University of Rwanda

UR-Sweden Programme reviews progress and charts future collaboration

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-05-23T15:22:00Z

The management of the UR-Sweden Research Programme convened for its Annual Dialogue Meeting, a platform dedicated to reviewing progress, reflecting on achievements, and discussing future directions for collaboration.

The meeting brought together University of Rwanda leadership, representatives from the Embassy of Sweden in Rwanda, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), UR researchers, and counterparts from 14 Swedish universities who participated virtually to assess the Programme's impact and explore opportunities for continued partnership.

Over the years, the bilateral research programme has supported the graduation of 106 PhD holders and currently funds 53 ongoing PhD candidates. It has also financed more than 100 research and innovation projects. During its 24-year partnership journey, the Programme has played a pivotal role in strengthening the research ecosystem at the University of Rwanda, generating benefits for individual researchers, the institution, and the country at large.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration at UR commended the Programme for fostering a strong research culture within the institution.

“Without a conducive research environment, it is very difficult for research itself to thrive,” he noted.
Dr Ndikumana encouraged researchers to focus on translating research outputs into tangible benefits for society.

“The future will not depend on the number of research projects we produce, but on how effectively we communicate our findings and create impact within our communities,” he said.

He further urged researchers to continue embracing collaboration, strengthen science communication efforts, and promote broader public engagement with research. He reaffirmed the University's commitment to addressing challenges that affect research productivity, including heavy teaching and supervision workloads.

“Nothing will be impossible if we continue to work through joint synergies, collaboration, and co-creation among university members and stakeholders,” he added.

In her remarks, Martina Fors Mohlin, Head of Development Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy in Rwanda, expressed appreciation to all partners and individuals who have contributed to the Programme's success over the years.

She acknowledged the global challenges affecting development cooperation and research funding, noting that some programme resources have been reduced. Nevertheless, she emphasized that Sweden's research partnership with Rwanda remains strong and enduring.

“I strongly believe that we have created something meaningful, and I have learned so much through this collaboration and the research it has supported,” she said.

Championing student voices : Irakoze's journey in leadership and advocacy

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-05-20T15:11:00Z

Irakoze Bienvenue Delice, a third-year Nursing student at the University of Rwanda's Rwamagana Campus, is making a meaningful impact through her commitment to student leadership and advocacy. She currently serves as the General Secretary of her campus and the Secretary of the Board of Speakers for the University of Rwanda Student Union, positions that enable her to represent students' interests and address their concerns at both campus and university levels.

Through these leadership roles, Irakoze works closely with students and university administrators to promote a supportive learning environment and enhance student welfare. One of the key issues she is currently advocating for is achieving a better balance between the growing student population and the number of academic staff, recognizing the direct impact this has on the quality of education.

Irakoze Bienvenue Delice, is a third-year Nursing student at Rwamagana Campus

“A strong investment in infrastructure, such as classroom complexes, alongside the recruitment of more lecturers, will help the University maintain academic standards and ensure students receive the quality education they deserve,” says Irakoze.

She is also actively engaged in discussions aimed at improving the overall campus environment by advocating for adequate infrastructure and sufficient human resources to support students academically and through extracurricular activities.

“Knowledge is not limited to classroom learning. Integrating various skills-development opportunities helps nurture well-rounded students and ensures that no aspect of their growth is left behind,” she adds.

As a future healthcare professional, Irakoze plans to work as a registered nurse in a clinical setting after graduation, where she will apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout her studies to provide quality patient care. Looking ahead, she aspires to take on leadership and advocacy roles in healthcare education and policy, contributing to the improvement of health systems and educational opportunities.

She also hopes to pursue advanced studies in Nursing or Public Health and eventually become a lecturer or mentor. Through this path, she aims to help train future generations of nurses who are not only competent and compassionate but also well-supported throughout their academic and professional journeys.

For Irakoze, leadership is more than holding a position ; it is about creating positive change, amplifying student voices, and contributing to a stronger university community while preparing to make a lasting impact in the healthcare sector.

