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Rwanda Labour

Supreme Court

RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd v SEROMBA N’ABANDI [

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Professional case brief

Research organized from the available case record

Source document

01

Holding and result

Seromba Martin and co-respondents worked for RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd for at least six consecutive months without interruption, as evidenced by continuous RSSB contributions and employment records. The employer failed to provide evidence of casual employment or interrupted service. Therefore, they are to be considered permanent employees unlawfully dismissed and entitled to compensation as previously awarded by the High Court, with a reduced legal fee award.

Court disposition

Appeal dismissed; High Court judgment affirmed with modification on legal fees.

Orders

  • RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd to pay compensation to Seromba Martin and co-respondents as previously awarded by the High Court.
  • RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd to pay 500,000 Frw as legal fees to Seromba Martin and co-respondents.
  • Security deposit paid by RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd to remain with the State Treasury.

02

Material facts

Parties

RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd

Appellant Counsel: Me Turyahebwa Robert

Seromba Martin

Respondent Counsel: Me Nsanzimfura Eugène

Bagenzi be (49 co-respondents)

Respondent Counsel: Me Nsanzimfura Eugène

Amounts and remedies

  • Compensation to Seromba Martin: Frw 2,356,000
  • Compensation to Uwizeyimana Théobald: Frw 1,467,000
  • Compensation to Nzabahayo James: Frw 1,962,550
  • Compensation to Furaha Prosper: Frw 1,361,408
  • Compensation to Semiga Révelien: Frw 1,744,550
  • Compensation to Hakizimana: Frw 1,761,188
  • Compensation to Kagabo Damascène: Frw 1,861,200
  • Compensation to Byigero Thacien: Frw 1,979,810
  • Compensation to Habumugisha Emmanuel: Frw 1,615,640
  • Compensation to Habyarimana Kassim: Frw 2,092,651
  • Compensation to Dusengimana Jean Claude: Frw 2,328,146
  • Compensation to Mutsindashyaka Michel: Frw 1,254,874
  • Compensation to Rwagakinga Valérien: Frw 1,618,589
  • Compensation to Ntawumenyumunsi Léonidas: Frw 1,439,617
  • Compensation to Kwizera Noël: Frw 1,915,076
  • Compensation to Bizimana Innocent: Frw 1,403,196
  • Compensation to Munyensanga Wellars: Frw 1,876,787
  • Compensation to Mutemberezi Jean Bosco: Frw 1,618,600
  • Compensation to Mutemberezi Sylvestre: Frw 1,734,176
  • Compensation to Nteziryayo Ezéchiel: Frw 1,744,550
  • Compensation to Nyaminani Cyprien: Frw 1,571,516
  • Compensation to Mayira Jean Pierre: Frw 1,641,776
  • Compensation to Rutayisire Aaron: Frw 1,744,550
  • Compensation to Twahirwa Jean Paul: Frw 1,903,774
  • Compensation to Nsabimpuhwe Félix: Frw 1,903,787
  • Compensation to Ndagijimana Zacharie: Frw 3,716,026
  • Compensation to Mugwiza Valens: Frw 1,870,442
  • Compensation to Niyibizi Viateur: Frw 1,744,561
  • Compensation to Senzira Protais: Frw 2,030,000
  • Compensation to Gatabazi Dominique: Frw 1,764,350
  • Compensation to Ibambasi Jean Bosco: Frw 1,754,276
  • Compensation to Sindikubwabo Bernard: Frw 1,734,588
  • Compensation to Nziriha Emmanuel: Frw 1,578,472
  • Compensation to Niyirera Philemon: Frw 1,364,408
  • Compensation to Gashumba Badru: Frw 2,206,700
  • Compensation to Ngendahimana Boniface: Frw 1,473,942
  • Compensation to Gahamanyi Damien: Frw 1,254,866
  • Compensation to Majyambere Emmanuel: Frw 1,618,589
  • Compensation to Sezibera Vincent: Frw 1,903,727
  • Compensation to Nzaramba Gaspard: Frw 1,903,800
  • Compensation to Hakizimana Modeste: Frw 2,195,000
  • Compensation to Harerimana Edouard: Frw 2,207,260
  • Compensation to Mashyaka François: Frw 2,202,700
  • Compensation to Nshimiyimana Etienne: Frw 1,896,637
  • Compensation to Twagiramungu Jean Pierre: Frw 1,825,644
  • Compensation to Tuyishime Jacques: Frw 1,761,128
  • Compensation to Musekura Ramadhan: Frw 2,030,000
  • Compensation to Harerimana Jean Pierre: Frw 1,923,573
  • Compensation to Iyakaremye Célestin: Frw 1,415,661
  • Compensation to Haragirimana: Frw 1,898,612
  • Legal Fees Awarded: Frw 500,000

