The Office of the Ombudsman in Rwanda, led by Chief Ombudsman Nirere Madeleine, has submitted 15 cases of alleged bribery to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for further investigation. This was revealed during the presentation of the Office of the Ombudsman's annual report for 2025/26 to the Rwandan Parliament. The report highlights the office's efforts in tackling corruption and promoting good governance.
According to the report, the Office of the Ombudsman received a total of 3,106 complaints in the 2025/26 fiscal year, with 500 of them being new cases and 161 being follow-up cases from the previous year. The complaints were categorized into different areas, including land disputes, social welfare, and delays in court proceedings. The office also reported that it received 556 requests to review court judgments due to alleged irregularities.
The Office of the Ombudsman reported that land-related disputes accounted for 250 out of 661 complaints, representing 37.8% of all cases received. The office also noted that disputes related to property distribution and management among married couples were common. Chief Ombudsman Nirere Madeleine stated that such disputes often arise from issues such as property registration, failure to transfer property rights, and boundary disputes.
The 15 cases submitted to the RIB include allegations of bribery, embezzlement, and other forms of corruption. Eight of the cases involve suspicions of unexplained wealth, while four cases involve allegations of soliciting, receiving, or giving bribes. The Office of the Ombudsman worked on a total of 49 cases of alleged bribery, with 41 suspects identified, including 37 men and four women.
The Office of the Ombudsman's report also highlighted the challenges faced by citizens in accessing justice. The office received complaints about delays in court proceedings, with 556 requests to review court judgments due to alleged irregularities. The office is working to address these issues and promote transparency and accountability in the justice system.
Chief Ombudsman Nirere Madeleine emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Office of the Ombudsman and other institutions to combat corruption and promote good governance. The Office of the Ombudsman will continue to work with the RIB and other agencies to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption.
The submission of the 15 bribery cases to the RIB demonstrates the Office of the Ombudsman's commitment to tackling corruption in Rwanda. The office's efforts aim to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country.
Key points
- Office of the Ombudsman submits 15 bribery cases to RIB
- Land-related disputes account for 37.8% of complaints received
- Office of the Ombudsman receives 3,106 complaints in 2025/26 fiscal year
