Consultative Meeting on Improving Pro Bono and Legal Aid Services
The Rwanda Bar Association, in partnership with Advocates for International Development (A4ID), in collaboration with the Legal Aid Forum (LAF), and with financial support from the Clifford Chance Foundation, successfully conducted a consultative meeting aimed at improving pro bono and legal aid services in Rwanda.The consultative meeting was held on 19 February 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre (KCC) and brought together key stakeholders from the justice sector to engage in constructive dialogue on strengthening access to justice for all.Strengthening Access to Justice for AllThe main objective of the meeting was to advance access to justice for all by strengthening pro bono practice and enhancing the effectiveness of legal aid services across Rwanda. Participants discussed strategic and practical approaches to improving the delivery, coordination, and sustainability of pro bono and legal aid initiatives.Key Focus Areas The consultative discussions centered on the following priority areas:• Establishing a Structured and Accountable Pro Bono Framework to ensure transparency, efficiency, and measurable impact;• Promoting Sustainable and Recognized Professional Responsibility among legal practitioners as a core ethical obligation;• Enhancing Coordination and Quality of Legal Aid Services through stronger collaboration among legal aid providers and institutions;• Building a Strong Pro Bono Culture Among Legal Practitioners to encourage wider participation and long-term commitment.The consultative meeting marked an important milestone in reinforcing Rwanda’s legal aid ecosystem and fostering a culture of pro bono service that supports vulnerable and marginalized communities. Through continued collaboration among legal professionals, civil society organizations, and development partners, the Rwanda Bar Association remains committed to promoting an inclusive and accessible justice system for all.
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Rwanda Bar Association Holds 2025 Annual Conference and General Meeting
On 19 December 2025, members of the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA), together with distinguished national, regional, and international guests, convened at the Kigali Convention Centre for the 2025 Rwanda Bar Association Annual Conference and General Meeting (RBA AGM 2025). The event served as a day of reflection, accountability, ethical reinforcement, continuous professional development, and forward-looking dialogue on the future of the legal profession in Rwanda. The Association was honored to welcome its Chief Guest, Hon. Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, Chief Justice of the Republic of Rwanda, who was received by the President of the Rwanda Bar Association, Adv. Moïse Nkunda, alongside regional Bar leaders and members in attendance. The AGM officially marked the beginning of a day filled with insightful discussions, meaningful engagement, and collective commitment to strengthening legal excellence and collaboration. In his address, Adv. Moïse Nkunda, President of the Rwanda Bar Association, presented the Key Highlights of 2025, describing the year as a period of consolidation and meaningful progress. The Bar recorded notable achievements in strengthened governance, enhanced professionalism, expanded access to justice, and steady institutional development. Throughout the year, RBA reinforced its democratic foundations through well-participated elections and active engagement of both the Governing Council and the Secretariat. Professional ethics and accountability remained a priority, with most complaints resolved through mediation—reflecting the Bar’s strong commitment to self-regulation and collegial practice. Capacity building continued to be central to RBA’s mandate. Advocates benefited from continuous legal education programmes covering alternative dispute resolution, plea bargaining, criminal justice policy, and emerging areas of law. During the year, new advocates were admitted into the profession, others successfully completed the Certificate of Admission and Professional Aptitude (CAPA), and many fulfilled their continuing legal education requirements, ensuring a competent and future-ready Bar. Advancing Access to Justice and Advocate Welfare Access to justice was a major highlight of 2025. In collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and development partners, the Rwanda Bar Association provided legal aid to thousands of vulnerable beneficiaries, including children, indigent litigants, survivors of gender-based violence, and persons with disabilities. Pro bono legal service was actively promoted as a professional obligation and widely embraced by members. The Bar also made significant progress in its digital transformation agenda, including training advocates on the upgraded Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) and further digitalization of Bar services to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Advocate welfare remained a key priority. The medical insurance scheme expanded to cover more members and their families, while retired advocates continued to benefit from structured financial and medical support mechanisms. Regional and Continental Engagement At the regional and international levels, the Rwanda Bar Association strengthened its partnerships through active participation in regional forums and by hosting high-level legal events, contributing to the broader rule of law and regional integration agenda. Adv. Xavier Jean Keita, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of establishing a Bar Training Center to equip legal professionals with updated knowledge, practical skills, and strong ethical foundations to better serve justice. Mrs. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, commended the Rwanda Bar Association’s institutional strength and visionary investments. She noted that although the Law Society of Kenya was founded in 1948, it aspires to reach the level of institutional development demonstrated by RBA, citing its office infrastructure and forward-looking investments as a model for the region. Mr. Tewodros Getachew, President of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), underscored a broader continental vision, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing the rule of law, good governance, democracy, and regional integration. He highlighted the central role of strong national Bars in building a resilient African legal community and called for deeper collaboration across the continent. Mr. Ramah Abubakar, President of the East Africa Law Society (EALS), warmly welcomed newly admitted advocates into the regional legal community. He emphasized cross-border legal practice as a cornerstone of regional integration and highlighted provisions that allow Rwandan advocates to practise in Kenya. He further announced that EALS will bring East African lawyers to Rwanda in 2027, reinforcing Rwanda’s growing role at the heart of regional legal collaboration. Chief Guest’s Keynote Address In her keynote address, Hon. Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, Chief Justice of Rwanda, emphasized that the role of lawyers and judges goes far beyond speaking in court. She stressed the importance of mastering the law, applying it effectively, and acting with professionalism and integrity. Every case, she noted, must be well prepared and guided by sound legal principles and judicial frameworks. She called on legal practitioners to respect the court, respect the law, and respect themselves, emphasizing that excellence in the profession is reflected in knowledge, skill, conduct, and presentation. A true legal professional, she noted, inspires trust, commands respect, and delivers justice. Concluding her remarks, the Chief Justice urged members to rise to the high standards of the profession, fully utilize available tools, and allow professionalism and expertise to guide every action—reminding them that while the bar is high, their potential is even higher.
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RBA Celebrating women’s day | The 30th March 2022
On March 30, 2022 the women lawyers of the Bar Association in partnership with Rwanda bridges to justice organized the Conference on the international day of women’s rights with a theme “leadership, a tool for the development of our society”. The event took place at Kigali Convention Center & Radisson blue Hotel In his remark president of the Rwanda Bar Association said that Rwanda bar leadership has committed to support women’s leadership and raise the women lawyers to another standard because they want to see them growing personally and professionally. The event took place at Kigali Convention Center. During this ceremony, the invitees revisited the history of female leadership in Rwanda in pre-colonial era, post independent period and post genocide. They discussed about weakness and challenges and how those challenges can be mitigated the Chief gender monitor Rose Rwabuhihi called on women lawyers to overcome the patriarchal mindset that affects the implementation of national policies and laws she also recommended women lawyers to establish strong networks of knowledge and experience for women Me Karugu Celine (The dean and president of gender committee) Group Photo Audience Panelist from the left to the right ( Me Baingana Magie, President of Rwanda Bar Association Me Nkundabarashi Moise, Me Kabasinga Floride, Me Gasarabwe Claudine, A.B Me Karangwa Vincent)
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Forum des Jeunes Avocats. Kigali, 17-18 Janvier 2020
Kigali, January 17-18, 2020. For the first time, the Rwandan Bar Association organized a Forum for Young Lawyers of Francophone Tradition. Over two days, this Forum provided an opportunity for young Francophone African lawyers from various bar associations to meet and discuss current scientific themes and topics relevant to the practice of law. The Forum also aimed to maintain and strengthen professional relationships among young African lawyers. The main theme of this inaugural Forum was “Globalization and the Young African Lawyer.” This theme was subdivided into sub-themes, as detailed in the program. The Forum’s concept stemmed from the nature of the Rwandan legal system, which is primarily derived from the Romano-Germanic legal system, blending common law and traditional law with Rwandan customary law. This makes the Rwandan legal system a unique system comprised of three distinct elements. It is with this in mind that the Rwandan Bar Association is a member of organizations representing various legal traditions, both common law and civil law. The Kigali Forum is scheduled to be held annually, starting in 2020. Kigali, January 17-18, 2020. For the first time, the Rwandan Bar Association organized a Forum for Young Lawyers of Francophone Tradition. Over two days, this Forum provided an opportunity for young Francophone African lawyers from various bar associations to meet and discuss current scientific themes and topics relevant to the practice of law. The Forum also aimed to maintain and strengthen professional relationships among young African lawyers. The main theme of this first edition of the forum is ‘Globalization and the Young African Lawyer’. This main theme is subdivided into sub-themes, as detailed in the program. The forum’s concept is based on the nature of the Rwandan legal system, which is primarily derived from the Romano-Germanic legal system, blending common law and traditional law with Rwandan customary law. This makes the Rwandan legal system a unique system comprised of three elements. It is with this in mind that the Rwanda Bar Association is a member of organizations representing various legal traditions, both common law and civil law. The Kigali Forum is scheduled to be held annually, starting in 2020. Kigali, January 17-18, 2020. For the first time, the Rwandan Bar Association organized a Forum for Young Lawyers of Francophone Tradition. Over two days, this Forum provided an opportunity for young Francophone African lawyers from various bar associations to meet and discuss current scientific themes and topics relevant to the practice of law. The Forum also aimed to maintain and strengthen professional relationships among young African lawyers. The main theme of this first edition of the forum is ‘Globalization and the Young African Lawyer’. This main theme is subdivided into sub-themes, as detailed in the program. The forum’s concept is based on the nature of the Rwandan legal system, which is primarily derived from the Romano-Germanic legal system, blending common law and traditional law with Rwandan customary law. This makes the Rwandan legal system a unique system comprised of three elements. It is with this in mind that the Rwanda Bar Association is a member of organizations representing various legal traditions, both common law and civil law. The Kigali Forum is scheduled to be held annually, starting in 2020.
