By Mutayoba Arbogast
Misenyi, Kagera---Residents of Kanyigo and Kashenye wards in Missenyi District have resolved to adopt a participatory approach to land use management, ensuring that village lands are neither grabbed by locals nor sold arbitrarily by executives. This decision aims to preserve land resources for future generations while addressing ongoing concerns about unsanctioned land transactions.
The resolution was reached during the general meeting of the Kanyigo Development Association (Kadea) held on December 19, 2024, at the Kanyigo Secondary School lounge, a facility owned by Kadea. Participants expressed frustration over cases where village lands have been acquired improperly, citing examples like Bweyunge village.
There, a large tract of land was taken under the pretense of starting a tourism project involving an animal farm. However, years later, the project remains dormant, leaving the village in dire need of over 104 hectares for a proposed block farming scheme.
Kadea Chairperson, Colonel (Retired) Ngemela Lubinga, assured attendees that the association would engage Missenyi District Council to request land surveyors and planning officers to take corrective actions. “There is no worse conflict than a land conflict. When land is exploited recklessly, it’s a recipe for chaos. We must stand firm and protect our lands just as our ancestors did,” Lubinga declared.
Turning to education, Lubinga applauded the management, parents, and students of Kanyigo Secondary School for their stellar performance in regional and national examinations.
The Form Four results included 99 students achieving Division One, 55 earning Division Two, and 4 obtaining Division Three. Similarly, Form Six results showed 21 students in Division One, 15 in Division Two, and 2 in Division Three.
Despite this success, Lubinga noted the challenge of declining enrollment due to increased competition from government and private schools. To address this, Kadea has launched a special recruitment and mobilization program for new students.
Edwin Mabale, a resident of Bugombe village, proposed that Kadea sponsor the best-performing Standard Seven pupil from each of the 14 primary schools across Kanyigo and Kashenye wards.
He suggested this as a way to honor the elders who founded the organization in 1984 and to support brilliant students whose families cannot afford school expenses. The proposal was warmly received and noted for further consideration.
Salim Mbazira, the headmaster of Kanyigo Secondary School, emphasized the institution’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to instilling moral values and societal ethics. “Our goal is to guide students to distinguish right from wrong and nurture them into patriotic citizens,” Mbazira stated.
This year, Kadea welcomed 26 new members, including Mbelwa Kairuki, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. The inclusion of prominent individuals underscores the association’s growing influence and commitment to fostering development in the community.