EDITOR
The leaders of the Rotary Club of Mgahinga have accused Kisoro District Council Speaker Amos Hakizimana of uprooting trees recently planted along the Rucheribuga-Gasasira road reserve in Kisoro Municipality.
On December 20, 2024, the Rotary Club of Mgahinga planted 60 trees along the road reserve as part of an environmental protection initiative. However, these trees were later uprooted by Speaker Hakizimana.
Peace Ruzaza, President of the Rotary Club of Mgahinga, stated that the club had consulted Kisoro Municipality authorities before planting the trees, who had granted them permission to proceed. Ruzaza expressed concerns about the political tensions in Kisoro District, warning that such conflicts could endanger the club’s voluntary funding and its support for Kisoro-based communities.
In response, Speaker Amos Hakizimana accused Kisoro Municipality authorities of attempting to seize district land. He explained that this prompted him to uproot the trees, claiming that the municipality frequently seeks to claim district lands within its jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, Kisoro District LC5 Chairperson Abel Bizimana criticized district authorities for failing to effectively utilize district land for development. He argued that this neglect has led to attempts by various groups to lay claim to public land.
