The Government of Rwanda has issued sweeping new controls on non-lethal weapons to address growing concerns over misuse and public safety. The changes, outlined in Ministerial Instructions No. 001/M/Interior/2024, were signed by Interior Minister Dr. Vincent Biruta and come into force immediately.
The legal framework, based on Law No. 26/2023, governs the importation, possession, use, and transfer of devices like rubber bullet guns, pepper spray, stun guns, and airsoft rifles.
“These measures are necessary to safeguard public safety and internal security,” Minister Biruta stated in the official directive.
Licensing Now Mandatory
Under the new guidelines, all individuals or institutions handling non-lethal firearms must obtain a license from the Rwanda National Police. These licenses are:
- Valid for 5 years
- Renewable if conditions are met
- Restricted to specific institutions, such as:
- Licensed private security firms
- Accredited training academies
- Correctional services
- Registered recreational facilities (e.g. paintball venues)
“No one may possess or use these weapons without official authorization,” Biruta warned.
Strict Use, Zero Tolerance for Misuse
Use of non-lethal firearms is strictly confined to designated contexts like training, crowd management, law enforcement, and entertainment. Any unauthorized activity or location use is explicitly prohibited.
“The misuse of such tools will not be tolerated,” Minister Biruta emphasized.
Mandatory Training and Compliance
Those granted permission must undergo professional training and adhere to rigorous compliance standards. Institutions are required to:
- Maintain detailed inventories
- Submit regular reports to the police
Oversight will be coordinated by the Rwanda National Police, Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), and the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) to ensure both domestic and cross-border monitoring.
A Regional Model for Balanced Control
The decision comes amid rising African regional concerns about the misuse of non-lethal weapons, especially in crowd control and private security.
Rwanda’s approach aims to strike a balance between internal stability and respect for human rights, offering what some observers see as a model for accountable security practices.
“We are setting a standard where safety doesn’t compromise freedom or dignity,” said a security analyst in Kigali.
What Comes Next?
All current holders or dealers of non-lethal firearms must regularize their status under the new law. Non-compliance could lead to seizure of equipment or legal action.
The Ministerial Instructions are enforceable immediately and signal a new era of controlled and monitored use of non-lethal force in Rwanda.
For an in-depth look at how these changes impact security firms and civil liberties, check our feature: https://ugandatimes.ug/2025/07/01/rwanda-non-lethal-weapons-regulations-2025/
