origin and Spread of the Ombudsman

The Ombudsman tradition originated from Sweden in 1809, being the first country that introduced the office, but did not spread to other countries until the 20th century, when it was adopted in other countries. Following the Swedish Ombudsman is the Finnish Ombudsman, which dates from 1919 and Denmark’s Ombudsman of 1954. After Sweden and Finland (1919), other countries followed the trend.

The African continent also followed the trend in 1950s, Tanzania being the first country to create the office in 1965 and the idea has spread into several countries. However, not all countries in the world that adopted this kind of office use the word ‘Ombudsman’. Several names have been given to the institution following their systems and practices.

Rwanda Ombudsman Office

The idea of establishing the Ombudsman in Rwanda was principally introduced in the 2003 Constitution under chapter VII, Article 182. The aforementioned Article foresees that the Ombudsman shall be an independent institution, with a task of fighting against injustices as well as preventing and fighting against corruption in government institutions and bodies. The tasks and organisation of the Office are addressed by the Law n° 25/2003 of 15/08/2003 establishing the Ombudsman as amended to date by the law n° 17/2005 of 18/08/2005.

The Office is headed by the Chief Ombudsman, who serves a four-year term, renewable only once.

4. Constitutional Mandate and Jurisdiction

T he Rwanda Ombudsman has two principal mandates: to prevent and fight Maladministration/injustices and Corruption in government institutions and public bodies as well as private entities. The ombudsman has unlimited jurisdiction in the entire territory and over actions by all Government institutions and bodies and private entities.