Training Civil Society Organizations on the New NGO Law - Fostering Compliance and Effective Implementation

October 9th, 2024the Center for Justice and Advocacy ( CJA)held a training session with Civil Society organizations on the new No. 058/2024 of 20/06/2024, governing NGOs in Rwanda, enacted in June 2024.This new legislation consolidates previous frameworks for national and international NGOs, aiming to simplify registration, enhance transparency, and strengthen accountability. Key changes discussed include the new 2-month registration process, the requirement for NGOs to submit annual reports and budgets with transactions managed through licensed financial institutions, and a 20% cap on overhead costs unless justified. Additionally, NGOs were informed of new rights, such as participating in policy development, and new obligations, such as notifying RGB of leadership changes within 30 days.

The Rwandan Governance Board shared  a presentation highlighting RGB’s authority in overseeing NGOs, including audits, compliance checks, and the certification process. Challenges discussed included the 20% overhead limit, with attendees seeking clarification on included expenses, the difficulty grassroot organizations face with financial transaction requirements, and concerns around "good morals" compliance. Breakout sessions allowed participants to delve into specific topics such as certification requirements, sanctions for non-compliance, and the appeals process, helping clarify ambiguities and surfacing areas of concern.Attendees  requested a compliance checklist from Certa Foundation’s CJA, which is will be shared to help NGOs navigate the new legal landscape and ensure compliance. This session successfully provided NGOs with essential knowledge of the new law’s requirements and laid the groundwork for continued dialogue with RGB on practical compliance strategies.

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