Nyarugenge Intermediate Court has released three former top officials of the Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) on bail after they successfully appealed against a 30-day remand order.
Those freed are Omar Munyaneza, the utility’s former chief executive; Gisele Umuhumuza, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure and former Acting CEO; and Dominique Murekezi, who once headed WASAC Development.
The three are facing corruption-related charges, including abuse of office, favouritism, and irregular recruitment. Prosecutors allege they oversaw questionable hiring processes, unauthorised promotions and inflated salary packages during their time at the utility. Umuhumuza is further accused of misusing public funds.
Court records show that prosecutors linked the officials to the hiring of dozens of employees without proper examinations, as well as transfers that placed staff in positions they were not qualified for. The prosecution also pointed to exam irregularities, alleging that unqualified candidates were allowed to sit for tests and later hired.
All three denied wrongdoing. Umuhumuza argued she had no hand in exam preparations or contract drafting linked to disputed payments. Murekezi told the court his role was limited to oral interviews, while decisions on exam management came directly from the CEO.
The case will proceed to trial, where judges will weigh the evidence against their defence.
