Robert Mugabe
Farmers from Katenga Cell, Rwakabengo ward, Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality who had gardens in the swamp have accused the municipal Law enforcement team of taking the Laws into their hands while executing their duties.
On Wednesday 13th of September 2023, a team of Law enforcement officers led by the Municipal Senior Environment Officer Kushaba Laban Katende thronged Rwakabengo and cleared the Cabbage gardens, Carrots, eggplants, Sugar canes, Yarms, dodo, tomatoes, trees, among others in a move aimed to restore the swamps that have been reclaimed.
According to the affected farmers, they were busy digging and were invaded by a team carrying panga which forced them to run away.
Farmers added that the team stirred ahead, cut down the cabbage gardens, and took away their seedlings, pesticides, and produce without their consent.
Bangirana David says that it was unfortunate that their gardens were cleared without being given any notice.
Mugisha Alex says that he had invested a lot in the gardens which were destroyed which is now putting him in debt.
The Municipal Senior Environment Officer Kushaba Laban Katende who led the team says that warned the farmers several times to vacate and stop all activities in swamps but insisted kept a deaf eye.
