Authorities in Kisoro District have ordered all encroachers cultivating crops in Chibumba swamp to vacate the area within one week or face forceful eviction.
The directive was issued on Thursday by Resident District Commissioner Hajji Badru Sebyala during a joint inspection by the district security and natural resources committees. The move follows persistent flooding that has disrupted activities at Chibumba Primary School and Chibumba Trading Centre.
Sebyala instructed farmers to harvest their crops within the given timeframe, warning that no new cultivation will be tolerated in the wetland. The affected area, spanning over 20 acres across Chibumba and Mpundu villages in Chahafi Town Council, is currently being used to grow Irish potatoes, maize, yams, cabbage, and sweet potatoes.
He emphasized that the Chibumba wetland plays a critical role as a natural water catchment, absorbing runoff from the hills of Murora and Kanaba sub-counties. He added that security personnel will be deployed to enforce evictions once the deadline expires.
Cue in RDC Sebyala…on the matter… Eng//
Kisoro District Environment Officer Eunice Akankwasa called for the immediate restoration of the degraded wetland, stressing that such ecosystems must be protected without compromise. She also warned residents to stop sand mining along the river passing through the swamp.
Cue in Akankwasa…on the matter… RR//
Meanwhile, Chahafi Town Council Town Clerk Dan Munyambabazi blamed political interference for undermining previous attempts to evict encroachers from wetlands.
Cue in Munyambabazi…on the matter… RR//
However, Chibumba LC I Chairperson Byomuhangi Andrew revealed that about 400 households depend on the swamp for cultivation, raising concerns about the feasibility of enforcement. He also alleged that part of the wetland is owned by the senior presidential advisor on regional cooperation, Dr. Philemon Mateeke, which could complicate eviction efforts.
Cue in Byomuhangi…on the issue… RR//
The flooding has already taken a toll on education in the area. Chibumba Primary School headteacher Steven Mfitumukiza said more than 300 pupils, mainly from lower classes, have been forced to stay home due to floods.
PTA Chairperson Ngirumpatse Emmanuel added that the situation has led to increased school dropout rates at the school, which currently has an enrolment of 846 pupils.