03

Procedural history

  1. Posture

    Labour Dispute Appeal / Supreme Court Final Judgment

04

Questions and positions

Legal issues

Party arguments

Applicant
RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd argued that Seromba Martin and co-respondents were not permanent employees but casual workers engaged only when work was available, particularly during coffee season, and that payment of social security contributions (RSSB) did not prove permanent employment. They claimed no continuous six-month employment and that the lower court erred in relying on documents prepared by Seromba Martin, who acted as a representative of a cooperative, not as an individual employee.
Respondent
Seromba Martin and co-respondents argued they were permanent employees as evidenced by continuous social security contributions (RSSB) for over six months without interruption, some for years, and that the employer failed to provide evidence of casual employment. They cited employment records, decisions from labour inspector meetings, and the absence of proof that they were paid as casuals. They also claimed entitlement to compensation for unlawful dismissal and legal fees.

05

Court’s reasoning

  1. 01

    Article 1, 15, 29, 33, 34 of Law No 13/2009 of 27/05/2009 regulating labour in Rwanda

    A permanent employee is one who works for at least six consecutive months for the same employer, regardless of whether the contract is written or unwritten.

  2. 02

    Article 15 of Law No 13/2009 of 27/05/2009

    Social security contributions and continuous employment records are sufficient evidence of an employment relationship in the absence of a written contract.

  3. 03

    Article 162 of Law No 21/2012 of 14/06/2012 on civil, commercial, labour and administrative procedure

    The right to appeal is guaranteed, but compensation for delays in litigation is not warranted if the appeal is lawfully exercised.

06

Ratio, limits and disposition

Ratio decidendi

Seromba Martin and co-respondents worked for RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd for at least six consecutive months without interruption, as evidenced by continuous RSSB contributions and employment records. The employer failed to provide evidence of casual employment or interrupted service. Therefore, they are to be considered permanent employees unlawfully dismissed and entitled to compensation as previously awarded by the High Court, with a reduced legal fee award.

Obiter and limits

  • The method of salary payment (e.g., by receipt) does not determine employment status if other evidence shows continuous employment.
  • The employer bears the burden of proof to show casual employment when continuous service and social security contributions are established.

Court disposition

Appeal dismissed; High Court judgment affirmed with modification on legal fees.

  • RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd to pay compensation to Seromba Martin and co-respondents as previously awarded by the High Court.
  • RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd to pay 500,000 Frw as legal fees to Seromba Martin and co-respondents.
  • Security deposit paid by RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd to remain with the State Treasury.

Source and reliance status

Supreme Court · 6 April 2017

This page organises the available record for research. Confirm quotations, current status, and subsequent treatment against the official source before relying on the case.

Judgment reading view

Judgment text

The complete available source text.

Source document

Supreme Court

Labour· 6 April 2017

RSOCAA 0004/15/CS

RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd v SEROMBA N’ABANDI [

- Source: Amategeko - Section: Decisions (Judgements) - Date: 2017-04-06 - Case/document no.: RSOCAA 0004/15/CS - Collection: Supreme Court

