Uganda Police Force with Sister Security agencies have uncovered three marijuana gardens from hidden gardens in areas of Kyengezi in Masuuliita, Nansomba and Nampunge in Kakiti town council, Wakiso district.

According to Police, the gardens collectively measured about 40 acres. A team of about 30 policemen from Kakiri police division backed by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers from Kakiri barracks stormed the garden from Kyengeza village hoping that it would be uprooted. But Kakiri Division Police Commander Hussein Mugarura said the gardens were too huge to be uprooted in one day.

Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson said, police and its sister agencies were tipped that there was a marijuana business thriving in the area prompting them to swing into action.

“We later carried out an operation in villages of Nansomba and Nampuge. We found that the plantation was spread to over 15 acres,”Owoyesigyire said.

One person, identified as Samuel Mugambwa was arrested after being found in possession of three sacks of marijuana ready to be transported for sale.

“Many of the plants have been destroyed as investigations into the crime are still ongoing.”

Mugamba, a teacher and resident of Sseguku in Kampala who was found harvesting the marijuana told the police that he opted to grow marijuana as an alternative source of livelihood after the closure of schools.

Mugamba explains that he joined the business after all sources of incomes were closed during the total lockdown which started in March. He partly blames his situation on the government for remaining silent while private teachers are toiling.

Kakiri town council chairperson Muhammad Kisekka observes that teachers are desperate and appeals the government to come to their rescue.