Rwanda Case Law

BK GENERAL INSURANCE Co Ltd v IRAGUHA

Court

Supreme Court

Case number

RS/INJUST/RC 00016/2024/SC

The Supreme Court held that the correct daily income for a motorcycle taxi operator is 6,444 Frw/day, the disability percentage is 56% as per the state hospital report, and the deposit rate to be used is 10.10% as published by BNR on the date of the High Court judgment. Only the calculation of economic damages was adjusted; all other awards from the High Court were upheld. Legal fees and follow-up costs were denied as the respondent was not entirely successful.

Source excerpt

• Calculation of damages
• Personal injury compensation
• Deposit rate application
• Assessment of disability
• Motorcycle taxi income estimation

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RADIANT vs CWINYAAI [

Court

Supreme Court

Case number

RS/INJUST/RC 00024/2024/SC

The Supreme Court held that compensation for permanent disability below 30% must be calculated using the statutory minimum wage (SMIG) as per Presidential Order No. 31/01, Article 17. For loss of earning capacity, the Court found that Cwinyaai provided sufficient evidence of employment through a salary certificate, and that damages should be calculated based on his net salary. The lower court's awards were adjusted accordingly.

Source excerpt

• Personal injury compensation
• Permanent disability
• Loss of earning capacity
• Calculation of damages
• Burden of proof for employment
• Application of minimum wage (smig)

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IMANZA Z'UBWISHINGIZI ZACIWE N'URUKIKO RW'IKIRENGA (Insurance digest Supreme Court 2025)

Court

Supreme Court

Permanent disability from a traffic accident entitles the victim to economic loss and career prejudice compensation regardless of whether employment or income was lost, provided the disability is medically certified. Career prejudice compensation is not limited to those who lost jobs but extends to anyone whose professional prospects are diminished by the injury. Dependency claims by adults require proof of actual support and need. For self-employed or informal workers, damages are calculated on net income or sector benchmarks. Compulsory motor insurance does not cover workplace accidents, wh…

Source excerpt

• Personal injury compensation
• Permanent disability
• Economic loss
• Career prejudice
• Funeral expenses
• Dependency claims

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IMIRONGO SC FEBUARY - APRIL 2024

Court

Supreme Court

Supreme Court digest of several civil, commercial, and constitutional matters, including accident compensation, bank guarantees, procedural revival, and constitutional competence.

• Personal injury compensation
• Insurance claims
• Bank loan guarantees
• Procedural diligence
• Constitutional review
• Professional entry requirements

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UWASABWIMANA vs RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD

Court

High Court

Case number

RCA 00014/2023/HC/MUS

Radiant Insurance Company failed to act within the statutory period to coordinate a joint medical assessment after being notified of disagreement with its doctor's report. Therefore, the court was entitled to rely on the applicant's doctor's report for the degree of disability and uphold the first instance damages. Additional claims for loss of work opportunity and legal fees were denied due to lack of proof and partial success, respectively.

Source excerpt

• Personal injury compensation
• Medical evidence
• Insurance claims
• Appeal procedure

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UWASABWIMANA vs RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD

Court

High Court

Case number

RCA 00014/2023/HC/MUS

Radiant Insurance Company failed to act within the statutory period to coordinate a joint medical assessment after being notified of disagreement with its doctor's report. Therefore, the court was entitled to rely on the applicant's doctor's report indicating 40% disability. Claims for loss of work opportunity and legal fees were denied due to lack of proof of employment and partial success in the appeal, respectively.

Source excerpt

• Personal injury compensation
• Medical evidence
• Insurance claims
• Appeal procedure

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RADIANT INSURANCE COMPANY LTD V NTEGEREJUMUREMYI

Court

High Court

Case number

RCA 00008/2023/HC/RWG

The insurer is liable for half of the compensation because both the insured driver and the bicycle rider contributed to the accident. The insurer's failure to request a counter-expertise within the legal timeframe means the claimant's medical report on disability is binding for compensation purposes.

Source excerpt

• Motor vehicle accident
• Liability apportionment
• Personal injury compensation
• Insurance indemnity
• Medical evidence

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HABUMUGISHA v OLD MUTUAL INSURANCE PLC

Court

High Court

Case number

RCA 00082/2023/HC/KIG

Plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence of actual employment, so is not entitled to loss of earnings but is entitled to compensation for loss of opportunity to work. Only medical expenses supported by receipts are recoverable. Withdrawal of the incidental appeal has no adverse effect on the main appeal or parties.

Source excerpt

• Personal injury compensation
• Loss of earnings
• Proof of employment
• Medical expenses
• Withdrawal of incidental appeal

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RUBAYIZA v SONARWA GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD

Court

Supreme Court

Case number

RS/INJUST/RC 00026/2022/SC

The Supreme Court held that permanent disability under 30% is compensated using SMIG, not actual salary, and dismissed the retrial application.

• Calculation of damages
• Personal injury compensation
• Motor vehicle accident
• Permanent disability
• Application of presidential decree
• Stare decisis

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IMIRONGO SC - November 2022 -January 2023

Court

Supreme Court

Supreme Court clarified calculation of damages, eligibility for economic loss, solidary payment, property division for cohabitants, wrongful dismissal after acquittal, mortgage contract validity, reduction of excessive delay interest, broad standing in constitutional challenges, and strict procedural time limits for review.

Source excerpt

• Personal injury compensation
• Economic loss damages
• Solidary obligation
• Property division
• Wrongful dismissal
• Mortgage contracts

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