Dr. Semwaga Emmanuel, a specialist in women's health, particularly in reproductive issues, is set to appear before the court to defend himself against charges related to a surrogacy arrangement that allegedly involved human trafficking. He is accused of collaborating with Nsabimana Frederick, who allegedly ran a facility where women were recruited to act as surrogate mothers for individuals seeking children. The case involves seven women who were allegedly housed in Nsabimana's facility, where they were inseminated and provided with medical care until they gave birth.
According to the case file, Nsabimana's facility was set up to connect individuals seeking children with surrogate mothers. The accused promised each surrogate mother 5 million Rwandan francs, with an initial payment of 1 million francs as an advance. However, the women allegedly received little financial support and faced poor living conditions, despite the clients having paid the agreed-upon fees. The prosecution alleges that Nsabimana's actions may have constituted human trafficking and exploitation of the women's poverty.
The case against Dr. Semwaga and Nsabimana began with an investigation into Nsabimana's facility, which was found to be operating without proper authorization. The seven women involved in the surrogacy arrangement were from Rwanda, the United States, Tanzania, and Uganda. They allegedly spent up to eight months in Nsabimana's facility, during which time they received medical care, including insemination and prenatal care, provided by Dr. Semwaga.
Dr. Semwaga is accused of administering insemination to the surrogate mothers without proper authorization and in violation of Rwandan medical regulations. The prosecution claims that he was aware that the women were being used as surrogate mothers for clients abroad and that he received payment for his services. Nsabimana allegedly used some of the payment to cover his own expenses and to pay Dr. Semwaga for his services.
The prosecution also alleges that Dr. Semwaga and Nsabimana used coercion and threats against the surrogate mothers. The women allegedly threatened to report Nsabimana for failing to provide them with the promised financial support and medical care. In response, Nsabimana allegedly threatened to harm them. Mukahigiro, who is also accused in the case, allegedly threatened the women, telling them that they would die if they did not cooperate.
The trial of Dr. Semwaga and Nsabimana has been ongoing, with the two accused appealing against an initial court decision to detain them. On June 19, 2026, the Nyarugenge High Court dismissed their appeal, citing strong evidence against them. The case is set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for October 23, 2026.
The case has raised concerns about the regulation of surrogacy and reproductive services in Rwanda. The prosecution has argued that the accused individuals exploited the poverty and vulnerability of the surrogate mothers, using them for financial gain. If convicted, Dr. Semwaga and Nsabimana face serious penalties for their alleged roles in human trafficking and exploitation.
Key points
- Dr. Semwaga Emmanuel faces trial over alleged involvement in surrogacy and human trafficking in Rwanda.
- Seven women were allegedly used as surrogate mothers in Nsabimana's facility, where they received medical care from Dr. Semwaga.
- The prosecution alleges that Dr. Semwaga and Nsabimana used coercion and threats against the surrogate mothers.
