EASTERN PROVINCE

NYAGATARE — Twelve people were arrested this Wednesday over allegedly providing false information in a bid to acquire land, during the ongoing redistribution exercise.

They were arrested on the orders of Governor Theoneste Mutsindashyaka after establishing that they were once given land but sold it and tricked the commission that they have never got land since their return from exile.

Police identified the arrested as George Bagabo, Bosco Ndungutse, Kabayija Foste, Augustine Ndeze, Bosco Rukara and Christine Kamirembe Perusi.

Others are Mukayojo, Donatira Musabyinka, Donatira Mukandege, Rachel Mukantwali and Charles Karumbenti, who claims to have been evicted from Bulisa in Sembabule district in Uganda.

Mutsindashyaka had before the redistribution exercise resumed this Wednesday, warned residents against falsification in an effort to get land.

He asked residents and local leaders in the district to ‘boldly’ expose anyone who owns land in any part of the district or country because the redistribution targeted landless residents.

The district police commander Emmanuel Kalasi said was attending a meeting and could not give details on the charges preferred against the group. Talking to The New Times before being taken to police, the group many of them elderly, pleaded for mercy.

"I sold the plot of land I had when domestic needs had overwhelmed me. I had no other source of income; the only available choice was to sell my plot of land so that we could survive for another day. It is a rough experience because it’s my first time to be taken to police cells,” one elderly woman only identified as Donatira, looking visibly anxious said.

"At least let them retain their land but leave me free,” she added.

The arrest has caused anxiety among residents and grassroot leaders with many of them fearing they may be implicated in the same charges. But some observers insist that the arrested people deserve punishment.

"It was made clear that anyone who sold land given previously would not be among the beneficiaries, but many ignored the warning. Without being exposed by their fellow residents they would get land at the expense of those who are really desperate for land,” one resident said.

Residents have applauded Mutsindashaka’s approach saying the exercise will move on smoothly and benefit genuine landless people.

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