Strengthening Rwanda’s Crime Prevention Strategies

On October 22, 2025, Certa Foundation was honored to attend a high-level Stakeholders’ Dialogue on Strengthening Crime Prevention Strategies, convened by the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with justice sector institutions and UNDP, at Serena Hotel, Kigali.

Opening the session, the Minister of Justice, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, underscored the importance of having clear policy direction in achieving national goals, remarking that “when you don’t have a policy in place, it helps you know what you want and how to arrive at it.” His statement set the tone for a reflective and forward-looking dialogue on the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), exploring what Rwanda seeks to achieve through it and how to get there collectively.

A key highlight of the dialogue was the discussion on the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS), which houses extensive data across the justice sector. The Minister emphasized that “data sharing is at the heart of what the Ministry of Justice does in coordinating with justice sector actors to prevent crimes.” The Rwanda National Police echoed this, stressing that effective data exchange strengthens the ability to detect patterns, anticipate risks, and deploy preventive measures.

Participants also discussed how existing national crime prevention strategies are contributing to reduced crime rates and explored opportunities to enhance coordination, innovation, and community engagement. The dialogue reaffirmed the shared philosophy that “rather than responding to crime after it is done, the focus should be on addressing the root causes of crime.”

This engagement marked an important step toward validating the National Crime Prevention Strategy and ensuring its alignment with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 goals of justice, safety, and sustainable development. Certa Foundation remains committed to supporting collaborative efforts that strengthen justice systems and promote sustainable peace and security.

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