The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in Rwanda reported a significant decrease in prison overcrowding, from 110% in 2024/2025 to 101.2% in 2025/2026, representing an 8.8% decline. This was announced by NCHR President, Providence Umurungi, while presenting the commission's report to the Parliament. The report highlighted various measures that contributed to this decrease, including the implementation of alternative justice programs and the use of electronic courts.
According to the NCHR report, the decrease in overcrowding was largely attributed to several initiatives implemented by the justice system. These included a reconciliation program at the prosecution level, the release of suspects under certain conditions, and the use of plea bargaining. Additionally, the commission noted that the temporary release of 1,874 prisoners on March 4, 2026, also played a role in reducing overcrowding.
Despite the decline in overcrowding, the NCHR emphasized that the number of people in prisons remains high, putting pressure on available resources and infrastructure. Umurungi stated that while there has been an expansion of prisons, the number of inmates has continued to rise, with approximately 70,000 people currently incarcerated. He appealed for increased efforts to provide necessary resources for prisoners.
The NCHR report also highlighted several challenges still faced by prisoners, including inadequate facilities and resources. The commission found that some prisons, particularly those in urban areas and near borders, continue to experience severe overcrowding. Furthermore, the report noted that some prisons lack specialized facilities for vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.
Members of Parliament expressed concerns about the living conditions in prisons and called for urgent action to address these issues. Deputy Christine Bakundufite questioned why prisoners with infectious diseases and mental health issues are often housed with others, while Deputy Jennefer Wibabara emphasized the need for alternative sentencing to reduce overcrowding.
The NCHR report also revealed that some prisons lack basic amenities, such as adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities. Deputy Eliane Mukarusagara reported that some prisons have only one toilet for multiple inmates, while others lack showers or bathing facilities. Umurungi emphasized that these conditions can have severe consequences for prisoners' health and well-being.
The NCHR report identified the Rwamagana prison as having the largest number of inmates, with over 15,000 people incarcerated. The commission also noted that the number of people entering prisons continues to rise, from 8,784 in 2024/2025 to 11,369 in 2025/2026. While progress has been made in reducing overcrowding, the commission emphasized that more work needs to be done to address the root causes of these issues and ensure that prisoners' rights are protected.
Key points
- The prison overcrowding rate in Rwanda decreased by 8.8% between 2024/2025 and 2025/2026.
