Rukungiri Leaders Clash Over Illegal Lake Kimbugu Outlet as RDC Warns Against Defying Law

Rukungiri: Tensions are escalating in Kimbugu Village, Nyarushanje Sub-County, Rukungiri District following a standoff between residents, local leaders, and district authorities over the reopening of an illegal drainage outlet on Lake Kimbugu.

The conflict began after local residents reportedly opened an outlet on the lake, an action that district authorities and the Ministry responsible for water and environment management described as illegal and harmful to the lake’s ecosystem.

In response, Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bron Kikanshemeza recently visited the area and held a sensitization meeting with residents, warning them against tampering with public water resources. Following the meeting, the outlet was temporarily closed.

However, shortly after the RDC left the area, the LC1 Chairperson of Kimbugu Village, identified as Izidoro, allegedly mobilized residents and reopened the outlet, defying the district directive.

Upon receiving information about the development, RDC Kikanshemeza returned to the area with a tractor and reclosed the outlet.

The situation intensified again on May 13, when residents, reportedly mobilized by the same local leadership, reopened the outlet for the second time despite repeated warnings from authorities.

The dispute also comes amid growing anger from residents over the ongoing physical demarcation of Lake Kimbugu boundaries by district authorities. The exercise involves planting concrete mark stones approximately 100 meters from the lake banks, a move many locals say affects their land and livelihoods.

Some residents recently demonstrated against both the closure of the outlet and the demarcation exercise, accusing authorities of ignoring community concerns.

Speaking during his sensitization campaign, RDC Kikanshemeza urged residents not to be misled by leaders encouraging them to break the law.

He emphasized that protecting Lake Kimbugu means protecting the community’s livelihood, water source, and the future of coming generations.

Kikanshemeza further warned residents against defying directives issued by the Ministry and district administration, saying public water resources are managed under established environmental laws and regulations.

The RDC cautioned that continued tampering with the lake could lead to arrests, fines, and environmental destruction that may negatively affect the entire community.

He also vowed to continue monitoring the area and take firm action against anyone found illegally reopening the outlet.