Kigali, Rwanda – The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has reminded the public that offering money or any form of compensation in exchange for sexual services is a criminal offense punishable under Rwandan law.
The warning was issued on May 25, 2026, by RIB spokesperson Dr. Thierry Murangira during a public discussion organized jointly by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) and RIB. The discussion focused on combating prostitution and the exploitation of individuals for sexual gain.
Dr. Murangira emphasized that many people mistakenly believe the law only targets individuals involved in prostitution or those who profit from exploiting others. However, he clarified that individuals who pay for sexual services are also committing a crime.
“It is prohibited to provide payment for sexual intercourse. In other words, the person paying for it is also targeted by the law,” Dr. Murangira said.
He explained that Rwandan legislation criminalizes all activities linked to the commercial exploitation of sexual relations for financial or other benefits.
According to Law No. 51/2018 of August 13, 2018, which focuses on preventing, combating, and punishing human trafficking and exploitation, several related acts are considered criminal offenses.
These include encouraging someone to engage in prostitution for profit, paying for sexual services, harboring or protecting individuals involved in prostitution, advertising such services, or providing premises where such activities take place.
The law stipulates that anyone convicted of these offenses may face a prison sentence ranging from three to five years, in addition to fines between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million.
RIB urged citizens to avoid any activities that could expose them to criminal liability and encouraged the public to report individuals involved in exploiting others through prostitution or related activities.