MUHANGA - The grave of former President, Dominic Mbonyumutwa, could be shifted from Gitarama stadium to pave way for the development of Gitarama town, an official has said.

The decision was among the top items discussed at the district security meeting chaired by Mayor Yvonne Mutakwasuku, on February 17.

There is speculation that the district could face ‘criticism’ over this move from a cross section of the local population but the Mayor said the concerned family will be consulted.

"The area covered by the grave is to be developed by Rwanda Social Security Fund (SSFR) into a six storey commercial building,” said the Mayor. "The district will notify the concerned family on the move, so as to pave way for development.”

Mbonyumutwa’s grave is located in the stadium in the old Gitarama town. The stadium was formerly used by PARAMEHUTU, a former political party during the 1960s for its meetings. The stadium was later named after Mbonyumutwa.

The presence of Mbonyumutwa’s grave in the town center has also been a source of concern with some people pushing for its removal, arguing that it signals memories of the former leaders who areaccused of planning the 1994 genocide against Tutsi.

Mutakwasuku added, "The district council meeting will make the final decision on the matter and once a decision has been reached a suitable location will be identified in due course. In this the family of Mbonyumutwa will also be consulted.”

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