Arrest in Karongi District
Security organs, in collaboration with local authorities in Karongi District, have arrested Uwimana Tarcille, a 52 year old woman who was convicted and sentenced by the Gacaca courts for her role in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She later fled justice.
She was apprehended on April 14, 2026, in Ngoma Village, Gitega Cell, Rugabano Sector. Her arrest followed a tip off from a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi in the same sector, who informed the President of IBUKA, Samuel Habakurama, that Uwimana Tarcille had returned to Rugabano Sector.
Court Sentences and Case Background
In 2007, Uwimana Tarcille received a 19 year prison sentence from the Ngoma Gacaca Court. She later received a 25 year sentence from the Mbogo Gacaca Court and another 25 year sentence from the Gitega Gacaca Court.
The suspect was identified among those involved in attacks that led to the killing of Tutsi in Rugabano Sector. After Gacaca court rulings, she fled to the Eastern Province, although she occasionally returned to Rugabano.
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IBUKA Calls for Public Cooperation
In an interview with IGIHE, Samuel Habakurama expressed sympathy to survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi and urged the public to report anyone suspected of involvement in the genocide so they can be brought to justice.
He stated: “We call upon all citizens to refrain from concealing such individuals and instead provide information to ensure that those responsible for the genocide are held accountable.”
Authorities’ Response
The Vice Mayor of Karongi District in charge of Social Affairs, Pascasie Umuhoza, told IGIHE that authorities have intensified efforts to track down individuals convicted by Gacaca courts who are still evading justice. She noted that 16 such individuals were arrested in 2023/2024, 72 in 2024/2025, and 36 so far in the 2025/2026 period, with the Rugabano suspect being the 37th.
