By Ivan Mugisha and Aggrey Twesigye
Security authorities in Ibanda District have arrested a man identified only as Kule after he was found in possession of 12 sacks of prematurely harvested vanilla during an operation aimed at curbing illegal harvesting.
The arrest was made in Bisheshe Division following intelligence reports from members of the community who alerted authorities about the suspected illegal activity.
According to Ibanda Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyerize, the operation was carried out after concerned citizens provided information that led security personnel to the suspect.
Authorities said Kule was found with sacks of immature vanilla, which is harvested before reaching the required maturity stage for the market.
The District Agricultural Officer Robertson Muhangi warned that premature harvesting compromises the quality of the crop, lowers its market value, and affects farmers’ earnings as well as the reputation of the district’s vanilla produce.
