Ombudsman summons Ruhango Mayor over sackings

RUHANGO - The Mayor of Ruhango District, Celestin Twagirumukiza, was on Tuesday summoned by the Ombudsman’s office, following allegations that he ‘unfairly’ sacked four district staff. The summons came months after, Joseph Nsabimana (procurement), Théogène Munyarugendo (customer care), Sylvain Rurangwa (women councillor), and Aline Uwimana (FARG) allegedly petitioned the Public Service Commission, accusing the Mayor of unfair dismissal from their jobs.The group received their termination letters on July, 7, 2010. When contacted, Twagirumukiza, first denied knowledge of the summons by Ombudsman’s office, but later confirmed but downplayed the matter. The Mayor is also accused by residents of injustice; including supporting the grabbing of land belonging to one resident, Antoine Kanuma, where the district constructed houses for the poor. Kanuma complained to the district, but he was told, according to a letter dated 15/July/2009 that the land instead belonged to another resident. He also petitioned the Ombudsman who later intervened.According to a letter dated May 12, 2010 No. OMB.03/0885/05.10/, the Ombudsman, ordered the district to review this decision on the contested land and return it to the rightful owners (family of Kanuma) within a period of one month. In an initial telephone interview, Twagiramukiza said, “I don’t know anything…go and ask the Ombudsman, I’m not a spokesperson. I cannot tell you anything.” When he later called The New Times, however, he explained that he was summoned to discuss issues related to his job which had nothing to do with the allegations in question. “The employees were not sacked but were relieved of their duties as part of a restructuring process which is being implemented by the local government, and there is a possibility that they will be re-deployed,” he said. On the issue of land wrangles, the Mayor said that the land was declared as government property by the land commission and the district cannot nullify that resolution. Ends

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Ombudsman summons Ruhango Mayor over sackings