Ignatius Kabagambe, the spokesperson for the University of Rwanda, has apologized to Scovia Mutesi, a journalist, for a heated online exchange on social media platform X. On November 15, 2026, Kabagambe expressed regret for his comments, stating that he had written words that hurt Scovia and that he was taking responsibility for his actions. He emphasized that his goal was not to cause harm, but rather to promote unity and development in Rwanda.
The online exchange between Kabagambe and Scovia began on November 11, 2026, when a user named Keza Leila posted a message alleging that some lecturers at the University of Rwanda's Huye campus were demanding that students sleep with them in exchange for good grades. Kabagambe responded, accusing the user of trying to tarnish the university's reputation. However, Scovia criticized Kabagambe's response, arguing that the university should have first acknowledged the problem and taken steps to address it.
Scovia expressed concern that Kabagambe's response could intimidate others who might want to speak out about similar issues. She also questioned why the university did not verify whether the user was a student before responding. In his apology, Kabagambe acknowledged that his words had caused harm and promised to be more mindful in the future. He also apologized to Sylvia Nsanga and Olga, who were also affected by his comments.
The online exchange has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of addressing allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation in educational institutions. The University of Rwanda has faced criticism in the past for its handling of such cases. Kabagambe's apology has been seen as a positive step towards promoting a culture of accountability and respect.
Scovia responded to Kabagambe's apology, stating that forgiveness does not erase the problem, but rather encourages those in power to take responsibility and take action. She emphasized that the issue at hand is not just about individual behavior, but also about the broader cultural and systemic problems that enable exploitation.
The incident highlights the challenges of addressing sensitive issues in online spaces, where conversations can quickly escalate and become polarized. It also underscores the importance of promoting a culture of respect, empathy, and accountability in online interactions.
Kabagambe's apology has been welcomed by many as a sign of maturity and a willingness to listen and learn. The incident serves as a reminder that online interactions can have real-world consequences and that it is essential to approach such conversations with care and sensitivity.
Key points
- Kabagambe apologized for his comments and acknowledged that they had caused harm.
- The online exchange highlighted the importance of addressing allegations of sexual harassment and exploitation in educational institutions.
- Scovia emphasized that forgiveness does not erase the problem, but rather encourages those in power to take responsibility and take action.
