Parliament should speed up whistleblowers’ bill to fight graft

Editor, I appeal to our members of parliament to expeditiously pass the bill that is intended to protect whistleblowers in the country. By so doing, individuals who, in the public interest, wish to disclose information that relates to unlawful or other illegal conducts or practices would feel better protected. There is no doubt that our government has already done a great job with regard to the war against graft and other forms of injustice that characterise many African states. The country has won global accolades for good governance and holding leaders accountable. However, our lawmakers should realise that by passing the bill, Rwandans will be encouraged to come forward and table relevant information on corruption. The whistleblowers’ law will also help the office of the Ombudsman reveal more information on wealth declaration by our leaders. I believe leaders who under-declare their wealth or conceal their foreign accounts would be easily identified. I am happy, particularly with Article 12 of the bill that reads: “A public institution must establish reasonable procedures of protecting whistleblowers, including their secret reception and the filing of disclosures using a security code.’’ Let us all become whistleblowers by providing leads on how and where the crime has been or was committed in order to make Rwanda corruption free. Liban RutayisireKimironko

Opinions

Parliament should speed up whistleblowers’ bill to fight graft