LAW N° 016/2026 OF 10/04/2026 GOVERNING THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICE
This article says the law sets out the responsibilities, powers, organisation, and functioning of NISS.
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- Jurisdiction
- Rwanda
- Instrument
- Act or statute
- Citation
- 016/2026 OF 10/04/2026
- Status
- In force
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- Undated source snapshot
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- mul
- Updated
- Official source
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Statute overview
About this statute
This article says the law sets out the responsibilities, powers, organisation, and functioning of NISS. NISS’s head office is in Kigali, and it may be moved elsewhere in Rwanda if necessary and approved by the President of the Republic. NISS is entitled to independence and autonomy in managing its human resources, finances, and property. The NISS is supervised by the President of the Republic. Article 5 says NISS is responsible for protecting national security and carrying out listed intelligence, immigration, citizenship, and cooperation tasks.
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Provisions of LAW N° 016/2026 OF 10/04/2026 GOVERNING THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICE
Showing 12 of 12
- 1 Verify source ↗
Icyo iri tegeko rigamije
AI-assisted research summary: This article says the law sets out the responsibilities, powers, organisation, and functioning of NISS.
Ingingo ya mbere: Icyo iri tegeko rigamije Article One: Purpose of this Law Article premier: Objet de la présente loi Ingingo ya mbere: Icyo iri tegeko rigamije Article One: Purpose of this Law Article premier: Objet de la présente loi Iri tegeko rigena inshingano, ububasha, imitunganyirize n’imikorere by’Urwego rw’Igihugu Iperereza rushinzwe n’Umutekano, « NISS » mu magambo ahinnye y’icyongereza. rwitwa This Law determines the responsibilities, powers, organisation and functioning of the National Intelligence and Security Service, abbreviated as “NISS”. compétences, La présente loi détermine les responsabilités, les le fonctionnement du Service national de renseignements et de sécurité, dénommé « NISS » en sigle anglais. l’organisation et - 2 Verify source ↗
Icyicaro gikuru
AI-assisted research summary: NISS’s head office is in Kigali, and it may be moved elsewhere in Rwanda if necessary and approved by the President of the Republic.
Ingingo ya 2: Icyicaro gikuru Article 2: Head office Article 2: Siège Ingingo ya 2: Icyicaro gikuru Article 2: Head office Article 2: Siège Icyicaro gikuru cya NISS kiri mu Mujyi wa Kigali. Gishobora kwimurirwa ahandi mu Rwanda igihe bibaye ngombwa, byemejwe na Perezida wa Repubulika. The head office of the NISS is located in the City of Kigali. It may be relocated elsewhere on the territory of Rwanda if considered necessary, upon approval by the President of the Republic. Le siège du NISS est établi dans la Ville de Kigali. Il peut, en cas de besoin, être transféré en tout autre lieu du territoire du Rwanda, sur approbation du Président de la République. - 3 Verify source ↗
Ubwigenge n’ubwisanzure
AI-assisted research summary: NISS is entitled to independence and autonomy in managing its human resources, finances, and property.
Ingingo ya 3: Ubwigenge n’ubwisanzure Article 3: Independence and autonomy Article 3: Indépendance et autonomie Ingingo ya 3: Ubwigenge n’ubwisanzure Article 3: Independence and autonomy Article 3: Indépendance et autonomie NISS ifite ubwigenge n’ubwisanzure mu miyoborere no mu micungire y’abakozi, imari n’umutungo byayo. The NISS enjoys independence and autonomy in administration and management of its human resources, finances and property. Le NISS jouit d’une indépendance et d’une autonomie dans l’administration et la gestion de ses ressources humaines, de ses finances et de ses biens. 50 Official Gazette n° Special of 10/04/2026 - 4 Verify source ↗
Urwego rureberera NISS
AI-assisted research summary: The NISS is supervised by the President of the Republic.
Ingingo ya 4: Urwego rureberera NISS Article 4: Supervising authority of the NISS Article 4: Organe de tutelle du NISS Ingingo ya 4: Urwego rureberera NISS Article 4: Supervising authority of the NISS Article 4: Organe de tutelle du NISS NISS irebererwa na Perezida wa Repubulika. The NISS is under the supervision of the President of the Republic. Le NISS est placé sous la tutelle du Président de la République. - 5 Verify source ↗
Inshingano
AI-assisted research summary: Article 5 says NISS is responsible for protecting national security and carrying out listed intelligence, immigration, citizenship, and cooperation tasks.
