The Rwanda National Police's anti-corruption unit, RIB, has arrested four individuals, including a priest, a deputy mayor, and two other officials, on allegations of demanding and sharing ransom money intended for a school project in Gisagara District. The arrests were made on November 3, 2026, after an investigation revealed that the suspects had been involved in a scheme to divert funds meant for a school project.
According to the RIB, the scandal involved a donation of 28 million Rwandan francs (approximately $27,000) meant to provide water to a local school, Mukomacara Primary School. The donor had been misled into believing that the funds were being used for the intended purpose, but an investigation revealed that the priest, Padiri Kayumba Maurice, had diverted the funds for personal gain.
The RIB investigation found that the priest had been in contact with the deputy mayor, Dusabe Denise, and other officials, including Rangira Anicet, the RIB officer in charge of the district, and Nkurunziza Octave, a commissioner. The four suspects had allegedly agreed to share the ransom money, with 23 million francs already recovered.
The scandal came to light when the donor returned to the school and discovered that it still lacked access to water. The donor had been told that the water project had been completed, but upon further investigation, it was found that the priest had only partially implemented the project, using some of the funds to dig a well but not completing the necessary infrastructure to supply the school with water.
The RIB's spokesperson, Dr. Murangira Thierry, stated that the suspects had been arrested and charged with corruption-related offenses, including soliciting, receiving, or giving bribes, as well as forging documents. The four suspects are currently being held at different RIB stations, with the deputy mayor and commissioner at Kicukiro station and the priest and RIB officer at Remera station.
The investigation revealed a complex web of corruption, with the suspects allegedly working together to divert the funds. The RIB found that the priest had initially been entrusted with the funds due to his connection to the school, which is affiliated with the Catholic Church. However, instead of using the funds for the intended purpose, the priest allegedly used them for personal gain.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of the RIB to combat corruption in Rwanda. The authorities have vowed to continue investigating and prosecuting those involved in corrupt activities, particularly those that affect the delivery of essential services to citizens. The case also raises questions about the oversight and accountability mechanisms in place to prevent such scandals from occurring in the future.
Key points
- Four individuals arrested in Gisagara District for allegedly demanding and sharing ransom money meant for a school project.
- The scandal involved a donation of 28 million Rwandan francs meant to provide water to a local school.
- The suspects face charges of corruption-related offenses, including soliciting, receiving, or giving bribes, as well as forging documents.
