Rwanda deploys 50 survey experts to resolve land boundary disputes in Eastern-Rwanda

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Land Management and Use Authority (RLMUA) has announced the deployment of 50 specialized land surveyors to address chronic land boundary disputes across Nyagatare, Kayonza, and Kirehe districts. Partnering with the NGO Landesa, this initiative aims to correct land boundary inaccuracies and train local authorities to manage land conflicts more effectively.

Marie Grace Nishimwe, Director General of RLMUA, confirmed that recruitment is underway for these experts, who will soon begin field operations to resolve long-standing boundary discrepancies. “This project specifically targets the sectors most affected by boundary issues in the districts of Kirehe, Kayonza, and Nyagatare. These experts will carry out accurate boundary demarcations, providing residents with updated and error-free land documents, which will reduce future conflicts,” Nishimwe said.

Kirehe District Mayor, Rangira Bruno, reported that 80% of land-related grievances submitted by residents involve disputes over undocumented purchases and unclear boundaries. “Boundary errors lead to continual conflict, which this initiative seeks to permanently address through precise land surveys,” Rangira explained.

Dr. Ngomiraronka Emmanuel, Director of Landesa, noted that land boundary disputes are a significant source of tension in these districts, frequently escalating into larger conflicts. The presence of trained surveyors, he added, would ensure that each resident’s land is accurately mapped, reducing misunderstandings.

To bolster local capacity, RLMUA also plans to train land committees, mediators, and officials from cell to district levels, empowering them to resolve disputes without resorting to legal proceedings. Thérèse Nyirabaganizi, a mediator from Rwesero Cell, expressed optimism, saying, “Accurate boundary demarcation will foster peace, helping residents clearly understand their land limits and reducing future disputes.”

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