The year 2024 saw lawmakers introduce tens of bills, some of which have drawn mixed feelings among Rwandans as well as raised debates among beneficiaries and officials. ALSO READ: Health services bill to clarify surrogacy regulations in Rwanda In this article, The New Times compiles a list of some of the major legislations that were put in place. Health services bill Health services bill was tabled before parliament on November 5, which proposes among other things, to allow reproductive health services including contraception to teens aged from 15, and surrogacy regulations. Teenage contraception This new bill proposes to allow access to reproductive health services, including contraception to teens aged from 15. The bill is expected to reduce teenage pregnancies and their risks as the Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, said that 70 per cent of maternal and under five child deaths in Rwanda occur among teens who have not yet attained the age of majority [the current 18]. He added that research was carried out regarding the issue, indicating that in the last 12 months, health facilities in Rwanda received about 8,000 girls under 18 who were seeking pregnancy services. ALSO READ: Govt tables bill allowing contraception for 15-year-olds Jacques Nsengiyumva, Executive Director of the Rwanda Women, Adolescent, and Child Health Initiative (RWACHI), highlighted the urgency of addressing teenage pregnancy, noting that the current situation is alarming, as many young women are being impregnated. Over the past five years, Rwanda has seen between 17,000 and 21,000 pregnancies annually among girls under 19, which he said is equivalent to the population of a small sector like Gikomero [located in Gasabo District]. Nsengiyumva emphasised that the issue places a heavy burden on young mothers who often struggle to care for their children. ALSO READ: New law for family and persons gazetted: What you should know He added that teenage pregnancies contribute significantly to malnutrition, with around 35 per cent of stunted children being born to teenage mothers. Nsengiyumva, citing data from RWACHI, UNFPA, and RBC, explained that approximately 17 per cent of adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18 are sexually active. While laws have previously defined a child as anyone under 18, Nsengiyumva acknowledged that many parents are unable to adequately care for their children due to various challenges, including family conflicts. He stressed the need for protection and education for those engaging in sexual activity, but added that other teaching methods for avoiding sexual intercourse should continue to be promoted. ALSO READ: Rwanda finally passes law on GMOs: What next? In schools, comprehensive sexuality education is being implemented, and faith-based organizations are playing a role in helping students understand the importance of abstinence. Nsengiyumva expressed hope that through these combined efforts, ‘50 per cent of teen pregnancies will be eliminated.’ However, he cautioned that legal measures alone are not enough, saying the law will not replace parent-child communication. He called on the Rwandan community to unite in the fight against child abuse and support adolescents in making informed decisions about their sexual health. Assisted reproductive technology services The bill, introduced this year, contains provisions on assisted reproductive technologies, including surrogacy, to help couples with difficulty conceiving to have children. According to the Ministry of Health, there is an increase in the number of people who need assisted reproductive technology services – including surrogacy – that help couples who cannot conceive naturally, and that these services have started to be provided in Rwanda. Aflodis Kagaba, Executive Director of the Health Development Initiative (HDI), told The New Times on December 25, that the newly proposed bill is expected to provide regulation for assisted reproductive technologies, including surrogacy. He explained that the bill “will help people who are unable to conceive naturally, ensuring that the law facilitates these procedures properly and ethically.” Kagaba also highlighted how the bill could benefit single women, noting that “a woman who has not found a partner but still wishes to have a child can use techniques like in vitro maturation (IVM).” He emphasised that access to such reproductive technologies should be open to those who need it, but cautioned against commercializing surrogacy. Anyone who needs to use it should be allowed, except in cases of commercial surrogacy, where women could be exploited and turned into tools for giving birth. Kagaba stressed the importance of providing adequate support to surrogates, including basic necessities like proper nutrition and healthcare, while avoiding the exploitation of surrogates through practices akin to expropriation. He praised the development and implementation of scientific advancements in the field of reproductive health, adding that it is encouraging to see such progress as Rwanda continues to develop. A call for cosmetic surgery regulations During the tabling of the bill, Jean Claude Mazimpaka, a Member of Parliament, said that there is a need to regulate body modification done through cosmetic surgery in Rwanda. ALSO READ: Lawmaker calls for legislation on cosmetic surgery in Rwanda A branch of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery is a procedure done to enhance, alter or reshape specific parts of the body, with the goal to change a person’s appearance. MP Mazimpaka highlighted the growing popularity of cosmetic surgery, especially among youth, and suggested including it in the medical services bill. Minister Nsanzimana acknowledged the global trend and agreed to discuss its regulation further at the parliamentary committee level, noting it was not a priority during the bill's drafting. Pension reforms Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) stated on November 28, that starting January 2025, once the new pension reforms take effect, the pension contribution rate is expected to increase from the current 6 per cent of an employee’s basic salary to 12 per cent of their gross salary. To facilitate a smooth transition to the 2030 target, the pensions body said the increase will be implemented incrementally in four years, with a two per cent annual increase from 2027 to reach 20 per cent in 2030. ALSO READ: Six things you should know about new pension reforms The new family law A law gazetted July 30, allows 18-year-olds to marry on reasonable grounds, with the general legal age being 21. In addition, it recognizes unpaid care work in divorce cases and allows mutual separation without divorce. Some details of the law were drafted in the Health services bill for more regulations. New mining law Gazetted July 24, the new mining law introduced tougher penalties for illegal mining, with fines ranging from Rwf25 million to Rwf150 million and prison sentences of up to 10 years. The penalties are significantly harsher than the previous 2018 law, which imposed fines of Rwf1 million to Rwf5 million and imprisonment of 2 to 6 months for illegal mineral activities. New law governing banks The new banking law gazetted June 10, strengthens Rwanda’s financial sector, positioning it as a global financial hub. It aims to provide a smooth environment for foreign investors, and include regulations for branches of foreign banks, as well as allowing private banking to serve high-net-worth individuals. A draft law on simplified insolvency for micro and small enterprises The government has tabled, before Parliament, a draft law on simplified insolvency for micro and small enterprises (MSEs), which is aimed at supporting investors faced with financial distress. The new law, once enacted, could mean a difference for small businesses in Rwanda that often struggle with financial difficulties with limited options to recover from these difficulties. Money laundering and terrorist financing bill Approved by the cabinet on November 9, proposed amendments to the money laundering and terrorist financing law aim to extend investigation periods and improve transparency on company ownership. The changes address gaps in the current law and align Rwanda’s system with international standards. A law governing biosafety Rwanda, on February 21, published in its Official Gazette a law governing biosafety, which seeks to ensure that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are handled, transferred and used safely in the country. The Coordinator of Roots and Tubers Program at Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), Athanase Nduwumuremyi, told The New Times, “The existence of the law implies that there are means by which we can apply research and release research products to farmers.”
