Katakwi, Uganda: Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has launched the distribution of coffee, banana, and cocoa seedlings across the Teso Sub-region, calling on farmers to embrace commercial agriculture as the region intensifies efforts to eradicate household poverty and boost incomes.
The campaign, launched at Katakwi District Headquarters on Saturday under the theme “Coffee for Wealth Creation and Household Commercialisation,” seeks to accelerate the cultivation of perennial cash crops across the 11 districts of Teso, including Katakwi, Soroti, Kumi, Bukedea, Amuria, Kapelebyong, Serere, Ngora, Kalaki and Kaberamaido.
The initiative follows a similar programme launched by the Vice President in neighbouring Bukedi Sub-region as government steps up implementation of the national coffee roadmap targeting production of 20 million 60-kilogram bags annually by 2030.
Addressing farmers, Resident District Commissioners, district leaders, agricultural extension workers and political leaders, Alupo said Uganda’s economic transformation depends on shifting households from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
“We cannot transform households through lamentation or speeches. We must have focus and a clear plan to improve our earnings,” Alupo said.
She noted that although Teso has traditionally depended on crops such as cassava, groundnuts, sorghum, potatoes and cotton, many households have remained trapped in poverty due to low returns.
“Teso Sub-region has relied on cotton as its cash crop alongside cassava, groundnuts, sorghum and potatoes, but these have not brought the desired change in poverty eradication. It is time to embrace the money economy through commercial agriculture,” she said.
The Vice President urged local leaders, agricultural extension workers and other stakeholders to champion the coffee programme and ensure farmers receive the technical support needed to succeed.
She further revealed that government has already planned the distribution of over 80 million coffee and cocoa seedlings across the 11 districts to stimulate commercial production.
Recognising the impact of climate change on agriculture, Alupo advised farmers to adopt simple irrigation methods to sustain perennial crops during prolonged dry spells.
“Coffee, bananas and cocoa require adequate moisture, especially during flowering. Farmers should adopt simple irrigation methods, including the use of bottles, to conserve water and improve production,” she said.
Ministers Rally Behind Campaign
Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Frank Tumwebaze assured farmers of government’s commitment to supporting agricultural transformation in Teso through quality planting materials, extension services and continuous technical guidance.
He challenged district leaders, particularly Local Council V chairpersons, to strengthen supervision of government agricultural programmes to ensure intended beneficiaries receive support.
“Our leaders must work together to monitor government programmes. Extension workers must perform their duties diligently so that communities can change their mindset and eradicate poverty,” Tumwebaze said.
Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives Hon Sanjay Tanna pledged government support in securing markets for agricultural produce. “We shall continue supporting farmers by expanding market opportunities. Agriculture should become a business that transforms livelihoods, not simply a means of producing food,” he said.
State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, who is also MP for Ngariam County in Katakwi, used the occasion to call for unity among leaders in Teso, saying political differences should not derail the region’s development agenda.
“The differences of the past are behind us. Let us unite and spend the next five years spreading the message of wealth creation instead of politics and division,” Ogwang said.
Leaders Call for Value Addition
Katakwi District LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo, who also chairs the Teso LCV Chairpersons’ Forum, welcomed the introduction of coffee into the region but appealed for additional government investment in climate adaptation measures to support farmers.
Meanwhile, Kasilo County MP Peter Paul Emaju urged the Ministry of Agriculture to support value addition and increase seedling distribution for farmers who have already embraced coffee growing.
Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot, the cultural leader of Iteso, welcomed the programme and encouraged households across the sub-region to take advantage of perennial crops as a sustainable pathway to prosperity.
He also appealed to government to strengthen research and seed multiplication by supporting agricultural institutions in the region.
Operation Wealth Creation Backs Programme
Representing the Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, Commissioner Sylvia Damalie Owori said the programme remains committed to improving household incomes through increased agricultural productivity.
She revealed that Operation Wealth Creation has distributed more than 700 million seedlings to over 1.2 million households across Uganda as part of government’s broader wealth creation agenda.
“Coffee remains one of Uganda’s leading cash crops. Through Operation Wealth Creation, we have distributed more than 700 million seedlings to over 1.2 million households to improve incomes and transform livelihoods,” Owango said.
She urged district leaders and stakeholders to continue sensitising communities about the benefits of commercial agriculture.
Farmer Lilian Amunge from Katakwi District welcomed the initiative, describing coffee, banana and cocoa cultivation as a timely opportunity for households to diversify incomes and improve living standards.
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