Effectiveness of Rwanda Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in rural areas: A case study of Nyaruguru District

Abstract

The study examines the effectiveness of the Rwanda Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) in rural areas, with a focus on the Nyaruguru District. The research investigates the access to justice services provided by IECMS and explores the challenges faced in rural communities. A mixed-method approach is employed, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods to gain comprehensive insights of the study The literature review establishes the context by defining e-Government and e-Services in Rwanda, as well as examining case management systems in other countries such as the USA, Kenya, Uganda, and Indonesia. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is adopted as a conceptual framework to evaluate user acceptance and attitudes towards the IECMS. The findings and analysis section includes demographic information of the participants, including district ICT personnel, Abunzi (local mediators representatives), certified IECMS trainees, IremboGov agents, judge, registrar, and residents of Nyaruguru District. The discussion revolves around the various domains of the IECMS, highlighting its advantages, challenges, effectiveness, and system impacts. At the end, the study reveals the importance of the IECMS in improving access to justice services in rural areas. It highlights the significance of addressing challenges such as ICT literacy and infrastructure limitations. Recommendations are provided to enhance the system's effectiveness, including continuous training for district personnel, improving accessibility, and simplifying the system's complexity. However, the study acknowledges limitations, such as the limited representation of certain demographic groups and the need for further validation of the proposed model. The study contributes to the ongoing digital transformation of Rwanda's justice system and provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of the IECMS in rural areas.