The Rwandan government has announced plans to train state lawyers in contract preparation and monitoring to prevent financial losses. This move comes after a report by the Auditor General's office revealed that the government could have avoided losses of over 900 million Rwandan francs due to errors in contract preparation and monitoring. The report also disclosed that 228 cases of disputes were filed against the government, with 27 resulting in losses.
State lawyers play a crucial role in providing legal advice and guidance to government institutions and their employees. They are responsible for preparing contracts and handling related disputes. However, the Auditor General's report highlighted common issues, including failure to implement contract terms on time and not making timely decisions, particularly when changes occur in contracts. Burayobera Umuzayile Bibiane, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, emphasized the importance of state lawyers contributing to improved contract management.
Bibiane stressed that state lawyers must ensure contracts are implemented on time, changes are managed, decisions are made promptly, and guarantees are properly managed. He made these remarks during a meeting with state lawyers, the Ministry of Justice, and the Auditor General's office. The Ministry is exploring ways to train state lawyers in contract preparation, with a focus on those lacking relevant qualifications, such as a Diploma in Legislative Drafting (DLD) or a Diploma in Legislative Practice (DLP).
Mukandungutse Charlotte, a state lawyer in the Ministry of Sports, noted that some government employees fail to seek legal advice or ignore counsel, leading to potential financial losses. To address this, a new draft law is being prepared to define the roles and responsibilities of state lawyers in contract negotiations between government institutions and other parties. The proposed law will comprise 700 articles.
The training program aims to equip state lawyers with the necessary skills to prepare and monitor contracts effectively. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to prevent financial losses and ensure that contracts are managed efficiently. The Ministry of Justice is working to develop a comprehensive training program for state lawyers.
According to the Auditor General's report, the government's failure to properly manage contracts has resulted in significant financial losses. The report highlighted the need for improved contract management and monitoring to prevent such losses. The training program for state lawyers is expected to address these issues and enhance the government's ability to manage contracts effectively.
The new law will provide a clear framework for state lawyers' roles and responsibilities in contract negotiations. This will help prevent disputes and ensure that government institutions are well-represented in contract negotiations. The law is expected to be enacted soon, and its implementation will be closely monitored.
Key points
- The Rwandan government will provide training to state lawyers on contract preparation and monitoring to prevent financial losses.
- The training program aims to equip state lawyers with the necessary skills to prepare and monitor contracts effectively.
- A new draft law is being prepared to define the roles and responsibilities of state lawyers in contract negotiations.
