SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — There is the need to strengthen consumer associations if they are to be protected from being ripped-off by service providers, an official from the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) has said.

Vénéranda Mukamurera, the head of consumer affairs directorate in RURA said this during a public discussion on consumer rights and protection at the National University of Rwanda’s main auditorium on Wednesday.

She said that there are only about five consumer associations in the country majority of which are not officially registered.

"Consumer associations play an important role in advocating for the rights of consumers, unfortunately they are still weak in their organisational competencies,” said Mukamurera, adding, "We have helped with the registration of some but there is still a long way to go in ensuring that they work to their expected levels.”

Addressing the university community, Mukamurera said the consumer rights and protection campaign that has been rolled out country-wide is working to provide consumers with the knowledge, information and confidence to demand for quality value for money services.

"Consumers need to be well informed of their rights and have effective and speedy means of redress in the event that those rights are abused,” she added.

Janet Mutesi, consumer protection official in RURA, said that most consumers’ problems are a result of the quality of service delivered, the process of service delivery and billing.

"You should strive to know your rights as consumers and advocate for them,” Mutesi said. She  added that RURA is always prepared to act as a link between the consumer and service providers.

Prof. Rama Rao from the Varsity’s Faculty of Management stressed prominence of the customer as being the key plank of consumer watchdogs. "Satisfied consumers are vital to the growth and development of business. Service providers need to appreciate this through quality service delivery,” he said.

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