In a promising development for Uganda’s tea sector, Deputy Speaker of parliament Thomas Tayebwa has revealed that President Museveni is set to meet with tea nursery bed operators across the Kigezi sub-region.
Tayebwa said the meeting will come in two-weeks' time to discuss possible solutions to the challenges affecting the industry.
The announcement has brought hope to the tea farmers and stakeholders who have been grappling with various issues, including government’s failure to release funds owed to tea nursery bed operators across Kigezi sub-region.
A longstanding dispute has left more than 700 tea nursery bed operators in limbo, awaiting payments owed since 2012The delay threatens the live hoods of these farmers and impacts Uganda’s tea industry, a key contributor to the national economy.
According to Tayebwa, the meeting between the president and tea nursery bed operators is a direct response to the sector ’s struggles.
“The president understands the importance of the tea sector to our economy and the livehoods of our people. The president will be meeting with tea nursery bed operators in a period od two weeks.”Tayebwa noted.
“The president is committed to finding solutions to the challenges facing the tea industry.” Tayebwa adds.
The meeting is expected to provide a platform for tea nursery bed operators to share their concerns and ideas with the president.
Tayebwa further noted that the government is eager to hear from the operators and work together to find sustainable solutions.
Tea farmers and stakeholders are optimistic about the meeting, hoping that it will lead to tangible benefits for the sector.
With the President’s intervention, the tea sector is poised for a turnaround.
The meeting between President Museveni and the tea nursery bed operators is a significant step towards addressing the industry’s challenges and securing its future.