{"id":114500,"date":"2025-11-03T14:50:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-03T14:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/reg-leads-campaign-against-corruption-in-service-delivery"},"modified":"2025-11-03T15:38:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T15:38:00","slug":"reg-leads-campaign-against-corruption-in-service-delivery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/photo\/reg-leads-campaign-against-corruption-in-service-delivery","title":{"rendered":"REG leads campaign against corruption in service delivery"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>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\u2019s nationwide campaign promoting integrity in service delivery, especially in the energy sector, held under the theme \u201cRUSWA OYA\u201d (Say No to corruption).<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s ambition to deliver essential services without any form of corruption.<\/p>\n

REG CEO Armand Zingiro addresses participants at the bi-monthly Car Free Day sports on November 2.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur message is clear \u2014 RUSWA OYA. This is a continuation of our campaign. As REG, we have strengthened our efforts to fight corruption and eradicate it completely,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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, \u201c2727\u201d, through which we work with other government institutions to ensure proper follow-up and deliver justice where needed,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cGaps 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,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

Nirere added that people are encouraged to report such cases through the Ombudsman\u2019s toll-free numbers \u2014 199, or 1989, specifically for corruption-related issues.<\/p>\n

Ombudsman Madeleine Nirere speaks to the media during the bi-monthly Car Free Day sports on November 2. Photos by Craish Bahizi.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone 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,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cCorruption 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n

REG staff pose for a group photo during the bi-monthly Car Free Day sports in Kigali on November 2.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Alongside representatives from Transparency Rwanda, they encouraged citizens to uphold integrity and transparency, reaffirming the country\u2019s collective commitment to building a corruption-free Rwanda.<\/p>\n

Looking at Rwanda\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

At the African level, Rwanda ranked third after Seychelles and Cape Verde, moving up from fourth place.<\/p>\n

In the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), Rwanda scored 58.7 per cent, ranking 14th among 54 African countries.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\r\n