Local Government Delivery Conference: Local leaders discussed data driven governance

Kigali, 16 June 2026—RALGA hosted a Local Government Delivery Conference, bringing together more than 300 delegates from all levels of local government across Rwanda, as well as representatives from various ministries and other government institutions, provincial governors, civil society organizations, and development partners, to discuss data-driven governance and ways to improve service delivery in local government.

Local government leaders, policymakers, civil society, and development partners have called for stronger use of data to improve planning and service delivery at the grassroots level, as Rwanda seeks to build a more efficient and responsive system of governance.

In her welcome remarks, RALGA Chairperson Cllr. Dr. Odette Uwizeye said that the conference is part of the association’s broader efforts to support the decentralization policy and enable local government entities to contribute more effectively to national development goals and improved service delivery.

“RALGA has intensified its efforts to build the capacity of local government entities through peer learning and experience sharing, training, advocacy, and partnerships. RALGA will continue to organize the conference annually as a platform to advance decentralization and address challenges facing local government entities," said Dr. Uwizeye.

The minister of local government, Hon. Habimana Dominique, who was the guest of honor at this conference, noted that the conference comes at a timely moment, providing an opportunity for local government leaders to exchange ideas, assess existing challenges, and identify corrective measures to strengthen the performance of local government entities. This platform, he said, will help ensure better service delivery to citizens and improve overall effectiveness of local government.

"Local government entities play a critical role in collecting information and data used in planning and service delivery to citizens. It is imperative to ensure that the data collected is accurate and reliable so that it can effectively support the country's continued socio-economic development." Minister Habimana said.

The minister further stated that local government leaders and staff who fail to provide quality services, show disrespect to citizens, or subject them to unnecessary delays and inconvenience must be held accountable and sanctioned until their conduct improves. "Leaders should serve as role models and actively contribute to addressing human security issues," he added.

A panel discussion explored the theme “connecting data, people, and decisions for better service delivery.” Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on how to strengthen data collection and promote the effective use of data to improve service delivery across local government entities.

A key focus of the conference was the persistence of data silos across government institutions, which participants said continue to slow decision-making and limit efficient service delivery.

Jean Claude Mwizerwa, Deputy Director General at the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), said government investment in statistics is driven by the central role of data in policy formulation.

He said Rwanda has a strong statistical system supported by regular surveys and censuses, but fragmentation across institutions remains a challenge.

“We still have isolated systems across institutions, which makes it difficult to connect information and use it efficiently,” he said.

Local government leaders expressed their appreciation for the various systems that support data collection and use at the local government level. They, however, called for these systems to be further improved and integrated to enhance their efficiency and usability, ultimately supporting evidence-based decision-making. 

The acting mayor of Nyagatare District, Kakooza Henry, expressed that local government appreciates the existing digital systems because they help them in reporting, data collection, planning, and monitoring, among other things. However, he also indicated challenges linked to the multiplicity of these government systems.

“We have approximately 21 systems local leaders have to report through to different government institutions. Majority of these systems need similar data. They should be synchronized to reduce duplicity and waste of time and resources,” Ag. Mayor Kakooza said.

Digital tools improving responsiveness

Officials from the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) cited digital platforms as key to improving service delivery.

Jean Claude Ingabire, Director General of Planning, Monitoring, and Implementation at MINALOC, said systems such as the Imibereho Social Registry Dynamic, an integrated social protection system, support planning, while the Mbaza platform, a digital citizen engagement and complaints management system, improves not only communication between citizens and government but also better citizen complaints management.

Mbaza, launched a few months ago, allows citizens to submit complaints and feedback online. It has received more than 416,000 submissions, with over 164,000 already addressed, according to the ministry.

Ingabire said the platform is popular among young people and noted that the average response time is about 35 hours, with a target of reducing it to 12 hours.

Innovation and recognition for good performance

The Ministry of Local Government also recognized strong performers in public financial management. In the recent auditor general’s report for the 2024/2025 fiscal year, Ngororero, Karongi and Nyaruguru districts received clean audit opinions in all three main indicators, while Kayonza, Nyagatare, Bugesera and Muhanga implemented at least 90 percent of audit recommendations. Ngoma District improved from 45 to 85 percent.

Nyaruguru District Mayor Emmanuel Murwanashyaka credited teamwork for maintaining clean audits in all main indicators for three consecutive years.

“Teamwork and discipline guide us. We follow the rules and work as one team,” he said. “This recognition motivates us to do even better.”

He also recalled appearing before the Public Accounts Committee in 2021/22 over misuse of public funds, saying the experience strengthened accountability.

RALGA committed to continuously building the capacities of local government entities to strengthen their ability to effectively utilize these systems and leverage data for informed planning and decision-making.

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