Kigezi Sub-Region Leaders Urge Government to Settle Outstanding Debts to Tea Nursery Farmers

Leaders from the Kigezi sub-region are urging the government to settle the outstanding debts owed to tea nursery farmers.

This call comes after a prolonged delay in payment, which has left many farmers struggling to make ends meet.

A long-standing dispute has left over 700 tea nursery bed operators in limbo, awaiting payments owed to them since 2012.

The government’s delay in settling these debts has had far-reaching consequences, jeopardizing the livelihoods of these farmers and impacting Uganda’s tea industry, which is a significant contributor to the country’s economy.

The Kisoro District Speaker, Amos Hakizimana, notes that the issue began when the government launched a tea growing project in the region, prompting many people to invest heavily in tea farming.

Unfortunately, some resorted to borrowing to fund the business. By 2016, the project had stalled, leaving many farmers unpaid and forced to sell their properties.

“The issue began in 2012 when the government launched the tea growing project in the region. Initially, the project was well-received, with many planting tea and taking out loans to invest in the business. But by 2016, the project had stalled. What was meant to elevate people out of poverty instead caused havoc,” Hakizimana states.

Bukimbiri County Legislator, Eddy Kwezira, adds that the factories have no capacity to buy the tea, and the government must intervene to support both the farmers and the tea processors.

“The confusion and lack of focus by the government, with multiple ongoing projects, has led to a loss of focus on key sectors like tea. I urge the government to prioritize the right projects for the people, as they are the ones who carry out the research,” Kwezira says.

The government has acknowledged the issue. Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, stated that the outstanding balances will be paid.

“The cabinet has discussed the issue of tea, and we have come up with multiple resolutions. If well implemented, they will help in boosting the tea sector,” Minister Baryomunsi affirms.

State Minister for Trade and Cooperatives, David Bahati, also noted that the tea sector continues to face challenges, including price fluctuations due to poor quality of tea leaves, among others.

Currently, there are 718 tea nursery bed operators in the districts of Kabale, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Kisoro, Rubanda, Rukiga, Ntungamo, Mitooma, Mbarara, and Isingiro. These operators are demanding over Shs 10 billion. During his Parish Development Model (PDM) zonal tour in the Kigezi sub-region, President Yoweri Museveni pledged to meet with tea stakeholders during his upcoming tour in the Rwenzori sub-region.