KAGADI, October 31, 2026 — Kagadi district authorities are preparing a Local Government Ordinance to regulate the trade in agricultural produce, particularly coffee, following an increase in coffee theft in the district.
The district has recorded at least 172 cases of coffee-related theft and criminal break-ins since January 2026, raising concerns about the impact of the crime on farmers and coffee production in the area.
Kagadi District LCV Chairperson John Alibankooha said the proposed ordinance would be presented to the district council during an upcoming sitting.
He said the ordinance would primarily target coffee theft while also protecting farmers, coffee buyers and other dealers in agricultural produce.
“All those buying and selling coffee in the district would be required to register with the Local Government, to enable police track the thieves,” Alibankooha told farmers in Kisaanda parish during a meeting convened by Pacwa Subcounty Councillor Joseph Mukasa following continued coffee theft in the area.
Alibankooha said registration would enable authorities to identify legitimate producers and traders, establish the origin of agricultural produce and improve accountability when cases of theft are reported.
The proposed ordinance is also expected to regulate the wider trade in agricultural produce, making it more difficult for traders to buy and sell stolen crops.
Kagadi District Police Commander Philmon Ameru said police had directed officers in charge of stations to ensure that suspects arrested in connection with agricultural-related crimes are taken to court in accordance with the law.
He said police had also suspended the issuance of police bond to suspects involved in such offences as a measure to deter others from engaging in coffee theft.
Kagadi has recorded 172 cases of criminal break-ins since January, placing the district third nationally, after Mubende with 197 cases and Tororo with 193.
Ameru urged residents to report suspected criminals and provide information that could help police recover stolen agricultural produce.
He said police had strengthened security through foot and motorised patrols across sub-counties and town councils in the district.
Earlier this month, Uganda Police Force Director of Community Policing Hilary Kuraigye conducted community policing sessions aimed at addressing agricultural theft in the Bunyoro Sub-region.
Kuraigye pledged additional support for security operations in Kagadi, including sniffer dogs, transport facilities and more police motorcycles for stations across the district.
Councillor Mukasa, who is also a produce trader, told the farmers that the proposed ordinance would cover other agricultural products in addition to coffee.
He said a broader regulatory system would help authorities identify business operators and improve accountability in the agricultural produce trade across the district.
The number of smallholder coffee farmers in Kagadi has reportedly been increasing as more farmers adopt the crop. According to Ministry of Agriculture data, the district produces an average of 300,000 60-kilogramme bags of Robusta coffee annually.
Kagadi has, however, continued to grapple with coffee theft and premature harvesting, prompting several villages to introduce local by-laws aimed at protecting farmers and maintaining coffee quality standards.
https://thecooperator.news/kagadi-bou-and-uca-strengthen-farmers-access-to-acf-and-sbf/
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