EASTERN PROVINCE

NYAGATARE — The land redistribution commission last week divided 50 hectares of land belonging to Maj. John Sengati in Karama for the benefit of landless residents.

At least 43 residents mostly farmers each got one hectare from the re-demarcated land, while three residents who formerly owned part of the land were each given two hectares.

During the same exercise, the commission divided land in Tabagwe sector that belonged to the elderly man, Eugene Nzaramba, a father to the head of National Security Services (NSS) Emmanuel Ndahiro, benefiting at least 46 peasants.

Karama residents lauded President Paul Kagame for initiating the redistribution exercise for the benefit of the landless. "I am yet to benefit from this exercise but am very grateful to the leadership of this country because not many can do such a thing. Thanks to the president [Kagame] our visionary leader and his aides, they made the right thing which will go down in the annals of this country," Paul Bahire, a resident said.

Robert Kashemeza, the district mayor, explained that the livestock farms on the redistributed land would be relocated to another area with less cultivation activities.

"The land redistribution commission found it necessary to give all their [Sengati and Nzaramba] land to peasant farmers since the area has many people who need land for cultivation. The commission is going to relocate their livestock farms in an area suitable for livestock keeping," Kashemeza said of the fate of the former land lords.

Meanwhile, over 848 more residents from Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza and Kirehe districts have been approved to get land during the second phase of the redistribution exercise. It was established that in Nyagatare district, about 107 have got land in Nyagatare sector, 64 in Karama, 395 in Rwimiyaga, 40 in Rwempasha, 79 in Tabagwe and 73 in Karangazi. While in Kayonza, 94 have got in Murundi sector and 45 in Rukara.

According to Kashemeza, majority of land applicants qualify to acquire land for cultivation since many have small herds of cattle.

Ends