Rumors going round indicate that TV / Radio1 reporter Constantin Tuyishimire is in Uganda, hosted by Ugandan security services, after fleeing debts owed to various individuals.
On 17 July 2019, Tuyishimire’s wife, Placide Uwabasindi, informed the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) that her husband had left home the day before to report on a Gicumbi District story.
According to reliable sources, however, Tuyishimire never traveled to Gicumbi but met a cousin who lives in Western Province’s Rubavu district, leaving him with his mobile phone before traveling to Uganda, where he is presently staying.
Tuyishimire allegedly owed money to various individuals including Rwf40,000 to Dominique Habumugisha and Rwf300,000 to Honore Ishimwe – both reporters at Radio Ishingiro in Gicumbi District and Rwf50,000 to one Alphonse Mihanga.
TV / Radio 1 discovered on Tuesday that their missing journalist was in Uganda a couple of days after his phone was tracked in Rubavu Distrct.
“So far the information we have is that he could be in Uganda. I spoke to the RIB Secretary General this morning who informed me that so far that is what they know but investigations are ongoing,” Olivier Ngabirano, the Chief Editor of TV/Radio 1 told journalists earlier today.
Earlier today, RIB spokesperson Modeste Mbabazi informed reporters that Gilbert Manirakiza, cousin of Tuyishimire, is being questioned for further investigation.
Since then, the suspect has cooperated, added Mbabazi.
TV / Radio1 had called on the police to search for the missing journalist, while the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) also stated that it was following up on the issue.
Uganda is a popular place for disgruntled reporters, disgraced politicians, and others who seek asylum from Kampala-based NGOs to move overseas.
Rwanda’s government warned people against crossing to Uganda in February this year for their own security. This followed hundreds of Rwandans ‘ targeted arrests and deportations by Ugandan safety organs accusing them of spying.