Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) has opened its first regional branch outside Kigali in a bid to expand access to forensic justice services and decentralise operations across the country.

The new branch was unveiled on Monday, October 13, at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB), and Huye District.

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It will serve as a forensic sample collection, examination, and postmortem centre for Southern Province and neighbouring districts. It aims to bring forensic services closer to judicial authorities, medical professionals, and the wider community, according to the Institute.

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Until Monday, all services were offered for the RFI Headquarters in Kigali.

"This branch safeguards the integrity of evidence from collection to courtroom presentation. It reduces delays in medico-legal investigations and brings critical services such as DNA testing, toxicology, and postmortem examinations closer to communities,” said Dr Charles Karangwa, the Director General of RFI.

He also announced RFI’s plan to introduce the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to strengthen DNA profiling, kinship analysis, and bio-crime surveillance—key tools in combating gender-based violence, drug abuse, and emerging security challenges.

Also present at the branch's opening ceremony Théophile Mbonera, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, and Alice Kayitesi, the Governor of Southern Province, among other officials.

Mbonera said the Huye branch represents a major step towards decentralising evidence-based justice and ensuring equitable access to forensic services nationwide.

"The integration of forensic medicine and clinical practice strengthens both justice and public health systems in Rwanda,” he said, expressing confidence that RFI’s excellence will continue to gain national and international recognition.

The Provincial Governor commended CHUB’s operational capacity and thanked the Ministry of Justice for extending forensic services to the region.

"This is about taking services closer to citizens. Forensic testing will now be done locally, enabling quicker results and faster justice while reducing costs previously incurred travelling to Kigali,” Kayitesi said.

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She added that the new branch will also promote training and research for professionals in both the health and justice sectors.

Dr Christian Ngarambe, the Acting Director General of CHUB, welcomed the collaboration with RFI, noting that the branch will support patient care and academic research.

"DNA testing enhances our research capabilities, revealing new insights that improve treatment and medical education. This partnership bridges research, healthcare, and justice,” Ngarambe said.

The Huye branch will connect directly with RFI Headquarters in Kigali through a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring seamless data sharing and case tracking.