The High Court in Kigali is hearing the appeal of Moses Turahirwa, a prominent fashion designer and founder of Moshions, who was convicted by a lower court on charges related to drug use. Turahirwa appealed the decision of the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, which in December 2025 found him guilty of using cannabis and sentenced him to one year in prison. He immediately challenged the ruling, and the High Court has begun hearing his appeal on February 16. During his first instance, trial the prosecution had charged him with consumption, transportation, and storage of narcotic drugs (cannabis). However, during the proceedings, the court acquitted him of transportation and storage of narcotic drugs due to insufficient evidence. ALSO READ: Fashion designer Moses Turahirwa arrested again over drug use The court found him guilty of consuming cannabis, sentencing him to one year in prison. During earlier hearings, Turahirwa told the court that since February 2025, he had taken steps to address his drug use, including seeking medical care and counselling support from a doctor based in the United States. He, however, consistently denied involvement in drug trafficking. Turahirwa’s legal troubles in the case date back to April 2025, when the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) confirmed his arrest over alleged drug use. Tests conducted by the Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI) confirmed the presence of illegal substances. RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira said at the time that Turahirwa had been arrested and was being prosecuted based on forensic evidence, adding that investigations were ongoing. This was not the first time the fashion designer had faced drug-related charges. On April 27, 2023, he was arrested on allegations of drug abuse and forgery. Appearing before the Nyarugenge Primary Court in May of that year, Turahirwa admitted to using cannabis. The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court later granted him bail on July 15, 2023. The upcoming High Court hearing will determine whether the lower court’s decision and sentence will be upheld or overturned.
