Sports Ministry tightens accountability

The Ministry of Sports has tightened accountability measures and sealed loopholes in the management of more than Rwf10.5 billion disbursed to sports federations, following serious audit findings that revealed financial irregularities. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on November 5, Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire said the anomalies highlighted in the Auditor General’s reports for 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 have been addressed through reforms and stricter enforcement. ALSO READ: Ex-FERWAFA SG Kalisa’s bail hearing postponed According to the audit, Rwf9.7 billion had been transferred to federations without adequate financial monitoring, Rwf129.9 million for organising sporting events lacked expenditure reports, and Rwf676.3 million was unsupported by documentation. Mukazayire said the problem was not only about spending but weak compliance and oversight mechanisms that previously allowed federations to operate with limited supervision. She said the Ministry has introduced reforms to strengthen collaboration with federations and ensure transparent use of funds. These include new reporting requirements, regular performance reviews, and firm deadlines for submitting financial reports. “We issued new guidelines in July. From now on, any activity not planned in advance cannot receive last-minute funding. All funds disbursed to the 11 main federations are now tracked through joint action plans and quarterly meetings,” she said. “Unlike before, we no longer release funds without first agreeing on budget priorities.” ALSO READ: New sports bosses assume office looking 'to drive sector forward’ Each federation must now submit a detailed report within 15 days after receiving funds. “If a federation fails to report on time, it cannot get additional funding until it accounts for the previous allocation,” Mukazayire added. Some lawmakers, however, questioned why the internal auditor was appointed only this year despite audit gaps dating back to 2022. MP Marie-Claire Uwumuremyi said this raised concerns about the authenticity of supporting documents. “We know that any expenditure requires an EBM receipt. If the internal auditor started this year, how reliable are the documents for earlier expenses?” she asked. Mukazayire explained that the Ministry has now established both internal and external audit systems. The internal auditor will follow up on documentation within the Ministry, while the external one focuses on federations. ALSO READ: Key findings in 2022-2023 Auditor General’s report “The internal auditor will monitor procurement and financial mechanisms. Although federations are independent NGOs registered under RGB, we collaborate closely on national team management and sports development,” she said. “We are also reviewing how payments for hotels, tickets, and allowances are handled when teams travel abroad.” While Rwanda has 38 registered federations, the Ministry funds 11 well-structured ones — including football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis because they have established governance systems, technical directors, and national team coaches. MP Wassila Niwemahoro welcomed the reforms, saying the appointment of an internal auditor should help close future gaps. “The audit findings offer important lessons for better funds management, and external reports should continue guiding new measures,” she said. PAC Chairperson Valens Muhakwa said the committee was satisfied with the progress, while Deputy Chairperson Cécile Murumunawabo urged the Ministry to ensure strong implementation of action plans. Mukazayire noted that the Ministry now emphasises planning, coordination, and accountability. “Previously, poor planning led to last-minute activities and weak enforcement. We now have clear mechanisms and consequences for non-compliance,” she said. “We are building a sense of ownership among federations by aligning priorities and improving communication through shared platforms.” She added that investing in sports remains costly, which is why the government focuses on federations with measurable results. “We want every franc to directly support sports development rather than administrative expenses. Today, no team travels abroad without clear justification — one trip alone can cost at least Rwf300 million,” she said.

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Sports Ministry tightens accountability