Strengthening Public Contract Management: A Major Step Toward Safeguarding National Assets

In a bid to improve the management of public contracts and better protect national resources, Government Legal Advisors met with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General to assess how this sector can be further strengthened and empowered.

The meeting took place in Gasabo District on Monday, March 30, 2026, bringing together various institutions involved in contract management. Its objective was to review current progress and jointly identify solutions to persistent challenges.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, emphasized that contract management should not be limited to the signing stage, but rather seen as an ongoing process requiring commitment, professionalism, and continuous monitoring of implementation.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja,

He stated, “Contract management is not just about signing agreements; it also involves closely monitoring their execution and fostering effective collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure that their objectives are achieved.”

Despite notable progress, statistics indicate that challenges remain. Between 2022 and 2023, the government incurred losses amounting to one billion Rwandan francs (approximately 9.3%). However, out of 227 contract-related cases reviewed, the government won 201 and lost 27, demonstrating significant strides in protecting its interests.

Legal advisors pointed out that one of the key issues is project delays caused by poor contract management. A frequently cited example is the construction of Nyabikenke Hospital, which has taken 13 years without completion, despite being initially scheduled for completion within one year.

On the government’s side, new measures have been introduced to tighten requirements for contractors, particularly for large-scale contracts, ensuring that only those with sufficient capacity and experience are selected to deliver projects effectively and on time.

The meeting concluded with clear recommendations aimed at correcting existing shortcomings, strengthening inter-institutional collaboration, and reducing disputes arising from contracts.

Overall, participants agreed that improving public contract management is a fundamental pillar for good governance, protecting national resources, and achieving sustainable development. This initiative is widely seen as a strong foundation for building a future grounded in efficiency, professionalism, and collaboration.