Rwanda Forensic Institute inaugurates first regional branch in Huye
The Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) has officially inaugurated its first regional branch in Huye district, a move aimed at bringing forensic justice services closer to people.
Located at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB), the new branch will serve as a Forensic Sample Collection and Postmortem Examination centre for the Southern Province.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday, October 13, 2025, coincided with RFI’s ongoing countrywide awareness campaign, Sobanukirwa RFI 2025, which seeks to mobilise and decentralize forensic services. The event was presided over by Southern Province Governor Alice Kayitesi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice Theophile Mbonera, RFI Director General Dr. Charles Karangwa and CHUB Acting Director General Christian Ngarambe, alongside other senior officials from the Ministry of Local Government and representatives of security organs.
RFI plans to establish eight additional branches by the end of this year as part of its broader effort to ensure equitable access to forensic and justice services. The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2025, which emphasize justice delivery and innovation in healthcare.
On the sideline of the inauguration, RFI and CHUB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in forensic science. Under the agreement, both institutions will work together to enhance service delivery and empower health professionals and students through capacity-building in the forensic domain.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Karangwa described the inauguration as historic milestone in Rwanda’s health service delivery.
“ This is beyond inauguration. It’s a history being written in our country’s health services,” he said. “ Working with CHUB is vital. Students will graduate with knowledge in forensic science, and communities will access timely and quality forensic services nearby.”
The new facility will offer key services including paternity testing, toxicology, and postmortem examinations, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to Kigali for similar services.
Permanent Secretary Mbonera commended the development, noting that the new branch reflects the effective implementation of national strategies aimed at improving justice and health outcomes. He reaffirmed the Ministry of Justice’s commitment to supporting both institutions in serving communities efficiently.
Governor Kayitesi also lauded the partnership between RFI and CHUB, emphasizing that the Huye branch will significantly reduce travel costs and service delays for residents in the Southern Province.
“ Teamwork between these institutions will surely bear fruits,” she said.
Sobanukirwa RFI Awareness Campaign
Since September 22, 2025, the Rwanda Forensic Institute has been conducting a nationwide campaign dubbed SOBANUKIRWA RFI 2025. The month-long campaign engages local government leaders, private sector representatives, faith-based organisations, and opinion leaders across all 30 districts.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the role of forensic services in justice delivery and equip local leaders with knowledge to better support citizens in accessing forensic justice services.