Nicholas A
The Rukungiri district council is grappling with the ongoing Rwamahwa land dispute, which has been a contentious issue for several seasons.
Recently, council members criticized district authorities for allegedly transferring Rwamahwa land to Rukungiri Municipality without consulting the council, leading to tensions in the last council meeting.
During yesterday’s district council session, the finance committee proposed that all councilors should visit the disputed land to familiarize themselves with the subject of contention.
James Turyamubona, the Rukungiri district speaker, highlighted that since the establishment of Rukungiri Municipality in 2010, there hasn’t been an official handover of any district property, particularly land, to the Municipality. He emphasized that most of the lands are seemingly under the management of the Municipality without proper procedures.
Turyamubona criticized the criteria used for transitioning lands from the district to the Municipality, deeming it invalid. He stressed the necessity for a neutral third party to intervene in the Rwamawa land issue.
On the other hand, Martin Agaba, the Rukungiri district senior land management officer, provided guidance to address the challenge. He suggested that the district chairperson, along with the district executive committee, should formulate a policy and present it to the entire council. Subsequently, they should explore means of involving a third party in resolving the matter.
Geoffrey Kyomukama, the Rukungiri district chairperson, echoed the sentiment, stating that the Rwamawa land issue would be revisited by the district executive committee, and their resolution would be presented for further deliberation in the council.
