Strengthening Financial Oversight in Rwanda’s Sports Sector
The Ministry of Sports in Rwanda has taken significant steps to improve accountability and address financial irregularities in the management of over Rwf10.5 billion allocated to sports federations. These measures come in response to audit findings that revealed serious issues, including a lack of proper financial monitoring and incomplete documentation for several key expenditures.
During a recent appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire outlined the reforms implemented to tackle these challenges. She highlighted that the anomalies identified in the Auditor General’s reports for the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 fiscal years have been addressed through stricter enforcement and improved oversight mechanisms.
According to the audit, Rwf9.7 billion was transferred to federations without adequate financial monitoring, Rwf129.9 million was spent on organizing sporting events without supporting expenditure reports, and Rwf676.3 million was disbursed without proper documentation. These figures underscored the need for more rigorous controls.
Mukazayire emphasized that the issue was not only about spending but also about weak compliance and oversight systems that previously allowed federations to operate with limited supervision. To address this, the Ministry introduced new reporting requirements, regular performance reviews, and strict deadlines for submitting financial reports.
“We issued new guidelines in July. From now on, any activity not planned in advance cannot receive last-minute funding. All funds disbursed to the 11 main federations are now tracked through joint action plans and quarterly meetings,” she explained. “Unlike before, we no longer release funds without first agreeing on budget priorities.”
Each federation is now required to submit a detailed report within 15 days after receiving funds. If a federation fails to report on time, it cannot receive additional funding until it accounts for the previous allocation.
Addressing Concerns About Internal Auditing
Some lawmakers raised concerns about the timing of the internal auditor’s appointment, noting that audit gaps date back to 2022. MP Marie-Claire Uwumuremyi questioned the reliability of documents for earlier expenses, given that the internal auditor was only appointed this year.
Mukazayire responded by explaining that the Ministry has now established both internal and external audit systems. The internal auditor will monitor procurement and financial mechanisms within the Ministry, while the external auditor focuses on federations.
“Although federations are independent NGOs registered under RGB, we collaborate closely on national team management and sports development,” she said. “We are also reviewing how payments for hotels, tickets, and allowances are handled when teams travel abroad.”
Focusing on Key Federations
Rwanda has 38 registered federations, but the Ministry currently funds 11 well-structured ones, including football, basketball, volleyball, and tennis. These federations have established governance systems, technical directors, and national team coaches.
MP Wassila Niwemahoro welcomed the reforms, stating that the appointment of an internal auditor should help close future gaps. “The audit findings offer important lessons for better funds management, and external reports should continue guiding new measures,” she said.
PAC Chairperson Valens Muhakwa expressed satisfaction with the progress, while Deputy Chairperson Cécile Murumunawabo urged the Ministry to ensure strong implementation of action plans.
Emphasizing Planning and Accountability
Mukazayire noted that the Ministry now emphasizes planning, coordination, and accountability. “Previously, poor planning led to last-minute activities and weak enforcement. We now have clear mechanisms and consequences for non-compliance,” she said.
She added that the government is building a sense of ownership among federations by aligning priorities and improving communication through shared platforms. “Investing in sports remains costly, which is why the government focuses on federations with measurable results,” she said.
“We want every franc to directly support sports development rather than administrative expenses. Today, no team travels abroad without clear justification — one trip alone can cost at least Rwf300 million,” she concluded.