MUGABE R
Farmers from Ruhinda Sub-County, Rukungiri District, who were previously evicted from wetlands, have called off their protest and agreed to engage in a transparent and fair demarcation process aimed at wetland restoration. The resolution was reached today, Friday, 8th November 2024, during a mediation meeting held at Kashenyi Church of Uganda.
The meeting, organized by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Rotarian Steven Nsubuga Bewayo, was supported by Rukungiri Resident Judge Justice Tom Chemutai. It was attended by affected farmers from Ndere and Rwamugoma Parishes. The mediation came after tensions escalated following a district enforcement operation in November 2023, during which farmers’ crops and trees were destroyed, and boundary demarcations were forcefully installed, sparking protests and legal battles.
Justice Tom Chemutai had visited the disputed area to understand the conflicts firsthand and tasked the RDC to mediate the matter. The mediation process proved successful, with farmers agreeing to a more collaborative approach.
RDC Steven Nsubuga Bewayo urged farmers to avoid being exploited by lawyers and emphasized the importance of unity in achieving a transparent wetland restoration. “Rukungiri District is densely populated, and only by working together can we ensure a fair and sustainable demarcation process,” Bewayo said.
Rukungiri District LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama lauded the government’s protection of land ownership rights and encouraged farmers to embrace the mediation outcomes. He assured them of alternative livelihood projects to mitigate the impact of wetland restoration. “Unlike in other countries, our land ownership rights are secure, and we must support boundary demarcation that benefits everyone,” Kyomukama stated.
Ruhinda Sub-County LC3 Chairperson Hellen Kabajungu commended the pre-demarcation sensitization efforts and urged farmers to cooperate to avoid future conflicts. “We need to adhere to the guidelines to stay out of trouble,” she advised.
Rwamugoma Parish Councilor Kasande Maureen addressed misunderstandings among farmers, advocating for unity and commitment to the demarcation process. Meanwhile, Ruhinda Sub-County Chief Gershom Kwizeera expressed readiness to implement alternative livelihood projects to support the welfare of affected farmers.
RDC Steven Nsubuga Bewayo praised the farmers for their change in mindset and pledged to provide guidance for a sustainable demarcation effort.
