KISORO COUNCILLOR WANTS LEGISLATORS TO STOP GOVT FROM EVICTING SWAMP USERS

By Libino Byamukama
www.mknewlink.com
In Kisoro—-
Nyakabande sub county LCV councilor, Maniraguha Godfrey has petitioned the Bufumbira East legislator and district woman MP over government’s move to evict Gitundwe swamp users in Nyakabande sub county in January next year.
According to the letter addressed to Hon. Dr. James Nsaba Buturo and the state minister in charge of children and youth’s affairs, Hon. Sarah Nyirabashitsi, Maniraguha is requesting these legislators to be on ground and get to know the issues affecting the yet to be displaced Gitundwe swamp users.
Speaking to our reporter Maniraguha said that he opted for a petition to the members of parliament because they can easily address the issues affecting their voters to parliament for discussion and consideration.
He added that different leaders for swamp users combined efforts to write to NEMA appealing for reconsideration of its directive to have all swamp users evicted but no reply has been seen.
He said that Gitundwe swamp is the only food production area for Nyakabande people and moments of suffering are likely to be witnessed once evictions are made as planned.
He also accused the members of parliament for not visiting their voters in the recent holiday. He added that once his petition is not answered, he will rally locals to protest by walking to state house.

Meanwhile, he rallied locals that depend on the said swamp not to accept government’s low quality Irish potato seeds, poor quality livestock and other interventions that will not provide a sustainable life.

Speaking to www.mknewslink.com reporter, the Bufumbira East Member of parliament, Hon. Dr. Nsaba Buturo said that the wetland users are right not to leave the wetland until government provides them with alternative source of livelihood.
He revealed that as leaders they are still asking government to compensate wetland users. He blamed poor quality of livestock and farm products on selfish local leaders who act on behalf of government.