14 - 20 September 2015

Compiled by Berta Furstova

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1. Constitutional amendment: Members of the Constitution Review Commission named and promised to review the Constitution “in context of today’s realities”

1. Constitutional amendment: Members of the Constitution Review Commission named and promised to review the Constitution “in context of today’s realities”

Private but pro-government newspapers

New Times, 14th September 2015 “Constitution review team promises fairness” by Rodrigue Rwirahira

• Members of the Constitutional Review Commission have promised to be independent in executing their duties. The seven commissioners should technically assist Parliament in redrafting the Constitution over the presidential term limits.
• The law experts, headed by Dr Augustin Iyamuremye, promised to review the Constitution “in context of today’s realities.” He said that his team should “ensure citizens’ views are heard, captured and incorporated in the amended Constitution.”
• Iyamuremye is a veterinary medicine doctor with a PhD from Liege University in Belgium; he has also specialised in Microbiology and Immunology studies. He has previously worked as a lecturer; deputy governor; Intelligence chief and minister for agriculture; information and foreign affairs as well as a lawmaker at the Pan-African Parliament.
• Dr Usta Kayitesi, the commission’s vice chairperson, is the current principal of University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences. She holds a PhD in law economics and governance from Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
• She has previously worked as a consultant at UNICEF and UNIFEM; has served at the National Human Rights Commission; been a project coordinator at UNDP, and is currently a board member of the Rwanda Governance Board.
• John Mirenge, another legal expert, is the current CEO of the RwandAir and holds a post-graduate diploma in legal practice. He is an alumnus of Makerere University School of Law in Uganda. He was once executive chairman of Crystal Venture Limited; managing director of the former Electrogas and the chief operating officer of MTN Rwanda. He has also been a legal adviser at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.
• Loyce Bamwine, another member of the commission, is currently a commissioner at the Law Reform Commission and is a lawyer by profession. She holds a master’s degree in international law of criminal justice and human rights with a special mention from the Utrecht University in Netherlands.
• Evode Uwizeyimana, another commissioner, is a law graduate of Montreal University in Canada with specialisation in public international law, where he is currently pursuing his doctorate. He was a judge in Rwanda prior to commencing graduate studies in Canada.
• Commissioner Aimable Havugiyaremye, is the current acting rector at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development in Nyanza District. She served also as a principal state attorney.
• Commissioner Beata Mukeshimana, is currently the head of the department of law research, reform and revision at the Rwanda Law Reform Commission. She holds a master degree in advanced legal study from the University of London. She previously worked at Parliament as a legislative drafter and advisor in the office of deputy clerk in charge of legislation at Parliament.