Tensions reportedly broke out on July 28, 2026, at Ngozi Prison following an altercation in which prisoner Desiré UWAMAHORO allegedly assaulted Emmanuel MANIRAKIZA, a representative of the prisoners, also referred to by inmates as the “Captain” or “General.”
According to several testimonies collected from prisoners, the incident occurred at around 4:30 p.m., shortly after Desiré UWAMAHORO returned to the prison. The same sources allege that he had previously spent part of the day in the office of the prison director, Christian SIBOMANA, where they reportedly consumed alcoholic beverages.
Upon returning to the detention area, Desiré UWAMAHORO allegedly approached Emmanuel MANIRAKIZA and struck him several times in the chest with his fists and kicked him repeatedly, causing him to fall to the ground. He allegedly continued beating him after he had fallen.
According to the testimonies, Desiré UWAMAHORO also allegedly made threatening statements, including: “Why are you preventing me from escaping from prison? Who are you to keep watching me? I escaped from prison in Zambia, so what about here in Ngozi?”
The same sources also report that additional threats were made against the prisoners’ representative, including references to a person known as “Bayubahe.”
Strong Tensions Inside the Prison
The alleged assault reportedly triggered significant tensions within the prison. Several prisoners are said to have mobilized in protest, considering the incident a serious violation of their rights, and called on prison authorities to intervene.
The director of Ngozi Prison, Christian SIBOMANA, together with a CNDD-FDD official at the Ngozi Zone level, who is also reportedly responsible for the production department within the prison, allegedly arrived at the scene to restore calm.
Following the incident, the officials reportedly arranged for Emmanuel MANIRAKIZA to be taken to a health facility for medical treatment. After receiving medical attention, he reportedly returned home.
Prisoners Raise Concerns About Alleged Preferential Treatment
Prisoners at Ngozi Prison have expressed concern about the behavior attributed to Desiré UWAMAHORO. They believe that he may be acting with a sense of impunity, which they associate with his alleged close relationship with the prison director, Christian SIBOMANA.
According to testimonies collected from prisoners, this relationship allegedly allows Desiré UWAMAHORO to benefit from certain privileges, including spending extended periods in the director’s office and, according to some sources, consuming beer or other alcoholic beverages there.
These allegations remain to be verified and should be investigated by the competent authorities. Prisoners further claim that this is not the first time Desiré UWAMAHORO has allegedly intimidated or threatened other inmates.
They particularly denounce what they consider to be a lack of sufficiently firm measures to prevent such behavior.
The prisoners also question the circumstances under which an inmate may be allowed to spend extended periods in the prison director’s office and the potential consequences of such practices for security, discipline, and equal treatment within the facility.
Call for an Independent Investigation
In light of the situation, the prisoners are calling on the Ministry of Justice to take up the matter and conduct thorough investigations into the reported incidents, the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault, and any possible preferential relationships between certain prisoners and prison officials.
They are calling for an investigation to determine whether prison regulations were respected and whether certain inmates have in fact been granted special treatment.
An independent and transparent investigation would help establish any potential responsibility, protect prisoners from violence and intimidation, and prevent further incidents that could threaten security within Ngozi Prison.
Appeal from King Umurundi Freedom
King Umurundi Freedom calls on the Ministry of Justice to closely monitor the situation at Ngozi Prison, verify the reported facts, and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of prisoners, respect for their rights, and the maintenance of order within the facility.