Lawmakers on Monday, May 11, called for action on delays in compensation for properties affected by public projects and the deteriorating state of some roads.

The concerns were raised as the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, tabled the Budget Framework Paper for the 2026/27 fiscal year, projected at Rwf7,796.3 billion.

This is an increase of Rwf844.2 billion from the revised budget for 2025/26.

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Delayed compensation

MP Christine Mukabunani raised concerns over delayed compensation for residents affected by infrastructure developments, including industrial parks and airport expansion works.

"There are people who were relocated around the boundaries of Kigali International Airport who have yet to receive compensation, as well as those affected by industrial park developments, especially Muhanga Industrial Park. Are they considered in this fiscal year?” she asked.

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Mukabunani also pointed to challenges faced by tea farmers, saying many continue to receive lower prices due to reliance on auction-based sales.

MPs question road conditions

Other lawmakers raised concerns over transport infrastructure, with MP Minani Bizimana citing the poor state of the Bugarama-Kamembe road.

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"The Bugarama-Kamembe road needs repair. What is being done?” he asked, calling for urgent government intervention.

Gender equality concerns

Senator Marie Rose Mureshyankwano raised concerns over Rwanda’s declining performance in global gender rankings, linking it to gaps in implementation of Gender Budget Statements (GBS).

"Although industrial parks indicate good gender equity, there is still a gap in GBS implementation, which affects women’s development,” she said.

She noted that while sectors such as governance, health and education show relatively balanced participation, economic participation remains lower for women.

"In the economic sector, women’s participation is declining. We are now ranked around 39th, whereas by 2017 we were within the top 10,” she said, asking what the government is doing to improve implementation of gender commitments.

Government response

Responding to lawmakers, Minister Murangwa said compensation for affected communities is already factored into the planning framework for government projects.

"The compensation was planned for the areas where the government has ongoing projects. It is included in the detailed draft budget framework,” he said.

He added that the overall budget structure had been designed with a focus on long-term debt sustainability, noting that Rwanda’s external loans remain largely concessional.

"The loans we have are at low rates, some are even below 1 per cent. They come with long grace periods of up to 10 years and long repayment periods, which gives us more time to use them productively,” Murangwa said.

He told MPs that debt servicing remains within manageable levels.

"We have 9 per cent of revenue going to loan servicing, while the stress threshold is around 25 per cent,” he said.

On rising prices and purchasing power, the minister said the government is implementing measures to strengthen domestic production.

"One of the measures is increasing agricultural production to improve food security. We are also targeting industrial growth of about 10 per cent within three years, and the services sector is aligned with this direction,” he said.

Murangwa acknowledged, however, that challenges remain, particularly in import dependence.

"Local production will also help reduce the trade deficit,” he said, adding that Rwanda’s services exports currently outperform imports, while agriculture remains a key import pressure point.

On agricultural financing gaps, the minister said the government is still reviewing some priorities.

"On those which were not initially planned for financing, there is no reduction, but there are areas we are still reviewing,” he said.

He added that crops such as bananas and sweet potatoes, which MPs said were underfunded, would be discussed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI).

On infrastructure, Murangwa confirmed that the Bugarama-Kamembe road is already included in planning documents.

"The Bugarama-Kamembe road is planned in the detailed draft budget framework along with other roads,” he said.

On tea exports, Murangwa said the government is working to diversify markets beyond auctions.

"We are selling tea through auctions, but we are also exploring other markets that do not operate through auctions,” he said, adding that institutions such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry and embassies are supporting market expansion efforts, including in the Middle East.

On the implementation of Gender Budget Statements, Murangwa acknowledged the gap, saying the government would continue strengthening oversight.