The Minister of Environment, Dr. Uwamariya Valentine, presented to the Senate Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights the current state of how land use policies, laws, and regulations are being implemented and respected in the islands.
The Minister also presented a general overview of the islands within the country, highlighting those designated for permanent settlement and those considered unsuitable for habitation. Currently, there are eight islands that are permanently inhabited: Nkombo, Ishywa, Gihaya, Bugarura, Iwawa, Kirehe, Mushungo, and Birwa. These islands are deemed appropriate for continued settlement. On the other hand, some islands are not suitable for habitation—either because they are uninhabited or because residents have begun to be relocated. These include Mukira and Mwegera. Additionally, some districts plan to relocate residents from other remote islands such as Munanira and Sharita due to accessibility and sustainability concerns.
The use and management of land on islands is being properly regulated.
The Minister also presented an overview of the country's islands, specifying which ones are suitable for settlement and which are not. Currently, eight islands are permanently inhabited: Nkombo, Ishywa, Gihaya, Bugarura, Iwawa, Kirehe, Mushungo, and Birwa. These are considered appropriate for residential settlement.
In contrast, islands that are either uninhabited or already in the process of having residents relocated—such as Mukira and Mwegera—are classified as unsuitable for long-term settlement. Additionally, some remote islands, like Munanira and Sharita, are also considered unfit for habitation, and local districts plan to relocate their residents due to the islands' inaccessibility.
On most inhabited islands, residents have official land titles, except for Iwawa, which is state-owned and hosts government programs but is not a residential area.
These inhabited islands generally have essential infrastructure such as schools, administrative buildings, healthcare services, and electricity. However, some islands still lack basic services. For example, Gihaya Island does not have adequate access to clean water or electricity.
Other islands such as Ruzi (with 22 households), Muzira (15 households), and Tereri (5 households) are officially registered as government land. Residents on these islands are expected to be relocated and integrated into more centralized communities so they can benefit from improved access to infrastructure and services.
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