Ombudsman’s Office, Transparency Rwanda join forces to fight graft

KIGALI - The Office of the Ombudsman and Transparency Rwanda (TR) Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to combine forces in the anti-corruption crusade. Two other important organs – the Rwanda National Police and the National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) have in the past signed similar pacts with TR. The terms of reference in the MoU stress that both parties “shall be receiving complaints from the public, regarding service delivery in the public and private institutions.” It also underscores that complaints will be processed and channelled to the Office of the Ombudsman for appropriate action and that the latter shall be expected to provide appropriate feedback to TR on behalf of the clients. While reiterating the importance of government’s strong will to combat corruption, Ombudsman Tito Rutaremara welcomed the partnership with TR. “We have a duty of listening to every Rwandan, but this is even an added advantage when an organization as important as this joins hands with us. We are lucky to cooperate with you (TR) as you work for Rwandans without even asking for payment,” Rutaremara said. The parties also agreed that they will maintain the confidentiality of the supplied information source to protect clients, claimants or victims. The head of TR, Marie Immaculeé Ingabire, noted that the cooperation arrangement was vital since TR is a civil society without much clout to probe offenders, it can always provide information to the Office of the Ombudsman, police and NPPA to act on. Ends