Experts convene to explore strategies addressing mental health challenges facing children and adolescents in Africa

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-05-16T16:00:00Z

Mental health challenges among children and adolescents are increasingly emerging as a critical concern across Africa, affecting not only the well-being of young people but also their education, relationships, and future prospects. While awareness of mental health issues is growing, stigma, silence, and limited support systems continue to prevent many young people from receiving the help they need.

These concerns were highlighted by Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda, while delivering his remarks at the policy event of a research project on promoting children and adolescents' mental well-being in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The research project, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), was implemented through a collaboration involving the College of Education and College of Medicine and Health Sciences, working alongside University of Aberdeen and Addis Ababa University. The partnership brought together expertise from education, health sciences, psychology, and public policy to generate evidence on how schools and communities can better support the mental well-being of children and adolescents.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ndikumana emphasized that mental health is becoming an increasingly important issue not only in Rwanda and Ethiopia but across the African continent.

"Mental health, especially among children and adolescents, is a critical issue affecting societies not only in Rwanda and Ethiopia, but across Africa and the world," he said.

According to him, mental health challenges affect many individuals directly or indirectly, yet society often struggles to respond appropriately when young people experience emotional or psychological difficulties.
"When mental health issues arise, society's response is not always supportive. Too often, people respond with judgment, silence, stigma, or even laughter, instead of understanding and care,” he added.

The project focused particularly on school-based interventions, recognizing that schools can play a transformative role in promoting emotional well-being alongside academic achievement. Researchers examined ways to strengthen supportive environments for learners and generate evidence that can guide policy and practice in both Rwanda and Ethiopia.

For the University of Rwanda, the issue extends beyond primary and secondary education. Many students' entering university are still in late adolescence and continue to require mentorship and psychosocial support as they navigate the transition into adulthood.

As evidence from the collaboration between College of Education and College of Medicine and Health Sciences, the University of Aberdeen, and Addis Ababa University continues to inform policy discussions, researchers and educators hope that greater attention to mental well-being will help create supportive environments where children and adolescents can thrive both academically and personally.

Story by
NTIRANDEKURA Schadrac
PRO, UR-College of Education

New study shows best approach to combat childhood stunting using special analysis and smart data

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-05-11T17:24:22Z

A new doctoral study by Clarisse Kagoyire is offering Rwanda and other countries facing similar challenges a more precise way to identify and address childhood stunting. Conducted as part of her PhD at Lund University under the UR-Sweden Programme, the research introduces advanced spatial modelling techniques that help pinpoint where stunting is most severe and what factors are driving it at a local level.

Childhood stunting, defined by the World Health Organization as impaired growth and development due to chronic malnutrition and adverse living conditions, remains a major public health concern. While Rwanda has made notable national progress in reducing stunting, disparities persist across districts and even within communities. These inequalities highlight the need for more targeted, data-driven interventions.

Dr Kagoyire while defending her PhD thesis

Kagoyire's research responds to this need by combining two rich datasets. The first comes from a detailed household survey conducted in Rwanda's Northern Province, focusing on children aged 1 to 36 months. This dataset captures growth measurements alongside household conditions, maternal and child health, hygiene practices, and geocoded locations. The second dataset provides nationwide coverage through geospatial estimates derived from Rwanda's Demographic and Health Survey. Together, these datasets allow for both fine-scale local analysis and broader national insights.

Across four interconnected studies, the research moves from traditional spatial analysis to more advanced machine learning approaches. Findings from the Northern Province show that about 27% of children in the study area are stunted, with clear geographic clustering ; higher rates in Musanze and lower rates in Rulindo. Crucially, the study reveals that the factors associated with stunting are not uniform across locations. Access to basic services such as handwashing facilities and electricity consistently reduces the likelihood of stunting, but their impact varies from place to place.

The research goes further to show that these relationships are often complex, operating at different scales and in non-linear ways. This means that national averages or one-size-fits-all interventions may overlook important local realities. To address this, Kagoyire applies innovative models that “learn” local patterns directly from the data, improving the accuracy of identifying high-risk areas while maintaining interpretability for policymakers.

