Local leaders urged to resolve land disputes

KAYONZA - A local Non Governmental Organization (NGO) that helps residents in land registration, Rwanda Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD), has urged local leaders to resolve land disputes. Closing a three-day training workshop of local leaders on the land registration process in Nyamirama Sector, on Monday, Annie Kairaba, the Director of RISD, said that it is important for residents to know their land rights and subsequent land laws, including the expropriation law. “I am happy that 48% of the trainees are women. Assessment shows that over 90% of land disputes are related to inheritance. It is vital that women get involved, for they are the prime victims,” she said. “We train and give skills to local leaders because they understand better local issues…they can hence handle them better than courts”. Andrew Rwamugabo, the Executive Secretary of Nyamirama, who was also one of the trainees, reiterated the importance of the training saying that people have got to adopt and adapt the registration process in an informed way. “We have to own the registration process and handle land disputes ourselves. This however, must be done in line with the existing land law. Sentiments, ignorance and bias have no room after this training,” he said. Marie Mukayisenga, 54, a resident of the area said that women were extremely pleased with the new land law which protects them. “Women can now inherit from parents. This is a landmark change that women see as a miracle,” she said. RISD pilot program has been implemented in the districts of Musanze, Kayonza and Gasabo with a total of 26 cells covered in 6 sectors. It is supported by USAID, DED, Canadian corporation and ICCO-Netherland. Ends