Gako Military Camp is located in the forest covering Rweru, Rilima, Gashora, Mayange, Kamabuye and Ngeruka sectors of Bugesera district.
The warning was made by the RDF Division commander for the City of Kigali and Eastern Province, Gen Mubarak Muganga yesterday in a meeting that brought together Eastern Province Governor Fred Mufulukye, security organs and residents living in the camp’s neighborhood.
Some residents go into the camp’s premises for hunting purposes, collecting firewood, burning charcoal and grazing.
Gen. Mubarak explained that some of them tend to confront soldiers as they go into the forest to hunt different animals including gazelles and hares.
“We have two soldiers admitted at Kanombe who have recently been stabbed by residents who came to hunt in this forest. You understand that they started going beyond limits,” he said.
He also revealed that some residents pass through the forest trafficking drugs from Burundi and reminded them that whoever is caught again will be seriously punished.
Eastern Province Governor, Mufulukye also warned residents against such illegal entries and urged them to make a good use of the land the camp gave them.
Talking to IGIHE, Maurice Musine one of the residents attributed the illegal entry to lack of firewood.
“We often go into the forest to collect firewood but there are those who take the opportunity to hunt or traffic drugs through the forest,” he said.
Musine asked the district to facilitate easy access to gas following the notice prohibiting them from accessing the forest.
The mayor of Bugesera district, Richard Mutabazi said they are going to look for a partner to make it possible.
“We take pride to have the population with such advanced mindsets. Following their request, we will look for a partner who can provide affordable Gaz matching with their financial means,” he said.
Bugesera district advisory committee agreed on Rwf 150,000 fines for illegal movements to Gako Military Camp premises.
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