Residents of Mwaro Zone, Mwaro Commune, Gitega Province, have raised concerns over the conduct of UWAYEZU Jean Claude, the CNDD-FDD official in charge of Kagoma Quarter. He also serves as Head of the Health Service for Mwaro Zone.
According to testimonies collected by King Umurundi Freedom, UWAYEZU Jean Claude has repeatedly been accused ofj engaging in violent and intimidating behaviour, particularly in local bars. He is alleged to intimidate both bar owners and customers. Witnesses claim that he frequently invokes his position of authority to consume alcoholic beverages without paying. When bar owners request payment, he allegedly provokes confrontations. If the situation turns against him, he reportedly calls the police.
Residents further report that he often tells bar owners: “We are the authorities. Serve us and put it on the bill. We will pay later.”
They also allege that he sometimes pressures customers to buy him alcoholic drinks. Those who refuse reportedly become targets of intimidation.
As an example, residents refer to an incident that allegedly took place on 13 June 2026. On that day, UWAYEZU Jean Claude reportedly entered a bar and stated that he had recently been appointed as the CNDD-FDD party leader at the Kagoma Quarter level. When a resident reportedly responded that this position did not entitle him to any special privileges, UWAYEZU allegedly assaulted him. According to witnesses, the resident defended himself and managed to overpower him. Despite this, it was the resident who was arrested and subsequently detained.
Residents also report that during the same incident, UWAYEZU Jean Claude allegedly assaulted NDAYIRAGIJE Potien, the Deputy Head of Kagoma Quarter, who had attempted to calm the situation. The victim reportedly fell to the ground and sustained a fractured leg. As of today, he remains hospitalized at Tanganyika Care Hospital in Bujumbura.
In conclusion, residents of Mwaro Zone are calling on the relevant authorities to take appropriate action against UWAYEZU Jean Claude in order to put an end to the acts of intimidation, violence and abuse of authority attributed to him, which they say seriously undermine their safety and security.