More than 250 tea nursery operators in Kanungu District have petitioned the IGG to investigate the State Minister for Housing, Dr Chris Baryomunsi, over alleged sabotage of a multi-million tea project in the district. During a charged meeting at the district headquarters on Monday, the disgruntled nursery operators asked the IGG to restrain the minister from meddling in their operations.

The petition follows Dr Baryomunsi’s August 16 letter addressed to the IGG calling for the investigation of Kinkizi Development Company contracted by government to help promote tea growing in the district.

In the letter, seen by this paper, the minister alleges the company has been carrying out fraudulent actions, especially through its corporate social responsibility.

He alleges that through this drive, the company and specifically the director, Mr James Garuga Musinguzi, fleeced Shs1.3 billion by charging each nursery operator Shs70 per seedling supplied. But the tea nursery operators instead blamed the minister for bringing confusion in the sector.

“Our operations are regulated by the district that signed a memorandum of understanding with the company. How does Dr Baryomunsi come in?” asked The Rev Bernard Byamugisha, the nursery operators chairperson.

He said the issue of corporate social responsibility was agreed upon by members and that the money was used to renovate as well as buy two ambulances and a generator for Rugyeyo community hospital.

The Rev Byamugisha also cited restocking Katete stock farm and putting up St James Primary School among other projects the company has undertaken.

Mr Gad Byomuhangi, the district vice chairperson, said the district enjoys cordial working relations with the company. “We have not heard about any irregularities with the tea growing company,” Mr Byomuhangi said.

“If Dr Baryomunsi wants clarification, he should consult the district council instead of writing to the IGG and the Agriculture ministry,” he added.

Mr Tibifumura Mwongyera, the district secretary for production, said Dr Baryomunsi’s move aims at sabotaging the tea sector.

Mr Frank Byaruhanga, the chairperson of tea nursery operators from seven growing districts of western Uganda, described Dr Baryomunsi’s actions as unfortunate.

“As we strive to promote the sector and eradicate poverty, some ‘night dancers’ are busy trying to fail us,” Mr Byaruhanga said.

Musinguzi to sue

Mr Musinguzi has threatened to sue the minister for defamation.

“I have already instructed my lawyers and we are taking him to court this week,” Mr Garuga said.

Dr Baryomunsi on Tuesday said he wrote to the IGG to investigate Mr Musinguzi after some members raised complaints.

“I do not have any personal problem with Mr Musingizi but my concern is to solve the issues raised by nursery bed operators in the area,” Mr Baryomunsi said.

The MP for Kinkiizi West, Mr James Kaberuka, wondered why Dr Baryomunsi opts to personalize issues of community development.