According to a public notice dated October 14, 2025 and signed by NLA Director General and Chief Registrar of Land Titles, Marie Grâce Nishimwe, the decision aligns with the government's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of land services nationwide.
The NLA noted that significant progress has been made through the decentralisation of land services, which are now accessible at national, provincial, district, and sector levels. Licensed private notaries with the necessary competences are also authorised to handle land transactions, including the transfer of land rights.
'Since land services are now available near everyone, it is no longer necessary for people who live in a different area from where their land is located to appoint someone through a power of attorney for land rights transfer,' the statement reads in part.
The authority explained that the temporary suspension seeks to address a growing number of fraud cases involving falsified powers of attorney, which have been used to facilitate illegal transfers of land ownership.
The suspension will remain in force until the electronic notary system (e-notary), currently being developed by the Ministry of Justice, is officially launched and becomes operational.
However, in exceptional circumstances where an individual is genuinely unable to appear in person, the matter may be submitted for review through the Office of the Registrar of Land Titles in the respective province or through the NLA headquarters in Kigali.
The Authority clarified that the suspension applies only to powers of attorney issued within Rwanda. Those issued outside the country will continue to be accepted, provided they meet all legal and procedural requirements.
The NLA reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding landowners' rights and ensuring the integrity of land transactions through more secure and transparent digital systems.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/land-authority-halts-use-of-powers-of-attorney-to-curb-land-fraud
