" YouTubers arrested over online exploitation of person with disability " 16 August 2023

The suspects are currently held at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Kimihurura station, and face charges related to online exploitation of an individual with a disability. The apprehended include Racheal Kembabazi, 31; Lawrence Mayanja Muwanguzi, 28; who operate YouTube channels named Connect with Uganda and UG Connect, respectively; and Xavier Niyibizi, 27, a Rwandan who operates a website known as Nexo Adventures. The arrests took place in a hotel located in Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District, RIB confirmed. The detained individuals were conducting interviews with Elie Nsanzimana, who was born with microcephaly, a rare condition characterised by an abnormally small head in proportion to the body. Nsanzimana's story initially gained prominence after he was covered by several YouTube channels. [...] Thierry Murangira, the spokesperson for RIB, noted that such actions constitute violation of Article 163 of the law which safeguards individuals with disabilities from abuse and discrimination. He emphasised that exploitation of disabled individuals for personal gain under the guise of advocacy is unacceptable and constitutes a crime of discrimination.