Jeremie Sinamenye was today elected the Mayor of Rubavu District, replacing the Sheikh Hassan Bahame who is behind bars pending his corruption trial.

Sinamenye, 37, garnered 239 votes while his challenger, Janviere Uwayezu, was backed by 13 people in the electorate, comprising 253 members of the sector and district councils.

A career teacher, Sinamenye has taught at various schools and was until today the head teacher of Kanama Catholic Secondary School in Rubavu District.

His challenger is also a teacher at a secondary school.

Sinamenye said he will prioritise infrastructure and agriculture development as well as improve social welfare of the residents with a particular focus on education and health.

Meanwhile, Janvier Murenzi was elected vice mayor in charge of economic affairs beating his opponent Monique Nyiransengiyumva with 220 to 31 votes garnered respectively while Marie-Grace Uwampayizina, who has been in the private sector was voted as vice mayor in charge of social affairs.

The former mayor, Bahame, was arrested in April and remains on remand while prosecution conducts further investigations.

The former vice mayors, Ezechiel Buntu and Rachel Nyirasafari, for economic and affairs and social affairs, respectively, were relieved of their duties after the district council concluded that they proved to be irresponsible leaders since they did not take steps to tackle or even report widespread abuse.