Kigali Officials Defend Relocation of Mulindi Residents, Clarify No Compensation Policy

On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, members of the Land, Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment Commission of the Rwandan Parliament met with the Minister of Local Government, Dr. Mugenzi Patrice, and the Mayor of Kigali, Dusengiyumva Samuel, to discuss the relocation of 37 residents from the Mulindi wetland.

The relocation took place in 2019 when the City of Kigali explained that the residents had been living in a flood-prone wetland, putting their lives at risk. The area was also being developed for environmental conservation. The authorities clarified that no compensation would be provided to the relocated individuals, and their property documents were declared invalid.

Minister of Local Government, Dr. Mugenzi Patrice speaking to the members of the Land, Agriculture, Livestock, and Environment Commission of the Parliament.

These residents later appealed to Parliament, seeking compensation after being misled by some local leaders who told them they were entitled to financial support.

Mayor Dusengiyumva explained that the decision to move the residents was made for their safety, following a series of flooding events in 2019. He emphasized that all activities in the wetland, including businesses, were moved, and the policy was clear: no compensation would be given.

“Some residents were misled by certain leaders who wrongly informed them that they were entitled to compensation,” he said. “But those mistakes do not change national policy.”

The mayor further reassured the committee that no residents had been harmed in the 2023 flooding, and the Mulindi wetland area had since been developed into the Nyandungu wetland, which is now a thriving environmental site and agricultural hub. Many people visit the area, and vegetable farming there is contributing to the country’s economy.

During the meeting, MP Nkuranga Egide stressed the importance of preventing citizens from settling in wetlands, pointing out that some local leaders overlooked this issue, which could lead to further problems.

“I believe no issue should arise from this,” said MP Nkuranga. “The problem started because some leaders issued documents that led to the confusion. They told people to submit land numbers and expect compensation.”

Hon. Niyorurema Jean Rene added that although the residents would not receive compensation, those who were still paying taxes on the land should have their tax liabilities lifted.

Meanwhile, Vice-President of the Commission, Hon. Ayinkamiye Speciose, called for the invalidation of the property documents held by the residents and recommended engaging them in discussions. She noted that they still believed they would be compensated, even though they had made mistakes in occupying the land.

MP Nsangabandi Ernest echoed this point, stating that the residents should have their documents revoked, especially since some were using them to secure loans from banks, potentially causing further complications.

The mayor assured the committee that efforts were ongoing to communicate with the relocated residents, explaining that they should not expect compensation. However, those facing hardship would receive support in accordance with the law.

Minister Mugenzi emphasized that any individual who illegally occupied state land, or any leader who assisted them, would face consequences. He also confirmed that the documents the residents held, which were the basis of their compensation claims, would be invalidated.

The City of Kigali reassured the MPs that there were no concerns about residents using their invalid documents to apply for loans from banks, as the institutions only approve loans based on legally valid documents.

Of the 37 relocated residents, the City of Kigali reported that 14 were capable of living in the city, 5 supported themselves through small businesses, 7 had passed away while still owning land there, and 12 were being assisted in accessing employment opportunities.