Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) and the Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday 24 May 2018 signed a five-year partnership deal to enhance citizen outreach, promote good governance, access to justice and fight against corruption.

The memorandum of understanding is intended to facilitate collaboration between both parties in Conduct joint  Governance clinics (public hearing and participation of citizens in finding solutions to complaints & issues affecting them) and assessment and review of institutional procedures in service delivery.

This agreement will also facilitate to work together for the implementation of  the resolutions related to fighting corruption, enforcement of recommendations related to accountability, justice and good governance as well as  sharing information on corruption and strategies to fight it.

The two institutions also agreed to  collaborate in  research on governance, administrative justice and corruption, implementation of the Access to Information Law; conducting public awareness campaigns in promoting good governance, service delivery, integrity (leadership) and accountability,  documenting Rwanda’s innovative approaches to fight corruption.

Signing the agreement at RGB headquarters, Anastase Murekezi, the Chief Ombudsman, said the partnership will be key to boost trust in the country’s governance system and help curtail corruption and service related challenges.

“Our collaboration will help us share information and experiences on improving all these areas for the interest of the people,” he said.

Murekezi added: “All these efforts are being made ensure that citizens are safe, have access to justice, and get services, but also participate in government policy implementation.”

Prof Anastase Shyaka, the RGB Chief Executive Officer, said the partnership will bring a lot of positive changes in improving good governance, as well as enhancing citizen participation in different government policies.

“We are looking forward to working closely with communities to enhance good governance, citizens’ problem solving strategies, access to justice and public service delivery. All we want to have is a country that’s free of corruption and injustice but with good governance,” said Shyaka.