MP Kiconco Katabazi Headed For Luzira Prisons As Sevo Orders Probe Into Theft Of Kanungu Tea Nursery Operators’ Funds

President Yoweri Museveni has  ordered an immediate halt to what he described as the extortion of tea nursery bed operators in Kanungu District by individuals  operating under a Pathways law firm of Kiconco Katabazi.

In a strongly worded directive dated February 22, 2026, addressed to Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the President raised concerns about reports that tea nursery growers were being compelled to surrender a portion of government funds intended to support their operations.

Museveni specifically named Pathways Advocates and an individual identified as Kyichooncho Patrick Katabazi, questioning the legality and morality of demanding money from beneficiaries of a government programme.

“I am writing to direct you to stop crooks operating under a lawyers’ firm known as Pathways Advocates involving one Kyichooncho Patrick Katabazi that is extorting money from the tea nursery growers,” Museveni wrote.

The President further questioned the basis upon which the alleged payments were being demanded.
“Who is he to extort money from our people? What did he do to deserve this money? It is the Government that gave the money to our people,” the letter reads.
Museveni also expressed concern over possible collusion within government institutions, asking how the alleged extortionists were able to access and deduct funds meant for the beneficiaries.

“Who are the collaborators of the extortioners in the Government? How do they manage to deduct 30% from the recipients’ payments?” he asked.

The President directed the Attorney General to stop what he described as theft and ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive their full entitlements.

The matter has also been copied to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, signaling the possibility of a broader investigation into the allegations.

The development is expected to shine a spotlight on the management of government support programmes in the tea sector, particularly in Kanungu District, one of Uganda’s key tea-growing areas.

The funds disbursed by the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), were intended to compensate farmers who had sued the government for failing to procure their tea seedlings.

Pathway Advocates, the law firm led by Katabazi, received the funds in trust to compensate affected farmers.

However, a disturbing pattern of non-payment and underpayment has emerged, sparking widespread outrage and accusations of unprofessional conduct.

Scores of farmers have reported discrepancies in compensation payouts, claiming they received partial payments, shortfalls, or no payment at all, despite the law firm receiving funds on their behalf.

NAADS maintain that Pathway Advocates received the money in two installments—Shs 27 billion and Shs 12 billion but Katabazi allegedly failed to provide a detailed breakdown of payments to individual farmers.