Bishop Samuel Mugisha Mugiraneza, who recently resigned as the head of the Anglican Diocese of Shyira in northern Rwanda, has been detained by Rwandan authorities for alleged embezzlement and abuse of office.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) confirmed his arrest on January 21, 2025, but provided no further details on the case.
Reports suggest that Mugiraneza used diocesan resources for personal gain, including grazing his cattle on diocesan land, and his wife allegedly misappropriated eggs from the diocese’s poultry farm for personal use.
The bishop is also accused of directing funds for the construction of diocesan buildings to his private company, which supplied sand for the project.
The conflict began in 2024, when a dispute arose over the reassignment of priests in the diocese.
This led to allegations of mismanagement and embezzlement, which prompted a formal investigation by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB).
In response to these allegations, the Archbishop of Rwanda temporarily suspended Mugiraneza.
Mugiraneza denies the charges, claiming that the accusations stem from disgruntled priests seeking revenge after facing disciplinary actions.
The RIB is continuing its investigation into the matter.
English 