Text

Page 1

RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd v SEROMBA N’ABANDI [Rwanda URUKIKO RW’IKIRENGA – RSOCAA 0004/15/CS – (Nyirinkwaya, J. P., Ngagi na Mukandamage, J.) 06 Mata 2017] Amategeko agenga imanza z’umurimo – Amasezerano y’umurimo – Umukozi uhoraho – Nyakabyizi – Afatwa nka nyakabyizi umukozi ukoreshwa umunsi ku munsi akaba atandukanye n’umukozi uhoraho uhabwa akazi mu gihe kizwi cyangwa kitazwi ariko umaze nibura amezi atandatu akurikiranye akorera umukoresha umwe. Incamake y’ikibazo: Uru rubanza rwatangiriye mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge, Seromba na Bagenzi barega RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd kuba yarabirukanye nta mpamvu no mu buryo budakurikije amategeko, bityo bakabisabira indishyi zitandukanye. Uru Rukiko rwemeje ko ibirego by’Abarega nta shingiro bifite kuko batashoboye kwerekana ko bari abakozi bahoraho, bityo bakaba batarirukanywe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko. Urega na Bagenzi be bajuririye Urukiko Rukuru, bavuga ko birukanywe mu buryo bunyuranyije n‘amategeko, basaba ko rwashingira ku kuba barateganyirizwaga muri RSSB kuva mu mwaka wa 2012, ko kandi barengeje amezi atandatu (6) bakorera RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd nk’umukoresha umwe. Urukiko rwemeje ko ubujurire bwabo bufite ishingiro, ko birukanywe mu buryo budakurikije amategeko bakaba bagomba kubihererwa indishyi zitandukanye. RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd yajuririrye Urukiko rw’Ikirenga avuga ko atishimiye iyo mikirirze y’urubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru,

urubanza rwarakiriwe ruburanishwa mu ruhame habanza gusuzumwa icyo kibazo cyo kumenya niba Seromba na Bagenzi be bari abakozi bahoraho cyangwa bari ba nyakabyizi. RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd isobanura ihakana ko Seromba na Bagenzi be batari abakozi yakoreshaga mu buryo buhoraho, ko ahubwo yabakoreshaga igihe akazi kabaga kabanotse, bivuzeko bakoraga bubyizi, kuba barishyurirwaga imisanzu muri RSSB ntacyo bivuze dore ko ikigaragaza ko bari ba nyakabyizi ari uko bahemberwaga hifashishijwe amaresi. Seromba na Bagenzi be bavuga ko uwari umukoresha wabo nta kimenyetso agaragaza ko bari ba nyakabyizi, ko kugira ngo umuntu ateganyirizwe bituruka ku mafaranga ahembwa, ko umubaruramari nta buryo yatanga amafaranga y’ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi atagaragaje ayo bahembwa n’ayo abakata. Basobanura kandi ko icyo guhemberwa ku maresi ntacyo bazi, ko hashingiwe kuri “relevé nominative” ya RSSB, ari abakozi bakoze umunsi ku munsi, barateganyirizwa. Incamake y’icyemezo: Afatwa nka nyakabyizi umukozi ukoreshwa umunsi ku munsi akaba atandukanye n’umukozi uhoraho uhabwa akazi mu gihe kizwi cyangwa kitazwi ariko umaze nibura amezi atandatu akurikiranye akorera umukoresha umwe. Bityo, Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be barakoreye RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd nibura mu gihe cy’amezi atandatu (6) akurikiranye nta guhagarara, bakaba bagomba gufatwa nk’abakozi bahoraho, aho kuba ba nyakabyizi. Ubujurire nta shingiro bufite. Imikirize y’urubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, ntihindutse. Amagarama aherera ku isanduku ya Leta. Amategeko yashingiweho: Itegeko Ngenga No 03/2012/OL ryo ku wa 13/06/2012 rigena imiterere, imikorere n’ububasha by’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga, ingingo ya 28. Itegeko No 21/2012 ryo ku wa 14/06/2012 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, ingingo ya 162.

