Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested Agnes Uwamariya, the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Nyamagabe District, and Pierre Nkurikiyimana, the Executive Secretary of Musebeya Sector, over allegations linked to sexual crimes committed against a local government employee. According to RIB, Nkurikiyimana was arrested on July 24, while Uwamaliya was apprehended on July 29. Nkurikiyimana is being investigated over sexual harassment. Uwamariya, meanwhile, is being investigated for allegedly failing to report the case. The crimes were allegedly committed against an employee of Rusekera Cell in Musebeya Sector. ALSO READ: University lecturer arrested over sexual abuse Murangira said both suspects are being held at RIB's Gasaka Station as investigators complete the case file before forwarding it to the National Public Prosecution Authority. According to the law, failure to report a serious offence is punishable by imprisonment of between six months and one year, and a fine ranging from Rwf100,000 to Rwf300,000. ALSO READ: New details emerge on university lecturer charged with sexual abuse The same law provides that where sexual harassment is committed by an employer or another person who abuses a position of authority over a subordinate through orders, threats or intimidation, the offender is liable to imprisonment of between one and two years and a fine of between Rwf200,000 and Rwf300,000. Compelling another person to engage in a sexual act carries a sentence of between 10 and 15 years' imprisonment, in addition to a fine of between Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million. The offences of making a decision on the basis of favouritism or discrimination attract a penalty of between five and seven years' imprisonment and a fine ranging from Rwf1 million to Rwf2 million upon conviction. Murangira urged leaders in both public and private institutions not to abuse their positions to exploit those under their authority, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated. Every leader has a duty to protect those they lead and should never conceal offences committed against them.” RIB also encouraged anyone who experiences sexual or gender-based offences to report them promptly so that investigations can begin without delay.
