Eight Nyabihu District Leaders Released as Court Probes Embezzlement Case

Nyabihu, Rwanda - The Mukamira Primary Court has ordered the release of eight out of sixteen Nyabihu District officials accused of embezzling public funds, while the remaining eight will remain in detention for 30 days pending further investigation.

The case, involving the alleged mismanagement of funds meant for the construction of 17 houses for survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, began on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The court delivered its ruling on Thursday evening, October 30.

Among those released is David Mugiraneza, the Executive Secretary of Nyabihu District, and Sylvestre Gahamanyi, an employee in the social welfare department. The court granted them temporary release but ordered the confiscation of their bail until full recovery of the alleged funds.

Others cleared and reinstated to their positions include Silas Habarurema and Alphonse Muhizi (procurement officers), Simon Mutwarangabo (head of social welfare), Jean Claude Nzafashwanayo (school construction officer), and Gustave Uwizeye (land officer for Jenda Sector).

However, the court ordered the 30-day detention of Denis Nsengiyumva, a building permit officer, along with several representatives of IBUKA, the survivors’ association, from the sectors of Bigogwe, Mukamira, Muringa, Rugera, Kintobo, and Rambura. These individuals were allegedly involved in the supervision of the disputed housing project.

According to court findings, those released were not directly linked to the irregularities surrounding the construction project, as the procurement process had not resulted in any awarded tenders. For those under continued detention, the court cited their close involvement in overseeing the construction as grounds for maintaining custody.

The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine how public funds earmarked for genocide survivors’ housing were handled.