Tobacco farmers in Koboko are accusing Police officers of torture.
The farmers have petitioned the Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura to ban police officers, from getting involved in the recovery of loans advanced to farmers by BAT.
In their petition handed over this morning to Patrick Otika, the North Western regional Police Commander, the farmers accuse police officers of using brutal force during operations to recover loans from them.
The farmers also accuse police officers of conducting illegal arrests of defaulting farmers, confiscating their house hold property and inflicting on them bodily harm.
Grace Akundru, who handed over the farmer's petition to the regional Police commander said that, they have endured police brutality for long and can't take it any more.
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After receiving the farmers petition Otika directed all Police commanders in the region to desist from getting involved in the recovery of loans, unless an order has been issued by a competent court.
He said the in charge of Kijomoro Police post in Maracha-Terego district was suspended over similar complaints of torturing farmers.
Otika advised BAT to negotiate with the defaulting farmers on better ways to recover their loans, instead of involving police.
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But when contacted Peter Onyango, the BAT area manager said he is not aware of the farmer's complaints.
