EASTERN PROVINCE

NYAGATARE — Days after the land redistribution exercise kicked off in the eastern province, it has been established that six people acquired land through dubious circumstances.

During Monday’s verification exercise by provincial leaders, and the land redistribution commission, it emerged that four people from Karangazi Sector in Nyagatare district and two from Kabarole sector in Gatsibo district, got land yet they were not eligible and their temporary land titles were withdrawn from them.

The affected residents are among those who had got shares from Maj. Gen. Fred Ibingira in Karangazi, Minister Protais Musoni and retired Maj. Gen Sam Kaka’s land in Gatsibo district during the redistribution exercise presided over by President Paul Kagame weeks ago.

Some had reportedly acquired land earlier but sold it. Residents at a meeting meant to confirm the beneficiaries disclosed the affected beneficiaries. The verification was prompted by fears that some people had used under hand methods to get back their land.

 Addressing residents during the exercise, Gov. Theoneste Mutsindashyaka asked land owners in the two districts to embrace the culture of sharing the little land available with the landless neighbors.

The governor told local leaders to exercise transparence to ensure that all new land beneficiaries are genuine landless people.

"The issue of land sharing is part and parcel of Rwandan culture but we have to start with the most desperate people. Leaders should play a central role in the entire exercise instead of turning out to be a problem to the commission,” he said.

He urged the new land owners to adopt new methods of farming to help them improve production on their land.

He also asked residents to share information with land redistribution commission and local authorities to facilitate the smooth process.

Maj. Gen. Fred Ibingira, a senior member of the land redistribution commission urged residents to be open and report anyone whose name was listed yet is not among the landless; to enable the commission give land to the targeted number.

 Ibingira noted that the culture of land sharing has been turned into a national principle, meant to benefit everybody.

"If the land of big shots in the government, including mine was shared with landless; it means that others have no choice but to follow suit. You should therefore feel bold and report those who are not eligible but were registered,” Ibingira said.

Ibingira asked residents who might have been left out, but qualify to get land to seek the intervention of the local leaders. He said they would be registered after being seconded by fellow residents.

Ends