Local government leaders, policymakers, civil society, and development partners have called for stronger use of data to improve planning and service delivery at the grassroots level, as Rwanda seeks to build a more efficient and responsive system of governance.
The call was made on Tuesday, June 16 during the Local Government Delivery Conference organised by the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA) in Kigali, which brought together more than 300 participants to explore how data-driven decision-making can enhance service delivery across districts.
The conference was held under the theme "Connecting Data, People and Decisions for Better Service Delivery.” In her welcome remarks, RALGA Chairperson Odette Uwizeye said the conference is part of the organisation’s broader effort to support decentralised governance and contribute to national development goals under the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which runs until 2029.
The association, she said, is intensifying efforts to strengthen the capacity of local government institutions through training, peer learning and advocacy.
"We are strengthening the capacity of local government institutions through training, peer learning and advocacy so that districts and other local entities can share experiences and practical solutions,” she said.
Uwizeye added that the conference will continue to serve as a yearly platform for addressing governance and service delivery challenges while promoting collaboration between local government entities, government and partners.
Data at the centre of public service delivery
Local Government Minister Dominique Habimana said the timing of the conference was important, noting that reliable data has become central to planning and service delivery.
"What we do today must be based on accurate numbers and reliable facts,” he said, adding that local government institutions are responsible not only for collecting data but also for ensuring citizens receive quality services.
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Habimana also urged stronger accountability in service delivery, citing complaints captured in Rwanda Governance Board reports.
"We exist to serve the people. Public officials who fail to deliver quality services must be held accountable,” he said, adding that some officials had previously been sanctioned for concealing information during anti-drug operations.
A key focus of the conference was the persistence of data silos across government institutions, which participants said continue to slow decision-making and limit efficient service delivery.Fragmented systems slowing efficiency
Jean-Claude Mwizerwa, Deputy Director General at the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, said government investment in statistics is driven by the central role of data in policy formulation.
He said Rwanda has a strong statistical system supported by regular surveys and censuses, but fragmentation across institutions remains a challenge.
"We still have isolated systems across institutions, which makes it difficult to connect information and use it efficiently,” he said.
Mwizerwa said this affects timely decision-making and creates inefficiencies, including difficulty in linking education and health data, tracking school dropouts in real time, and repeated data submission by citizens.
Mwizerwa said a data sharing policy and a national data mapping platform under development will help address these challenges, adding that a recently approved bill on data centralisation will strengthen identity management from birth.
Local government leaders expressed their appreciation for the various systems that support data collection and use at the local government level. They, however, called for these systems to be further improved and integrated to enhance their efficiency and usability, ultimately supporting evidence-based decision-making.
RALGA committed to continuously building the capacities of local government entities to strengthen their ability to effectively utilize these systems and leverage data for informed planning and decision-making.
Service delivery gaps at district level
At the district level, officials highlighted mixed performance in service delivery.
According to Alexis Afrika, Division Manager for Good Governance and Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) Department at RGB, citizens expressed high satisfaction with security, justice and education services, but lower satisfaction in other areas.
Security services were praised for maintaining safety, while justice services were commended for reforms such as alternative dispute resolution. Education was also rated positively due to improved access to schools.
However, land services remain a major concern due to long processing times, especially in document transfers and approvals. Social protection services also scored lower, with some vulnerable groups reporting exclusion from support programmes.
Minister Habimana acknowledged pressure in land administration, noting that about 80,000 backlog cases remain, though districts are increasingly resolving them locally.
Digital tools improving responsiveness
Officials from the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) cited digital platforms as key to improving service delivery.
Jean-Claude Ingabire, Director General of Planning, Monitoring and Implementation at MINALOC, said systems such as the Imibereho Social Registry Dynamic, an integrated social protection system, support planning, while the Mbaza platform, a digital citizen engagement and complaints management system, improves not only communication between citizens and government, but also better citizen complaints management.
Mbaza, launched few months ago, allows citizens to submit complaints and feedback online. It has received more than 416,000 submissions, with over 164,000 already addressed, according to the ministry.
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Ingabire said the platform is popular among young people and noted that the average response time is about 35 hours, with a target of reducing it to 12 hours.
Innovation and recognition for good performance
The Ministry of Local Government also recognised strong performers in public financial management. In the recent auditor general’s report for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, Ngororero, Karongi and Nyaruguru districts received clean audit opinions in all three main indicators, while Kayonza, Nyagatare, Bugesera and Muhanga implemented at least 90 per cent of audit recommendations. Ngoma District improved from 45 to 85 per cent.
Nyaruguru District Mayor Emmanuel Murwanashyaka credited teamwork for maintaining clean audits in all main indicators for three consecutive years.
"Teamwork and discipline guide us. We follow the rules and work as one team,” he said. "This recognition motivates us to do even better.”
He also recalled appearing before the Public Accounts Committee in 2021/22 over misuse of public funds, saying the experience strengthened accountability.
After the conference, RALGA members held their General Assembly meeting to review the association&039;s annual activity report and budget execution for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, along with the audit report for the same period. The Assembly also approved the association's plan of activities and budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. During the meeting,Ruhango District was recognised for innovation through its leadership training programme, Ishuri Ry’Umuyobozi.
Ruhango Mayor Valens Habarurema said the programme equips leaders with skills they pass on to citizens.
"It is a programme that trains leaders so they can improve service delivery and inspire citizens” he said.
RALGA Secretary General Valens Uwineza said the association is developing a digital training calendar to improve coordination of capacity-building interventions for local government staff and leaders and is expanding internship opportunities.