MUGABE R
Authorities in Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District, have successfully mediated a reconciliation on Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, between Zefurino Twongyeirwe and Ivan Rutaro, also known as Brother Van, both residents of Rwamuhima Cell, Kyamakanda Parish.
Additionally, Zefurino has been reunited with his wife, Sarah Kasande. The dispute between Zefurino and Brother Van, a local witch doctor, stemmed from allegations that Brother Van had been cohabiting with Sarah and operating a shrine without proper sanitation facilities, while also disrespecting Zefurino.
The situation was exacerbated by suspicions of an intimate relationship between Sarah and Brother Van, given that Sarah was working as a casual laborer at his shrine. Zefurino also accused Brother Van of trespassing on his land and dumping herbs, while leaving open pit latrines, which posed health and environmental risks.
These tensions eventually led to Zefurino and Sarah’s separation and his arrest in her absence. The escalating conflict drew the attention of local residents, who organized a reconciliation meeting at Omukatafari Trading Center.
The meeting was chaired by Agaba Emmy Rubondo, LC3 Chairperson of Buyanja Sub County, with assistance from OC Police Buyanja, Bernard Muzeeyi, Bonny Tindyebwa, and the Area Parish Chief. During the meeting, the parties resolved their differences, leading to the couple’s reunion.
Agaba Emmy Rubondo praised both parties for agreeing to reconcile and condemned the reliance on rumors and infidelity. He also urged Brother Van to withdraw any ongoing legal cases as part of the reconciliation process. Bernard Muzeeyi, the OC of Buyanja Police Post, encouraged couples to adhere to the Tenth Commandment, which condemns adultery, and advised men to take responsibility and avoid relying on rumors to maintain strong families.
Justine Tukamuhebwa, the LC1 Chairperson of Rwamuhima, affirmed that Brother Van is a respected member of the community and advised him to address the sanitation issues at his shrine and live harmoniously with others.
Zefurino Twongyeirwe, while accepting the reconciliation, asked Brother Van to distance himself from his wife moving forward. Brother Van committed to constructing a proper toilet at his shrine and promised to live humbly. Sarah Kasande admitted that her separation from Zefurino was driven by the shame of being accused of infidelity. However, she agreed to return to her family to care for her children.
Operations at Brother Van’s shrine have been suspended for a week, pending the presentation of a license or certificate from the Uganda National Herbalists and Traditional Healers Association and the completion of the required sanitation facilities.
