Chief Justice Emeritus rallies thousands for coffee farming drive in Agago
AGAGO, March 2, 2026 — Thousands of farmers gathered at the residence of Alphonse Owiny-Dollo in Toocoo Cell, Oporot Ward, Patongo Town Council, as the former Chief Justice of Uganda spearheaded a major push to transform livelihoods in Agago district through large-scale coffee cultivation.
The February 26 meeting marked one of the largest farmer mobilisation efforts in the district in recent years. Participants received free technical training on coffee growing, part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing poverty in the Acholi sub-region.
Addressing the crowd, Owiny-Dollo framed coffee farming as a strategic economic intervention rather than a simple agricultural venture.
“Coffee is not just a crop; it is the path to transformation,” he said, urging residents to embrace the enterprise collectively. “If you want to change your financial future, this is the crop to grow.”
The training session was led by coffee agronomist Simon Wokorach, who highlighted the suitability of Acholi’s soil and climate for coffee production. Demonstrations covered land preparation, seedling selection, planting techniques, crop management and harvesting methods.
“The soil in this region is rich and fertile, making it ideal for coffee production,” Wokorach told participants. “Investing in coffee is not just a trend; it is a sustainable venture that can yield significant rewards.”
The initiative has drawn support from cultural and political leaders. Rwot Kasemiro Ongom, the Kotongo clan chief, endorsed the campaign, describing it as a timely strategy for boosting household incomes.
“By embracing coffee farming, we can put money in the pockets of our residents and fundamentally change our community’s destiny,” Ongom said.
Farmers attending the event expressed optimism. Raymond Okidi, who said he has already secured five acres for coffee cultivation, described the initiative as an opportunity for long-term economic stability.
“I’ve seen what coffee can do for communities, and I’m ready to invest my efforts into this crop,” Okidi said.
Political leaders are also positioning themselves behind the initiative. Santo San Ongom called on fellow politicians to demonstrate commitment beyond public endorsements.
“It’s essential that we lead by example, not just in words, but through action,” he said.
Despite the enthusiasm, some residents voiced concerns about climate variability and market price fluctuations, which have historically affected agricultural ventures in northern Uganda.
Organisers acknowledged the risks but argued that proper agronomic practices, diversification strategies and cooperative marketing structures could mitigate potential challenges.
If sustained, the campaign could signal a significant shift in Agago’s agricultural profile, traditionally dominated by subsistence crops. With expert backing, cultural endorsement and political mobilisation, proponents say the district may be on the cusp of a coffee-driven economic transition.
Whether the movement will deliver lasting transformation remains to be seen, but for many farmers who gathered in Patongo, the seeds of change have already been planted.
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