Former Bushongo island residents struggle to settle despite relocation
Former residents of islands in Lake Burera say that although they were relocated to better land, they are still tied to the islands for survival, as their livelihoods remain dependent on activities there.
These families were relocated to protect them from isolation and dangerous living conditions. They now reside in Birwa Settlement, near the lake, in Rurembo Cell, Rugarama Sector, Burera District. However, they are concerned about the daily trips they must take back to the islands to earn a living, fearing these frequent water crossings could lead to accidents. They are pleading for land ownership near their current settlement to end this daily risk.
The 84 families, formerly residing on Bushongo Island, in the middle of Lake Burera, face the challenge of not having farmland in their new settlement. As a result, they continue to rely on the land they left behind on the islands.
Every morning, residents of Birwa Settlement use a single motorized boat or small wooden canoes to cross to the islands for farming and grazing activities, returning home in the evening.
Domina Nyiraziboneye explains:
“They encouraged us to leave the islands to save us from life-threatening conditions and settled us here. However, we found no farmland here, which left us vulnerable to hunger. That’s when we started crossing back to the islands to cultivate our plots and fetch animal fodder.
It’s a constant risk to our lives. Every day, we overcrowd the single motorized boat, while others use small wooden canoes. We fear the strong winds and waves could capsize us, especially now that the boat’s engine frequently breaks down mid-journey.”
The residents are appealing for help to secure an investor who can buy the island land, enabling them to purchase safer land for farming and settlement.
Bosco Karimunda adds:“The lasting solution is for us to sell the land on the islands. This will give us the means to buy land where we can live and work safely, without risking our lives daily.”
Burera District Mayor, Soline Mukamana, acknowledges the issue and says efforts are underway to find partners willing to buy the land at a fair price:
“Investors often show interest in buying the islands but offer very low prices compared to the land’s actual value. Just two weeks ago, we visited these residents and urged them to be patient as we continue looking for an investor who won’t exploit them. Our goal is to ensure their interests are protected because their wellbeing is our pride.”
Bushongo Island spans approximately 37 hectares. Its former residents were relocated eight years ago to Birwa Settlement.
