Where did this decision come from?
On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, our organization published information concerning the Zone Chief of Rugabano Zone, Muyinga Commune, Buhumuza Province, who had refused to leave office despite an official decision by the provincial governor terminating his mandate. Residents had contacted our organization, explaining that they were facing significant administrative difficulties because there was no functioning local authority to whom they could turn.
Following the publication of this information, on the same day, the Administrator of Muyinga Commune, Amedée MISAGO, accompanied by other communal authorities, traveled to Rugabano to introduce an Acting Zone Chief, Sylvère BIGIRIMANA, who is also a member of the Imbonerakure. This appointment was notably announced on the official Facebook page of Muyinga Commune.
Residents say they do not know what prompted such a swift decision. However, they are generally pleased that the appeal relayed through King Umurundi Freedom was quickly heard, enabling them once again to have a local authority they can approach for administrative matters.
Nevertheless, they emphasize that this arrangement should not remain temporary and call on the competent authorities to appoint a substantive (permanent) Zone Chief rather than maintaining an acting official.