The search for the remains of victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Huye District increases as the total of bodies discovered under houses climbs to 714, according to Ibuka, the umbrella organisation for Genocide survivors.

In an interview with, The New Times, Theodate Siboyintore, Ibuka’s representative in Huye District, revealed that the search, ongoing since October 2023, has generated different numbers.

"Initially, 313 bodies were dug up on the property of Jean Baptiste Hishamunda and Seraphine Dusabemariya, a father and daughter. However, as of February 4, the count rushed to 714. Notably, 401 remains were discovered in the neighboring plot owned by Mediatrice Uwimana,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) reported the arrest and remand of Uwimana and five other individuals for concealing information about the victims' remains.

Those currently remanded besides Uwimana include 86-year-old Hishamunda, Dusabemariya (61), Petero Habimana (89), Mariani Musasangohe (50), and Marie Josee Uwabega (53).

While Sifa Nyirakiromba (68) who was in the same dossier was granted bail.

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Back in October 2023, the discovery unfolded when workers, constructing a fence around Hishamunda's compound in Ngoma sector, fell upon six bodies. Following exhumation efforts, including the demolition of the main residential house, led to the unearthing of additional victims.

It is worth noting that the area was formerly inhabited by soldiers of the genocidal regime, one of whom was Hishamunda's son, currently serving a prison sentence for genocide crimes. Despite pleading guilty, he withheld crucial information regarding the victims' remains.

Dusabemariya, who inherited the land from Hishamunda, initiated landscaping work that ultimately led to the discovery of the remains. Notably, Dusabemariya, Musangangohe, and Uwabega are children of Hishamunda, while Habimana and Uwimana are Dusabemariya's neighbours.