Justice Minister and Attorney General Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja on Thursday pledged continued government support to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in addressing operational challenges, strengthening staff capacity and ensuring access to specialized training.
Speaking at the opening of RIB’s sixth annual general assembly, held under the theme “Citizen First: Professional Service for Quality Justice,” Dr. Ugirashebuja praised investigators for their role in safeguarding national security and delivering justice.
“Security is the foundation of national progress,” he said. “Because of your work, criminals cannot operate freely in our country. You are the first point of contact with citizens and the front-facing mirror of our justice system.”
The meeting brought together RIB leaders from national, provincial and district levels, as well as station heads from across the country. Discussions focused on achievements, persistent challenges and new strategies for improving service delivery.
According to the latest Rwanda Governance Scorecard by the Rwanda Governance Board, RIB scored 88.51 percent in public perception of service quality. The Justice Minister commended the agency’s performance, noting that the Office of the Prosecutor wins about 90 percent of cases stemming from RIB investigations.
However, he acknowledged gaps in evidence collection that sometimes affect prosecutions. “We must identify and address weaknesses quickly,” he said, adding that officers who fail to meet standards should be replaced to maintain public trust.
RIB officials said the nature of crime is evolving, with cases increasingly involving artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. Dr. Ugirashebuja promised government support for training investigators to handle such cases. “The world has reached a point where evidence can be fabricated so convincingly that you can’t tell with the naked eye,” he said.
Investigators at the meeting highlighted rising crime rates and changing criminal tactics as major challenges. Mukawera Marie Claire, head of RIB’s Nyarugenge station, said crimes today often differ significantly from those of previous years, making continuous training essential.
Jean Paul Habuni, director of Isange One Stop Center, said that in the small proportion of cases lost in court, inadequate or mishandled evidence is often to blame. “We are here to find solutions so we can move from 90 percent success to 100 percent,” he said.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry B. Murangira emphasized the agency’s strong cooperation with the Rwanda National Police in crime prevention and reiterated that investigators are held to the highest standards of integrity.
Secretary-General Col. (Rtd) Pacifique Kayigamba Kabanda described the annual meeting as an opportunity to review progress, set priorities and build public confidence in the justice system.
“We want every participant to contribute constructive ideas that will help RIB advance,” he said.
