‘Weed Isn’t A Health Threat, Don’t Kill Our Gold Mine!’ — Wakiso Khat Farmers Petition Museveni Through Namyalo

By Frank Kamuntu

Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has visited khat (mayirungi) farmers in Kasenge, Wakiso District, where she held discussions with growers on the challenges and opportunities within the sector.

During her visit to a khat plantation in Kasenge, Hajjat Namyalo met farmers, Ms. Nakitto Masitula, and, Mr. Asiimwe David, who briefed her on the progress of the enterprise as well as the challenges affecting production.

Mr. Asiimwe identified water scarcity as one of the major obstacles facing farmers, noting that the plantation urgently requires an irrigation system to sustain production throughout the year.

“We need support for modern irrigation facilities to improve productivity and ensure sustainable farming,” he said.

The farmers also raised concerns about increasing cases of theft, saying criminals frequently target their produce, resulting in significant losses and reduced earnings.

On taxation, the farmers emphasized that they are not opposed to paying taxes but appealed for a fair and moderate tax regime that would allow them to sustain and expand their businesses.

They further revealed that khat cultivation requires substantial investment, with a single tree costing between UGX 50,000 and UGX 100,000, making the venture highly capital-intensive.

Addressing concerns often raised about the crop, the farmers argued that khat does not pose the health risks that some people allege. They noted that many of their customers, particularly long-distance drivers, use it to remain alert and avoid drowsiness during night journeys.

Mr. Asiimwe added that his plantation currently employs seven workers, all of whom support families, making the enterprise an important source of livelihood within the community.

In response, Hajjat Namyalo commended the farmers for their hard work and contribution to local economic development through job creation and income generation.

She advised them to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including obtaining the necessary licences, to safeguard their operations.

Hajjat Namyalo also assured the farmers that their concerns regarding irrigation, security and taxation would be forwarded to the relevant authorities for consideration.

Later, Hajjat Namyalo visited Mr. Ssalongo William Sserwanga, a khat farmer in Nkungulutale, Ssisa Parish, where she continued consultations with growers in the area.

Mr. Sserwanga appealed to the government not to abolish khat cultivation, arguing that the crop remains the primary source of livelihood for many families.

He also called for stricter regulation of agricultural chemicals imported into the country, saying the increasing presence of unregulated products has negatively affected crop productivity while raising operational costs.

Mr. Sserwanga emphasized that farmers are willing to pay taxes, provided the tax regime remains fair and supportive of business growth.

He noted that proceeds from khat farming have enabled many households to educate their children, construct permanent homes and improve their standards of living.

According to Mr. Sserwanga, his farm currently employs 30 workers whose families depend on the enterprise for their livelihoods.

Another farmer, Eng. Kaggwa Nabugera, said that besides its economic value, khat is also used for medicinal purposes by some communities. He commended Hajjat Namyalo for directly engaging farmers and listening to their concerns.

He reiterated that the issue of unregulated agricultural chemicals remains one of the biggest challenges facing the sector and called for urgent government intervention.

Addressing the farmers, Hajjat Namyalo revealed that reports indicate about 20 percent of the youth are consuming khat, a matter she said requires careful consideration and consultation with all stakeholders.

She emphasized the need for dialogue involving farmers, health experts, community leaders and government officials to find lasting solutions to concerns surrounding the crop while safeguarding the livelihoods of those employed in the sector.

Hajjat Namyalo acknowledged the significant number of families whose incomes depend on khat farming and stressed that any decisions affecting the industry should take into account the welfare of workers and their dependants.

She further disclosed that farmers from Kasenge and surrounding areas would be engaged to formally petition President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni so that all stakeholders can reach a mutual understanding and an amicable solution that balances public interests with the livelihoods of farmers.

She encouraged the farmers to remain united, continue working hard and invest in productive activities that contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities.