The Minister of Interior, Dr Vincent Biruta, has urged 146 newly commissioned junior officers of the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) to uphold discipline, integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Dr Biruta made the remarks on Friday, 22 May 2026, while presiding over the graduation and commissioning ceremony of the new junior officers on behalf of President Paul Kagame.

In his address, Minister Biruta expressed gratitude to the President for the honour and responsibility of representing him at the event and welcomed all guests attending the official closing ceremony of the officers’ training programme.

He described the occasion as a significant milestone for the institution, noting that RCS had gained a new cohort of officers who will strengthen its core mission of receiving, managing and rehabilitating individuals convicted by courts while respecting their rights and preparing them to reintegrate into society as responsible and productive citizens.

The Minister highlighted the Government of Rwanda’s continued commitment to reforming the correctional sector through improvements in legal frameworks, service delivery, infrastructure development and institutional capacity.

Among the recent reforms, Dr Biruta highlighted a Presidential Order governing the implementation of community service sentences, which allows eligible offenders to serve their sentences while remaining at home. He noted that the measure reflects Rwanda’s broader policy direction of promoting rehabilitation and alternative correctional measures where appropriate, rather than relying solely on imprisonment.

He also highlighted a reintegration programme designed to support inmates nearing completion of their sentences as they prepare to return to their communities. The initiative reconnects participants with their families and strengthens vocational skills to facilitate successful reintegration and reduce the risk of reoffending.

The programme’s first phase, located in Rwamagana and with a capacity to accommodate 250 beneficiaries, is already operational and will continue to expand.

Dr Biruta emphasised that sustaining these reforms requires a competent, professional and adequately trained workforce. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening the RCS training school by improving the quality of instruction and expanding training opportunities for both new recruits and serving officers.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the Minister congratulated them on successfully completing their training and urged them to demonstrate professionalism, integrity and respect for inmates’ rights, while maintaining zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct. He encouraged them to contribute to national security through effective correctional management and rehabilitation practices.

Dr Biruta commended the leadership of the Rwanda Correctional Service for its continued contribution to national development and reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering support for the institution’s ongoing transformation and growth.