Rwanda Legal Glossary

Kwandikisha ubutaka

The official process of recording land ownership and rights with the Rwanda Land Management and Use Authority (RLMUA), providing legal recognition and protection of land tenure under Law N° 27/2021.

Law N° 27/2021 of 10/06/2021

Ubukode burambye

A long-term land lease agreement in Rwanda under Law N° 27/2021, typically granted for periods up to 49 years for land concessions or up to 99 years for residential purposes.

Law N° 27/2021 of 10/06/2021

Kwaka ubutaka

The legal process by which the Rwandan government can acquire private land for public interest purposes, governed by Law N° 32/2015, requiring fair and prior compensation.

Law N° 32/2015 of 11/06/2015

Ingengabitekerezo ya jenoside

A criminal offense in Rwanda involving attitudes, behaviors, or expressions that promote ethnic hatred or deny, minimize, or justify the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Constitution of Rwanda

Ruswa

Criminal offenses involving abuse of entrusted power for private gain, including bribery, embezzlement, sexual corruption, and influence peddling under Law N° 54/2018. Rwanda scored 57/100 on Transparency International's 2024 Corruption Perception Index.

Law N° 54/2018 of 13/08/2018

Umutungo w'abashakanye

The legal framework governing how property is owned, managed, and divided between spouses, governed by Law N° 27/2016 on matrimonial regimes, donations, and successions.

Law N° 27/2016

Ububyeyi bw'umwana

The legal determination of parental rights and responsibilities for child care following separation or divorce, governed by Law N° 32/2016 (amended by Law N° 001/2020) prioritizing the child's best interests.

Law N° 32/2016 of 28/08/2016

Kwandikisha isosiyete

The legal process of incorporating a business entity in Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) under Law N° 007/2021, completed within 6 working hours.

Law N° 007/2021 of 05/02/2021

Kutabasha kwishyura imyenda

The legal state where a debtor is unable to pay debts as they fall due, triggering formal procedures for debt restructuring or liquidation under Law N° 007/2021.

Law N° 007/2021 of 05/02/2021

Uburenganzira shingiro

The basic human rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of Rwanda, forming the foundation of the country's legal and governance system.

Constitution of Rwanda

Amasezerano y'akazi

A legally binding written agreement between an employer and employee in Rwanda under Law N° 66/2018, establishing terms of employment, working conditions, wages, and termination procedures.

Law N° 66/2018 of 30/08/2018

Inkiko Gacaca

Community-based transitional justice courts established in Rwanda to try genocide-related crimes, blending traditional conflict resolution with modern judicial procedures.

Organic Law N° 16/2004

Ubuhuza

An alternative dispute resolution mechanism recognized in Rwanda where a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a voluntary agreement outside of court.

Law N° 010/2018

Abunzi

Community-based mediation committees at cell and sector levels in Rwanda that provide mandatory first-instance dispute resolution for civil matters below certain thresholds.

Organic Law N° 02/2010

Uburenganzira ku mutungo kamere

Legal rights protecting creations of the mind in Rwanda, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs, administered by the Rwanda Development Board.

Law N° 31/2009

Isuzuma ry'ingaruka ku bidukikije

A mandatory assessment process for proposed projects in Rwanda to evaluate potential environmental effects before approval, required by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority.

Organic Law N° 04/2005