Uganda: Kibaale Tobacco Farmers Demand Pay

Source from:  The Monitor 09/10/2015

About 30 farmers in Kibaale District have accused officials of Premier Tobacco Ltd of failing to pay them millions of shillings for their produce.

Farmers from Kyebando and Mugarama sub-counties stormed the company premises in Kagadi Town Council on Sunday demanding pay for the tobacco supplied to the company last year.

They blocked the company lorry carrying tobacco from the stores and pelted it with stones. The driver escaped unhurt.

When the company manager, Mr Steven Binkamanyiire, tried to calm down the farmers, they hurled stones at him, accusing him of stealing the money, forcing him to flee.

Mr John Kisembo, one of the aggrieved farmers, claimed the company owes him Shs50 million in arrears.

"I spent almost a year growing tobacco eager that I would raise money to pay school fees and also develop my family. But I am disappointed that I do not even have any money for my children to go back to school now that the crucial term has begun," Mr Kisembo said.

Ms Jane Nanozi, a farmer who claimed that the firm owes her Shs30 million, blamed government for not compelling the company to pay them.

She said government should deregister companies that are exploiting farmers and look for market for their produce.

Mr Clovis Katende, a famer, claimed that they are demanding about Shs600 million from the company. The farmers have threatened to pitch camp at the store until their money is paid.

The officer in charge of Kagadi Police Station, Mr Joseph Ayesiga, urged the farmers to stay calm as authorities find a solution to the matter.

Early this year, the Resident District Commissioner, Mr Samuel Kisembo Araali, ordered tobacco companies operating in the district and owing farmers arrears to pay them or else have their licences revoked. Enditem