Otuke leaders launch crackdown on fraudulent produce dealers

12 May 2026, 9:59 pm

By Winnie Auma

Leaders in Otuke District have launched an operation targeting produce dealers accused of cheating buyers through false measurements and the sale of poor-quality produce in local markets.

The LC5 Chairperson of the district, Francis Abola, said the crackdown follows numerous complaints from residents alleging that some produce dealers, mainly from Lira, have been exploiting traders and farmers.

According to Abola, some dealers allegedly sell spoilt beans mixed with soil and tamper with measuring cups by cutting parts of them off, resulting in buyers receiving less produce than expected.He revealed that during a recent operation conducted at Patwali Market in Adwari Sub-county, more than 10 traders were found using false measurements and selling spoilt produce.

As a result, the suspects were ordered to remove their produce from the market, while more than 10 illegal measuring cups were confiscated.

Meanwhile, the LC3 Chairperson of Adwari Subcounty, Simon Obong Opio, said local authorities had earlier warned traders against engaging in fraudulent practices.

Opio explained that he, together with the Officer in Charge of Adwari Police Station, visited the market before the operation to caution produce dealers. However, some traders allegedly ignored the warnings and continued with the illegal practices.He warned that future offenders will be arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretence.

Some residents who spoke to our reporter expressed frustration over inconsistent measurements and the poor hygiene of produce sold in the markets despite high prices.The locals appealed to district leaders to permanently ban dishonest traders from operating in local markets, saying the malpractice has caused losses and mistrust among buyers.

Patrick Ogwal , the chairperson Lira Produce Dealers Association condemned the sale of spoilt produce, saying it poses serious health risks to consumers and damages the reputation of genuine traders. He also warned produce dealers against using incorrect measurements, saying the practice destroys trust between buyers and sellers within communities.

In an interview, Ogwal noted that many traders involved in cheating customers often operate outside Lira City. He explained that produce markets in Lira City are regularly inspected by health officials and local leaders to ensure traders comply with proper standards.He urged leaders in other districts and market authorities to strengthen inspections and arrest culprits in order to protect consumers from exploitation.