Ingingo ya 5: Inshingano Article 5: Responsibilities Article 5: Responsabilités Ingingo ya 5: Inshingano Article 5: Responsibilities Article 5: Responsabilités (1) NISS ifite inshingano rusange yo icyahungabanya kuburizamo umutekano w’Igihugu. (1) The NISS overall has responsibility of preempting threats to the national security. the (1) NISS a pour responsabilité générale de prévenir les menaces à la sécurité nationale. (2) NISS ifite inshingano z’umwihariko (2) The NISS has the following specific (2) Le NISS a les responsabilités zikurikira: responsibilities: spécifiques suivantes: (a) kugira inama Perezida wa Repubulika na Guverinoma ku ngamba zo kurengera inyungu z’umutekano w’Igihugu; (a) to advise the President of the Republic and the Government on strategies to protect national security interests; (b) gutahura no kuburizamo igikorwa kibangamiye cyangwa kubangamira gishobora umutekano w’Igihugu, itanga amakuru y’iperereza asesenguwe neza kandi ku gihe; (c) gukusanya, gutunganya, gusesengura no kumenyesha amakuru y’iperereza abayobozi babifitiye ububasha; (b) to detect and preempt any actual or potential threat to national security by providing quality and timely intelligence information; (c) to collect, process, information to it analyse and competent intelligence disseminate authorities; 51 (a) donner des conseils au Président au de la République Gouvernement sur les stratégies visant à protéger les intérêts de sécurité nationale; et (b) détecter et prévenir toute menace réelle ou potentielle à la sécurité fournissant des nationale en renseignements de qualité et en temps opportun; (c) collecter, traiter, analyser des renseignements et en assurer la autorités communication compétentes; aux (d) gukora ibijyanye mu n’abinjira Gihugu n’abasohoka n’ibijyanye n’ubwenegihugu; (e) gusuzuma ingaruka z’ibibera mu karere rwego mpuzamahanga ku mutekano w’Igihugu; no ku Official Gazette n° Special of 10/04/2026 (d) to manage matters related to immigration and emigration as well as citizenship; (d) gérer les questions relatives à l’immigration et l’émigration ainsi qu’à la citoyenneté; (e) to analyse the impact of regional on international trends and national security; (e) analyser l’impact des tendances régionales et internationales sur la sécurité nationale; (f) gutanga amahugurwa mu (f) to provide training in intelligence (f) fournir les formations en matière by’iperereza; matters; de renseignements; (g) gukorana n’inzego zishinzwe kurinda Igihugu n’umutekano; (g) to collaborate with national defense and security organs; (g) collaborer avec les organes de défense et de sécurité nationales; (h) kugira n’inzego ubufatanye zishinzwe iperereza mu bindi bihugu; (i) gukora indi nshingano yagenwa na Perezida wa Repubulika. (h) to co-operate with foreign (h) coopérer avec les services de intelligence services; renseignement étrangers; (i) to out carry other responsibility be determined by the President of the Republic. any as may (i) s’acquitter de toute autre responsabilité qui pourrait être déterminée par le Président de la République. - 6 Verify source ↗
Ububasha
AI-assisted research summary: NISS is given powers to classify and declassify intelligence information, keep classified national information, possess and use firearms, and carry out preliminary investigations of staff who commit offences in the course of duty.
Ingingo ya 6: Ububasha Article 6: Powers Article 6: Pouvoirs Ingingo ya 6: Ububasha Article 6: Powers Article 6: Pouvoirs NISS ifite ububasha bukurikira: The NISS has the following powers: Le NISS a les pouvoirs suivants: (a) kugira ibanga amakuru y’iperereza (a) to classify and declassify intelligence no kuyatangaza; information; (a) classifier et renseignements; déclassifier les 52 Official Gazette n° Special of 10/04/2026 (b) kubika inyandiko z’Igihugu zagizwe (b) to serve as the custodian of classified (b) être le dépositaire des informations ibanga; national information; classifiées nationales; (c) gutunga no gukoresha imbunda; (c) to possess and use firearms; (c) détenir et utiliser des armes à feu; (d) gukora iperereza ry’ibanze ku bakozi ba NISS bakoze ibyaha bari mu kazi. (d) to investigate, on a preliminary basis, NISS staff members who have committed offences in the course of their duties. (d) mener, à titre préliminaire, des enquêtes visant les membres du personnel du NISS ayant commis des infractions dans l’exercice de leurs fonctions. - 7 Verify source ↗
Imiterere n’imikorere
AI-assisted research summary: The President of the Republic determines the organisation and functioning of NISS.
