Dr. Rurangwa claimed that while studying in the United States, his property located in Kimihurura, Kigali, was sold in what he describes as an illegal manner, ultimately acquired by a person named Ntabareshya Papias.

In the lawsuit filed in 2019, Dr. Rurangwa claimed that his land was sold using a document falsely declaring his death, issued by the local administration in Kibangu, Muhanga District, his place of origin.

He further explained that these documents were validated by a judge in the Local Court, enabling Ntabareshya to take possession of the property. Dr. Rurangwa argued that his lawsuit was based on the violation of the East African Community (EAC) laws, seeking to reclaim his property, as it was sold illegally.

The representative of the Rwandan government denied Dr. Rurangwa’s allegations, stating that the government had no involvement in the transfer of his property. It was pointed out that the actions were taken independently by his wife, his sisters, and the buyer, thus the government should not be held accountable.

The trial was scheduled for March 15, 2024, in Arusha, Tanzania. However, Dr. Rurangwa did not appear for the hearing despite being notified, while the Rwandan government was represented in court.

The judges decided to dismiss the case due to the plaintiff’s absence from the hearing.

The East African Court has dismissed land dispute case filed against Rwanda.