Wakiso, Uganda: The Senior Presidential Advisor and National Coordinator of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has pledged to engage relevant government authorities on tax relief, irrigation support, and other challenges affecting khat (mayirungi) farmers following consultations with growers in Wakiso District.
Namyalo made the commitment during an engagement with khat farmers in Kasenge and Nkungulutale, Ssisa Parish on Thursday, June 25, where growers shared concerns over water scarcity, insecurity, taxation and the increasing circulation of unregulated agricultural chemicals.
The farmers, led by David Asiimwe and Ssalongo William Sserwanga, said khat farming has become a major source of income for hundreds of households in Wakiso but faces challenges that threaten productivity and profitability.
According to the farmers, irrigation remains one of the most urgent needs as prolonged dry spells continue to affect production. “We need support for modern irrigation facilities to improve productivity and ensure sustainable farming,” Asiimwe said.
The growers also complained about increasing theft of produce from plantations, describing it as a growing threat that has resulted in significant financial losses.
On taxation, they stressed that they are not opposed to paying taxes but appealed for a fair and moderate tax regime that allows farmers to remain profitable while expanding their enterprises.
The farmers further noted that khat cultivation requires substantial investment, with each tree costing between Shs50,000 and Shs100,000 to establish, making it one of the most capital-intensive agricultural ventures in the area.
Sserwanga told Namyalo that income from khat farming has enabled many families to educate their children, construct permanent homes and improve household welfare.
He revealed that his farm employs about 30 workers, while Asiimwe’s plantation provides employment to seven people, highlighting the sector’s contribution to job creation and local economic development.
The farmers also raised concerns about unregulated agricultural chemicals entering the market, saying some products have negatively affected crop productivity while increasing production costs.
Another farmer, Eng. Kaggwa Nabugera said the issue requires urgent intervention from government agencies responsible for regulating agricultural inputs.
The growers also appealed to government not to abolish khat cultivation, arguing that thousands of Ugandans depend on the crop directly and indirectly for their livelihoods.
Responding to the concerns, Namyalo commended the farmers for embracing wealth creation and contributing to economic transformation through agriculture.
She acknowledged the important role the sector plays in supporting households and creating employment opportunities.
“I have listened to your concerns on irrigation, taxation, security, and agricultural inputs. These are genuine issues affecting your businesses and livelihoods, and I will ensure they are forwarded to the relevant government authorities for consideration,” Namyalo said.
She encouraged the farmers to remain compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements governing their operations while continuing to engage the government through lawful channels.
“Government empowerment and wealth creation programmes are intended to improve people’s incomes. As leaders, we must listen to wananchi, understand their challenges and work together to find lasting solutions,” she added.
Namyalo further revealed that reports indicate approximately 20 percent of Uganda’s youth consume khat, a matter she said requires careful discussion involving all stakeholders.
“We need dialogue involving farmers, health experts, community leaders and government officials so that we can arrive at balanced solutions that protect public interests without destroying livelihoods,” she said.
The ONC boss noted that any future policy decisions concerning khat farming should take into account the welfare of workers, farmers and the thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on the sector.
She also disclosed plans to facilitate engagement between farmers and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni through a formal petition process aimed at ensuring their concerns are fully understood at the highest levels of government.
“We shall engage all stakeholders, including the President, so that we arrive at a mutual understanding and an amicable solution that benefits both the country and the people who depend on this enterprise,” Namyalo said.
She urged the farmers to remain united, work hard, and continue investing in productive ventures that contribute to household incomes and national development.
The consultations form part of ONC’s ongoing grassroots engagements aimed at monitoring wealth creation activities and identifying challenges affecting beneficiaries and entrepreneurs across the country.
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