Government Explores Scheme to Extend Armed Forces’ Shop Benefits to Reserve Forces

By The Inspirer.

Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda, revealed on March 14th that the government is contemplating integrating Rwanda Reserve Forces into the beneficiaries of the Armed Forces’ Shop (AFOS).

This announcement was made during a session where he elucidated the significance of a proposed law aimed at establishing the Rwanda Armed Forces’ Shop. The discussion ensued following a query from MP Beline Uwineza regarding the exclusion of Rwanda Reserve Forces from the shop’s beneficiaries.

Presently, the AFOS serves members of the RDF (excluding Reserve Forces), Rwanda National Police, and Rwanda Correctional Service, along with their families. Uwineza advocated for the inclusion of reservists as beneficiaries of AFOS.

Marizamunda underscored AFOS’s primary objective of enhancing the welfare of its beneficiaries. While the new bill maintains the current beneficiaries, it proposes a provision allowing for the addition of new beneficiaries through a ministerial order.

Reserve Forces are among those under consideration, pending a comprehensive assessment of their needs and feasibility.

The Minister emphasized the importance of supporting reservists, highlighting their critical role in national security. He noted the potential negative impact on reservists if they were no longer eligible for the tax and duty-free benefits provided by AFOS, which are essential for their well-being.

The proposed bill seeks to address challenges stemming from the current legal framework, which limits AFOS’s tax-exempt status. By establishing AFOS as a specialized entity through legislation, it aims to ensure the shop’s continued tax and duty exemption.

Additionally, the bill grants AFOS the authority to engage in commercial activities to sustain its operations.

Following the approval of the bill’s relevance by the lower chamber of Parliament on March 14th, it will undergo further analysis by a responsible parliamentary committee before being voted into law.

Originally established in 2012, AFOS has evolved from serving the army to include police personnel and Rwanda Correctional Service staff. Now, the government is considering expanding its reach to benefit Reserve Forces as well.

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