Rubavu: Congestion in Homes of Historically Marginalized People Fuels Conflicts
The historically marginalized people living in the villages of Bugu and Amajyambere, in the Cyanzarwe sector of the Rubavu district, report constant conflicts within families due to congestion. In the villages, many family members from the family tree share the same house, leading to tensions.
For instance, a married son lives in the same house with his wife, father, mother, and siblings.
This is the case for 19-year-old Yajeneza Vestine, who has been living for two years with her mother-in-law, father-in-law, and three of her husband’s siblings in a two-room house. The parents occupy one room, while Yajeneza and her husband occupy the other. The other three relatives live in the living room.
Yajeneza says that they often argue with her mother-in-law over small issues, such as touching the water that the other fetched or cooking food but not eating together. “My mother-in-law is very bad; she always tells us to leave the house and find a place to live,” said Yajeneza.
A similar situation is shared by 20-year-old Uwimanimfashije, who currently has two children with her 25-year-old husband. She often conflicts with her mother-in-law over water and food. These issues cause frequent scandals and quarrels.
“Sometimes, I run away from home, and the neighbors bring me back, saying that it is the way of marriage,” Said Uwimanimfashije.
No harmony between sons and their fathers
In these parallel families living in houses with no more than two rooms, there is a noticeable lack of harmony between sons and their fathers. Boys often do not cope with their fathers and some even refer to them as “husband of my mother” instead of calling them ‘father’.
Theogene Ndayambaje, a 24-year-old man with a wife and one child, lives with his father, mother, and siblings in a two-room house. He considers his mother as his ally because she takes care of him, while his father demands all the money he earns, calling it rent since they live in his house. This demand often leads to quarrels when Ndayambaje does not comply.
Similarly, Innocent Gahungu, a 19-year-old who has been living with his wife and his family for a year in a two-room house, also faces familial discord. He explains that his mother and ‘her husband’ sold everything, leaving him without a place to build even a small house. Due to his limited resources, he has been unable to construct a home for himself.
Both Ndayambaje and Gahungu, along with others in similar situations, affirm that they lack the means to build their own homes and are appealing to the government for assistance in finding a place to live. They find it challenging to continue living with their parents under these conditions.
The Administration acknowledges the Issues
The mayor of Rubavu district, Prosper Mulindwa, states that the authorities are aware of the problems faced by these people. However, he notes that the reasons behind these issues vary, and therefore, solving them requires thorough analysis.
“When we settled them down, the situation was not like that; the problem happened after,” Mulindwa said.
He emphasizes that after being settled, residents should be involved in maintaining their houses and continue to build their lives. The government is also advising them about different programs like family planning measures.
Regarding young men who grow up and seek to bring women home despite having no place to live, Mulindwa asserts that it is not the parents’ responsibility to take care of their adult children. He believes that these young men, being strong and capable, should work to build houses for themselves.
Mulindwa promises that the authorities will visit these people and carefully analyze their problems. Those who are clearly in need will be helped, as is customary in government programs aimed at assisting the needy. He adds that counseling and campaigning efforts are ongoing.
