Fort Portal Catholic Diocese launches coffee policy
Fred Kaahwa Kayondo, a policy consultant, said the coffee policy is designed to address pressing challenges such as low productivity, limited access to markets, climate change and the over-reliance of parishes on donor support
KABAROLE, July 31, 2025 — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal has launched an ambitious five-year diocesan coffee policy [2025 – 2030] aimed at promoting sustainable coffee farming, food security and economic self-reliance among Christian families in the Rwenzori region.
Dubbed Fort Portal Diocese Coffee Development Policy, it was launched on Thursday at the diocesan model farm in Nkuruba, Rutete Subcounty, Kabarole district, under the theme, “No one should be left behind.”
A vision rooted in faith and sustainability
Rev.Fr. Taddeus Tusiime, the Diocesan Priest in charge of agriculture said the policy seeks to transform parishes into centers of modern, climate-smart coffee production.
“We are looking at coffee as a vehicle for household income improvement, food security and economic independence,” Tusiime noted.
Adding that,” we already have 30 acres planted and hope to expand to 50 acres by the end of the season.”
He credited the defunct Uganda Coffee Development Authority [UCDA] for the support and lauded the Diocese’s bishop, Robert Muhiirwa for his visionary leadership, and driving the initiative expected to boost household incomes.
Tusiime also revealed plans to establish a coffee factory to create employment for over 100 people in the region.
Government backs the policy
Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Commissioner for Coffee Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], who represented Minister Frank Tumwebaze, praised the diocese for aligning its strategy with the national coffee roadmap.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with government efforts to fight poverty. However, we urge farmers to uphold quality, especially in harvesting and post-harvest handling. Picking immature beans lowers the market value and harms household incomes in the long run,” Kyalo said.
He warned that poor practices, such as those that contributed to a tea crisis in the region, must not be repeated with coffee.
He emphasised the importance of using the wet mills and solar dryers the ministry donated, designed to process only ripe coffee beans. Kyalo pledged MAAIF’s continued support in providing free robusta seedlings, fertilisers and training.
Bishop Muhiirwa calls for inclusive implementation
Muhiirwa applauded the diocesan finance council for spearheading the coffee policy. He urged Christians across the diocese’s nine districts to fully embrace the initiative.
“Our goal is to ensure that every family can benefit from this economic opportunity. Parish priests should roll out this policy through existing catholic associations like the catholic women’s associations and the catholic church men’s association to guarantee inclusion,” Bishop Muhiirwa said.
He called for regular evaluations and requested MAAIF to increase the supply of quality seedling to support the scaling up of parish-based projects.
A policy grounded strategy
Fred Kaahwa Kayondo, a policy consultant, said the coffee policy is designed to address pressing challenges such as low productivity, limited access to markets, climate change and the over-reliance of parishes on donor support.
He highlighted the policy’s key objectives which include promotion of climate-smart and agro-ecological coffee farming, strengthening inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Kayondo explained that implementation will be parish –based, with each parish expected a minimum of three-acre model farms.
Collaboration with Saving and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs], agricultural extension workers, and development agencies like the National Agricultural Organisation [NARO], and relevant non-governmental Organisations [NGOs] is also planned.
Voices from the community
Charles Kuibanza, Head of Diocesan Laity, and a seasoned coffee farmer, urged Christians to take coffee seriously.
“If you care for your coffee properly mulching fertilising, pruning, you will always harvest well. Even when price fluctuations between Shs 10,000 and 180,000per kilo, it remains a valuable income source, “he said.
Richard Rwabuhinga, the Kabarole district LCV Chairperson lauded the diocese for promoting holistic development.
“This coffee policy is a golden opportunity. Let us avoid bad practices like selling gardens before harvest,” he said.
Yoweri Mugume the LCI Chairperson of Nkuruba village commended the diocesan’s coffee initiative, saying it will create jobs and simulating growth of the communities.
“We have seen real change here in Kuruba. This model farm is an inspiration for many smallholder farmers,” he said.
Timothy Tumwesigye, the Nkuruba Model Farm, Manager, expressed optimism that the policy, backed by practical demonstration, will drive a parish–wide coffee farming revolution,” he said’
“This initiative guided parishes a dependable cash crop, and confidence to farm with purpose,” Tumwesigye added.
The Fort Portal Diocese Coffee Development Policy exemplifies how faith-based institutions can play a transformative role in community development. By linking spiritually with sustainability, the diocese is sowing the seeds for a more prosperous and self-reliant future for its followers.
https://thecooperator.news/preparations-for-coopsday-2025-launched-in-fort-portal-city/
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