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Urugaga rw’Abavoka rwibutse abakoraga umwuga nk’ uwabavoka (mandataires en Justice) bishwe muri Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi 1994
Kuwa 29/04/2022 Urugaga rw’ Abavoka rwibutse abakoraga umwuga nk’ uwabavoka(mandataires en Justice) bishwe muri Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi mu 1994, n’ igikorwa cyitabiriwe na Nyakubahwa Perezida w’ Urukiko rw’ Ikirenga akaba na Perezida w’ Inama nkuru y’ Ubucamanza ndetse na Minisitiri w’ Ubutabera akaba n’ Intumwa nkuri ya Leta Abibutswe ni aba bakurikira : Umukuru w’ Urugaga NKUNDABARASHI Moise mw’ ijambo yagejeje kubitabiriye iki gikorwa yibukije ko, Jenoside yakorewe abatutsi mu 1994 yakoze ku nzego zose z’ igihugu igera no mu bantu bari barize amategeko nubwo bari bake. Aya mateka atwereka ko iyo abantu babaswe n’ ingengabitekerezo nk’ iya jenoside ndetse n’ ubuyobozi bukabishyigikira biba ari akaga gakomeye. Nagirango nanone nibutse ko aba twibuka uyu munsi bari ba mandataires en justice bakoraga umwuga usa n’ uwabavoka kuko icyo gihe nta rugaga rw’ abavoka rwabagaho. Abo twaganiriye bakoraga muri ubu buryo aho bahabwaga uburenganzira bwo gukora umwuga na minisitiri w’ Ubutabera batubwiye ko hageragejwe kenshi gushyiraho Urugaga ariko ubuyobozi bwariho bukababwira ko byakwemerwa gusa ribaye ishami rya MRND. Ibi nibintu bitabaho ahandi ahariho hose kw’ Isi kuko nta rugaga rw’ abanyamwuga rushobora kuba ishami ry’ ishyaka rya politiki. Iyi mikorere ubwayo yo kuba kugeza mu 1994 nta rugaga rukurikije amahame agenga uyu mwuga rwari ruriho mu gihugu cyacu, n’ Urugero rumwe muri nyinshi rwereka imikorere, imiyoborere mibi yarangaga igihugu cyacu muri icyo gihe. Ibi byari bifite ingaruka zikomeye zo kutubahiriza uburenganzira bwa muntu kuburyo bigera n’aho ababuraniraga abandi mu nkiko nubwo bari bake nkabantu bari bashinzwe kunganira no guhagararira abandi mu mategeko nabo barishwe bazira ubwoko batahisemo. Kimwe mubyo ubuyobozi bw’ igihugu bwihutiye gukora nyuma ya Jenoside yakorewe abatutsi, mu 1997 bwafashe icyemezo cyo gushyiraho Urugaga rutangirana abavoka 37 kuri ubu nyuma y’ imyaka 25 tuzizihiza muri uyu mwaka, abavoka bamaze kuba 1,500. Ntawashidikanya ko iyi ari inkingi ikomeye mu kwimakaza no kubaka igihugu kigendera ku mategeko kuko aba bavoka bibumbiye mu rugaga bagira uruhare rukomeye mw’ iyubahirizwa ry’ uburenganzira bwa muntu n’ Ubutabera muri rusange. Ni muri uru rwego nk’ ubuyobozi bw’ Urugaga dutekereza ko iki gikorwa cyo kwibuka abazize jenoside yakorewe abatutsi no kongera kuzirikana ububi n’ ingaruka yateye ari ingenzi, kuko kiba ari n’ igihe cyo kwibuka ko uburyo uyu mwuga ukorwa atariko byamye bimeze, ndetse tukanakangurira abavoka nkabantu basobanukiwe n’amategeko kwirinda no kurinda abo bagirinama kwirinda ingengabitekerezo iganisha kuri iki cyaha. Nubwo hashize imyaka 28 jenoside yakorewe abatutsi ihagaritswe, haracyagaragara ibisigisigi by’ ingengabitekerezo yayo no kuyihakana. Nubwo ari ibyaha bihanwa n’amategeko abantu baracyabikerensa. Dufite inshingano ikomeye yo kurwanya icyatuma iyi jenoside yashyize igihugu cyacu mw’ icuraburindi itongera kubaho ukundi. Igihe cyo