Police in the Rwenzori West Region, with support from the K9 Unit, Thursday arrested a suspect accused of stealing fresh coffee in Kisomoro, Bunyangabu district.
The incident, according to the Police began when a farmer, Mr. Rugumayo Fred, discovered a hole behind his coffee store and quickly reported the matter to authorities. Responding officers from the Canine Unit, Scene of Crime Office (SOCO), and CID Nyakigumba swung into action.
“A police sniffer dog named Darkis was deployed to track the scent, The dog led the team for about 600 meters to the home of Mr. Bwambale Lasson, where they found the stolen coffee and a tapline,” the Police report said, adding that the recovered items were later identified by the complainant as his property.
“We arrested the suspect and secured the recovered coffee as evidence while investigations continue,” the Police added.
Coffee’s Growing Value in Uganda
Coffee remains one of Uganda’s leading export crops and a major source of income for rural households. In recent months, prices for both Arabica and Robusta coffee have been on the rise, driven by strong demand on the international market and reduced global supply.
The growing value of coffee has also attracted cases of theft, especially during harvest and drying seasons, as criminals target farmers’ stores. Authorities have urged coffee farmers to step up security around their produce and to work closely with local leaders and police to curb such incidents.
Uganda is currently among Africa’s top coffee exporters, and the crop continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting thousands of farmers in regions like Rwenzori, Bugisu, and Central Uganda.
