Rising Coffee Theft Sparks Fear in Katagata Parish, Mitooma District

Rampant coffee theft cases in Katagata Parish, Mayanga Sub-county, Mitooma District have caused a lot of fear among residents, who are calling for enhanced security.

It is revealed that security is not tight in this parish and the sub-county at large, giving thieves an opportunity to fulfill their desires.

Speaking to our reporter, Allen Kyomugisha, a resident of Katagata Parish, revealed that they have had sleepless nights due to escalating coffee theft cases, whereby they sleep in the gardens guarding their coffee for fear of being attacked by thieves.

She further revealed that one of the causes of increased theft cases is that many youths do not want to work but want to get money easily. She also said the government has not provided enough security, calling for enhanced protection.

Another resident of Nyarwanya B Cell in Katagata Parish, Ian Bingwahamutima, also revealed how theft cases are on the rise, causing an outcry from the public, with thieves cutting down coffee plantations during the night, leading to underdevelopment in many families.

He further revealed that the rise in theft has been brought about by the enforcement of the trade order, as many people were pushed out of town and are now in villages without any source of income, forcing them to steal people’s coffee. He also cited the shortage of security personnel in the sub-county.

In response, the LC2 Chairperson of Katagata Parish, Polly Mubangizi, confirmed that coffee theft cases have increased in Katagata Parish and Mayanga Sub-county at large. She revealed that they held a joint security meeting involving leaders from Rwanja East Parish, Katagata Parish, the security chairperson of Mayanga Sub-county, and the OC to find ways of fighting the vice. One of the resolutions was that if someone is arrested and taken to police, no one should intervene to secure their release from prison.