Residents of Gatovu Village in the Hospital Ward of Southern Division, Kisoro, are up in arms over the critical state of the Gatovu Public Cemetery.
The burial site, established in the 1960s, has reportedly reached full capacity, leading to serious hygiene and environmental concerns in the area.
While the cemetery’s origins trace back to the 1960s, its use intensified during the 1970s, including the period of President Idi Amin’s reign.
It tragically became a mass burial site for victims of major regional conflicts, including the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and subsequent conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of bodies were transported and interred there during those tumultuous periods.
Today, the cemetery continues to be actively used by Kisoro Hospital and the Nyakabande Transit Centre, which has significantly contributed to its severe overuse.
Concerned residents report that graves are now being stacked upon each other due to the desperate lack of space, creating a pervasive foul odor and posing a serious public health risk to the community.
Adding to the crisis, residents have also raised alarms about encroachment by private individuals, which has further diminished the already limited space of the cemetery.
In response, Kisoro Municipality Mayor Ndyana Richard stated that efforts are underway to acquire new land for the establishment of an alternative cemetery as soon as possible.
Kisoro District Vice Chairperson, Ndayambajimana Alex, confirmed that the district is working in collaboration with various refugee organizations and the municipality to find a long-term solution to the pressing problem.
