The Kigali High Court on Monday, February 16, postponed the appeal hearing of renowned fashion designer Moses Turahirwa, who is challenging a three-year prison sentence handed to him in December 2024, over drug-related offences and document forgery.

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Turahirwa was found guilty of using narcotic drugs, particularly cannabis, and document falsification. The court also imposed a fine of Rwf2 million following his conviction.

He later appealed the sentence and was re-arrested in April 2025 on separate drug use charges before the appeal hearing on the initial conviction.

Turahirwa was subsequently found guilty and is currently serving a one-year prison sentence.

During the appeal hearing, Turahirwa informed the court that he had appeared with a new legal representative and had not yet been given sufficient time to consult with him.

He explained that it was his first time meeting the lawyer due to his recent illness that prevented him from meeting her to discuss the case. He noted that his previous lawyer, Irene Bayisabe, was unavailable to proceed with the case.

Turahirwa and his lawyer requested the court to postpone the hearing to allow adequate time to discuss and prepare for the appeal with his new legal team.

The prosecution did not object to the request and agreed that the accused be granted time to consult with his lawyer before proceeding with the hearing.

Upon consideration, the court granted what it described as a last chance for Turahirwa to prepare his appeal and adjourned the hearing to March 16.