The parliament of Rwanda is debating a bill that seeks to protect and reward whistle blowers who expose any illegal and unethical activities in institutions and organizations, reports KT Press.
“The 2012 law had many gaps and we had to change over 50 articles with loopholes that didn’t not consider protection and rewarding whistle-blowers,” Evode Uwizeyimana, the Minister of State for Constitutional and Legal Affairs told the parliament.
The new bill seeks to deal with threats of terror insecurity, corruption and concealing of information on issues of national interest. Rwandan whistle-blowers (in or outside the country) will not only be rewarded but will receive full protection of personal security and identity concealed.
Lawmaker JMZ Gatabazi opposed the bill arguing that it is a responsibility of every citizen to act as a whistle blower and should therefore not be reward for a civic duty.
“Patriotism must come first. We don’t want to see a situation of Rwandans abandoning the culture of integrity and love to their country. Some people may think that this a job or source of money” lawmaker JMV Gatabazi said.
Some MPs questioned the integrity, credibility of information, compliance, compromise of information either by the whistle-blower or the authorities will be addressed.
“Rwandans have got into the business of lying and they like it. I am sure all of us here have been victims of some lies and blackmail. The liars should be penalized equally as the one whom they are reporting,” said Edouard Bamporiki, a controversial lawmaker, causing a stir in the house.
Member of Parliament were interested in knowing the amount of money and where it will be sourced to pay the whistle blowers. Further asked for categorization of whistleblower information and outline ways in which those who conceal information should be penalized.
“Minister Uwizeyimana explained that whistleblower ‘bounty’ is not money and even when it is, will be determined by the presidential order when the bill is passed,” says the report.