kwibuka kandi kiba ri igihe cyiza cyo kwibuka ko iyi Jenoside yakorewe abatutsi yahagaritswe n’abanyarwanda ubwabo. Tugahora tuzirikana ko dufite inshingano yo kudatezuka ku murage w’ Ubutwari bagaragaje, ukatubera umusingi wo gukomeza kubaka iki gihugu, tukirinda ko abazadukomokaho bazabona ibisa na jenoside yakorewe abatutsi. Yashoje ubutumwa bwe ashima imikoranire iri hagati y’ Urugaga n’ izindi nzego z’ Ubutabera ndese imiryango ireberera abacitse kw’ icumu rya jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi nka AVEGA na IBUKA kandi tukabasezeranya ko imikoranire hagati y’ iyi miryango n’ Urugaga izakomeza ndetse muri uku kwezi gutaha tukazabagezaho inkunga igenewe abacitse kw’ icumu nkuko bisanzwe bikorwa buri mwaka. Umushyitsi mukuru muri uyu muhango Nyakubahwa Perezida w’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga akaba na Perezida w’Inama nkuru y’ubucamanza, Dr. Faustin NTEZILYAYO yavuze ko kwibuka genicide yakorewe abatutsi muri 1994 ari ingenzi kuko iduha umwanya wo kwibuka ababyeyi abavandimwe n’incuti bicwe bazira uko baremwe ariko nanone bikaduha n’imbaraga n’umuhate wo gukora cyane mu kubaka u Rwanda twifuza duharanira ko Ibyabaye bitazasubira ukundi. abagize urunana rw’ubutabera (Justice sector) bafite inshingano zikomeye zo kubaka ubutabera buzira ivangura iryo ari ryo ryose ndetse no kubahiriza uburenganzira bwa muntu. Kwibuka 28
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Mentorship session for young lawyers , 29th july 2022
Rwanda Bar Association is committed to building capacity and skills development for young lawyers. RBA has 1447 active members in total, Young Lawyers represent 584 while 863 are senior lawyers. It is this regard and perspective that gives RBA the sense to plan and organize special sessions for Young Lawyers in different ways of experience sharing and mentorship. Aiming at skills development RBA has organized a mentorship session for Young lawyers by senior lawyers with the purpose to empower young Lawyers with the necessary knowledge and promote best practices under the theme Aiming at skills development RBA has organized a mentorship session for Young lawyers by senior lawyers with the purpose to empower young Lawyers with the necessary knowledge and promote best practices under the theme « Building a sustainable practice and becoming a lawyer of excellence » the event took place on Friday 29th August 2022 at Radisson Blu and Convention center. the event took place on Friday 29th August 2022 at Radisson Blu and Convention center. In his remarks the president of the Rwanda Bar Association Adv. NKUNDABARASHI Moise reminded participants that nowadays legal practice requires constant capacity building. He also reminded the young lawyers that RBA leadership will do whatever it takes to ensure their mentorship is properly conducted to become lawyers of excellence he concluded his remark by thanking the Rwanda Bridge to Justice and UNDP Rwanda who was the potential partners in this event Different senior Advocates and young Lawyers led discussions and shared experience Young Lawyer’s Representative Adv. NGIRINSHUTI David
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