Uhuru Torch race pounces on bhang farms

MUGINI JACOB in Tarime

THE 2017 National Freedom Torch leader Amour Hamad Amour yesterday took part in the destruction of a bhang farm at Remagwe village in Tarime District and urged the district authorities not to spare anybody involved in cultivation of marijuana.

Mr Amour was shocked to see that a fertile land is used for illegal cultivation of bhang instead of producing food and cash crops. “It is surprising to see Tanzanians growing bhang. Uprooting the bhang is not enough. This person must be found and taken to task,” the National Uhuru torch leader said.

He congratulated Tarime District authorities for providing an opportunity for the 2017 Uhuru torch to destroy the bhang farm, directed Regional Commissioners (RCs) and District Commissioners (DCs) to emulate the example shown by DC Glorious Luoga.

“This is the first time for Uhuru torch to destroy the bhang farm. I call upon regional commissioners, district commissioners and directors to start including destruction of bhang farms in the activities conducted during Uhuru torch race,” he said.

Mr Amour noted that bhang growing is not acceptable and urged authorities in Tarime District to deal with any leader who is sensitising bhang farming in the area. “Leaders who are sensitising bhang farming even if they are Members of Parliament should face legal actions,” he insisted.

Mr Luoga said that the number of people growing bhang in the district has declined in recent years following a successful campaign by state organs against the illicit crop. “In the past two years, these areas were full of bhang farms but we are grateful that majority of people have now changed, turning into cultivation of food and cash crops,” Mr Luoga briefly told the National Uhuru torch leader.

He maintained that the owner of the bhang farm that was destroyed must be apprehended and brought to justice.