The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested several individuals suspected of stealing school books supplied by the Rwanda Education Board (REB) and food intended for students.
Among those apprehended are former teachers Rukundo Jean de Dieu and Nizeyimana Isidore, bookstore owner Rukeribuga Faustin, former school guard Byukusenge Claude from Rusheshe School in Masaka Sector, and Muhire Claude, who assisted in storing the stolen items.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Rukundo Jean de Dieu masterminded the thefts, coordinating with school staff to access storage areas using keys. The stolen books were transported on motorcycles to Muhire Jean Claude for safekeeping before being sold at Rukeribuga Faustin’s bookstore. Items recovered from this shop originated from nine schools across Kicukiro, Gasabo, Nyagatare, and Gicumbi districts. Of the 3,515 books recovered, 120 were marked with school stamps.
RIB reported that some stolen books were sold directly to parents, while others were unknowingly repurchased by schools. Investigators identified gaps in library monitoring systems that made the thefts possible.
In Kicukiro District alone, 3,274 books were reported stolen. These included 262 books from GS Gako, 149 books from GS Rusheshe, 149 books from EP Cyankongi, and 2,714 books from GS Rusheshe in Masaka Sector.
Over the past three years (2023–2025), RIB has investigated 149 cases involving 297 suspects related to the misuse of school resources. Analysis revealed that stolen items included laboratory equipment, food, computers, and school funds, amounting to approximately RWF 190,702,229.
RIB warned that such thefts negatively affect students’ well-being and the quality of education, while also causing financial losses for the country. The bureau urged the public to report any suspicious activity and reminded school administrators to strengthen security and monitoring measures to protect school property.
