Justice Minister Emmanuel Ugirashebuja has praised Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) for its contribution to national security and the rule of law, noting that 90 percent of cases investigated by the bureau result in court convictions. However, he urged RIB’s staff to adapt to evolving criminal tactics including those related to artificial intelligence (AI). ALSO READ: Investigators urged to ‘outsmart criminals’ by using advanced technology He made the remarks at RIB’s general assembly on Thursday, August 14. The assembly served as a moment for RIB officials to reflect on the agency’s progress, assess the implementation of its mission, strengthen crime-prevention efforts, and build greater public trust in the justice system. “We know criminals are using new and more complex strategies, including artificial intelligence. That is why we will provide the necessary training to equip you with the knowledge to confront these challenges,” he noted. According to the latest performance scorecard, RIB scored 88.51 percent in service delivery, but the minister said there is room for improvement. The rise of the conviction rate in courts, he said, shows that RIB is doing an excellent job in terms of investigations. He lauded the investigators for their collaboration with other institutions. “You play a vital role in ensuring the country’s security, because there can be no security when criminals are free. RIB is the mirror of the justice sector. If you fail to do the right thing, citizens will believe there is no justice in the country. That is why ethics and professionalism must guide everything you do,” he said. ALSO READ: RIB explains reason behind rise in crime statistics RIB’s Spokesperson Thierry Murangira said the institution has made significant progress on last year’s general assembly resolutions, with most achieved. Those that fell short were largely due to financial constraints. “We reflected on discipline, reminding everyone to avoid bad behaviour such as corruption, alcoholism, among others. This year’s main resolutions are to address what was left undone, provide training to build capacity, and continue to serve our country,” he noted. Marie Claire Mukawera, the head of a RIB station in Nyarugenge District, said that on a personal level, RIB supports the wellbeing of workers through easy access to financial services, solidarity funds, among others. Jean Paul Nsabimana, the Director of Isange One Stop Center, said that conviction rates often don’t make it to 100 percent due to challenges such as insufficient evidence, weak case production, and gaps in the chain of custody. “Through this meeting, we are working to push the conviction rate as close to 100 percent as possible. There is a new vehicle that has been allocated in Kigali to facilitate victim transport from one station to another or directly to the Isange One Stop Center. This will speed up case handling and ensure that victims receive timely assistance,” he noted.
