Kagadi District recorded 172 coffee theft cases in 2025Kagadi District is planning stricter controls on coffee trading and intensifying security operations following concerns over agricultural theft, allegations of police misconduct and rising cases of break-ins.District Police Commander Ameru Philmon said police had directed Officers in Charge of stations to ensure suspects implicated in agricultural-related crimes are taken to court in accordance with the law.He said the directive suspending police bond for such suspects was intended to strengthen efforts to combat theft of agricultural produce.Kagadi recorded 172 cases of criminal break-ins in the 2025 reporting period, according to figures provided, placing it third nationally after Mubende with 197 cases and Tororo with 193. The source and precise reporting period for the figures require confirmation.Ameru called on residents to report suspected criminals and provide information that could help police recover stolen produce.He said police were strengthening security through foot and motorised patrols across sub-counties and town councils.Several suspects accused of involvement in agricultural-related crimes have reportedly been taken to Mambugu and Mubende government prisons as investigations continue.The crackdown follows a recent inspection by the Inspector General of Police and a security meeting involving police commanders and local leaders.During the meeting, Uganda Police Force Director of Community Policing, CP Hilary Kuraigye, urged officers to strengthen community policing and address concerns about agricultural theft.Kuraigye also raised allegations that some officers were colluding with suspected criminals, warning that such conduct could undermine public confidence in the police.He pledged support for security operations in Kagadi, including additional sniffer dogs, transport facilities and more police motorcycles for Bwikara Police Station.RDC Accuses Officers of Neglecting DutyKagadi Resident District Commissioner Caroline Nashemeza also criticised some police officers, accusing them of neglecting official duties in favour of private businesses and agricultural activities.She urged senior police leadership to consider transferring or reshuffling officers in the district, saying changes could improve discipline and service delivery.Canon Peter Mutebire, the LC III Chairperson of Rugashali Town Council and chairperson of LC III leaders in the district, attributed some security concerns to weak cooperation between police and local leaders, as well as what he described as relaxed patrols.He called for better intelligence sharing and closer coordination between police, local authorities and communities.District to Register Produce TradersBeyond policing, district leaders are considering an ordinance to regulate trade in agricultural produce, particularly coffee, in an effort to make it harder for traders to buy and sell stolen crops.Kagadi District LC V Chairperson John Alibankooha said the proposal would be presented at an upcoming council meeting. Under the proposed measure, people involved in growing, buying and selling agricultural produce would be required to register with government.The system is intended to help authorities identify producers and traders, trace produce and establish accountability when thefts occur.Pacwa Sub-county District Councillor and businessman Joseph Mukasa welcomed the proposal but called for registration to cover all businesses, rather than agricultural produce alone.Mukasa argued that a broader system would help authorities identify business operators and improve accountability across the district.The proposed ordinance and intensified security operations are part of a wider effort by Kagadi leaders to protect farmers’ livelihoods and address concerns about theft.However, effectiveness of the measures will depend on enforcement, police accountability and cooperation between security agencies and communities.-URNThe post Kagadi Moves to Register Coffee Traders to Curb Theft appeared first on Business Focus.