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Itegeko No 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda, ingingo ya 1, 15, 29, 33 n’iya 34. Nta manza zifashishijwe. Urubanza I. IMITERERE Y’URUBANZA [1] Uru rubanza rwatangiriye mu Rukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge, Seromba Martin na Bagenzi (bavuzwe haruguru) barega RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd kuba yarabirukanye nta mpamvu no mu buryo budakurikije amategeko, bityo bakabisabira indishyi zitandukanye, nk’uko zigaragara mu kiburanwa; ibirego byabo bikaba byarahawe nimero zikurikira: RSOC 0196/13/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0109/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0110/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0111/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0112/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0113/14/TGI/NYGE-

RSOC 0114/14/TGI/NYGE1-RSOC 0115/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0116/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0117/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0118/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0119/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0120/14/TGI/NYGE-

RSOC 0121/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0122/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0123/14/TGI/NYGE2-RSOC 0124/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0125/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0126/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0127/14/TGI/NYGE-

RSOC 0128/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0129/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0130/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0131/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0132/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0133/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0134/14/TGI/NYGE-

RSOC 0135/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0136/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0137/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0138/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0139/14/TGI/NYGE- RSOC 0140/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0141/14/TGI/NYGE-

RSOC 0142/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0143/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0144/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0145/14/TGI/NYGE- RSOC 0146/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0147/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0148/14/TGI/NYGE-

RSOC 0149/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0150/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0151/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0152/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0153/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0154/14/TGI/NYGE- RSOC 0155/14/TGI/NYGE- RSOC 0156/14/TGI/NYGE-RSOC 0157/14/TGI/NYGE- RSOC 0158/14/TGI/NYGE. [2] Ku wa 29/05/2014, Urukiko Rwisumbuye rwa Nyarugenge rwemeje ko ibirego bya Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be nta shingiro bifite, kuko batashoboye kuvuguruza ibimenyetso byatanzwe na RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd, byerekana ko bari ba nyakabyizi, atari abakozi bahoraho, bityo rukaba rutakwemeza ko birukanwe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko, kuko ingingo ya 29 y’Itegeko No 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda, ikurikizwa ku bakozi bahoraho, itareba ba nyakabyizi. Urwo Rukiko rwasanze ikimenyetso cy’uko abo bakozi batangirwaga imisanzu muri RSSB, atari ikimenyetso kigaragaza ko bari abakozi bahoraho, kuko n’abakozi bo mu mirimo itanditse, batarebwa n’Itegeko rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda, batangirwa imisanzu y’ubwiteganyirize. [3] Seromba Martin na bagenzi be bajuririye Urukiko Rukuru, bavuga ko birukanywe mu buryo bunyuranyije n‘amategeko, basaba ko Urukiko Rukuru rwashingira ku kuba barateganyirizwaga muri RSSB kuva mu mwaka wa 2012, ko kandi barengeje amezi atandatu (6) bakorera RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd kuko bamwe muri bo batangiye akazi mu mwaka wa 1996, naho uwanyuma agatangira mu mwaka wa 2009 nk’uko bigaragazwa na “état de relevés nominatifs”, imyanzuro

y’inama yabaye ku wa 27/04/2012 ku cyicaro cya RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd, icyemezo cy’akazi, n’icyemezo cy’umugenzuzi w’umurimo. [4] Mu rubanza RSOCA 0146/14/HC rwaciwe ku wa 24/04/2015, Urukiko Rukuru rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bufite ishingiro, ko birukanwe mu buryo budakurikije amategeko. Rwemeje ko RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd itsindirwa amafaranga y’indishyi z’ikurikiranarubanza, indishyi z’uko itatanze integuza, amafaranga y’imperekeza, amafaranga y’indishyi z’uko itatanze ibyemezo by’umurimo,

1Kopi y’urubanza igaragaza ko cyatanzwe na Habyarimana Kassim. 2Na none, iki kirego bigaragara ko cyatanzwe na Habyarimana Kassim.

