Police hunt Bufumbira North MP
The Kigezi Regional Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Hon. John Kamara Nizeyimana, the Bufumbira North legislator aided the escape of several suspects involved in arson and malicious damage cases. The incident reportedly occurred on July 28 around 2:00 PM at Kisoro Police Station.
According to police spokesperson for Kigezi region, Elly Maate, the suspects—Gasigwa Jeremiah, Harerimana Augustine, Nkurunziza Apollo, Bavuzayubusa Paskazia, Mujawimana Dinavance and Basekuye Teleza were in police custody for allegedly setting fire to property belonging to Mahoro Jackline following a village dispute on May 3, 2025. The case had been under investigation and the suspects had been summoned to Kisoro Central Police Station for interviews and statement recordings.
However, police say that instead of cooperating, the suspects sought counsel from Hon. Kamara who is alleged to have advised them to ignore police summons. The suspects subsequently failed to report to the police as required.
On the day of the incident, after the suspects were brought in for questioning,Kamara reportedly went to the police station and requested that the suspects be granted police bonds. While the police officer in charge explained that the suspects needed to first give their statements, the lawmaker reportedly became visibly annoyed, left the station and according to police, he instructed the suspects to run away. He then entered his vehicle and drove off with the suspects who allegedly escaped under his guidance.
Police say the investigating officers attempted to intervene but the legislator pushed them aside and drove away with the suspects. A swift operation was launched to re-arrest the suspects who were eventually found and re-arrested at Kamara’s residence. However, efforts to arrest the parliamentarian were thwarted as he mobilized the community against police officers preventing his immediate detention.
Elly Maate emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating, “It is deeply concerning that a person of Hon. John Kamara Nzeyimana’s caliber, a legislator entrusted with upholding the law would act in defiance of legal procedures. Nobody is above the law and efforts to arrest him are already underway.”
Police have assured the public that they will continue their investigations and pursue legal accountability for all involved. The case highlights concerns over the abuse of influence and the importance of upholding the rule of law regardless of one’s social or political standing.
This development remains a significant test for law enforcement and local authorities in Kisoro reaffirming their commitment to justice and accountability.