Ingingo ya 7: Imiterere n’imikorere Article 7: Organisation and functioning Article 7: Organisation et fonctionnement Ingingo ya 7: Imiterere n’imikorere Article 7: Organisation and functioning Article 7: Organisation et fonctionnement Perezida wa Repubulika agena imiterere n’imikorere bya NISS. The President of the Republic determines the organisation and functioning of the NISS. Le Président de la République détermine l’organisation et le fonctionnement du NISS. - 8 Verify source ↗
Ishyirwaho ry’abayobozi
AI-assisted research summary: The President of the Republic appoints the NISS Head and Deputy Heads, and the NISS Head appoints other senior officials after presidential approval.
Ingingo ya 8: Ishyirwaho ry’abayobozi bakuru ba NISS Article 8: Appointment of senior officials of the NISS Article supérieurs du NISS 8: Nomination des cadres Ingingo ya 8: Ishyirwaho ry’abayobozi bakuru ba NISS Article 8: Appointment of senior officials of the NISS Article supérieurs du NISS 8: Nomination des cadres wa Repubulika Perezida ashyiraho Umuyobozi Mukuru wa NISS n’Abayobozi Bakuru Bungirije. Abandi bayobozi bakuru bashyirwaho n’Umuyobozi wa NISS bamaze kwemezwa na Perezida wa Repubulika. The President of the Republic appoints the Head and Deputy Heads of the NISS. Other senior officials are appointed by the Head of the NISS after their approval by the President of the Republic. Le Président de la République nomme le chef et les chefs adjoints du NISS. Les autres cadres supérieurs sont nommés par le chef du NISS après leur approbation par le Président de la République. - 9 Verify source ↗
Indahiro
AI-assisted research summary: The Head and Deputy Heads of the NISS must take an oath of office before the President of the Republic before assuming office.
Ingingo ya 9: Indahiro Article 9: Oath of office Article 9: Serment Ingingo ya 9: Indahiro Article 9: Oath of office Article 9: Serment Mbere yo gutangira imirimo, Umuyobozi Mukuru n’Abayobozi Bakuru Bungirije ba NISS barahirira imbere ya Perezida wa Repubulika. Prior to assuming office, the Head and Deputy Heads of the NISS take an oath of office before the President of the Republic. Avant d’entrer en fonction, le chef et les chefs adjoints du NISS prêtent serment devant le Président de la République. 53 - 10 Verify source ↗
Ingingo ivanaho
AI-assisted research summary: This article repeals Law No. 73/2013 on the National Intelligence and Security Service.
Ingingo ya 10: Ingingo ivanaho Article 10: Repealing provision Article 10: Disposition abrogatoire Ingingo ya 10: Ingingo ivanaho Article 10: Repealing provision Article 10: Disposition abrogatoire Official Gazette n° Special of 10/04/2026 Itegeko no 73/2013 ryo ku wa 11/09/2013 rigena ububasha, imiterere rw’Igihugu n’imikorere rushinzwe n’Umutekano rivanyweho. by’Urwego Iperereza inshingano, Law no 73/2013 of 11/09/2013 determining the powers, mission, organisation and functioning of the National Intelligence and Security Service is repealed. La Loi no 73/2013 du 11/09/2013 déterminant la compétence, les missions, l’organisation et le fonctionnement du Service national de renseignements et de sécurité est abrogée. - 11 Verify source ↗
Ingingo y’ururimi
AI-assisted research summary: This law was drafted, considered, and adopted in Kinyarwanda.
Ingingo ya 11: Ingingo y’ururimi Article 11: Language provision Article 11: Disposition linguistique Ingingo ya 11: Ingingo y’ururimi Article 11: Language provision Article 11: Disposition linguistique Iri tegeko ryateguwe, risuzumwa kandi ritorwa mu rurimi rw’Ikinyarwanda. This Law was drafted, considered and adopted in Ikinyarwanda. La présente loi a été initiée, examinée et adoptée en Ikinyarwanda. - 12 Verify source ↗
Gutangira gukurikizwa
AI-assisted research summary: This law takes effect on the day it is published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda.
