The Government of Rwanda plans to relocate five prisons currently in central urban areas as part of efforts to implement urban master plans and improve prison management.
Minister of Internal Security, Vincent Biruta, announced the move while addressing Members of Parliament on the Committee on National Unity, Human Rights, and Genocide Prevention. The discussion followed findings from the 2024/2025 report by the National Commission for Human Rights.
The prisons slated for relocation include Muhanga, Musanze, Ngoma, Huye, and Bugesera, with the latter being moved to make way for Bugesera International Airport. Preparations for building new modern facilities are already underway.
“The relocation will create prisons that meet modern standards without hindering urban development,” Minister Biruta said.
The National Commission for Human Rights report highlighted that some prisons, particularly in Bugesera, Muhanga, Ngoma, and Rusizi, operate in outdated facilities. The relocation of inmates from Rusizi Prison to a newly built facility in Nyamasheke District has already begun.
All future prisons will include dedicated wards for inmates with contagious diseases. While overall hygiene is improving, challenges remain in Muhanga and Huye. Only Mulindi and Nyarugenge currently have specially designed restrooms for inmates with disabilities.
Minister Biruta said a comprehensive urban plan is being developed to guide the construction of future prisons, ensuring all facilities meet security and welfare standards.
He also addressed short-term detention centers at police stations, noting that renovations require significant funding. Priority stations for upgrades include Kimironko (Gasabo), Nyamata (Bugesera), Rushaki (Gicumbi), Kinigi and Nkotsi (Musanze), Busasamana (Nyanza), Bugeshi (Rubavu), Jenda (Nyabihu), and Bweyeye (Rusizi).
The Rwanda National Police has identified stations with poor hygiene and overcrowding, which will be addressed in the 2026/2027 budget.
Alternative sentencing measures, such as community service, have helped reduce prison overcrowding from 144% to 97.7%, officials said.
