Rwanda | ‘Corruption cost my freedom and my family’s happiness’- an inmate reflects.

Some of the prisoners at Muhanga prison

Noel Gasasira is an inmate in Muhanga prison in Nyamabuye sector in South province of Rwanda due to corruption. He says that he gave out a bribe so as to get services he didn’t deserve and now he is paying for his unlawful actions.

Gasasira, 40 years old, says that the crime he committed has already affected his life in many ways.

“I was a respected person with big dreams but now I here. The present way of life says it all …I have to serve for more years” he said

He adds that his actions have had a big impact on his family of which he solely supported. He says that he had big plans for his family to achieve some goals in the year ahead.

“Instead of my family looking for a way to survive, they are always on the way coming to visit me. I cannot provide for them anymore. They’re in total poverty now and I am here in prison helpless to them” he said.

Gasasira advises that “if anyone is planning to give a bribe so as to get a certain service, they should stop, think twice and learn from my example”

Evariste Byababaye a prosecutor at Muhanga High Court said that corruption is considered by law as buying rights that one doesn’t deserve.