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amafaranga y’indishyi y’uko yirukanye abakozi bayo mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko, n’amafaranga ya konji batahawe; bityo ruvuga ko buri wese agomba kwishyurwa izo ndishyi mu buryo bukurikira: Seromba Martin 2.356.000 Frw; Uwizeyimana Théobald 1.467.000 Frw; Nzabahayo James 1.962.550 Frw; Furaha Prosper 1.361.408 Frw; Semiga Révelien 1.744.550 Frw; Hakizimana 1.761.188 Frw; Kagabo Damascène 1.861.200 Frw; Byigero Thacien 1.979.810 Frw; Habumugisha Emmanuel 1.615.640 Frw; Habyarimana Kassim 2.092.651 Frw; Dusengimana Jean Claude 2.328.146 Frw; Mutsindashyaka Michel 1.254.874 Frw; Rwagakinga Valérien 1.618.589 Frw; Ntawumenyumunsi Léonidas 1.439.617 Frw; Kwizera Noël 1.915.076 Frw; Bizimana Innocent 1.403.196 Frw; Munyensanga Wellars 1.876.787 Frw; Mutemberezi Jean Bosco 1.618.600 Frw; Mutemberezi Sylvestre 1.734.176 Frw; Nteziryayo Ezéchiel 1.744.550 Frw; Nyaminani Cyprien 1.571.516 Frw; Mayira Jean Pierre 1.641.776 Frw; Rutayisire Aaron 1.744.550 Frw; Twahirwa Jean Paul 1.903.774 Frw; Nsabimpuhwe Félix 1.903.787 Frw; Ndagijimana Zacharie 3.716.026 Frw; Mugwiza Valens 1.870.442 Frw; Niyibizi Viateur 1.744.561 Frw; Senzira Protais 2.030.000 Frw; Gatabazi Dominique 1.764.350 Frw; Ibambasi Jean Bosco 1.754.276 Frw; Sindikubwabo Bernard 1.734.588 Frw; Nziriha Emmanuel 1.578.472 Fw; Niyirera Philemon 1.364.408 Frw; Gashumba Badru 2.206.700 Frw; Ngendahimana Boniface 1.473.942 Frw;

Gahamanyi Damien 1.254.866 Frw; Majyambere Emmanuel 1.618.589 Frw; Sezibera Vincent 1.903.727 Frw; Nzaramba Gaspard 1.903.800 Frw; Hakizimana Modeste 2.195.000 Frw; Harerimana Edouard 2.207.260 Frw; Mashyaka François 2.202.700 Frw; Nshimiyimana Etienne 1.896.637 Frw; Twagiramungu Jean Pierre 1.825.644 Frw; Tuyishime Jacques 1.761.128 Frw; Musekura Ramadhan 2.030.000 Frw; Harerimana Jean Pierre 1.923.573 Frw; Iyakaremye Célestin 1.415.661 Frw; Haragirimana 1.898.612 Frw. Urwo Rukiko rwategetse RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd kwishyura igihembo cy’Avoka kingana na 800.000 Frw. [5] RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd yajuririye Urukiko rw’Ikirenga ivuga ko itishimiye imikirize y’urubanza rwaciwe n’Urukiko Rukuru, kubera ko: 1oumucamanza yashingiye kuri “Relevé nominatif” yakorwaga na Seromba Martin wari uhagarariye bagenzi be, bari bibumbiye muri Koperative Abishyizehamwe, mu gihe nta “Privity of Contract” yigeze iba hagati ya ba nyakabyizi na RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd, ahubwo ko yabaye hagati ya Seromba Martin na RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd; 2o uwo mucamanza yemeje ko Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bari abakozi bahoraho nta bimenyetso ashingiyeho; 3o uwo mucamanza yemeje ko Seromba Martin na bagenzi be batari ba nyakabyizi, ashingiye ko bishyuriwe imisanzu muri RSSB nta kimenyetso ashingiyeho kigaragaza ko nibura bishyuriwe amezi 6 akurikirana nta guhagarara, ndetse bakaba barazaga ku kazi buri munsi; ko ikibazo atari ingano

