Ngozi prison : alleged violence, escape threats, and special favors – Colonel Uwamahoro at the heart of prisoners’ anger

SOS Médias Burundi

Ngozi, August 14, 2026 — Inmates at Ngozi Central Prison in Butanyerera Province, northern Burundi, are denouncing a climate of fear and tension that they attribute to Police Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro, former commander of the Anti-Riot Brigade. Imprisoned since 2023 in connection with the case involving former Prime Minister Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, the officer is now accused by several inmates of violence, escape threats, and receiving preferential treatment within the prison. These accusations, which have not been independently verified, come as the inmates demand his transfer to another prison.

A former head of the anti-riot brigade

Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro headed the Burundian police’s anti-riot brigade, a unit frequently cited in reports and testimonies alleging human rights violations.

He was arrested in April 2023 in connection with the case involving Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, then a former Prime Minister. Both men were arrested amidst heightened political tensions in Burundi.

Human rights organizations have previously expressed reservations about the circumstances and reasons for Uwamahoro’s detention, calling in particular for any proceedings against him to respect his fundamental rights.

Uwamahoro has always denied the accusations against him.

Alain-Guillaume Bunyoni, for his part, was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was later granted provisional release for medical reasons after his health deteriorated.

A climate of fear denounced by inmates

According to several testimonies gathered from inmates, Colonel Uwamahoro’s presence contributes to creating a climate of fear within the prison.

“Everyone is afraid of him. Many cases of violence are attributed to him, but no one dares to intervene,” says an inmate, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Some inmates also claim that the officer is under special surveillance by prisoners considered close to the ruling party. They mention recurring tensions surrounding his movements and activities within the prison.

Alleged assault on the inmates’ “capita”

An incident described as particularly serious reportedly occurred on July 28, according to several witnesses.

After spending several hours in the office of Christian Sibomana, the director of Ngozi Central Prison, Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro reportedly entered the cells and physically assaulted Emmanuel Manirakiza, the head of the inmates, commonly known as “Capita.”

According to witness accounts, the colonel accused Manirakiza of watching him closely to prevent his escape.

“Where is your Capita, preventing me from escaping? I even escaped from Zambia’s Central Prison; how could I not do it here in Ngozi?” he allegedly shouted, according to several inmates.

The alleged victim was then taken to the prison clinic for treatment after receiving several blows, particularly to the chest.

SOS Médias Burundi was unable to independently verify the exact circumstances of this altercation or the reported injuries.

Anger rises among prisoners

The alleged incident reportedly sparked outrage among the prisoners.

According to several witnesses, some inmates attempted to rally to defend their representative before the situation was brought under control.

“The inmates were ready to revolt to avenge their leader, they were so shocked by this attack,” reports another inmate.

These accounts paint a picture of a particularly tense atmosphere within the prison and raise fears of further clashes if no action is taken.

Suspicions of collusion with the administration

Beyond the accusations of violence, several inmates claim that Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro maintains a close relationship with the prison director, Christian Sibomana.

According to them, the two men collaborate on various money-making activities within the prison.

However, no independent evidence has been obtained to substantiate these accusations. The prison director and Colonel Uwamahoro have not yet publicly responded to these allegations.

The inmates interviewed are demanding Colonel Uwamahoro’s transfer to another prison.

“We demand his departure. We no longer feel safe as long as he remains here,” a prisoner stated.

Prison conditions fueling tensions

According to several consistent accounts, Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro is not treated like an ordinary prisoner during the day. Some prisoners claim he enjoys greater freedom of movement than other inmates.

These alleged privileges are fueling resentment among some of the prison population and reinforcing suspicions of close ties between the officer and the prison administration.

These accusations, however, remain to be substantiated.

Authorities called upon to respond

The testimonies gathered raise questions about the safety of the prisoners and the management of Colonel Uwamahoro within Ngozi Central Prison.

The prisoners are demanding his transfer and calling on the prison authorities to intervene to prevent an escalation of tensions.

At the time of writing, neither Colonel Désiré Uwamahoro, nor the director of Ngozi Central Prison, Christian Sibomana, nor the prison authorities had responded to these accusations.

Their version of events will be published as soon as it becomes available.