Senior Reporter
A heated dispute has erupted between leaders of Kisoro municipality and the district regarding the development of the Saaza playground by a local entrepreneur.
In January, Hamza Kent Rwendegye, a well-known figure in Kisoro town, commenced the fencing of a section of the Saaza ground with plans to build commercial facilities. However, municipal authorities promptly opposed his actions, demanding an immediate halt to the construction. They argued that the land rightfully belongs to the government, with municipal authorities serving as its custodians.
Alikwan Ayubu Kisubi, the town clerk of Kisoro Municipality, reiterated this stance in a directive letter dated January 29, 2024. Kisubi emphasized that Rwendegye’s construction was illegal as it lacked approval from the municipal authorities. According to Kisubi, the authority to approve or reject any development lies with the municipal council, as outlined in the Physical Planning Act (amended) and Building Control Act of 2023. Therefore, Kisubi instructed Rwendegye to dismantle any erected structures and return the land to its original state.
Abel Bizimana, the Kisoro district LCV chairperson, has now stepped in, urging Kisubi to withdraw the order halting the investor’s construction plans. Bizimana defended the decision to allocate land to Hamza, asserting that proper procedures were followed, including a formal request through the appropriate channels.
Rwendegye Hamza, the owner of Indaro Hotel near the Saza playground in central division of Kisoro Municipality, expressed appreciation for the intervention of the chief administrative officer’s office and the district chairperson. He acknowledged the historical significance of the playground, highlighting its ties to the heritage of their ancestors.