y’igihe bakoze, ahubwo ko ikibazo ari “regularity of attendance” ku kazi (Non stop from day one to up to the end of the sixth month). [6] Urubanza rwaburanishijwe mu ruhame ku wa 07/03/2017, RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd iburanirwa na Me Turyahebwa Robert, naho Me Nsanzimfura Eugène yunganiye Seromba Martin akanahagararira Bagenzi be (ba Seromba), Me Nsanzimfura Eugène akaba yaratanze inzitizi yo kutakira ubujurire bwa RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd kuko butari mu bubasha bw’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga, kubera ko indishyi zagenewe buri mukozi zitarenga 50.000.000 Frw. [7] Nyuma yo kwiherera, Urukiko rwasanze, n’ubwo buri mukozi yagenewe indishyi ze, ingingo ya 28 y‘Itegeko Ngenga No 03/2012/OL ryo ku wa 13/06/2012 rigena imiterere, imikorere n’ububasha by’Urukiko rw’Ikirenga, iteganya ko indishyi zagenwe zireberwa ku rubanza rwose, bityo rwemeza ko inzitizi yatanzwe nta shingiro ifite, urubanza ruhita rukomeza kuburanishwa mu mizi. II. IBIBAZO BIRI MU RUBANZA N’ISESENGURWA RYABYO 1. Kumenya niba Seromba Martin na bagenzi be bari abakozi bahoraho cyangwa ba nyakabyizi ba RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd [8] Me Turyahebwa Robert avuga ko Urukiko Rukuru rwemeje ko Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bari abakozi bahoraho ba RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd, ariko ko atari ko bimeze kuko batigeze bakora amezi atandatu (6) badahagarara, ko ahubwo ari ba nyakabyizi bakoraga ari uko akazi kabonetse bitewe n’igihe cya sizeni

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(season) y’ikawa, bakaba batarakoraga buri munsi, ko ari Seromba Martin wageneraga akazi Bagenzi be, bakajya bamusinyira, ko iyo baza kuba barakoraga akazi gahoraho, RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd yari kubakorera lisiti ihoraho. Avuga ko kuvuga ko bishyuriwe imisanzu muri RSSB, ibyo ntacyo bivuze kuko umukozi wese agomba gutangirwa iyo misanzu, yaba nyakabyizi cyangwa umukozi uhoraho, ko RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd ifite amaresi (reçus) abo bakozi bagiye bahemberwaho, mu gihe umukozi uhoraho adahemberwa kuri resi, bityo ko abo bakozi ari bo bagaragaza ko bahembwaga ku kwezi. [9] Seromba Martin avuga ko we na Bagenzi be bari abakozi bahoraho kubera ko bategenyirijwe ukwezi ku kundi, umwaka ukarangira, ko we ku giti cye yateganyirijwe imyaka 13 nta kwezi na kumwe kubuzemo, akaba yaratangiye akazi mu mwaka wa 1986, atangirira ku mushahara wa 70.000 Frw, ariko akaba yarahagaritswe ageze kuri 165.000 Frw. Avuga ko hari inama yabaye ku wa 27/04/2012, ihuza Umugenzuzi w’Umurimo, RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd n’Akarere ka Kicukiro, hanyuma ifata imyanzuro ko abakozi bagomba kubahiriza amasaha y’akazi nk’uko abiteganya, RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd igategura amasezerano y’akazi, akazasinywa, kandi igateganyiriza abakozi; ko ibyo byose ari ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko bari abakozi bahoraho, ko batari ba nyakabyizi. [10] Me Nsanzimfura Eugène avuga ko RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd isobanura ko abakozi bayirega bari ba nyakabyizi, ariko ko nta

