By Frank Kamuntu
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested Samuel Mugiraneza, the former Bishop of the Shyira Diocese in the Anglican Church of Rwanda, over alleged embezzlement and misuse of church funds for personal gain during his tenure.
Reliable sources indicate that Bishop Mugisha was apprehended on Tuesday and is currently detained at the RIB station in Remera while investigations continue.
Allegations against the bishop first surfaced in early 2024 when some pastors in the Shyira Diocese accused him of poor governance and unfair practices.
They claimed that several pastors who questioned his leadership were reassigned or dismissed, including Pastor Kubwayo Charles and Pastor Kabaragasa J. Baptiste, who were officially dismissed in August 2024.
The dismissed pastors alleged that Bishop Mugisha used church resources for personal benefit.
According to them, the bishop’s company secured a contract to supply sand for a diocesan construction project in Musanze, using a Fuso truck registered in his name.
Additionally, they alleged that his wife’s company was contracted to supply eggs to all nursery schools in the diocese, with the eggs sourced from the bishop’s poultry farm.
They further alleged that farmland owned by the diocese in Nyamutera (Nyabihu) and Kimonyi (Musanze), covering 20 hectares, was used to grow fodder for the bishop’s cattle.
However, others have defended the bishop, arguing that the dismissed pastors had their own issues.
An anonymous source stated, “The pastors were dismissed for misconduct. One had defrauded several people, while another had unpaid debts. Their accusations against the bishop are a way to retaliate.”
The Anglican Church leadership intervened in the ongoing conflict. Bishop Mugisha was temporarily suspended in 2024, and Reverend Augustin Ahimana was appointed interim head of the Shyira Diocese by Archbishop Dr. Laurent Mbanda.
In response to the allegations, Bishop Mugisha recently claimed his suspension was unlawful and expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved.
He stated, “Our issues are being addressed through proper channels, and I trust that the truth will come out.”
Following his suspension, reports indicate that Mugisha eventually resigned. The Shyira Diocese has been under scrutiny by both the church and Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) to resolve governance and financial management concerns.
