Rwanda is in the final stages of fully digitising and preserving the archives of Gacaca courts, the semi-traditional grassroots judicial system that played a pivotal role in not only dispensing justice but also significantly contributed to post-Genocide reconciliation.
The digitalisation and conservation of Gacaca records, launched in 2015, is slated for completion by 2026, with a projected cost of Rwf5.7 billion.
This was revealed recently by Jean-Damascène Bizimana, Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement while addressing the parliamentary Committee on State Budget and Patrimony.
"So far, Rwf4.6 billion has been spent since the project began. For the 2024/2025 fiscal year alone, Rwf435 million was allocated, and 78 per cent of that which is Rwf339 million has already been used,” he said.
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Gacaca courts were established in early 2002 to handle the overwhelming number of cases stemming from the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Bizimana assured lawmakers that so far Gacaca documents are secure and will be accessible in generations to come.
"All Gacaca records have been safely preserved and are protected from potential damage. We are also working on a system that will allow digital access to these archives,” he noted.
Minister Bizimana outlined several other initiatives under his ministry's portfolio, including disseminating information on Rwanda’s history and the Genocide against Tutsi and national unity, conducting research on civic education and national cohesion, and promoting Kinyarwanda language and Rwandan cultural values.
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Need to promote cultural heritage
He emphasised that cultural heritage promotion projects have been fully implemented, reinforcing the country’s commitment to keeping historical memory alive.
Bizimana also indicated that the government is seeking Rwf503 million to support Itorero Indangamirwa, a programme that brings together high-achieving youth from the diaspora and top-performing civil servants for civic leadership training.
"Itorero Indangamirwa is vital to the country. It attracts innovative minds capable of analyzing the nation’s most pressing challenges and contributing fresh ideas,” he said.
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As part of the Ministry’s mandate, Bizimana revealed that expansion of the Nkumba Civic Education Development Centre (Phase 3) is underway is scheduled to be completed by 2028. The centre is located in Burera District.
"The project will be guided by an updated feasibility study to replace the outdated 2021 version. We are also planning to build a historical and research museum in Kamonyi District,” he explained.