The Ministerial Instructions, which came into force on April 23, 2025, were issued by the Ministry of Interior and are rooted in a 2022 Prime Minister's Order.
Signed by Interior Minister Dr Vincent Biruta, the new rules aim to enhance public safety and ensure accountability in the handling of non-lethal guns and related accessories.
What qualifies as a non-lethal gun?
Under the new regulations, a non-lethal gun is defined as a weapon designed to incapacitate a target while minimising the risk of death, permanent injury, or collateral damage.
This includes any portable barreled weapon capable of firing non-explosive projectiles, or which can be modified to do so. The regulations also apply to accessories such as cartridges, bullet components, propellant powder, and related materials.
Permitted uses of non-lethal guns are strictly limited to the incapacitation of domestic or wild animals, exhibition, sports and games, and other authorised activities approved by the competent authority.
A new permit system
At the core of the new regulatory framework is a comprehensive permit system, with authority divided between the Minister of Interior and the Inspector General of Police. The Minister of Interior is tasked with issuing permits for activities such as the importation, exportation, transit, and trading of non-lethal guns and accessories.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police is responsible for permits related to possession, use, transfer, or borrowing of such items.
Anyone seeking a permit must submit a written application to the appropriate authority, accompanied by a range of supporting documents. These include an application letter clearly stating the type of permit being sought, a copy of the applicant's identity card or passport proving they are at least 21 years of age, andâ€"if applicableâ€"a local business registration certificate.
Individual applicants are also required to present a medical certificate from an authorised doctor confirming balanced mental health.
In addition, applicants must provide documentation outlining the type and quantity of non-lethal guns and accessories they intend to acquire, evidence of a secure storage facility verified by a competent authority, and a curriculum vitae of personnel trained in handling such weapons.
If the application involves bringing non-lethal guns and accessories into Rwanda, a police clearance from the country of export and a usage or trading permit from the country of residence are also necessary. A tax clearance certificate is mandatory for all applicants.
Authorities are required to process permit applications within 30 days from the date of receipt.
Once issued, permits will specify key information such as the date and place of issuance, validity period, country of origin or destination, end-user, type and quantity of the non-lethal guns and accessories involved, their storage location, and, where applicable, the weapon's serial number and factory details.
Reporting, storage, and inspections
Permit holders are subject to rigorous oversight. They are required to submit a monthly report to the competent authority detailing how the non-lethal guns and accessories were used.
Any incident involving a non-lethal weapon must be reported immediately to the nearest police station. Furthermore, any imported, traded, or transferred items must be reported to the Rwanda National Police for record-keeping.
The instructions also impose strict storage requirements. Non-lethal guns and accessories must be stored securely and separately, and only managed by personnel with adequate training.
To ensure these standards are upheld, a joint inspection team comprising representatives from the Ministry of Interior and the Rwanda National Police will carry out inspections at least every six months, or as frequently as necessary.
Suspension, revocation, and penalties
The regulations lay out clear grounds for suspending or revoking permits. A permit may be suspended for up to six months if an applicant is found to have provided false or incomplete information, submitted forged documents, failed to comply with the instructions, or if national security concerns arise.
In cases where a permit has been suspended twice, or when the competent authority deems it necessary for security reasons, a full revocation may be issued.
In both cases, the Rwanda National Police is authorised to confiscate the non-lethal weapons and accessories in question. The affected permit holder will be notified in writing, with a clear explanation of the reasons for the suspension or revocation and the duration, where applicable.
Six-month transition period
Recognising that some individuals and entities already possess non-lethal firearms, the regulations include a six-month grace period for compliance. Anyone in possession of non-lethal guns or accessories prior to the signing of the new instructions must bring themselves into full compliance by October 23, 2025.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
