A major investigation involving leaders and former officials of Umoja ni Nguvu Rwanda Cooperative (UNRC) has taken a new turn after a judge at the Busasamana Primary Court in Nyanza District withdrew from hearing the case of former cooperative accountant Obed Sibomana.
UNRC is widely known for providing security services in Nyanza’s public market, schools, and several other institutions. However, in recent months, the cooperative has become the focus of an extensive investigation into suspected financial irregularities and the management of its funds.
The first person to face legal proceedings was Eugene, a former revenue collection officer within the cooperative. He was arrested and brought before court to determine whether he should remain in detention during investigations. The court later granted him provisional release.
As investigators continued examining the cooperative’s operations, attention shifted to senior leaders. Pascal, who served as president of the cooperative, together with Kayumba, responsible for staff management, and Vincent, another official involved in personnel affairs, were arrested and presented before court. Following preliminary hearings, the court ordered their 30-day provisional detention, and they remain held at Huye Correctional Facility.
The investigation also reached Eliot, a former president of the cooperative, along with former committee members Pastor Damien, Primitive, and Twagirayezu. Although they were initially detained, information later indicated that some of them were released after settling amounts linked to allegations under investigation.
The latest individual to be brought before the courts is Obed Sibomana, who previously served as the cooperative’s accountant. Reliable information indicates that he was arrested in Muhanga District before being transferred to Huye and later presented before the Busasamana Primary Court for a detention hearing.
Proceedings took an unexpected turn shortly after the hearing began. The presiding judge asked prosecutors whether the accused had any connection to individuals already prosecuted in related cases involving the cooperative. Prosecutors responded that Sibomana was being investigated as an alleged accomplice in offenses linked to other suspects.
After reviewing the matter, the judge informed the court that the panel had previously handled a related case involving similar facts and circumstances. He stated:
“This panel has previously heard a case that appears closely related to this one, therefore we should request the President of the Court to appoint a different panel.”
Following consultations, the judge returned and announced his decision to recuse himself from the proceedings. He explained that because he had already participated in a related case and contributed to decisions connected to the broader matter, it would be more appropriate for another judicial panel to handle the case.
The court then invited both parties to comment on the decision. Neither side raised objections, allowing the recusal decision to stand.
The hearing was subsequently postponed, with the court indicating that the case would be reassigned and heard later in June 2026 before a newly appointed judicial panel.
The broader UNRC investigation continues to attract significant public attention. Reports suggest that the amount of money allegedly mismanaged could exceed 17 million Rwandan francs, although authorities have not yet released an official figure.
Sources further indicate that investigators are still searching for additional individuals believed to have information relevant to the case. Some are reportedly no longer in Rwanda.
Meanwhile, Obed Sibomana remains detained at the Busasamana RIB station as he awaits the continuation of his legal proceedings before a newly constituted court panel.
