Confusion surrounds the ownership of a piece of land and a house Nyabisindu Cell in Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District, and some residents are not happy with Remera Sector Executive Secretary’s decision to rule in favour of one party.

Two residents, Amon Niyonzima and Stella Umurerwa, both claim ownership of the property.

The latest ruling by Executive Secretary Felix Kayihura and an earlier one by his predecessor, were in favour of Niyonzima, however, Umurerwa and some residents are citing possible influence peddling on both occasions.

Chaos almost erupted when the latest decision was made on Thursday.

The former Remera Executive Secretary, Jacques Uwimana, had, last November, also ruled in favour of Niyonzima.

 "I thought the issue would be solved since there is a new Executive Secretary but I am disappointed with how this matter has been handled yet again,” said Umurerwa.

"I was here when Umurerwa bought this house and everybody who was here in 1998 knows it. Niyonzima is using his wealth to influence these local leaders,” John Habimana, a resident in the area alleged. 

Asked for a comment on the residents’ accusations, Kayihura denied the allegations describing them as baseless. He said that Niyonzima is in possession of ownership documents while Umurerwa has no evidence.

But Umurerwa maintains that she bought the contested property at Rwf1.8m during an auction by the area Court of First Instance. She says the property formerly belonged to one Pierre Ncogoza.

She said that after buying the property she relocated to Uganda in 1998.

On his part, however, Niyonzima claims the contested property formerly belonged to late Major Anne Marie Nyiranfikige, who was convicted of Genocide crimes.

As a result of the conviction, he said, Nyiranfikige’s property was auctioned. He claims to have bought the property through the auction.

Umurerwa has vowed to take the case to court.

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