Former agriculture minister decries low tea prices

Sekitoleko (left) and Bucyanayandi (second right) and OWC officials during a field tour of his tea plantation located in Mwaro, Kisoro district

Tress Bucyanayandi, the former agriculture minister has decried the low prices at which tea from Kisoro is bought.

This, he said, had prompted him to abandon his tea plantation although he says he was advised by some friends not to give up soon.

While hosting leaders of Uganda Tea Association and Kisoro district Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) commanders recently, Bucyanayandi called the prices unfair.

"Farmers are paid sh750 per kilogramme for Kyenjojo tea. That of Kyamuhunga is bought at about sh650, but Kisoro tea is bought at sh350. This is very unfair," he said.

Kisoro has over 1,000 acres of tea. Bucyanayandi owns about six acres.

"Quality of Kisoro tea is good due to the prevailing good climatic conditions," he said

The officials from Uganda Tea Association led by the George William Sekitoleko, the executive secretary, had visited Kisoro to ascertain challenges faced by tea farmers and possibly forge away forward.

Responding to Bucyandayandi's concerns, Sekitoleko said the only reason why Kisoro tea is bought at cheaper rate is due to lack of a tea processing plant in the district.

About two years ago, Government partnered with the Kigezi Highland Tea Company executive director James Musinguzi Garuga to establish tea processing factory in Kisoro, but the factory is not yet complete.