The Ugandan government has reiterated its dedication to promoting coffee cultivation in Northern Uganda as part of its plan to achieve the ambitious goal of producing 20 million bags of coffee by 2030.
Eunice Kabibi, the Acting Managing Director of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), emphasised the region’s potential during the International Coffee Day celebrations held in Gulu City.
Kabibi noted that the fertile land in Northern Uganda makes it a key area for expanding coffee production, which is critical to meeting the 2030 target.
“We have conducted soil testing, and it has confirmed that Northern Uganda is suitable for coffee production,” Kabibi said.
Currently, Uganda’s coffee exports stand at 6.13 million bags valued at USD 1.144 billion for the 2023/24 financial year. While the government initially aimed to reach 20 million bags by 2020, Kabibi remains optimistic that this goal is achievable by 2030, especially with the opportunities presented by Northern Uganda.
The theme of this year’s International Coffee Day, “Exploring the Unique Coffees from Northern Uganda,” underscores the region’s growing importance in the national coffee sector.
The government views coffee as a key driver of socio-economic transformation, transitioning the region away from traditional crops such as cotton, tobacco, and simsim.
Kabibi highlighted the progress in Northern Uganda’s coffee sector, noting that production increased from 2,567 bags in 2023 to 4,026 bags in recent months, with expectations of further growth as newly planted trees mature.
Fred Kyakulaga Bwino, the Minister of State for Agriculture, reiterated the potential of Northern Uganda to significantly contribute to the country’s coffee output.
He pointed out that the Acholi sub-region alone could double its coffee production, adding that with proper land utilisation, the region could contribute USD 1 billion to the economy.
However, Bwino stressed the need for increased land use for coffee cultivation, calling on farmers to optimise the region’s 28,000 square kilometres of land.
He emphasised the importance of mobilising the population and changing mindsets to fully exploit the coffee-growing potential.
Dr. Kenneth Omona, State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, echoed this call, urging the government to introduce a special coffee development programme for the region.
He also emphasised the need for more agricultural extension workers to train farmers in best practices.
Despite the enthusiasm, some smallholder farmers face challenges in accessing coffee seedlings. Alfred Ojok, Chairman of Lalar Coffee and Poultry Cooperative Society in Nwoya District, noted that many farmers in the region have been unable to plant this season due to the unavailability of seedlings.
Nighty Alanyo, a new coffee farmer, shared her frustration after digging 450 holes but only being able to plant 25 coffee trees due to the lack of seedlings.
Responding to these concerns, Dr. Charles Mugoya, UCDA Board Chairperson, acknowledged the policy shift away from distributing free seedlings, focusing instead on certified coffee nurseries.
He assured farmers that UCDA remains committed to supporting Northern Uganda’s coffee sector, having invested 8 billion shillings in interventions across 33 districts in the region. By 2023, UCDA had distributed 30 million coffee seedlings to Northern Uganda farmers.
The concerted efforts of the government and stakeholders aim to transform Northern Uganda into a robust coffee production hub, contributing significantly to Uganda’s goal of 20 million coffee bags by 2030.
Currently, 48.5 million coffee trees have been planted in the region, with 24.3 million already in production.
