Muhanga, Rwanda — Reports have emerged of a violent altercation among inmates at Muhanga Prison, leaving several injured and hospitalized at Kabgayi Hospital.
Sources told Umuseke that the brawl was linked to drug smuggling inside the facility, particularly marijuana and tobacco, which allegedly find their way into the prison through external suppliers and some staff members.
According to the sources, some prison employees are accused of supplying these substances to inmate leaders (known as Gapita), who then distribute them to other prisoners. The fight reportedly broke out after prison authorities launched an internal investigation and tasked certain inmates with confiscating marijuana and tobacco from others. Resistance ensued when some prisoners refused to hand over the contraband without compensation, sparking a violent confrontation.
One source said: “The fight was brutal; some inmates lost teeth and were rushed to Kabgayi Hospital for treatment.”
The incident also disrupted family visitation. Relatives who arrived on the day of the clashes were initially denied access, and only a few were later allowed entry after the Inspector General of the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) personally intervened. Others left without seeing their loved ones.
Information gathered by Umuseke suggests that some visitors smuggle marijuana and tobacco into the prison hidden in sandals, personal hygiene items, or even children’s belongings brought during visits.
Efforts to reach the RCS spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful. Although he acknowledged receiving inquiries and promised to follow up, subsequent calls went unanswered.
However, Umuseke learned that in a message to staff, the RCS Inspector General issued a stern warning against both visitors and employees implicated in such misconduct.
Sources within the prison community expressed concern over what measures RCS leadership will take against the staff members allegedly involved, stressing that they are seen as the main culprits behind the smuggling that triggered the violence.