Limited mandate a challenge for TR

Transparency Rwanda (TR), a non-profit advocacy and legal services NGO, is affected by limited mandate to investigate cases and represent clients in courts of law. The head of TR, Immaculee Ingabire, said this week during the opening of their Rubavu office. The transparency body undertakes advocacy to promote justice and good governance as well as the anti-corruption campaign in Rwanda. “We have limited mandate in investigation and client representation but to solve this, we work closely with the Rwanda National Police and the justice system and the progress is good,” Ingabire noted. Transparency Rwanda began its operations in 2004 with operations in five districts. In an effort to get their services closer to people, the body aims to cover the entire country within three years. However, lack of necessary laws to protect whistleblowers as well as insufficient outreach activities for mobilisation against corruption were cited as major obstacles. “We complement the government in fighting corruption and injustice, although there is good progress and political will, we should aim at zero tolerance to corruption,” added Ingabire. Gasasira Segasugi, a Rubavu resident ,says TR would help solve issues that have remained unresolved for a long time. “They will advise us on how to approach cases, which courts to go to and the backlog of cases in courts will be reduced,” explained Gasasira. Meanwhile, Transparency Rwanda, Friday signed a partnership with Musanze District, under which the advocacy body would help fight against corruption and enforce legal rights for the citizens in the district. Mayor Winifrida Mpembyemungu signed on behalf of the district at a function that took place in the sidelines of the official opening of a provincial branch in Musanze District. Ingabire commended the government for its political will and commitment in championing good governance and fighting against corruption. “We are ready to listen to the people with various legal or human rights issues. We ask the authorities within the district to comply every time we contact them on any issues. There is still a lot that needs to be done in helping residents solve their problems,” Ingabire said. Mayor, Mpembyemungu, observed that the fight against graft requires concerted efforts. “You will be our partners as we execute our performance contracts, especially in ensuring justice and development, which go hand in hand,’’ Mpembyemungu underlined. Ends