Simpson M
Residents of Nyamuniga, Kihanga Parish, Buhunga Sub-county, Rukungiri District, expressed frustration yesterday evening as they took action, cutting down a portion of the alleged LC2 Chairperson’s coffee plantation. This action came after over a decade of being denied space by the Chairperson to construct a community road.
An anonymous resident reported that a group of locals descended on the Chairperson’s coffee farm at Nyamuniga village in Buhunga Sub County on Sunday night, destroying coffee plants in an attempt to clear space for their community road.
Allegedly, the residents claimed that Kemirembe, the Chairperson, had consistently refused to provide space on her land for the construction of the road over the past ten years. Initially, ten years ago, when asked for space, Kemirembe declined, leading the residents to report the matter to sub-county leaders.
Subsequently, a meeting between leaders and residents was held to address the issue. It was resolved that space would be allocated for the road on Kemirembe’s land. However, when construction began, Kemirembe reportedly reneged on the agreement and offered an alternative piece of land that was deemed unsuitable by the residents, prompting their forceful action.
Kemirembe, also the owner of the coffee plantation, and Chairperson LC2 of Kihanga Parish, recounted being informed around 11 pm on Sunday by a friend about the attack on her plantation. Upon arrival at the scene, she found suspected residents fleeing. She reported the incident to Rukungiri Central Police the next morning, and upon their arrival, the residents returned to continue construction before fleeing again upon police intervention.
Kemirembe expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, particularly for residents supportive of the road project, warning against underestimating the seriousness of the matter, as it could escalate to violence. She highlighted that this was not the first time she had been attacked by residents.
George Biryabarema, Detective Inspector of Rukungiri Police Station, condemned the residents’ actions as unlawful. He assured that the case had been documented, investigations were underway, and the suspects would face prosecution upon arrest. Additionally, he issued a warning against vigilantism, urging those involved to desist from taking the law into their own hands.
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