At the national level, the study uses graph-based deep learning to account for connections between neighboring regions, recognizing that nearby communities often share similar risks and services. It also incorporates explainable machine learning techniques to identify key drivers of stunting in different locations and to simulate “what-if” scenarios. These scenarios suggest that the most significant reductions in stunting could be achieved through combined, multisector interventions ; particularly improvements in water and sanitation, maternal and child healthcare, and malaria prevention. Notably, the greatest potential gains are concentrated in areas already experiencing the highest burden.

Rather than producing a single model or map, the thesis contributes a scalable and transferable workflow that links detailed local data with national-level decision-making. The outputs ; presented as practical maps and decision-support tools ; are designed to help policymakers prioritize interventions, allocate resources more effectively, and sequence integrated actions.

While the study relies on observational data and does not establish direct causation, it provides strong predictive insights that can guide policy and program design. By emphasizing place-specific and scale-sensitive analysis, Kagoyire's work demonstrates how modern data science can move beyond describing problems to actively supporting solutions ; ensuring that interventions reach the children and communities that need them most.

Dr Clarisse Kagoyire obtained her PhD degree from Lund University in Sweden

UR teams up with 3 other universities to establish the Global Health Hub in Kigali

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-04-27T14:21:00Z

University of Rwanda, University of Global Health Equity, INES Ruhengeri, and Aarhus University from Danmark, have established a strategic quadripartite partnership to create the Global Health Hub in Kigali, to serve as a collaborative platform for advancing research, academic exchange, innovation, policy engagement, and health systems strengthening. The official launch took place on 27th April 2026 at UR Headquarters.

The hub builds upon existing collaborations among the partner institutions and aligns with Rwanda's national priorities for health systems strengthening, human capital development, research excellence, and international academic cooperation.

It seeks to bridge academia, healthcare practice, and policy implementation while fostering equitable partnerships between institutions in Rwanda and internationally.

In his remarks, Prof. Kayihura M. Didas UR, Vice Chancellor, highlighted that the hub is intended to foster strong collaborative partnerships.

“These partnerships will enhance teaching and learning through the introduction of innovative approaches, improve research quality, and support the translation of research into practice” Kayihura emphasized.

He also underscored the importance of collaboration in PhD education, particularly in improving the curriculum and strengthening supervision, adding that this collaboration will strengthen faculty capacity through training, academic exchanges, and the integration of technology-based teaching and learning methods.

The hub will focus on joint research and grant development, faculty and student mobility, global health education and curriculum development, digital health innovation, health systems strengthening, mental health and community wellbeing, climate and planetary health, public health preparedness and response, knowledge translation and policy engagement among other key areas.

Kwibuka 32 : UR community honors memory and renews the resolve to shape the future

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-04-23T14:13:00Z

For the 32nd commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the University of Rwanda community gathered at Huye Campus to honor 563 victims laid to rest at the campus memorial site. In the lead-up to the main event, activities included a night vigil and a “Walk to Remember” through Huye town.

During the night vigil, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayihura M. Didas, expressed deep regret that a national university failed Rwanda at a critical moment in history, urging hearts to rise and rebuild a better future from a tragic past. He emphasized that only a united, relentless stand against genocide ideology can truly honor that duty. Kayihura also lamented that a university ; meant to be a gathering place for intellectuals and a model of society's highest values ; became a scene of unimaginable atrocity, describing it as a profound disgrace to the country.

Looking ahead, the Vice Chancellor underscored the university's critical mandate : to instill proper values in the young generation entering campus, champion lasting peace, and actively contribute to building a country that everyone desires to live in.

In her testimony, a survivor who was then a medical student at the former National University of Rwanda recounted the Genocide against the Tutsi with piercing clarity. She narrated the tragic scenes she and her colleagues went through as they were moved from place to place by killers, and commended the courage of those who managed to save her and a few colleagues.

In her remarks, the Chief Justice and Guest of Honour, Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, conveyed a message of comfort to survivors and urged solidarity during the commemoration period.

