MUSABYIMANA N’ABANDI v. ABAZUNGURA BA NDINDAYINO

MUSABYIMANA N’ABANDI v. ABAZUNGURA BA NDINDAYINO

The will dated 28/10/2021 was invalid as a beneficiary witnessed and knew its contents before the testator's death, violating Article 65 of Law No 27/2016. Properties registered in the name of Nyiraboshyuwenda Cécile must be included in the estate as respondents failed to prove exclusive ownership by Gakumba Pierre....

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RCAA 00071/2025/CA
Parties
Applicant: Musabyimana Alain; Applicant: Ngendahimana Jean Baptiste; Applicant: Mukamurenzi Sandrine; Respondent: Mukabutera Leonile; Respondent: Abazungura ba Ndindayino Béatrice; Respondent: Iradukunda Amede; Respondent: Utetiwabo Jolie; Respondent: Gakumba Pierre; Respondent: Hakizimana Gilbert; Respondent: Icyizanye Vestine; Respondent: Rafiki Eric; Respondent: Mutabazi Gratien
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
29 October 2025
Case Number
RCAA 00071/2025/CA
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
appeal allowed in part, judgment varied
Legal Topics
Testamentary Succession, Will Formalities, Distribution of Estate, Inheritance Rights, Legal Validity of Testament, Procedural Costs
Source Language
rw
Family Law Succession Law Testamentary Succession Will Formalities Distribution of Estate Inheritance Rights Legal Validity of Testament Procedural Costs

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Parties

Musabyimana Alain

Applicant

Ngendahimana Jean Baptiste

Applicant

Mukamurenzi Sandrine

Applicant

Mukabutera Leonile

Respondent

Abazungura ba Ndindayino Béatrice

Respondent

Iradukunda Amede

Respondent

Utetiwabo Jolie

Respondent

Gakumba Pierre

Respondent

Hakizimana Gilbert

Respondent

Icyizanye Vestine

Respondent

Rafiki Eric

Respondent

Mutabazi Gratien

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the Court erred in invalidating the will dated 28/10/2021
  2. 2 Whether certain immovable property should be included in the estate
  3. 3 Whether applicants must return rental income and funds withdrawn from estate accounts

Ratio Decidendi

The will dated 28/10/2021 was invalid as a beneficiary witnessed and knew its contents before the testator's death, violating Article 65 of Law No 27/2016. Properties registered in the name of Nyiraboshyuwenda Cécile must be included in the estate as respondents failed to prove exclusive ownership by Gakumba Pierre. Applicants must return rental income and funds withdrawn from estate accounts unless proven used with consent or for estate benefit. Damages and legal fees awarded at first instance are revoked as both sides succeeded and failed in part.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed in part, judgment varied

Orders

  • Will dated 28/10/2021 declared invalid
  • Properties registered to Nyiraboshyuwenda Cécile included in estate for equal distribution