237 bodies discovered in Huye, suspected genocide victims

By The Inspirer. 

A total of 237 bodies, suspected to be victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, have been discovered in Huye District, Ngoma Sector, Matyazo Cell, specifically in Rurenda and Kamucuzi villages. The search for more bodies is still ongoing.

The remains were found in different locations, including areas previously used for construction and farming activities. The search operation began on March 13, 2025, in Kamucuzi Village, where four bodies were exhumed from a latrine on a property purchased by a resident after the genocide.

The operation then extended to land previously owned by Kimandwa Sarah (now deceased) and her neighbor, Mukakibibi Spéciose, who was targeted during the genocide. It is reported that Kimandwa’s plot was later bought by another resident after 2000. More than 170 bodies were retrieved from this site, particularly from the compound’s periphery and areas where latrines were built. It is suspected that the victims were dumped there by Kimandwa Sarah’s grandchildren, who were allegedly notorious Interahamwe militia members during the genocide.

Following additional information gathering, the search continued in Rurenda Village, on the property of Kanamugire Callixte, alias “Super,” where more bodies were uncovered. The total number of bodies recovered now stands at 237.

Eugène Rutayisire, a genocide survivor residing in the area, told IGIHE that it was unsurprising to find remains near Kanamugire’s home, as he was known for stockpiling machetes, which he distributed to Interahamwe militia. He explained that Kanamugire, a prominent businessman who owned a photography studio in Butare town, supplied machetes used in massacres, particularly targeting Tutsi refugees fleeing to Ngoma Catholic Parish and those who had survived gunfire at a location then known as “Dispensaire” (now Matyazo Health Center).

“This place, known as ‘Super’s,’ was where machetes were distributed. There was a storage facility here. On the night the genocide started, we heard gunfire from Mpare, Runga, Ngoma, and all over town. We could also see glowing lights in the sky, which were actually sparks from the numerous machetes being sharpened,” Rutayisire recounted.

He further stated that the concealment of information regarding these mass graves was largely due to the reluctance of Kanamugire’s family members, who were aware of the atrocities.

According to IGIHE sources, Kanamugire was convicted in absentia by four different Gacaca courts. The Matyazo court sentenced him to life imprisonment, the Gishamvu court gave him 19 years, while the Ngoma and Butare courts each sentenced him to 15 years. It is believed that he fled to Kenya or Uganda.

Siboyintore Théodate, President of IBUKA in Huye District, confirmed that the search is still ongoing, driven by newly gathered information.

“You may recall that last year, we found many bodies in a field belonging to a resident named Hishamunda. This discovery led to more people coming forward with information, which we carefully analyze before conducting searches,” Siboyintore explained.

He emphasized the importance of sharing information about genocide victims, especially considering that 31 years have passed since the genocide ended. The lack of full disclosure remains a concern.

Siboyintore also extended condolences to genocide survivors, particularly those in Huye District, urging them to remain strong as Rwanda approaches the 31st commemoration period.

Meanwhile, Kanamugire’s wife, Marie Providence Ntirushwamaboko, has been arrested for allegedly concealing information about the remains found near their home.

In 2024, around the same time, more than 2,000 bodies were discovered in Ngoma Sector and later given a dignified burial.