Nyundo Wetland users turn Anger to MPs

By Gerald Niyirinda

The Kisoro District environment office on Tuesday had a difficult time convincing Nyundo sub county residents to voluntarily withdraw from wetlands.

At least one hundred families use the Kitojo wetland, surrounded by four villages of Rusave, Rwebikonko, Musezero and Rurembo in Bubuye Parish in Nyundo Sub County. These majorly grow food crops like yams, beans, potatoes and sorghum.

The team from the environment office, comprised of the Senior Environment officer, Muja Judith and Environment officer, Eunice Akankwasa, had visited the wetland users in line with government’s program to restore wetlands in Kigezi subregion.

But the team met resistance from the farmers who urged that government should avail them with sustainable projects before evicting them from wetlands, their ‘only source of food.’

They asked Members of Parliament to explain the source of such legislation that seeks to evict them from wetlands.

“We want our MP Eddie Kwizera to come and explain to us what is happening. Why are they evicting us from our land? He should explain because he always comes to seek votes from us. We refuse this,” they shouted.

Another rowdy group wondered why people were evicted from forests and now government wants to evict them from wetlands.

“We were evicted from forests to harbour animals, and we are now being evicted from wetlands for animals. Where shall we go? What shall we eat?”

“We send these MPs but when they reach there (Parliament), they do not speak on our behalf. They should not return here for votes,” complained some rowdy youths.

The farmers asked government to allow them continue using the wetland for farming, arguing that it is the only available land for cultivation.

Their voices were corroborated by Mutambuzi Fred Kanyaruju, the Nyundo Sub County LC3 Chairperson.

“If our MP Eddie wa Gahungu was here, we would solve this issue. We are going to write to our MPs Eddie Kwizera and Akifeza Grace for redress. How can we spend the whole day waiting to vote you and after that you want to grab our property indirectly?”

“These people sat in parliament and simply supported proposals brought by other MPs who don’t have wetlands in their constituencies,” said Mutambuzi, to a cheering crowd.

According to Mutambuzi, more than 30 families live on the wetland, wondering where they would go.

But Muja Judith, the Kisoro Senior Environment Officer said government was restoring wetlands for their own benefit.

“The government is trying to help us have a safe environment, because encroaching on wetlands is negatively affecting our livelihood. We are not simply asking you to get out of wetlands, but we shall support you with inputs to help you continue generating income and growing food crops elsewhere.” She said.

Ms Muja assured them that farmers would be supported with livestock and funds, depending on their choice.

“Some of you are worried of where you will rear the livestock from. But if you are a trader, the government is saying we can also give you capital to improve on your business, but you leave the wetland.”

On her part, Eunice Akankwasa, implored the farmers to always attend such consultative meetings for their voices to be heard.

Meanwhile, at least 69 pillars have been established in the villages of Nyamasinda and Kanyamahene in Rushaga ward, Rubuguri town council to protect River Ruhezamyenda from encroachment.