The First Deputy Prime Minister, Rebecca Kadaga, has launched a coffee planting campaign in Masindi Kitara Diocese, calling for value addition if farmers are to fully benefit from the crop.
The campaign was officially launched on April 22 at Walyoba Church of Uganda in Labongo, Masindi district.
It is being supported by the Uplift Interfaith and Civil Societies Foundation for Peace and Development, an initiative under the Office of the President.
Bishop George William Kasangaki of Masindi Kitara Diocese said close to five acres have already been planted at Walyoba church, with the Government’s support.
He expressed readiness to expand the initiative to other churches in the diocese and urged other religious denominations in the district to embrace similar efforts.
“I want to commend the Government for the support given to us to start this project, which is aimed at fighting poverty. Everyone should be economically empowered,” Kasangaki said.
The bishop emphasised the importance of sensitising farmers to encourage widespread adoption of coffee growing in Masindi.
However, he appealed to the Government to provide farmers with access to high-yielding coffee varieties.
“People are suffering with poor-quality varieties on the market that are low-yielding,” Kasangaki said.
He also urged Masindi district chairperson Cosmas Byaruhanga and deputy resident district commissioner Sanon Dhaala to ensure that government-employed extension workers offer proper guidance to farmers.
“Extension workers should help farmers with the right practices for coffee growing. Most people lack knowledge on agronomic practices, hence they harvest little from their fields,” Kasangaki said.
He stressed the need for value addition in the coffee sector, noting that despite its potential, many farmers remain poor due to lack of processing facilities.
“If coffee farmers are not adding value to their produce, they will remain poor. At least, let them access simple machines to remove husks,” Kasangaki said.
He called on the Government to ensure stable and favourable market prices for coffee. He said the diocese is ready to mobilise church members to grow coffee at the household level as a way of combating poverty.
While launching the campaign, Kadaga said believers need financial stability to support church initiatives.
“Coffee growing shouldn’t be limited to churches alone but should also be taken up by individual believers,” she said.
She pledged to follow up with the Government regarding the distribution of high-quality seedlings and a tractor.
Haji Sadik Musa Lukandwa, the head of mobilisation in the Office of the President, said the campaign would expand to other denominations, including Catholics, Muslims, Seventh Day Adventists and Pentecostal churches across Bunyoro sub-region.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Kadaga (third-right), Bishop Kasangaki (centre), Bishop-elect Joshua Kugonza (third-left) and other leaders during the launch of the coffee planting campaign in Masindi Kitara Diocese on April 22. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)
