In Summary: Bukedi Kingdom has launched a coffee-growing programme targeting 250,000 smallholder farmers across seven districts, with plans to distribute free Kituza Robusta 9 (KR9) seedlings to promote household incomes. The initiative, launched in Tororo, aims to increase the sub-region’s coffee production from 40,000 metric tonnes to more than 300,000 metric tonnes within five years.
Tororo, Uganda — Bukedi Kingdom has launched a regional coffee seedling distribution programme aimed at tackling household poverty by encouraging at least 250,000 smallholder farmers to establish commercial coffee gardens.
The initiative, launched by His Royal Highness Senkulu Patrick Ndobooli Lyada II at Soni Sub-county in Tororo District, will cover seven districts in the Bukedi sub-region, with farmers expected to receive free Kituza Robusta 9 (KR9) coffee seedlings.
Under the programme, each selected farmer is expected to receive 450 seedlings, enough to establish approximately one acre of coffee, according to the Kingdom.
Speaking at the launch, Bukedi Kingdom Prime Minister Dr Kedi Steven Eric Zuluba said the initiative was intended to transform household incomes and encourage farmers to embrace coffee as a long-term commercial crop.
“For years, our people have grown cotton which is no more in our region. We are giving out these seedlings to change the mindset. We want every household in Bukedi to have at least one acre of income-generating coffee,” Dr Zuluba said.
He said the seedlings had been secured through a partnership with Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), following a benchmarking visit by Kingdom leaders and coffee farmers to Kirema Heritage Farm in Nakaseke District, associated with retired General Salim Saleh.
“This is a direct fruit of our visit to (Rtd) Gen. Saleh. He guided us that wealth is in the coffee. We listened and we are acting,” he added.
The Kingdom Steering Committee Chairperson, Dirisa Mangeni, said the distribution would prioritise organised farmer groups, women and young people.
He said Kingdom officials and local council chairpersons would monitor the exercise to ensure that the seedlings reach intended beneficiaries and are planted.
“Each seedling will be tracked. We shall not allow these seedlings to be wasted or sold. Every beneficiary must have a prepared garden, and our extension teams will inspect before giving out,” Mangeni said.
Farmers welcome initiative
Some of the beneficiaries welcomed the programme, saying the free seedlings would reduce the cost of establishing coffee gardens.
Margret Nyacho, a mother of six from Tororo District, said she had three acres of idle land but had been unable to purchase enough seedlings because of the cost.
“I have 3 acres of idle land. I have been struggling to buy seedlings at Shs 2,500 each. Now the Kingdom has brought them free. This will change my family,” she said.
Higenyi Azalia, a farmer from Maizimasa Sub-county in Butaleja District, also welcomed the initiative but called for additional seedlings and extension services to support coffee growing across Bukedi.
According to the Kingdom, the programme seeks to increase coffee production in the sub-region from an estimated 40,000 metric tonnes to more than 300,000 metric tonnes within five years. It also aims to lift at least 250,000 households out of poverty.
The distribution has started in Tororo and Butaleja districts, where 81,000 and 80,000 seedlings have reportedly been allocated, respectively. The remaining districts are expected to receive their shares based on farmer registration.
Blessed Tree Planters and Agro Distributor Limited has been contracted to undertake the distribution, which is expected to continue throughout the planting season.
Kingdom and Operation Wealth Creation extension workers will provide technical guidance to farmers on planting, spacing and pest management.
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