Residents of Gatovu Village in Hospital Ward, Southern Division of Kisoro Municipality, are expressing outrage over the worsening condition of the Gatovu Public Cemetery.
The burial site, which dates back to the 1960s, is now severely overcrowded, raising major hygiene and environmental concerns. It was heavily used during the reign of President Idi Amin in the 1970s and later became a mass graveyard for victims of regional conflicts—including the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and ongoing unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of bodies were buried at the site during those turbulent periods.
Today, the cemetery continues to serve both Kisoro Hospital and the Nyakabande Transit Centre, but its overuse has led to disturbing developments. Residents report that graves are now being stacked on top of each other due to the lack of space, resulting in a persistent foul smell and posing a serious public health risk.
The situation is worsened by encroachment from private individuals, which has further reduced the already limited burial space.
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In response to the growing concern, Kisoro Municipality Mayor, Richard Ndyana, stated that plans are underway to secure new land for a replacement cemetery.
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Kisoro District Vice Chairperson, Alex Ndayambajimana, also confirmed that the district is working closely with the municipality and refugee-supporting organizations to identify a long-term solution.
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