Farmers want an end to BATU monopoly

Apr 12, 2011

KANUNGU farmers have asked the Government to help end the British American Tobacco Uganda (BATU) monopoly in the sponsorship of tobacco production.

By Patson Bareire

KANUNGU farmers have asked the Government to help end the British American Tobacco Uganda (BATU) monopoly in the sponsorship of tobacco production.

The farmers want other players brought on board for competition.

The request followed a recent announcement by Freddie Tiwangye, the North Kigezi Zone tobacco inspector, that BATU was the only licensed company to sponsor the growing of tobacco.

He emphasised that no other company or individual was allowed to deal with the farmers.

“This is to inform the farmers that no company apart from BATU is allowed to sponsor the production of tobacco in North Kigezi region as provided by law.

“Anybody doing so will be doing it at his/her own risk,” Tiwangye said in an April 5 communication.

The region comprises Kanungu and Rukungiri districts.

However, farmers from Kihiihi sub-county led by the LC3 chairman, Nelson Natukunda, complained that it was unfair to limit the farmers to only one company because there were other institutions with better offers.

“We have seen other players coming to support us like BATU does. This is a liberalised economy. They should leave market forces to work,” Natukunda said.

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