Kayunga Farmers Take Up Arms Against Coffee Thieves

In the Kayunga District of Uganda, coffee farmers are taking drastic measures to protect their crops from rampant theft. Faced with escalating raids, many are now spending nights in their plantations, armed with basic tools like pangas and wooden sticks.

This proactive approach by the community has already shown success. Recently, two suspected coffee thieves were apprehended by vigilant farmers. They were found in possession of stolen, immature coffee beans and are currently being held at Busaana Police Station for further investigation.

The wave of thefts has affected several areas, including the villages of Kyengera, Kufu, and Lusenke, with Kitimbwa and Nazigo sub-counties also experiencing similar incidents. According to Dembe Ssekitoleko, a field officer with Uganda Quality Coffee Traders and Processors, the thieves are exploiting the cover of darkness, even targeting coffee that is not yet ripe.

Local leaders are expressing deep concern. George Wameke, the Kyengera Village LC I chairperson, reported that four coffee plantations were raided recently, taking advantage of the bright moonlight. The community’s swift action led to the apprehension of the suspects, who were then handed over to the police.

The surge in coffee theft coincides with rising market prices, which has unfortunately led to increased incidents of premature harvesting nationwide. This not only threatens the yield and quality of the coffee but also the livelihoods of honest farmers. Kayunga District LC V Chairman Andrew Muwonge has urged local leaders and law enforcement to take a firm stance against those involved in coffee theft, emphasizing the long-term damage to the district’s economy and reputation.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kayunga-farmers-sleep-in-gardens-as-coffee-theft-surge-forces-night-patrols-5557328