The chairperson of the Western Region Tea Farmers Association, Frank Byaruhanga, has urged the Ugandan government to implement an effective tea policy to enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan tea on the international market and stabilize fluctuating prices.
Byaruhanga made this call during a meeting of Kigezi Region tea farmers held at the Kisoro District Council. The primary objective of the meeting was to address the significant decline in tea leaf prices from 500 Ugandan Shillings to 100 Shillings.
To improve tea quality, Byaruhanga advocated for government-mandated fertilizer application, standardized harvesting practices, and a regulated distribution chain.
“We, as leaders of the tea farmers’ association, are working closely with the government to mitigate the economic losses suffered by farmers due to both the price drop and the recent seedling failures,” he added.
Amos Hakizimana, the General Secretary of Kisoro Tea Farmers and Executive Member of Kigezi Tea Farmers, expressed deep concern over the decline in international tea prices, attributing it to poor quality and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
“Tea farmers in Kisoro District are worried about the government’s lack of action to address the issues affecting the sector,” Hakizimana said.
