Rwanda’s Minister of Interior, Dr. Vincent Biruta,, has announced that the occupancy rate in the country’s correctional facilities has reached 97.7%.
He said the figure shows significant progress in efforts to reduce prison overcrowding across Rwanda.
The minister explained that the government has introduced several measures to address the issue. These include policies that encourage resolving disputes outside the formal court system.
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Parliamentary Meeting Reviews Human Rights Report
Dr. Biruta made the remarks on March 13, 2026, during a meeting with members of the Committee on National Unity, Human Rights and the Fight against Genocide in the Parliament of Rwanda.
The discussion focused on issues raised in the 2024–2025 report of the National Commission for Human Rights (Rwanda).
Members of Parliament reviewed progress made in improving prison conditions and reducing overcrowding in correctional facilities.
Alternative Sentences Help Reduce Inmate Numbers
According to Dr. Biruta, alternative justice mechanisms have played a major role in reducing the number of inmates.
Courts increasingly apply non-custodial penalties instead of prison sentences where appropriate. These include measures such as community service.
“Legal provisions on provisional release for eligible prisoners have been implemented. Courts are also issuing alternative penalties instead of imprisonment, including community service. As a result, prison occu pancy has dropped significantly from 144% to 97.7%.”
Mediation and Plea Bargaining Encourage Faster Justice
The minister also highlighted the growing use of mediation to settle disputes. This approach allows parties to resolve conflicts without lengthy court procedures.
In addition, plea bargaining has helped reduce case backlogs. Through this process, suspects admit their offenses in exchange for negotiated penalties.
Dr. Biruta added that some prisoners convicted of genocide-related crimes are completing reintegration preparations before their release. This process will further reduce overcrowding.
Parliament Calls for Continued Improvements
During a Cabinet meeting on March 4, 2026, chaired by Paul Kagame, the government approved a ministerial order granting provisional release to 1,874 inmates.
The Chairperson of the parliamentary committee, Madina Ndangiza, welcomed the progress made in addressing overcrowding.
However, she noted that some initiatives still require additional funding, especially improvements to police detention facilities.
Ndangiza also emphasized that prisoners must serve their sentences while their human rights are respected.
She recommended regular inspections of correctional facilities. According to her, authorities should transfer inmates from overcrowded prisons to facilities with available space to further ease congestion.
