Kanungu District Chairperson Sam Arinaitwe Kajonjo has expressed deep disappointment over the government’s failure to release funds owed to tea nursery bed operators across the Kigezi sub-region.
He spoke during the inaugural regional council session that brought together leaders from Kigezi and Ankole sub-regions to honor the late businessman James Musinguzi Garuga.
The event was held in Kiragiro village, Rugyeyo sub-county, Kanungu District.
A longstanding dispute has left more than 700 tea nursery bed operators in limbo, awaiting payments owed since 2012.
The delay threatens the livelihoods of these farmers and impacts Uganda’s tea industry, a key contributor to the national economy.
Eng. Kajonjo noted that despite a court order and directives from President Yoweri Museveni, the government has yet to settle the debts.
“Tea nursery bed operators have not been paid even after a court order and as per the guidance of President Museveni,” he said.
In a show of solidarity during the council session, members of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) wore party colors emblazoned with “Free Dr Besigye” to pay tribute to Garuga’s support for the FDC Katonga faction, now part of the PFF party.
Ingrid Turinawe, PFF’s Social Economic Transformation spokesperson, explained that wearing party colors symbolized appreciation for Garuga’s contributions during the transition from FDC to PFF.
“For us, dressing in our party colors is a way to mourn and honor late Garuga’s contribution towards our party,” Turinawe said.
James Musinguzi Garuga, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, died last week Tuesday at Nakasero Hospital after a battle with cancer.
He was 72 years old.
Garuga is scheduled to be buried on Monday at his home in Kiragiro village, Rugyeyo sub-county, Kanungu District.