Wednesday 4^th September 2024, the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), in collaboration with the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), has launched a Post Graduate Diploma in Tax Investigation, marking the first time this program is offered in Rwanda.

This course will help the country produce experts capable of investigating tax evasion or tax underpayment for various reasons. Previously, such courses were only available abroad, which was costly for RRA, and only a few students could participate.

Initially, the program will train 18 RRA employees in a nine-month course. These participants will receive lessons on how to analyze and investigate cases and evidence related to tax evasion.

Sonia Uwineza, the head of employee training at RRA, explained that students will study for two weeks and then return to their jobs for another two weeks, alternating until the program is completed.

She said, "We used to acquire this knowledge abroad, which was very expensive because when an employee is sent for training, they are absent from work, and we also cover additional costs. Now, employees will study in Rwanda and receive accredited certificates without the high expenses we previously incurred."

Uwineza added that once these 18 RRA employees complete their studies, the program will be opened to everyone, allowing those interested to gain this specialized knowledge.

Israel Uwihanganye, an RRA employee of nine years in the Department of Corporate Performance and Employee Conduct, is among the selected participants. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing that they will make the most of the course.

He stated, "Many of us were not professionally trained in conducting tax investigations, especially those like me who studied law instead of tax. Once we complete the course, we will be experts capable of collecting all necessary evidence to recover unpaid taxes, which will increase tax revenue."

Dr. Yves Sezirahiga, ILPD’s Vice Rector in charge of Academic Affairs and Research, stated that the course is accredited by the Higher Education Council (HEC). He explained, "The goal is to build the capacity of tax professionals so that Rwanda can have skilled individuals capable of investigating unpaid or evaded taxes."

Dr. Sezirahiga added that candidates for this program must hold a bachelor’s degree in fields related to finance, accounting, or law. He expressed appreciation for the partnership between ILPD and RRA and encouraged other public and private institutions to collaborate with ILPD to develop legal programs that address their specific challenges.

In addition, ILPD is working with the Ministry of Environment to develop courses related to environmental law. ILPD also plans to partner with the University of Rwanda, particularly the School of Mining, to establish a program on mining law.

These new courses complement the 13 programs ILPD already offers, including a course on child justice launched last year in partnership with UNICEF Rwanda.