Ingingo ya 12: Gutangira gukurikizwa Article 12: Entry into force Article 12: Entrée en vigueur 48 Official Gazette n° Special of 10/04/2026 ITEGEKO N° 016/2026 RYO KU WA URWEGO 10/04/2026 RIGENGA RW’IGIHUGU RUSHINZWE IPEREREZA N’UMUTEKANO LAW N° 016/2026 OF 10/04/2026 GOVERNING NATIONAL THE INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICE 10/04/2026 016/2026 DU LOI N° RÉGISSANT LE SERVICE NATIONAL DE RENSEIGNEMENTS ET DE SÉCURITÉ Twebwe, KAGAME Paul, Perezida wa Repubulika; We, KAGAME Paul, President of the Republic; Nous, KAGAME Paul, Président de la République; INTEKO ISHINGA AMATEGEKO YEMEJE, NONE NATWE DUHAMIJE, ITEGEKO RITEYE DUTANGAJE RITYA KANDI DUTEGETSE KO IGAZETI YA RITANGAZWA MU LETA Y’U YA RWANDA REPUBULIKA THE PARLIAMENT HAS ADOPTED AND WE SANCTION, PROMULGATE THE FOLLOWING LAW AND ORDER IT BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL GAZETTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF RWANDA LE PARLEMENT A ADOPTÉ ET NOUS SANCTIONNONS, PROMULGUONS LA LOI DONT LA TENEUR SUIT ET ORDONNONS SOIT PUBLIÉE AU JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE DU RWANDA QU’ELLE INTEKO ISHINGA AMATEGEKO: THE PARLIAMENT: LE PARLEMENT: Umutwe w’Abadepite, mu nama yawo yo ku wa 11 Werurwe 2026; The Chamber of Deputies, in its sitting of 11 March 2026; La Chambre des Députés, en sa séance du 11 mars 2026; Sena, mu nama yayo yo ku wa 19 Werurwe 2026; The Senate, in its sitting of 19 March 2026; Le Sénat, en sa séance du 19 mars 2026; ku Ishingiye rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda, cyane cyane mu ngingo zaryo, iya 64, iya 85 n’iya 162; Itegeko Nshinga Pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda, especially in Articles 64, 85 and 162; Vu la Constitution de la République du Rwanda, spécialement en ses articles 64, 85 et 162; 49 Official Gazette n° Special of 10/04/2026 Isubiye ku Itegeko n° 73/2013 ryo ku wa 11/9/2013 inshingano, rigena ububasha, imiterere n’imikorere by’Urwego rw’Igihugu rushinzwe Iperereza n’Umutekano, nk’uko ryahinduwe; reviewed Law n° 73/2013 of Having 11/9/2013 determining the powers, mission, organisation and functioning of the National Intelligence as amended; and Security Service, la Loi n° 73/2013 du 11/9/2013 Revu déterminant la compétence, les missions, l’organisation et le fonctionnement du Service national de renseignements et de sécurité, telle que modifiée; YEMEJE ADOPTS: ADOPTE: Ingingo ya 12: Gutangira gukurikizwa Article 12: Entry into force Article 12: Entrée en vigueur Iri tegeko ritangira gukurikizwa ku munsi ritangarijweho mu Igazeti ya Leta ya Repubulika y’u Rwanda. This Law comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda. La présente loi entre en vigueur le jour de sa publication au Journal Officiel de la République du Rwanda. 54 Kigali, 10/04/2026 Official Gazette n° Special of 10/04/2026 (sé) KAGAME Paul Perezida wa Repubulika President of the Republic Président de la République (sé) Dr NSENGIYUMVA Justin Minisitiri w’Intebe Prime Minister Premier Ministre Bibonywe kandi bishyizweho Ikirango cya Repubulika: Seen and sealed with the Seal of the Republic: Vu et scellé du Sceau de la République: (sé) Dr UGIRASHEBUJA Emmanuel Minisitiri w’Ubutabera akaba n’Intumwa Nkuru ya Leta Minister of Justice and Attorney General Ministre de la Justice et Garde des Sceaux 55
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LAW N° 016/2026 OF 10/04/2026 GOVERNING THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICE
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