By out reporter
RUKUNGIRI
A shocking incident unfolded in Kanyamutwe cell, Rumbugu, Kebisoni sub-county, Rukungiri district, on October 3rd, as a retired Reverend Emmanuel Kakiza was seen destroying his sister’s crops on a disputed piece of land. The land, gifted to Frida Kakiza by their late father, Rev. Kakiza Tomas, in 1993, has sparked a long-standing family feud.
Locals were that morning surprised to see a reverend and biological brother to Frida with his collar cutting down her
crops including soghurm, coffee and banana plantation on a piece of land that was given to her sister by their late father.
Frida Kakiza was left in tears, claiming intimidation by her own brother. She criticized police, for inaction nothing that they instead come and watch as his brother cuts her crops which she thinks he connived with police to steal her land.
Rukungiri Deputy RDC Benson Ongom rushed to the scene after receiving several phone calls acknowledging rising land disputes in the district, often between family members.
Ongom reassured Frida and summoned both families, local authorities, and police officials for a meeting on Monday at 2 pm. He emphasized that the Reverend should face charges for trespass and malicious damage together with his sons that were involved in the act, stressing the importance of awaiting court decisions in land disputes.
Ongom also apologized for what happened and warned police to stop sleeping on duty, He told the Kebisoni OC station that not all orders from above are right orders,. “You cannot see people fighting with pangas and sit and watch” he warned.
Deputy RDC Ongom issued a stern warning to those attempting to grab others’ land, emphasizing that the law will address such actions.
Kamusiime Gabriel, the area chairperson LC1 acknowledged that Frida is the rightful owner of the land but Rev Emmanuel has on several occasions attempted to grab the piece of land called upon government officials to intervene before they lose a life due to land theft.
