It is the birthplace of Félicien Kabuga, a mastermind of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi charged with seven counts including five related to genocide; genocide, complicity in genocide, director and public incitement to commit genocide, attempt to commit genocide and conspiracy to commit genocide.

Other charges are persecution and extermination, both as crimes against humanity.

Arrested on 16th May 2020, Kabuga is known as the Chief Financier of Genocide against Tutsi. He was a wealthy businessman and core member of the Akazu (a small powerful circle of ideologues that masterminded the Genocide). He was also the founding president of the board of shareholders of hate radio RTLM, which incited killings.

Kabuga is detained in La Haye, the Netherlands but his trial has not yet started in substance.

Born in 1935, Kabuga was a renowned businessman who made big fortunes since his adolescence in Mugina. It is said that he was involved in the business of drugs for livestock treatment, leather, coffee and second hand clothes.

He was an intimate friend of the family of former President Juvénal Habyarimana who led the government which prepared and executed the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Their close friendship deepened further as they became co-fathers in law.

The two daughters of Kabuga were married to sons of Juvénal Habyarimana.

Preferred place for sharing drink

At Mugina small village hill where Kabuga grew up, stands a multi-storey building built by Kabuga in collaboration with his brother, Nsanzumuhire as sources revealed.

Apart from the one storey building and extensions built for Kabuga’s parents and other relatives, there is a detached house in which Kabuga lived with his family.

His relatives include Martin Katabarwa said to be a very close relative having roots from one grandfather. He has said that Habyarimana used to visit Kabuga with whom they shared drink at the place.

“It did not happen very often but he used to come here. They would exchange ideas seated in that bungalow,” he said.

Katabarwa revealed that Habyarimana often visited Kabuga in evening hours and shared drinks.

“They used to hold private talks. Other people would be isolated from their discussions,” he said.

The House is built in Nyange Village, Gatenga Cell of Mukarange Sector. It is said that the house was built in 1970 but is currently unoccupied. It is a large house with 12 rooms with bathrooms and toilets inside.

The sitting room of the house is decorated with different paintings but the ceiling has deteriorated.

The bungalow in which Kabuga and Habyarimana used to share ‘a glass of beer’ is in the garden adjacent to the main building.

The garden is currently planted with maize. Next to the building, one can see the kitchen and house for domestic servants.

The house in which Kabuga used to share a drink with Habyarimana.

The ceiling of the house has deteriorated.

The multi-storey building built by Kabuga and his brother at Mugina Hill.