VIDEO: Rwanda Correctional Services has come of age, new report says

Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) is on track to meet its strategic plan this year, a report presented by Commissioner-General Paul Rwarakabije says. The report, released yesterday at the RCS headquarters, was classified in four pillars that govern Rwanda Correctional Services; justice, corrections, knowledge and production. Video: Life Behind Bars: Investigating Muhanga Prison. Source:The New Times/YouTube Their biggest achievement this year was the massive reduction of incomplete court case files that were still pending. RCS, in partnership with other government agencies, have completed 8,000 cases and hopes to complete the remaining 88 within a month. “At the beginning of this year, we had 8,088 cases pending before courts; however, we partnered with Rwanda National Police, National Commission for the Fight against Genocide, Office of the Prosecutor-General, courts, Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Internal Security to solve this issue. We managed to clear the bulk of the cases,” he said. The Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Service, Maj. Gen Paul Rwarakabije and his deputy Mary Gahonzire during the press conference yesterday. Rwarakabije, who was briefing journalists, said RCS has also established a trading firm, Muhabura Multichoice Company Ltd, to monitor and generate income from projects such as building and construction, brick making, carpentry, tailoring and crafts. Artiste Edmond Mushyushyarugamba plays his acoustic guitar sitting on his bed in Muhanga Prison. Those activities are bringing in substantial income that is helping Rwanda Correctional Services achieve its 2015/16 performance contract. “We anticipated that we would generate Rwf2 billion that would go into the government coffers and so far we have saved almost Rwf77 million in the first quarter,” Rwarakabije said, adding that they are reviewing all projects that are conducted in prisons around the country to assess their viability in generating more income and how the projects are benefitting the prisons. Muhanga Prison inmates engage in construction activities. RCS has also stepped up efforts in educating and training prisoners in various skills after signing a memorandum of understanding with Workforce Development Agency to establish technical and vocational training facilities in Huye, Rwamagana and Musanze prisons. Muhanga Prison inmates prepare their meal. “In all 13 prisons, inmates are taught civil responsibility, reading and writing and technical and vocational skills. At Nyagatare Juvenile Detention Centre in particular, children are given equipment upon release to help them start their own projects,” he said. Muhanga Prison women inmates line up after shopping from the prison canteen. (All photos by and video by Faustin Niyigena) Rwarakabije said the initiative is part of a wider programme to help children start a new life when they get back into society. Each child is given tools depending on the project they studied. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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VIDEO: Rwanda Correctional Services has come of age, new report says