By Aggrey Twesigye
Security has taken control of Igara Growers Tea Factory in Bushenyi District following a High Court ruling on August 18 that declared the factory’s board illegal. Shareholders are demanding fresh elections and a forensic audit into debts reportedly exceeding UGX 21 billion.
The factory has been closed for several months, with shareholders barred from accessing the premises. Addressing stakeholders, Bushenyi District Police Commander SP Hashim Kasinga said police and other security agencies had been deployed to maintain law and order and prevent shareholders from using force to access the factory.
Stakeholder Willis Bashasha said the High Court ruled that the board’s term had expired, leaving the factory without a legally recognised board. Another shareholder, Godfrey Agaba, said the factory owes more than UGX 21 billion, including over UGX 4 billion to DFCU Bank, about UGX 6 billion to farmers, more than UGX 2 billion to NSSF and over UGX 1 billion to URA. Shareholders are calling for a forensic audit before any government bailout is released.
