An elderly woman has been landless for over 18 years since her family was evicted by a Rwandan national Isaac Ndahiro currently working with United Nations.
Her late husband Christopher Kajundira allegedly owned part of the disputed land in Kiruhura district. The land which is approximately one square mile was allegedly grabbed from Christopher Kajundira by Ndahiro.
A Commission of Inquiry chaired by Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire visited the disputed land and discovered that Ndahiro was already grazing cattle on the land.
Locals from the area testified before the commission that the disputed land belonged to Kajundira who settled on it 1965.
However, part of the land under dispute was also being claimed by the family of the late Bishop Kosia Shalita who was the first Anglican Bishop of Muhabura Diocese in Kisoro. “I am the administrator of my late father Bishop Shalita. We have landed here, everything in my father’s name.”
In November last year when the Commission of Inquiry first visited Ankole, the accused Ndahiro was grilled over the alleged killings during the evictions.
During the on spot assessment of the disputed land in Kiruhura district, Justice Bamugemereire issued a warning to Police, Ndahiro and his workers on the farm who allegedly harass members of the community. " if I hear him harass those women again and report dubious cases against them I will come for your head. Where are the people of Invengere? We hear they are also harassing people.
This warning is also issued to them.” Said, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire – Chairperson, Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters. Justice Bamugemereire also interrogated Ndahiro’s staff found at the farm some of whom lacked identification as Ugandan nationals.
“That you treat neighbors badly, that you harass your neighbor. I am going to leave some directions and the Police will have to make sure that it happens.” Said, Justice Catherine Bamugemereire – Chairperson, Commission of Inquiry into Land Matters.