Gulu City farmers receive 20,000 coffee seedlings to boost production
The seedlings, valued at Shs 40 million, were provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF]
GULU CITY, June 31, 2026 — At least 20,000 coffee seedlings have been distributed to 65 farmers in Gulu City under a government initiative aimed at increasing coffee production and promoting household economic transformation in northern Uganda.
The seedlings, valued at Shs 40 million, were provided by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF] and distributed yesterday at the Gulu City Council playground, and witnessed by the area politicians and security officers
Peter Okumu, Chairperson of the Paminano Coffee Growers Association, welcomed the initiative, noting that coffee farming is still new in the Acholi sub-region. “We are still behind in coffee farming knowledge, but we have formed a group, prepared our gardens, and are committed to learning,” he said.
Okumu added that the project could help improve household incomes and reduce domestic violence. “We now live more peacefully in our homes. In three years, we expect to start earning from coffee,” he said.
He urged the government to ensure market access for their produce to avoid frustration at retirement. “Each farmer received 200 seedlings. We call on MAAIF to secure good markets so we don’t struggle when the harvest comes,” Okumu said.
Santo Okema, a farmer from Agulu-Mola Village in Unyama Sub-county, said he joined coffee farming to build a foundation for his grandchildren. “I planted 2,250 seedlings. My grandchildren help on the farm, and I believe my life will improve as the crop matures,” he said.
According to Gulu City Senior Agricultural Officer, Christine Ojok, over 100 coffee farmers have registered so far, including two groups: The Acholi Coffee Growers Cooperative [38 members, 32,100 seedlings requested] and Paminano Coffee Growers Association [4,500 seedlings requested]. An additional 41 individual farmers requested 36,900 seedlings.
Ojok praised the partnership between MAAIF, Operation Wealth Creation [OWC], and local government for providing high-quality, disease-resistant seedlings. She also pledged continued monitoring of farmers to ensure proper use of government resources.
Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga criticised the delayed delivery of seedlings, which he said should have arrived between March and April. “Late delivery in past years has led to seedlings drying up at the sub-county level. We urge all local leaders to mobilise beneficiaries to plant them in time for the second season,” he said.
Okwonga encouraged unregistered farmers interested in coffee farming to begin garden preparations in anticipation of next year’s seedling distribution.
MAAIF Agricultural Officer Oyella Janny Winifred, apologised for the delays and promised timely delivery next year. “We are now operating on a demand-driven basis. Our technical teams are training farmers at the sub-county level,” she said.
She added that the 20,000 seedlings distributed are expected to cover about 40 hectares in Gulu City, as part of an effort to promote urban farming and increase household income. “Coffee allows for mixed cropping, which can help address food insecurity,” she noted.
Oyella urged local technical teams to work closely with farmers on quality standards to enhance access to competitive markets.
Meanwhile, the OWC has committed Shs 5.5 billion to coffee seedling distribution across Northern Uganda. According to OWC Director Sylvia Damalie Owori, over 10,000 farmers will benefit from 20 million seedlings.
Coffee farming is gaining traction in Gulu City and the wider Acholi sub-region, with farmers forming cooperatives to address challenges and capitalise on the crop’s potential. While coffee is relatively new to the area, farmers are recognising its value in improving livelihoods due to high global demand. However, challenges like access to seedlings, lack of knowledge about coffee cultivation, and securing markets remain, according to farmers and agricultural authorities.
https://thecooperator.news/ugandas-annual-coffee-exports-earn-shs-8-trillion/
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