MP threatens to uproot tea plants as factories close
He says a kilogram of tea costs 200/=, and a farmer is paid 150/=.
By Our Reporter
Igara: The Igara West MP, Louis Mbwatekamwa, has threatened to mobilize tea growers in his constituency to uproot tea plantations.
His argument comes as nine tea factories have closed and more than 21 are on the verge of closing, which will leave close to 10,000 unemployed.
The legislator threatened to uproot his 10 acres of tea gardens and replace them with coffee and banana plantations.
Mbwatekamwa says it is unfortunate and disappointing for the whole government to fail to save the tea sector, as it has done with the daily sector when foot and mouth disease attacked the cattle.
He says a kilogram of tea costs 200/=, and a farmer is paid 150/=.
Mbatekamwa said that the government should find a solution to issues like the market and cost of production, which are forcing factories to close down to rescue tea farmers who are living in poverty.
The politician also vowed to leave NRM and join any other political party that will address people’s interests or even contest for the presidency in 2026 if President Museveni doesn’t intervene in the tea sector.
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