Chief Justice counsels on land rights

Chief Justice Sam Rugege has urged land officials to work as a team to avoid disputes since it is among one of the commonest cases at intermediate courts.

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Chief Justice Sam Rugege has urged land officials to work as a team to avoid disputes since it is among one of the commonest cases at intermediate courts.Prof. Rugege made the remarks at the swearing-in of the Deputy Registrar of Land Titles, Grace Nishimwe, yesterday."More than 90 per cent of Rwandans are farmers. Land is one that makes them survive; that’s why attention must be paid to ensure that land is given to the real owners,” Prof. Rugege said.He said about half of civil law cases are related to land grabbing, where people dubiously acquire title deeds, leaving bona fide owners to suffer legal battles.Prof. Rugege urged Nishimwe to collaborate with courts to fulfill the mandate of her office.Nishimwe, who was appointed to the office by the Cabinet in November last year, said she will cooperate with the team to minimise the challenges in land use, especially on established law.