“Commemoration is a time to honor victims and reflect on Rwanda's painful history, so that lessons guide the building of a united, inclusive country free from discrimination and division,” she said.

She also noted that the Genocide was enabled by long-standing policies of division and discrimination, revealing that even educated individuals participated ; proving that knowledge without values is dangerous.

In his address, Dr. Philbert Gakwenzire, a historian at the University of Rwanda, reflected on the painful truth that, despite the presence of United Nations troops at the onset of the Genocide against the Tutsi, their withdrawal left a nation unprotected. This culminated in the loss of over a million lives. Gakwenzire concluded that Rwanda's history belongs to all Rwandans, and so does the responsibility to tell it truthfully and relentlessly. While the past cannot be changed, it must guide transformation and shape a better future.

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Newly launched Centre for Genocide and Conflict Studies to strengthen fight against Genocide ideology

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-04-17T09:12:00Z

The University of Rwanda brought together government officials, researchers, academics, and activists for the launch of the Centre for Genocide and Conflict Studies (CGCS), formerly the Centre for Conflict Management. The event was presided over by the Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana.

Participants at the launch of the Centre for Genocide and Conflict Studies

In his remarks, Joseph Nsengimana emphasized that the fight against genocide ideology and divisionism must go beyond history books. He urged the Centre to sustain momentum by leveraging research and knowledge to counter misinformation, denial, and hate speech, especially in today's digital age.

“In an era of information overload, truth itself must be taught, protected, and defended. We encourage strong partnerships locally and globally to ensure that the CGCS achieves the scale and impact it deserves,” he said.

Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana addresses participants

He expressed strong confidence that the new Centre will evolve into a leading hub for research, education, and policy engagement ; one that helps anticipate and prevent risks before they escalate.

“A platform that transforms memory into knowledge and knowledge into action ; a platform that contributes meaningfully to a more peaceful Rwanda, a more stable region, and a more humane world,” the Minister added.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura Didas noted that the transition from CCM to CGCS represents change while preserving continuity. According to him, the inclusion of “genocide” alongside “conflict” in the Centre's new name reflects a deliberate focus on both areas.

“The adjustment is justified by global and regional conflict dynamics, as well as national development priorities and commitments,” noted Kayihura.

The launch of the Centre also featured the unveiling of a powerful book, The Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda : An Unavoidable Consequence of Criminal Policies and Political Crimes from 1959 to 1994 by Amb. François Xavier Ngarambe.

Amb. François Xavier Ngarambe (L) presents his book to Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayihura Didas following its launch

Participants commended the book for its clear and compelling account of the chronological stages through which the Genocide was orchestrated from 1959. It highlights the deliberate policies and actions of the genocidal regime that mobilized widespread participation, ultimately leading to the killing of more than one million Tutsi.

The event brought together participants from diverse backgrounds

Participants pose for a group photo during the launch event

UR strengthens collaboration retired scholars to advance research and teaching

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-04-03T14:46:00Z

UR Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kayihura M. Didas, received the leadership of the Retired University Staff Association (RUSA) for discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration. The meeting focused on identifying practical ways through which retired academic staff can continue to contribute their wealth of expertise and professional experience to teaching, research, and community engagement.

Both parties reflected on the existing Memorandum of Understanding and explored strategies to enhance its implementation. Particular attention was given to creating structured opportunities for retired staff to support ongoing academic programs, mentor early-career academics, and participate in interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Kayihura emphasized the value of leveraging the experience of retired scholars. He noted that their continued involvement could significantly strengthen research capacity, especially through collaboration with current university staff to address pressing societal challenges.

“Retired researchers possess invaluable knowledge and experience. By working alongside our academic staff, they can contribute meaningfully to finding solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing our communities,” he said.

Discussions also highlighted priority areas for collaboration, including early prevention and detection of diseases, as well as research on prevalent health challenges such as cancer and other non-communicable diseases. Participants noted that these areas could benefit greatly from well-coordinated research and community awareness campaigns.

