MPs Call for Pensioner Representation on RSSB Board

Kigali, January 28, 2026 - Members of Parliament on the Social Affairs Committee have requested that pensioners be represented on the board of directors of the Rwanda National Social Security Board (RSSB). The request was reiterated on January 27, 2026, during discussions with Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, on a report by the Auditor General reviewing RSSB’s performance over the past 10 years. MP Yvonne Mujawabega emphasized that the board of directors of insurance institutions should include representatives for all stakeholders, including employees, employers, and the government, to ensure that the interests of members are reflected in investment and policy decisions. She raised concerns about past pension contribution increases, noting that some employees and employers were surprised by the changes and questioned how members’ voices are represented. MP Mukabunani Christine noted that while RSSB invests to generate profits, there are times when projects may not be profitable. She questioned whether increased contributions translate into higher benefits for members, including medical care coverage and pension payouts, and whether these benefits keep pace with rising living costs. Minister Yusuf Murangwa explained that the increase in contributions was necessary and had been delayed due to Covid-19 and rising prices. The decision had been under study for nearly eight years, and consultations were held prior to approval. He stressed that RSSB’s primary role is to manage members’ contributions efficiently and generate profits, with oversight from MINECOFIN. On governance, Minister Murangwa acknowledged a gap and stated that the RSSB board should be reformed to include capable representatives of all members, including pensioners. “It is time to reform the RSSB Board of Directors… we hope that as the years go by, it will improve,” he said. Murangwa also noted that RSSB is financially stable, contrary to some beliefs, and contributes significantly to the national economy, even supporting key development projects in the country.