bimenyetso igaragaza, ko kugira ngo umuntu ateganyirizwe bituruka ku mafaranga ahembwa, ko umubaruramari (comptable) nta buryo yatanga amafaranga y’ubwiteganyirize bw’abakozi atagaragaje ayo bahembwa n’ayo abakata, bityo ko ari RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd yagombye kugaragaza amalisiti yakorwaga. Avuga ko amaresi yavuzwe n’uburanira RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd ko ari yo abakozi bahemberwagaho nka ba nyakabyizi, ntayo bazi; ko, hashingiwe kuri “relevé nominatif“ ya RSSB, asanga abakozi aburanira barakoze umunsi ku munsi, barateganyirizwa.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [11] Ingingo ya mbere, agace ka 33, y’Itegeko No 13/2009 ryo ku wa 27/05/2009 rigenga umurimo mu Rwanda, iteganya ko umukozi uhoraho ari umukozi uhabwa akazi mu gihe kizwi cyangwa kitazwi, ariko umaze nibura amezi atandatu (6) akurikiranye akorera umukoresha umwe. Naho agace ka 34 k’iyo ngingo gateganya ko umukozi wa nyakabyizi ari umukozi ukoreshwa umunsi ku munsi. [12] Ingingo ya 15, igika cya mbere, y’Itegeko No 13/2009 rivuzwe haruguru, iteganya ko amasezerano y’akazi ashobora kuba ayanditse cyangwa atanditse. Akorwa ku buryo bunogeye bene kuyagirana ku mpande zombi igihe bitabangamiye ingingo ya 19 y’iri Tegeko. Gihamya y’amasezerano ishobora kuba uburyo bwose bubonetse.[...]. [13] Muri uru rubanza, dosiye igaragaza ko Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be 49 bahagaritswe ku kazi na RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd ku wa 05/07/2013, aba mbere muri abo bakozi bakaba baratangiye akazi mu mwaka wa 1996, naho aba nyuma bagatangira mu mwaka wa 2009; RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd ikaba ivuga ko bayikoreraga nka ba nyakabyizi, naho abo bakozi bakavuga ko bari abakozi bahoraho kuko bayikoreye igihe kirenze amezi atandatu (6) badahagarika akazi. [14] Urukiko rurasanga, nk’uko byanasobanuwe mu rubanza rwajuririwe, Itegeko rigenga umurimo ryarasobanuye umukozi uhoraho na nyakabyizi, aho mu ngingo yaryo ya mbere, agace ka 34 n’aka 35, yavuzwe haruguru, riteganya ko umukozi nyakabyizi ari umukozi ukoreshwa umunsi ku munsi, naho umukozi uhoraho akaba ari umukozi uhabwa akazi mu gihe kizwi cyangwa kitazwi, ariko umaze nibura amezi atandatu (6) akurikiranye, akorera umukoresha umwe; hakaba rero hagomba gusuzumwa niba hari ibimenyetso bigaragaza ko Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bakoreye RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd nibura amezi 6 badahagarara kugira ngo bafatwe nk’abakozi bahoraho.

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[15] Urukiko rurasanga inyandiko ziswe ‟etat des releves nominatifs des remunerations par assure” zatanzwe na Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be zigaragaza ko buri mukozi yagiye atangirwa umusanzu mw’Isanduku y’Ubwiteganyirize bw’Abakozi (RSSB) n’umukoresha umwe ari we RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd, bikozwe buri kwezi nta guhagarara kandi mu gihe kirenga umwaka kugeza igihe bahagarikiwe akazi (ku wa 05/07/2013). Kuba RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd ivuga ko nta masezerano yigeze igirana n’abakozi ba nyakabyizi, ibyo ntibyahabwa ishingiro, kuko inyandiko zimaze kuvugwa haruguru zigaragaza ko RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd ari we mukoresha w’abo bakozi (Seromba n’Abagenzi be), izo nyandiko zikaba ari ikimenyetso gihamya amasezerano y’akazi atanditse, hakurikijwe ibiteganywa n’ingingo ya Ingingo ya 15, igika cya mbere, y’Itegeko No 13/2009 ryavuzwe haruguru. [16] Kuba uburanira RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd avuga ko Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be batigeze bakora amezi atandatu (6) badahagarara, ko ahubwo ari ba nyakabyizi bakoraga ari uko akazi kabonetse bitewe n’igihe cya sizeni (season) y’ikawa, Urukiko rurasanga nta shingiro bifite kuko atagaragaje ibimenyetso byerekana iminsi buri mukozi yagiye akora muri buri kwezi kugira ngo bigaragare ko hari igihe bagiye bahagarara gukora, cyane cyane ko, hakurikijwe ibyasobanuwe haruguru, RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd ari yo yateguraga imisanzu y’abo bakozi ku buryo ari yo yakagombye no kugaragaza uko

