Derrick A
Residents of Ruhinda sub-county in Rukungiri district, whose gardens were forcibly cleared by the Rukungiri district water office in collaboration with the district environment office and security forces, convened with their legal representative, Arinaitwe Peter & Co. Advocates, on Saturday to strategize on seeking justice.
In the preceding week, the Rukungiri district environment office, supported by the police, undertook the destruction of crop gardens and tree plantations in various parishes, including Burombe, Rwamugoma, Kicwamba, and parts of Ndere, all within Ruhinda Sub-County, Rukungiri. This action was taken to restore degraded wetlands in the district, affecting over 100 homes and resulting in the clearing of more than 100 acres of gardens comprising sugarcane, beans, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coffee, and banana plantations.
Arinaitwe Peter, the managing partner of Arinaitwe Peter & Co. Advocates, has already served notices indicating his intent to sue Rukungiri district officials if they fail to provide explanations to the affected residents. Letters have been dispatched to key figures, including the Rukungiri district RDC, district chairperson, district environment officer, and water officer. Arinaitwe seeks clarification on the number and locations of wetlands in the sub-county, the legal basis for the property destruction, and the absence of prior notice to property owners.
He demands information on the law used to justify the destruction without allowing property owners to harvest their crops or vacate the wetlands. Additionally, Arinaitwe is asking authorities to furnish him with the notices served to his clients. The legal counsel is also pressing for an explanation of the mandate under which officials destroyed private property without compensation. All affected clients have been instructed to submit necessary information before Tuesday, as Arinaitwe intends to file the case in court.
On Friday evening, Hon. Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Security and Rujumbura county legislator, warned that officers who tampered with properties outside designated wetlands and without consent would face legal consequences. He urged residents to remain calm as they address the issues at hand.
