LEGAL ANALYSIS ON THE RIGHTS OF CONSUMER AGAINST UNFAIR COMPETITION UNDER RWANDAN BUSINESS LAW

Abstract

This dissertation explores the legal framework for consumer protection against unfair competition practices in Rwanda, focusing on the challenges, limitations, and potential reforms needed to strengthen the existing laws, regulations, and institutional arrangements. The study employs a combination of doctrinal analysis, comparative research, and qualitative methods to examine the current state of consumer protection in Rwanda and identify areas for improvement. The research begins by establishing the conceptual and theoretical framework for understanding consumer rights and unfair competition, drawing on key legal and economic principles. It then provides a comprehensive analysis of the existing legal framework in Rwanda, including the Competition and Consumer Protection Law of 2012 and other relevant sector-specific regulations. The study identifies significant Loopholes and Unclear in the current legal provisions, such as the lack of a clear definition of unfair competition and the absence of specific prohibitions on certain unfair practices. The dissertation also examines the practical challenges faced by regulatory authorities in enforcing consumer protection laws, including resource constraints, coordination issues, and weak enforcement powers. Through a comparative analysis of regional and international best practices, the study identifies potential lessons and recommendations for strengthening the institutional capacity and effectiveness of consumer protection agencies in Rwanda. Based on the findings, the dissertation proposes a range of legal and institutional reforms to address the identified challenges and enhance consumer protection against unfair competition. These include amending the Competition Law to provide clearer and more comprehensive prohibitions on unfair practices, enacting a unified Consumer Protection Law, establishing specialized consumer protection units within regulatory agencies, and investing in capacity-building and coordination mechanisms. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of a holistic and proactive approach to consumer protection reform in Rwanda, involving collaboration among policymakers, regulators, businesses, and consumer advocates. By prioritizing consumer welfare and fair competition as key pillars of economic development, Rwanda can foster a more inclusive, competitive, and consumer-friendly market environment