A conflict has erupted between Kisoro municipality and district leaders regarding the development of the Saza playground by businessman Hamza Kent Rwendegye in Kisoro town. Last month, Rwendegye began fencing a section of the Saza ground for constructing business structures, leading to resistance from municipal authorities who claim the land belongs to the government, and they are the custodians.
In a directive letter dated January 29, 2024, Alikwan Ayubu Kisubi, Kisoro Municipality town clerk asserted that Rwendegye was illegally constructing on government land without approval from municipal authorities. Kisubi ordered Rwendegye to dismantle any structures he had set up and restore the land to its original state.
Deputy Speaker for Kisoro Municipality, Joachim Hashakimana, supports the town clerk’s decision, accusing district leaders of colluding with Rwendegye to develop the land without involving the municipal council.
However, Kisoro Chief Administrative Officer, Hajji Badru Majwala, insisted that the land allocation process was done in consultation with the District Council. Abel Bizimana, Kisoro district LCV Chairman, countered by alleging that the decision to halt development at the playground is politically motivated. He accused municipal authorities of rushing to make decisions without consulting district authorities.
Bizimana revealed the district’s plan to convert Saza playground into a sports complex, accommodating a football pitch, netball court, and a running track.
James Agaba, District councilor representing Southern Division, argued that the district council had granted Rwendegye permission to develop only 5 meters of the land to provide access to homes around Saza playground. He criticized Kisoro Municipal council authorities for allegedly halting the development without accurate information about the granted permission.
Rwendegye clarified that he has not yet reached the development stage for the playground; he is currently fencing a part of it to establish an access road connecting to his ancestral home.
