It was Bishop Gafaranga himself who requested this arrangement, explaining that the proceedings involve private family matters.

He told the court: “I request that this trial be held in confidentiality because it concerns my family.”

Prosecutors agreed, noting that the case is a family-related matter and should be handled accordingly.

The judge ruled that Bishop Gafaranga’s request was within his legal rights and ordered all attendees to leave before the session continued in confidentiality.

Bishop Gafaranga is accused of assault and repeated domestic violence against his wife, Annette Muvara.

He was arrested on May 7, 2025, and later remanded for 30 days by the Nyamata Primary Court on grounds of strong suspicion of the alleged crimes. His appeal to the Gasabo Intermediate Court was rejected, with the court upholding his continued pre-trial detention.