AMOS K
As the coffee harvesting season approaches, farmers in Rugarama North Sub-county, Ntungamo District, are raising concerns over the increasing cases of coffee theft.
Coffee, a major cash crop in western Uganda, has been a significant source of income for many farmers. However, the growing demand and high market prices have led to a surge in theft, with thieves no longer waiting for the coffee to fully mature before stealing it.
Twinamatsiko James Karindi, a resident of Rugarama North, described the situation as alarming. He attributed the rise in theft to idle youth who are unwilling to work but desire expensive lifestyles. He emphasized that while coffee prices are high, this should not justify the increasing theft.
The Chairperson of LC1 Ruhega Cell in Rugarama North, Rwakatare Amon, confirmed the growing problem, revealing that some thieves have resorted to cutting down entire coffee trees and transporting them to other locations for harvesting. He further noted that beyond theft, domestic violence has also escalated in the area, with disputes arising from men selling family coffee without consulting their spouses, leading to family conflicts.
Speaking on the issue, Rugarama North Sub-county LC3 Chairperson Amanya Ivan Rwanyakibale acknowledged the challenge and assured residents that measures are being taken to address it. He stated that coffee thieves could face a six-month jail term before being taken to court. Additionally, he urged coffee buyers to follow proper procedures by obtaining approval from both family members and the LC1 chairperson before purchasing unharvested coffee, in an effort to curb domestic conflicts and illegal trade.
Authorities and farmers are now calling for stricter enforcement of laws to safeguard the livelihoods of coffee growers and protect the region’s coffee industry from criminal activities.
