Rwamagana - Father Emile Nsengiyunva, 45, of Karenge Parish was, on Friday, sentenced to one and half years in jail after he was found guilty of de-campaigning programs aimed at improving the lives of the Rwandan people.

Basing on article 163 of the Penal Code, the High Court, Rwamagana branch passed the judgement.

The clergyman was accused of using his religious influence to campaign against government policies and programs.

Father Emile Nsengiyunva was arrested in April when he started campaigning against family planning and the eradication of thatched housing, Nyakatsi.

Residents of Karenge and neighbouring sectors of Nzige and Rubona said that the Father’s verdict came as no surprise.Jean Habiyakare said that the priest was frustrating developmental efforts.

"We were surprised by the behaviour of the Father when he started frustrating our efforts. For sure, the father’s campaign and ideology were unfortunate...he abused his position in society,” he said.

Jean Bosco Twizeyimana and Donat Twizeyimana of Karenge sector complained of intimidation and harassment from the priest who was against their involvement in the implementation of government programs.

"We were denied holy communuion, just because we abided by what the authorities told us. He wouldn’t allow us to associate with non Catholics...it was terrible.,” one said.

However, Nehime Uwimana the Mayor of Rwamagana District said that religious leaders were supposed to be partners in development and not saboteurs. "What we need from the priest is to reform,” he said.

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