Rwanda Energy Group (REG) joined Kigali residents for the bi-monthly Car Free Day sports on November 2, to raise awareness about the fight against corruption. The event was part of REG’s nationwide campaign promoting integrity in service delivery, especially in the energy sector, held under the theme “RUSWA OYA” (Say No to corruption). The event brought together high-ranking government officials and civil society leaders, including Labour Minister, Christine Nkulikiyinka, Ombudsman Madeleine Nirere, REG CEO Armand Zingiro, and City of Kigali Deputy Mayor Martine Urujeni. ALSO READ: What to know as govt revises anti-corruption policy REG CEO Armand Zingiro said that the Car Free Day provides a great platform since many people gather, making it an opportunity to promote the institution’s ambition to deliver essential services without any form of corruption. “Our message is clear — RUSWA OYA. This is a continuation of our campaign. As REG, we have strengthened our efforts to fight corruption and eradicate it completely,” he said. “We encourage everyone to make legitimate payments through banks rather than in cash to individuals claiming to be REG staff. Anyone who asks for a bribe should be reported immediately. We have a toll-free number, “2727”, through which we work with other government institutions to ensure proper follow-up and deliver justice where needed,” he explained. Ombudsman Madeleine Nirere noted that institutions like REG, which deliver essential services while taking such initiatives, are commendable and worth celebrating, as they contribute to sustainable service delivery. “Gaps are often found in service delivery. If a service is not delivered properly or on time, or if people are asked to pay for something that is supposed to be free or pay extra due to delays, it often leads to thoughts of giving bribes,” she explained. “We encourage people not to pay in cash. All services and fees are fixed, and the authorised payment channels are clearly known. If you are asked to pay in cash, assume that the person requesting it is not legitimate,” she said. Nirere added that people are encouraged to report such cases through the Ombudsman’s toll-free numbers — 199, or 1989, specifically for corruption-related issues. “Everyone is encouraged to provide quality service on time. Let people receive what they are entitled to. If a service is free, let it remain free; if there is a fixed fee, it should not be exceeded,” she added. Caring Karambizi, Director of Gakondo Body Work Out, believes that asking for or accepting a bribe is equivalent to stealing and ultimately affects supply and demand. “Corruption causes prices to fluctuate. For example, something worth Rwf2,000 with an additional top-up of Rwf3,000 becomes Rwf5,000. This is an immediate loss to the country and damages its image. We should all refrain from it,” he said. Merci Ndaruhutse, founder of the Gen Z Comedy Show and a participant in the car-free day, said that no one should be tempted to accept or give bribes, as everyone is entitled to government services free of charge or at a known fee. “We remind everyone that corruption has endless consequences for the country. It even destroys the lives of those involved. We should be vigilant and stand up for our rights while respecting the rules and obligations in place,” he explained. “For example, some people give bribes to obtain driving permits, fearing they might fail otherwise. But there is nothing difficult about practicing and passing the test honestly. Relying on corruption is unnecessary. This is our country; let us uphold the justice it deserves,” he said. Alongside representatives from Transparency Rwanda, they encouraged citizens to uphold integrity and transparency, reaffirming the country’s collective commitment to building a corruption-free Rwanda. ALSO READ: African anti-corruption campaigners hail Rwanda's zero-tolerance policy Looking at Rwanda’s performance in the fight against corruption, according to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), Rwanda scored 57 per cent in 2024, ranking 43rd globally, an improvement from 2023, when it ranked 49th with a score of 53 per cent. At the African level, Rwanda ranked third after Seychelles and Cape Verde, moving up from fourth place. In the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), Rwanda scored 58.7 per cent, ranking 14th among 54 African countries. On anti-corruption specifically, Rwanda scored 76.3 per cent, placing second after Seychelles, which leads with 76.9 per cent- the Office of the Ombudsman reported.
