Story by Ivan Mugisha
Residents of Gatovu Village, Kisoro Municipality, are voicing concern over the deteriorating state of Gatovu Public Cemetery, which has become severely overcrowded, posing serious health and environmental risks.
The cemetery, established in the 1960s, saw heavy use during the Idi Amin era and became a mass burial site for victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and conflict in the DRC.
Today, it continues to serve Kisoro Hospital and the Nyakabande Transit Centre, but limited space has led to graves being stacked, causing foul odours and sanitation issues.
Residents are also alarmed by land encroachment, further reducing available burial space.
In response, Kisoro Municipality Mayor Richard Ndyana says the town is working to secure new land for a replacement cemetery.
District Vice Chairperson Alex Ndayambajimana confirmed ongoing collaboration with refugee-supporting partners to find a long-term solution.
