On November 1, 2026, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) confirmed the detention of several high-ranking officials in Gisagara district, including the Vice Mayor in charge of social affairs, Dusabe Denise, and the district's head of internal affairs, Rangira Anicet. They are accused of bribery and other related offenses. According to RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B Thierry, the officials were detained along with a local priest, Padiri Kayumba Maurice.
The allegations against the detained officials involve the embezzlement of funds allocated for a water supply project at the Ribanza Primary School in Mukomacara, Gisagara district. The project was allocated 28 million Rwandan francs, but 4 million francs were allegedly diverted as bribes. The priest, Padiri Kayumba, reportedly offered the bribe to avoid scrutiny over the project's finances.
RIB's investigation revealed that Vice Mayor Dusabe Denise had received the bribe on multiple occasions, allegedly to keep the matter confidential. The priest is also accused of creating fake documents to conceal the misuse of funds. The four individuals detained are facing charges of soliciting, accepting, or giving bribes, as well as forging documents.
According to Dr. Murangira, the detained officials are being held at different RIB stations, with Dusabe Denise and Nkurunziza Octave, a suspected middleman, held at the Kicukiro station, while the others are at the Remera station. Their files are being processed for submission to the prosecution.
This is not the first time Dusabe Denise has faced difficulties; she had previously been released after being held for several days on allegations of bribery. Sources close to the matter indicate that her current detention may be linked to her bid for a seat in the Gisagara district council, with some suggesting that her opponents may be using the allegations to undermine her campaign.
The Gisagara district council seat has attracted several candidates, and Dusabe Denise's name is among those on the list. Her current situation may impact her chances in the upcoming elections. The RIB's investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the case unfolds.
The case has garnered significant attention, given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is being closely monitored, and those found guilty will face the consequences. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat corruption in Rwanda's public sector.
Key points
- The Rwandan authorities have detained several high-ranking officials in Gisagara district over alleged bribery and embezzlement.
- The detained officials include the Vice Mayor in charge of social affairs and the district's head of internal affairs.
- The case involves the alleged diversion of funds allocated for a water supply project.
