of them 100% preventable, include diabetes, hypertension and cancers. How are they preventable? By reducing the amount of tobacco, alcohol and calorie-dense food we consume. And regular exercise of course. To discuss not only what is happening as a result of our refusal to change our habits, but what we can do to actually have a successful, and life changing, health journey, I am join...

This week, the host of 'The Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya' discusses what the leaks and mixed signals coming from Kinshasa mean for the peace process in the Eastern part of the DRC as well as the overall viability of the Congolese state.Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/rw/podcast/the-long-form-with-sanny-ntayombya/id1669879621Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7H...

This week James Karuhanga, The New Times editor, joins to discuss whether or not additional East African forces will be able to help pacify the restive Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. On Friday, February 9, Defence chiefs from the East African Community (EAC) partner states directed the immediate deployment of troops from countries yet to join the regional force in Goma, capital of North province in eastern DR Congo.The regional military chiefs met in Nairobi, Kenya, in the presenc...

Today I discuss my thoughts on the just concluded court case against a 15 year old boy that set local social media alight and as well as the just released corruption perception index findings.I'm then joined by New Time journalist Hudson Kutesa to examine this week’s big story, the acquittal of two doctors on the charge of involuntary manslaughter, and ask ‘Do Hospitals Have a Case to answer? Listen to the Long Form with Sanny Ntayombya podcast on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.ap...