NELSON K
Kazinga Cell in Rukungiri District woke up to devastation on the morning of Friday, August 8, 2025, after an unexpected wildfire ravaged large parts of the area, leaving farmers and animal rearers stranded and heartbroken.
According to local residents, the fire broke out around 2:00 am, burning valuable grazing land, bushes, and trees. While the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown, some locals suspect that it may have been deliberately started by individuals from neighboring areas such as Rukiga District or Nyarushanje, allegedly in an attempt to invoke rainfall through traditional cultural practices.
The inferno, which scorched an entire hill, has left many livestock keepers in panic, with no alternative grazing areas for their animals. The destruction of natural vegetation has also raised fears of soil erosion, especially as the rainy season approaches.
Local leaders have condemned the incident in the strongest terms. Kazinga Cell LC1 Chairperson, Mr. Nebye Willy, confirmed that at least three large areas were severely affected by the fire. He noted that some suspects may have returned from Rukiga District, where grazing land is limited due to tree planting and poor land use planning, to set the fire in Kazinga in search of fresh pastures.
Nyarushanje Sub-county LC3 Chairperson, Mr. Michael Musiime, also confirmed the incident and described it as a destructive and illegal act that endangers both the environment and the wellbeing of the community. He warned farmers—especially those from neighboring districts—against resorting to bush burning, urging them instead to respect nature and adopt sustainable grazing practices.
He emphasized that such acts are not only harmful but also punishable by law. Authorities have pledged to hold perpetrators accountable and ensure compensation for all damages once investigations are complete.
