The High Council Court of Huye has sentenced James Gatongore, former Executive Secretary of Mamba Sector in Gisagara District, to seven years and six months in prison after convicting him of soliciting and receiving a bribe.
Gatongore was convicted alongside Jean Bosco Ntayomba, who received the same sentence, and Emmanuel Niyomugabo, who was sentenced to five years, for complicity in the case.
According to the prosecution, Gatongore demanded Rwf200,000 to allow the continued production of an illegal local brew known as “Nyirantare.” Ntayomba, acting as a middleman, collected the money from brewers and delivered it to Gatongore. Niyomugabo also played a role in facilitating the transaction.
The bribery scheme was uncovered after one of the brewers reported the matter to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). In a coordinated operation with the police, marked cash was used to apprehend the suspects, who were arrested shortly after receiving the money.
During the trial, the accused denied all charges. Gatongore claimed the case was fabricated and that the money had been planted in his vehicle by a RIB officer due to personal conflicts. Ntayomba and Niyomugabo also denied wrongdoing. However, the court dismissed their defense, finding the prosecution’s evidence sufficient to convict all three.
The court ruling follows their arrest on November 27, 2025. They have been in detention at Huye Correctional Facility since then.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by Rwandan authorities to combat corruption at local government levels and enforce accountability among public servants.
