Ombudsman tells Gakenke residents to report cases to local leaders

Ombudsman Aloysie Cyanzayire has advised residents of Gakenke district to present their cases of injustice to local authorities, other than immediately petitioning her office.“You should follow the procedure by bringing your complaints to local authorities instead of spending money and time coming to the Ombudsman when the complaints can be settled by local leaders,” she said.Cyanzayire, who was on Monday meeting residents at Nemba sector as the office of Ombudsman was launching Anti-Injustice Week in the district, said some people lodge complaints to several organs because they are often unsatisfied with the local court decisions.Her remarks came as the residents presented complaints, mostly land-related conflicts, delayed execution of judgements, unpaid remuneration, among others, during her visit.Xavier Batagira, a resident, said local leaders are hard to meet, which forces them to turn to high authorities to be heard.“It is very difficult for us, paying for transport becomes difficult, and when you get there they tell you to come back the following day because the official was not available,” he said.However, the sector executive secretary, Umuhoza Rwabukumba, said many residents do not know where to file their grievances.“Often, when they come to the sector or district and miss the executive secretary or the mayor, they return home, yet any other people could have helped them,” Rwabukumba said.

National

Ombudsman tells Gakenke residents to report cases to local leaders