Gov’t delivers 269,000 coffee seedlings to Lango Subregion
According to the official distribution list seen by this reporter, Lira City received 20,000 seedlings, Lira district was allocated 60,000, Otuke district received 24,000, while Dokolo district received the largest share with 165,000 seedlings
LIRA, August 8, 2025 –– The Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], has delivered a total of 269,000 clonal Robusta coffee seedlings to farmers across the Lango Subregion.
According to the official distribution list seen by this reporter, Lira City received 20,000 seedlings, Lira district was allocated 60,000, Otuke district received 24,000, while Dokolo district received the largest share with 165,000 seedlings.
Andrew Okello Awany, the Regional Agricultural Officer overseeing Lira, Alebtong, and Otuke districts, stated that each seedling is valued at Shs 2,000, bringing the total government investment in this distribution to Shs 538 million.
“Farmers must take good care of the seedlings, even after planting,” Okello advised. “Some individuals received up to 500 seedlings, which translates to about one million shillings in value. It would be a shame if they are neglected after such a significant investment.”
He also noted that other districts within the Lango Subregion are expected to receive their allocation in the next financial year.
Meanwhile, Col (Rtd) Charles Obeny, Operation Wealth Creation [OWC] Coordinator for both Lira City and Lira District, highlighted that the disease-resistant clonal Robusta variety matures within just 18 months, making it an ideal crop to accelerate poverty alleviation.
“The government envisions increased household wealth in Lango through coffee cultivation,” he said. “Coffee is far more profitable than crops like sunflower, maize, or soybeans. If farmers maintain these trees well, in just 3 to 5 years, we will see real transformation in livelihoods.”
He explained that a smallholder with 450 coffee trees can potentially harvest around 400 kilogrammes of coffee cherries per season, significantly boosting household income.
Dorcus Alum, the Lira District Agricultural Officer, confirmed that the clonal Robusta variety is superior in yield and quality compared to other coffee types.
“This variety is high yielding and better than even the elite types. In fact, many of us who had previously planted elite coffee are now looking to plant clonal Robusta as well. Farmers who have received these seedlings are very fortunate,” Alum said.
Thomas Okello, the Lira District Production and Marketing Officer, urged farmers to take coffee farming seriously.
“Ensure that all the seedlings planted survive. This is a chance to change lives,” he stressed.
He further called on agricultural extension workers to actively engage cultural and political leaders in promoting coffee growing in the region.
“Let’s involve everyone in this effort, cultural leaders, political leaders, they have the influence to mobilise more farmers to embrace coffee,” he added.
Farmers in Lira City have welcomed the government’s support with joy, saying the seedlings will boost their livelihoods.
Tony Oleke, a resident of Itek Subcounty in Lira District, appreciated the government’s intervention:
“These free seedlings will go a long way in improving our incomes. We are very grateful.”
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
