Rwandan lawmakers have raised concerns over insufficient psychological care and moral guidance for inmates, highlighting gaps in counseling, behavior change programs, and family reintegration efforts.
The warning followed the Parliamentary Committee on Social Affairs’ review of the Auditor General’s 2025 audit of correctional institutions, presented to the Chamber of Deputies on February 10, 2026.
The committee found that inmates are often left without proper behavioral guidance, counseling, or family support, and that programs aimed at promoting mindset and behavioral change are poorly implemented.
A critical shortage of mental health specialists was also noted. The Auditor General reported that in December 2024, a single clinical psychologist was responsible for 150 inmates, far above the recommended ratio of one specialist per 78 inmates.
Uwamariya Veneranda, Chair of the Committee on Social Affairs, stressed the need to expand the number of mental health professionals in correctional facilities.
“The committee finds that the number of specialists handling mental health issues is insufficient and must be increased,” she said.
The National Rehabilitation Service (NRS) confirmed that while available specialists provide counseling and moral guidance, their limited numbers cannot meet growing demand due to rising inmate populations and constrained budgets.
The Ministry of Health (MINISANTE) highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen mental health services, including early prevention, screening, treatment, and school-based mental health programs. It also emphasized reintegration initiatives for individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues to help them recover and return to normal life.
The Parliamentary Committee has requested that the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) submit a detailed plan within three months showing how these gaps will be addressed.
