Christine Uwayezu, 36, a resident of Gisozi, a Kigali suburb has been arrested for child trafficking, The NewTimes has learnt.

She was arrested over the weekend while trying to smuggle five children into Uganda.

According to police, Uwayezu was attempting to have the children taken to Uganda through the Democratic Republic of Congo without travel documents.

She was arrested in Rubavu District, Western Province. The children’s parents Emmanuel Mutarambirwa and Therese Mukambagariye said they are not related to Uwayezu.

Police spokesperson Supt. Eric Kayiranga confirmed the arrest yesterday.

"She will be taken to court. Uwayezu will be charged with child trafficking,” Kayiranga said by phone yesterday.

Uwayezu and the children’s parents go to the same church. The parents told the police that  Uwayezu met the children in church and decided to run away with them.

It was not clear by press time whether Uwayezu had smuggled the children in order to sell them to her contact in Uganda or for child sacrifice. 

According to police, Uwayezu claimed she was taking the children to Ugandan schools, a claim dismissed by the family.

The children are Miriam Nirere, Kereb Iruzuye, Kezia Irumva, Dorcus Uwase, and Benita Gikundiro. The children’s family lives in Kamabuye cell, Gatsata Sector, Kigali.

Augustin Nkusi, prosecution spokesperson said Uwayezu’s file had been forwarded to them.  Cases of child trafficking have been rampant in the region.

Police has in the past issued measures to fight child sacrifice, including deploying officers on all entry points.

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