Rwanda: Government Retrieves 3,257 Land Parcels from Citizens

The National Land Authority of Rwanda has successfully retrieved 3,257 land parcels that had been erroneously registered in the names of citizens in the districts of Nyagatare, Kayonza, and Kirehe. This development is part of a three-year project implemented in collaboration with Landesa, aimed at resolving land-related issues in these areas. The project has also led to the registration of over 87,000 land parcels and the correction of land boundaries.

According to Jossam Potel, the Landesa country director, the project has made significant progress in resolving land-related disputes. He stated that the 3,257 land parcels that were registered in the names of citizens but actually belonged to the state have been reverted to the government. Additionally, 27,344 land parcels that were registered in the name of the state but belonged to citizens have been returned to their rightful owners, reducing land-related disputes.

A beneficiary of the project, Muberarugo Marie Claudine from Kayonza district, shared her experience of how the correction of land boundaries helped her resolve a dispute with her neighbor over a road. She mentioned that with the corrected land documents, she was able to obtain the necessary documentation for her land. This has brought relief to many citizens who had been struggling with land-related issues.

The National Land Authority's efforts to resolve land-related disputes have been commended by stakeholders. Nishimwe Marie Grace, the chief executive officer of the National Land Authority, praised Landesa for their collaboration and expressed commitment to continuing their partnership to address land-related issues in other parts of the country.

The project not only focuses on resolving land disputes but also aims to increase agricultural productivity. Dr. Solange Uwituze, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, mentioned that the government is working with Landesa to support farmers in designated agricultural areas to boost production. The government aims to increase agricultural productivity significantly.

The collaboration between the National Land Authority and Landesa has yielded positive results, with over 87,000 land parcels registered and land boundaries corrected. This has contributed to reducing land-related disputes and improving agricultural productivity in the targeted areas.

The successful retrieval of the 3,257 land parcels and the return of 27,344 land parcels to their rightful owners demonstrate the effectiveness of the partnership between the National Land Authority and Landesa. The project serves as a model for addressing land-related issues in other parts of the country.

Key points

• The National Land Authority retrieves 3,257 land parcels from citizens in three districts.
• The project aims to increase agricultural productivity and reduce land-related disputes.
• Over 87,000 land parcels have been registered, and land boundaries corrected.