What is a whistleblower ?
Transparency International defines a a whistleblower as someone who reports conduct that is unlawful, abusive or can cause harm. This can include, but is not limited to, criminal offences, corruption, fraud, human rights violations or gender-based violence. Whistleblowers can come from a wide range of backgrounds and roles, including employees, contractors, interns, volunteers, suppliers or former staff members, or any other individuals who become aware of such wrongdoing in the course of their work or dealings with an organisation.
In Rwanda’s Law (N°44bis/2017 of 06/09/2017 relating to the protection of whistleblowers), a whistleblower is referred to as "any person who discloses information in his/her possession or which has been brought to his/her attention which is connected to offences, illegal acts or behaviour".
How does whistleblowing affect you ?
Whistleblowing is one of the most effective ways to detect and prevent corruption. Whistleblowers’ disclosures have helped save millions in public funds, protect people’s health, prevent environmental disasters and expose everyday workplace wrongdoing.
Their impact is visible in some of the biggest scandals of recent decades. LuxLeaks and the Panama Papers exposed industry-scale tax avoidance. The Danske Bank scandal revealed money laundering on a vast scale.
Many cases of wrongdoing go unreported and, when they do, corruption continues unchecked. In Rwanda, according to our Rwanda Bribery Index (RBI) 2025, over 90% of Rwandans who experienced corruption did not report it.
How do I blow the whistle safely ?
Reporting wrongdoing can come at a high price. Unfortunately, whistleblowers risk their career, their livelihood and sometimes their personal safety. They may be fired, sued, harassed, arrested, threatened or, in extreme cases, assaulted or killed.
Careful preparation can reduce risks and improve the chances that a disclosure will have an impact :
- Document relevant information lawfully and keep accurate records. Do not conduct your own investigations or obtain information illegally.
- Seek legal advice before making a disclosure, particularly in complex or high-risk cases.
- Understand the available reporting channels : internal reporting systems may suit some situations, while external regulators or law enforcement agencies may be more appropriate in others. Public disclosure may be justified, for example, when other avenues have failed or are unlikely to be effective.
- Consider how to protect your identity and personal information. Before making a report, find out whether confidential or anonymous reporting is available, and take steps to safeguard your communications, documents and digital security.
Trusted advice can also make the difference between a disclosure leading to accountability or disappearing without consequence.
Transparency International Rwanda’s Advocacy and Legal Advice Centres (ALACs) provide free, confidential advice (You can reach out through a toll free number 2641 or call 0788309583).
How Transparency International Rwanda supports whistleblowers
The main reasons people give for not reporting corruption include fear of the consequences, the belief that nothing will be done, and uncertainty about how and where to report.
Protecting whistleblowers from retaliation, discrimination and disadvantage can embolden people to speak up and increase the likelihood that wrongdoing is uncovered and penalised. Companies, public bodies and non-profit organisations should introduce effective internal reporting systems. In some societies, whistleblowing still carries a stigma.
Transparency International Rwanda works to create an environment where people can report wrongdoing without risking their career, livelihood or safety. We do this by :
- advocating for strong, comprehensive whistleblower protection legislation and enforcement.
- working with institutions to implement whistleblowing systems effectively.
- advising and supporting individuals considering or who have already blown the whistle, through our ALACs.
When no one speaks up, we all pay the price !