umushahara wa buri wese wabarirwagaho umusanzu wa RSSB wabonekaga, byongeye kandi bikaba bitanumvikana uburyo uyiburanira avuga ko abo bakozi bakoraga mu gihe cya sizeni y’ikawa (ni ukuvuga igihe cy’isarurwa ry’ikawa) kandi nyamara ibimenyetso bya RSSB (byavuzwe haruguru) bigaragaza ko batangirwaga umusanzu w’amezi yose. Naho kuba RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd ifite amaresi (reçus) abo bakozi bagiye bahemberwaho, icyo kitaba ikimenyetso kigaragaza ko abo bakozi bari ba nyakabyizi kuko uburyo bwakoreshwaga mu kubahemba atari bwo bugaragaza ko bari ba nyakabyizi kubera ko ntacyabuza ko umukozi ukora mu buryo buhoraho ahemberwa ku maresi (reçus). [17] Urukiko rurasanga rero, hakurikijwe ibimaze gusobanurwa mu bika bibanziriza iki, kuba Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be barakoreye RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd nibura mu gihe cy’amezi atandatu (6) akurikiranye nta guhagarara, bagomba gufatwa nk’abakozi bahoraho, aho kuba ba nyakabyizi, bityo ko, nk’uko byemejwe mu rubanza RSOCA 0146/14/HC/KIG (rwajuririwe), birukanywe mu buryo bunyuranyije n’amategeko, kuko RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd itabageneye ibyo itegeko rigenga umurimo ribemerera nk’abakozi bahoraho baserewe ku kazi, yitwaje ko ari ba nyakabyizi, bakaba rero bagomba kubihererwa indishyi zagenwe muri urwo rubanza.

2. Kumenya niba Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bahabwa indishyi basaba [18] Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bavuga ko basaba ko RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd yakwishyura buri wese 500.000 Frw yo gusiragizwa mu manza, ikanishyura 2.000.000 Frw y’igihembo cy’Avoka. [19] Me Turyahebwa Robert, uburanira RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd, avuga ko Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be batavuga ko basiragijwe kuko kujurira ari uburenganzira bwa RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd, ko n’igihembo cy’Avoka ntacyo yacibwa kuko yajuriye ishaka kurenganurwa.

UKO URUKIKO RUBIBONA [20] Urukiko rurasanga kuba RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd yarajuriye, ari uburenganzira bwayo nk’uko buteganywa n’ingingo ya 162 y’Itegeko No 21/2012 ryo ku wa 14/06/2012 ryerekeye imiburanishirize y’imanza z’imbonezamubano, iz’ubucuruzi, iz’umurimo n’iz’ubutegetsi, bityo Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bakaba ntaho bahera basaba indishyi zo gusiragizwa mu manza. [21] Ku bijyanye n’igihembo cy’Avoka, Urukiko rurasanga Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bakwiye gusubizwa amafaranga bishyuye Avoka, ariko ko 2.000.000 Frw bifuje ari menshi ndetse bakaba bataragaraje ikimenyetso ko bayatanze, bityo mu bushishozi barwo, rukaba rubageneye 500.000 Frw.

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III. ICYEMEZO CY’URUKIKO [22] Rwemeje ko ubujurire bwa RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd nta shingiro bufite. [23] Rwemeje ko imikirize y’urubanza RSOCA 0146/14/HC/KIG rwaciwe ku wa 24/04/2015 n’Urukiko Rukuru, idahindutse, uretse gusa ku bijyanye n’amafaranga y’igihembo cy’Avoka Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be bagenewe kuri uru rwego; [24] Rutegetse RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd guha Seromba Martin na Bagenzi be 500.000 Frw y’igihembo cy’Avoka. [25] Rutegetse ko amafaranga y’ingwate y’igarama yatanzwe na RWACOF EXPORTS Ltd, aheze mu Isanduku ya Leta.

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Organic Law No 03/2012/OL of 13/06/2012, Article 28

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Law No 21/2012 of 14/06/2012, Article 162

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Law No 13/2009 of 27/05/2009, Articles 1, 15, 29, 33, 34

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