(MOROBO COUNTY) – The Commissioner of Morobo County, Charles Data Bullen, has intensified a crackdown on illegal tobacco cultivation following persistent reports of ongoing farming activities along the South Sudan–Uganda border since the beginning of the year.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Commissioner visited Kaya Boma in Kimba Payam to meet with chiefs and headmen and to confirm the detention of eight residents who have been in police custody since Monday. The suspects were arrested on their tobacco farms after the Commissioner, in consultation with the County’s Paramount Chief, issued a directive in January ordering the arrest of anyone found cultivating tobacco.
Commissioner Data stated that the crackdown had been planned since last year but was delayed due to clashes that disrupted government operations across the county.
During a meeting in Kaya, the Head Chief of Kimba Payam, Mr. Moro, explained that local authorities had communicated the county’s directive to residents. Despite the warnings, some individuals reportedly continued cultivating tobacco, arguing that it was their primary source of income to meet basic needs.
The Commissioner reiterated that tobacco cultivation is illegal nationwide due to its harmful effects on soil fertility and the environment. He stressed that Morobo County is no exception and urged residents to focus on growing food crops to help address ongoing food insecurity challenges.
The eight detainees have been instructed to destroy their tobacco farms within ten days. After that period, they will face trial before local courts at the County Headquarters.
The Office of the Commissioner affirmed its commitment to enforcing national laws and promoting sustainable agricultural practices for the benefit of all residents of Morobo County.
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