NYAGATARE - The Nyagatare District Intermediate court, Thursday, sentenced former Mayor, Robert Kashemeza, to five years in prison for mismanaging public funds.

Kashemeza was arrested last year alongside his deputy in charge of Social Affairs, Immaculate Mukamuhizi and Umutara Polytechnic University Dean of Languages, Dr. Robert Mugisha.

Others are Richard Kalimba, the vice Rector (finance and administration) at the same university and Claude Mushabe, an official at the district.

Presided over by Judge John Bosco Rutagengwa, the court ruled that Kashemeza was guilty of uttering falsified documents with intent to access state funds amounting to Rwf 10m for his personal account.

"After court heard and verified all the merits of the case, we find Robert Kashemeza guilty of using his powers as a mayor to forge signatures to gain access to state funds for his personal business,” Rutagengwa ruled.

Kanshemeza did not attend the ruling session.
However, all his co-accused were acquitted of all charges and were consequently set free.

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