Rwanda’s Office of the Ombudsman says nearly all public employees declared their assets for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, marking one of the country’s highest compliance rates.
In its annual report, the office said 19,697 out of 19,707 public officials — or 99.95% — submitted asset declarations through the ODASI electronic system. Ten employees failed to comply and were sanctioned under Law No. 54/2021, which governs asset disclosure.
Those who did not declare their assets received administrative penalties, including a one-month unpaid suspension, and were ordered to complete their declarations within seven days of notification.
The number of people audited increased compared with previous years due to intensified monitoring. In 2022-2023, 17,687 people declared assets, with 3,333 audited and six referred to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). In 2023-2024, 18,569 declared, and 5,724 were audited, with three referred to the RIB for failing to explain the origin of their wealth.
For 2024-2025, 19,665 people declared assets, and 6,338 were audited. Eight individuals are under investigation for unexplained wealth, with six case files submitted to the RIB and three still under review by the Ombudsman’s Office.
The office said asset declarations help prevent corruption by ensuring officials can justify the legal sources of their wealth. Participation among individuals reached 99.95%, while political organizations reported full compliance.
Rwanda has set a goal under Vision 2050 to become the world’s leading country in fighting corruption. The effort aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16.5, which calls on countries to reduce corruption.
Under Law No. 55/2021, officials must declare assets within one month of taking office and within 15 days of leaving. During 2024-2025, 61 newly appointed officials and 29 leaving their positions submitted declarations. Eight failed to provide clear explanations for their wealth, prompting investigations.
The Ombudsman’s Office said challenges remain, including individuals hiding assets or registering them under other names. Declarations are due annually by June 30, with penalties for noncompliance.
The report also highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to transparency and accountability, noting progress under the Second National Strategy for Transformation, with compliance rising from 86.56% in 2016 to 92.56% in 2024.