Given that RUSA members come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, their engagement is expected to enhance multidisciplinary approaches to research and outreach. Their strong connection to communities, combined with years of experience, positions them well to support impactful initiatives that bridge academia and society.

The meeting reaffirmed the University of Rwanda's commitment to inclusive collaboration, recognizing retired staff as a vital resource in advancing its mission of teaching, research, and community service.

UR explores strategic health research partnership with European Digital UniverCity Alliance

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-04-01T14:42:00Z

The University of Rwanda hosted a delegation from the European Digital UniverCity Alliance to explore opportunities for collaboration in medical science, with a strong focus on biotechnology and biomedical engineering. The delegation included representatives from three European universities including University of Cagliari, University of Pécs and Masaryk University respectively from Italy, Hungary, and Czechia.

The visitors were received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Didas Kayihura, in the presence of Ms. Zsófia Antal, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Hungary in Rwanda. In his remarks, Prof. Kayihura welcomed the partnership initiative and emphasized the importance of formalizing the collaboration to strengthen capacity in vaccine research and development, viral epidemiology, and outbreak response.

The delegation was led by Prof. István Tarrósy from the University of Pécs, who commended the significant progress made by the University of Rwanda, particularly within the College of Medicine and Health Sciences. He highlighted the impact of the Regional Centre of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management as a key platform creating value for both institutions.

Discussions also focused on concrete areas for immediate collaboration, building on existing initiatives such as the Centres of Excellence in vaccine and Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and projects like Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, medicines & health technology products in Africa (MAV+). These efforts are expected to serve as catalysts for advancing joint research, innovation, and skills development in critical health fields.

The engagement marks another step in strengthening international academic partnerships aimed at addressing global health challenges through research, innovation, and shared expertise.

Health professionals & data managers equipped to drive accurate health data coding with ICD-11

MURANGWA Darius — 2026-04-01T14:29:00Z

In a bid to strengthen national capacity in the use of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) for accurate, standardized, and interoperable health data coding, a five-day training workshop was held at the University of Rwanda. The training brought together health professionals, including clinicians, data managers, and monitoring and evaluation specialists from institutions such as the Ministry of Health, Rwanda Social Security Board, University of Rwanda, and Rwanda Biomedical Centre, among others.

The workshop was organized through a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, the University of Rwanda, and the World Health Organization, aiming to build a critical mass of skilled professionals who will operationalize and sustain ICD-11 implementation in Rwanda's health system.

Speaking during the training, Prof. Emile Rwamasirabo highlighted past challenges associated with disease coding. He noted that clinicians often found data entry burdensome, with some resisting the process altogether. Identifying the correct codes under ICD-10 was time-consuming and interfered with clinical duties, particularly given the demands of patient care. This challenge underscored the need to train dedicated coding professionals, at a time when the country had limited capacity to do so.

Prof. Rwamasirabo, Urological Surgeon, educator and healthcare manager with over 35 years of experience further explained that the introduction of ICD-11 has significantly addressed these challenges. He described the new system as more user-friendly, comprehensive, and better aligned with the practical needs of clinicians, making disease coding faster and more efficient.

The training was facilitated by experts including Dr Islam Ibrahim, a professional trainer affiliated with the World Health Organization's Family of International Classifications (FIC) Network. She emphasized that ICD-10 was not user-friendly, as it often required extensive time to identify the correct codes, involving consultation of multiple manuals and guidelines.

“With ICD-10, it could take up to two years in countries like Australia to become a certified coder. ICD-11 was developed to address these limitations and simplify the coding process,” she explained.

The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) serves as a global standard for classifying diseases, injuries, and causes of death, enabling the production of comparable mortality and morbidity statistics across countries and over time. The latest version, ICD-11, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2019 and implemented globally from January 2022, offers enhanced interoperability and is designed for seamless integration with digital health systems, significantly improving coding accuracy and efficiency.
Logistical arrangements for the training were coordinated by the University of Rwanda's Single Project Implementation Unit.

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