AMOS K
Leaders from North Sub-County in Ntungamo District have urged residents to avoid mob justice and instead follow proper rules and regulations when dealing with an Islamic group claiming ownership of government land.
This appeal was made by Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibare, the LC3 Chairperson of Rugaraama North, during a security meeting held on January 14, 2025, at the Rugaraama North Sub-County headquarters. He noted that the meeting was attended by various local leaders, including chairpersons from the entire sub-county, sub-county officials, security personnel, and other concerned individuals united in the effort to protect the land in question.
Rwanyakibare explained that while many issues were discussed during the meeting, the primary focus was on devising a strategy to carefully handle the situation involving a Muslim group claiming ownership of the government land through an entity known as the Equal Opportunities Commission. The commission is reportedly planning to officially allocate the land to the Muslim group on January 17, 2025.
He further revealed that both government and private lawyers have been engaged to intervene in case the Equal Opportunities Commission makes an unfair decision, as the commission’s mandate does not include allocating government land.
Rwanyakibare stated that the meeting resolved that if the commission proceeds to allocate the land, the local leadership will take responsibility for protecting residents’ property, including gardens, while pursuing a fair judgment through the courts of law. He also requested the RDC (Resident District Commissioner) to deploy sufficient security to prevent violence.
Yolkam Bwampere, the LC1 Chairperson of Kangarame Cell, where the disputed land is located, and an elder who attended the meeting, confirmed that the land belongs to the government. He accused the Muslim group of claiming the land without clear documentation. Bwampere advised the group to submit a formal request for the land rather than forcefully asserting ownership, as the residents depend on the land for their livelihoods and will not accept its unauthorized allocation.
Emmanuel Basheija, the LDU (Local Defense Unit) Commander for Rugaraama North Sub-County, affirmed their readiness to protect the land and residents’ property until the matter is resolved in court. He added that security in the sub-county is sufficient and stated they have evidence showing the Muslim group previously submitted a request for the land but were denied.
Basheija also appealed to residents to avoid violence if the land is allocated and instead follow legal procedures to appeal the decision.
