More than 300 local government leaders and development stakeholders have pledged to strengthen evidence-based governance and improve public service delivery by embracing data-driven decision-making.
The commitment was made during a high-level policy dialogue organized by the Rwanda Association of Local Government Authorities (RALGA), which brought together local leaders from districts, the City of Kigali, sectors, cells and villages, alongside representatives from ministries, public institutions, civil society organizations and development partners.
Held under the theme “Connecting Data, Citizens’ Well-being and Decision-Making for Better Service Delivery,” the forum focused on how local governments can improve the collection, management and use of data to enhance planning and service delivery.
RALGA Chairperson, Dr. Odette Uwizeye, described the event as a vital platform for local leaders to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration across institutions.
“RALGA remains committed to building the capacity of local governments through peer learning, dialogue and stronger partnerships. This conference is only the beginning, as we intend to organize such discussions annually to help stakeholders identify solutions that bring governance and services closer to citizens,” said Dr. Uwizeye.
Opening the conference, Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana emphasized the critical role local governments play in generating reliable data that informs national planning and improves citizens’ lives.
“The role of local governments should not be limited to collecting data. They must use data to improve service delivery so that decisions are no longer based on assumptions but on credible and verified information,” said Habimana.
The minister noted that gaps still exist in the quality and utilization of data, particularly in social welfare programs, which often undermines efforts to address citizens’ challenges effectively.
“There are still weaknesses in the data provided by local governments on issues affecting people’s well-being. This makes it difficult and sometimes delays the implementation of appropriate solutions,” he added.
The Deputy Director General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), Jean Claude Mwizerwa, underscored the importance of accurate statistics in national development.
“We often say that if something is not measured, it does not exist. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay or complicate problem-solving. What we need is reliable, unbiased data,” Mwizerwa said.
During the event, the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) also recognized districts that demonstrated excellence in public financial management, based on the Auditor General’s 2024/2025 report.
The districts of Nyaruguru, Ngororero and Karongi were ranked among the best performers after achieving outstanding results across the three main audit indicators.
Meanwhile, Kayonza, Nyagatare, Bugesera, Muhanga and Ngoma, districts were commended for making significant progress in implementing recommendations from the Auditor General.
However, local leaders also highlighted challenges affecting efficiency, particularly the proliferation of overlapping digital systems used by different institutions.
Nyagatare District’s Acting Mayor, Henry Kakooza, called for greater integration of government systems.
“We have digital systems that support planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting and payments. The challenge is that many institutions operate separate systems that perform similar functions. Some of these platforms should be harmonized,” he said.
Following the conference, RALGA members held their General Assembly, where they reviewed achievements from the 2025/2026 fiscal year, examined audit reports and approved the association’s action plan for 2026/2027.
RALGA Secretary General Valens Uwineza announced that the association will intensify efforts to strengthen local government capacities and support improved service delivery in the coming year.
The General Assembly also awarded Ruhango District for its innovative “School of Leaders”* initiative, which is already improving governance and service delivery and is being replicated by other districts.
The conference signals Rwanda’s growing determination to institutionalize data-driven governance, ensuring that local leaders rely on facts and measurable outcomes to address citizens’ needs and accelerate sustainable development.