It was a day of Joy and thanksgiving for Valence Kibyeyi and his entire household yesterday in Nyagicyebe Village, Rwaramba Parish, Nyakinama Sub County, Kisoro district following his release from a Rwandan Prison after nearly two and half years.
Collective efforts from the Bukimbiri County Member of Parliament Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, Kisoro LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana, the entire Business community in Kisoro and the Kigezi Media fraternity yielded results after Valence Kibyeyi was set free to return to Uganda, more than three weeks ago.
While in the company of family and friends, Kibyeyi held a thanksgiving ceremony at his home in Mubuga trading center where he thanked everyone who offered support leading up to his release.
He commended the business community that voluntarily offered their National Identification numbers, along with their names and telephone contacts, on petition that was presented to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba to intercede for his release, while before Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Kibyeyi, who was overjoyed during the church led celebrations and later during an evening cocktail at Mountain Breeze Hotel in Kisoro Municipality said he prefers not to speak of his experiences while in Prison, for his own security and safety.
Kibyeyi, a prominent fabrics dealer in Rwanda was arrested and detained for nearly two and a half years ago on tax evasion charges.
His case garnered public attention after it was discovered that the trial progress on his case was not known and Rwandan authorities seemed determined to keep holding him indefinitely.
As serendipity would have it, Ugandan army General and first son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba had announced a trip to meet with Rwandan President Paul Kagame to hold discussions on how to end a three-year political and economic impasse between the two countries.
Political analysts believe that local leaders from Kisoro used the opportunity to advocate for Kibyeyi’s release while meeting with the MK movement in Kabale back in March 2023, a strategy that could have contributing factors to his release today.
Kibyeyi’s reluctance to speak freely on his auspicious day could suggest that he might be out of a Rwandan prison, but he is not yet truly free.
Kisoro District LCV chairperson Abel Bizimana called upon the businessman whose dealings are mostly in Rwanda to cultivate and maintain relations with people in Uganda to avoid such incidents from happening again.
Helena Nzabarinda, mother to Kibyeyi said she could not believe her eyes when she saw her son after nearly two years of little to no communication from him.
She thanked God for every experience that led them up to that point when her son has been returned to her.
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