Gulu district better prepared for coffee as 50,000 seedlings received from MAAIF
District reports indicate that of the 2.5 million coffee seedlings supplied last year by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], only about 35 per cent survived
GULU, April 22, 2026 — The Production Department in Gulu district says it is better prepared to handle coffee this year, following heavy losses recorded last season due to late planting and prolonged dry spells.
District reports indicate that of the 2.5 million coffee seedlings supplied last year by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF], only about 35 per cent survived.
Emmanuel Omara Pacoto, the Gulu District Production Officer, said the department has since strengthened the capacity of extension staff to better manage the perennial crop.
“This time, as the Production Department, we are more prepared than ever to receive the coffee seedlings. We began by building the capacity of our extension staff, training them in all the necessary agronomic practices. They have, in turn, trained the farmers. As we speak, farmers are ready, they have already dug the planting holes,” Omara said.
He was speaking on Friday during a meeting to receive 50,000 coffee seedlings, the first batch of 400,000 expected to be distributed to farmers across the district in the coming weeks.
The seedlings were handed over to Bungatira Coffee Growers Cooperative, which comprises 58 farmers.
William Pike Ongaba, the extension worker in charge of Bungatira Subcounty, said farmers in the area have been trained in proper hole preparation, planting techniques, and crop management practices such as mulching and irrigation.
Another batch of 150,000 seedlings is expected to arrive next week.
Julius Twiine, a Senior Agriculture Officer in MAAIF’s coffee department responsible for Northern Uganda, acknowledged past criticism over delayed seedling deliveries, noting that the issue has now been addressed.
“We want complaints about late supply of seedlings to become a thing of the past. This time, the seedlings have arrived early, the farmers are prepared, and we have conducted extensive training,” Twiine said.
He added that the government is committed to scaling up coffee production in the region as a strategy to reduce household poverty, which he noted is a key driver of social challenges such as domestic violence.
“We are intensifying coffee production in Northern Uganda. Previous efforts laid the groundwork, but we are now targeting the establishment of about 150,000 acres of coffee over the next three years. We want the region to contribute significantly to the national target of 20 million bags of coffee exports by 2030. If Northern Uganda can contribute at least three million bags, that would be a major achievement, given the availability of fertile land suitable for coffee growing,” he said.
Santa Odwar, Principal Assistant Secretary representing the Chief Administrative Officer, expressed optimism about the programme’s impact.
“In the next three years, we expect to see many positive outcomes. This places a significant responsibility on the Production Department to ensure success,” Odwar said.
Gulu District LCV Vice Chairperson Vicky Atim commended MAAIF for improving the timeliness of seedling delivery.
“Last year, we received a large number of seedlings, but only 35 per cent survived, which was a major loss to both the government and the farmers. With deliveries now starting early, I appeal that the remaining consignments also arrive on time, especially as the rains have already begun,” Atim said.
She also urged extension workers to maintain close support for farmers throughout the production cycle.
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