Cocoa theft in Bundibugyo threatens to kick farmers out of business

MEANWHILE, IN BUNDIBUGYO, Cocoa theft in the district is threatening to kick farmers out of business. 85 per cent of the farmers in Bundibugyo district are engaged cocoa, making a major cocoa producing area. Records from Bundibugyo Police Station show that more than 20 cases of cocoa thefts are reported each day during the harvesting seasons of July, November and December. The thefts are common in Ntandi, Bubugwanga, Busaru and Kasitu sub counties. Fred Musinguzi, the chairperson Bundibuguyo Cocoa Farmers Association, says farmers under the association have lost more than 100 Million Shillings in the past one year. He explains that some farmers have threatened to abandon cocoa growing because they are making losses. Musinguzi says farmers have been forced to harvest immature cocoa to counter the thieves.

He adds that farmers have been advised to form groups to monitor their plantations at night to ensure thieves do not steal their produce. According to the National Coffee Research Institute- NaCORI, that is pushing for planting of hybrid cocoa varieties, Bundibugyo district accounts for a 60% share of all the cocoa grown in Uganda.