Rwanda Appoints Members of the Appeals Board for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Kigali, March 4, 2026 - The Rwandan Cabinet appointed the leadership of the Appeals Board for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

Chairpersons: Edda Mukabagwiza and Rusanganwa Jean Damascène

Registrars: Mukanyundo Patricie, Nyirinkwaya Immaculée, Rudasingwa Joseph, Mukama Augustin, and Ndabirora Kalinda Jean Damascène

The Appeals Board is mandated to review cases of migrants or asylum seekers who are dissatisfied with decisions made by the Immigration and Refugee Service. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days of notification of the initial decision, and the Board is required to issue a ruling within six months. Decisions are communicated in writing within seven days of adoption. Article 15 allows appellants to submit any evidence supporting their case.

Edda Mukabagwiza brings extensive experience to the position:

Served as Minister of Justice and Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies

Rwanda’s Ambassador to Canada and Cuba (2007-2013)

Member of Parliament 2013-2018

Founder of EM Pathways Legal & Advisory Ltd, admitted to the bar in November 2025

Holds a Master’s in Diplomacy and a Bachelor of Laws

The establishment of this Appeals Board comes as Rwanda prepares to process migrants deported from the UK who will have the opportunity to appeal decisions regarding their refugee or asylum status.

This new structure is designed to strengthen due process and legal oversight in the country’s refugee and asylum system, ensuring that applicants have a formal mechanism to contest decisions fairly.