The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has announced the arrest of two employees from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) and a contractor, suspected of involvement in crimes including soliciting, receiving, and offering bribes, as well as the use of forged documents.
According to RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, the arrested individuals were part of the committee responsible for approving and receiving purchased items (Receiving Committee) at RBC. These include Uwawe Olivier, an IT officer at the Ministry of Health; Bicamumpaka Jean Pierre, a finance officer at RBC; and Mugisha Emmanuel, a contractor who was awarded the tender to supply ICT equipment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, in collaboration with the contractor, fabricated serial numbers for 71 computers and 25 CPUs, which were added to the delivery note to falsely indicate that all items had been delivered.
The investigation further showed that the employees confirmed receipt of all the equipment, despite the delivery being incomplete. The finance officer then knowingly authorized payment, leading to the embezzlement of 48,439,525 Rwandan Francs.
RIB also confirmed that evidence shows the contractor made bribe payments to members of the receiving committee in exchange for approving the fraudulent delivery.
Authorities emphasized that public officials who misuse the responsibilities entrusted to them for personal gain will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
It was also noted that this is not the first time the individuals involved have faced corruption-related allegations. In September this year, they were under investigation for offering undue benefits during the execution of a public tender.
The suspects are currently detained at RIB Remera and Kicukiro stations, as their case file is being finalized for submission to the Prosecution Authority.
