RIB Arrests University Professor Suspected of Child Sexual Abuse

Kigali, January 19, 2026 - The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested a university professor suspected of sexually abusing minors and deceiving them with promises of money.

In a statement released on January 19, 2026, RIB said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect abused several secondary school girls in Bugesera District on different occasions.

The professor, who holds a PhD, is currently being held at the RIB Rwezamenyo Station in Nyarugenge District, and his case has been forwarded to the Prosecution Service.

In its statement, RIB emphasized that rape of a child constitutes a grave violation that destroys the victim’s future, affects families, and harms society as a whole.

The agency warned that sexual abuse of children will not be tolerated and urged minors to avoid individuals who lure them with money or gifts for sexual exploitation.

The issue of child sexual violence remains a serious concern in Rwanda. In February 2025, the Minister of Gender and Family Development, Uwimana Consolée, reported that 22,454 adolescents were raped and impregnated in 2024.

Official statistics indicate that 19,701 adolescents were impregnated in 2020, rising to 23,111 in 2021, 24,472 in 2022, before declining slightly to 22,055 in 2023.

Under Article 14 of Law No. 059/2023 of December 4, 2023, amending Law No. 68/2018, the crime of child rape carries a prison sentence of 20 to 25 years upon conviction.