NELSON K
Farmers and locals of Mayanga and Rurehe subcounties in Mitooma District are raising concerns over theft following the start of the new coffee harvesting season, calling for support from security authorities to help safeguard their gardens.
The rising coffee harvesting season in Mitooma District has led to an increase in theft cases in the area, forcing farmers to spend days and nights guarding their coffee fields to scare away thieves from raiding their ripening coffee beans.
Speaking with Boona Radio, the Rurehe Subcounty LC3 Chairperson, Evelyn Muhimbo, who is also a coffee farmer, confirmed the situation, stating that thieves currently gain more from coffee than farmers, forcing them to spend days and nights safeguarding their fields. She reported that it is a challenge that arises every year. However, as the subcounty leader, she has been carrying out sensitization for coffee farmers on how to work with local security committees and the police.
She also expressed hope in implementing a partnership with the relevant security authorities to ensure that businessmen who deal with thieves are punished, as well as having suspects remanded in case they are caught.
The Rwanja East LC2 Chairperson, Mr. George Byambwenu, also expressed concern and frustration, saying that currently men do not sleep at home as they spend all their time guarding coffee fields. Despite knowing some of the thieves as local residents, they have remained a threat for years.
Meanwhile, he expressed hope in building a firm partnership with the police, forming security committees, and holding regular security meetings to address the challenge. However, he called for awareness and cooperation from farmers.
Meanwhile, the Mayanga Subcounty Police OC Station, Mr. James Baganizi, confirmed the increasing theft cases, which rise mostly during coffee harvesting seasons. However, he assured farmers that as the relevant security authorities, they have started carrying out community policing sensitization, urging residents to report thieves and business personnel who deal with such criminals.
He added that they started using the policy in 2024 and it worked effectively. Therefore, he expressed confidence and hope to apply the policy again in 2026, whereby suspects will be taken to court immediately and sentenced.
