Masindi farmers receive 50,000 coffee seedlings, urged to adopt best agronomic practices
The call was made by Francis Rwothomio, Regional Agricultural Officer for Kiryandongo, Masindi and Buliisa districts
MASINDI, April 26, 2026 — Coffee farmers in Masindi district have been urged to adopt best agronomic practices to maximise returns from Uganda’s leading foreign exchange-earning cash crop.
The call was made by Francis Rwothomio, Regional Agricultural Officer for Kiryandongo, Masindi and Buliisa districts under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries [MAAIF].
He was speaking during a recent exercise to distribute 50,000 coffee seedlings to farmers in Bwijanga and Budongo sub-counties.
Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, the Member of Parliament for Bujenje County, confirmed that the MAAIF’s Coffee Department supplied 50,000 Coffee Wilt Disease Resistant Variety [CWDR] seedlings to farmers as part of efforts to boost coffee production.
The seedlings were allocated across the district’s three constituencies: Bujenje received 25,000, Masindi Municipality 10,000, and Buruli County 15,000.
Rwothomio emphasised that farmers must follow recommended agronomic practices to realise good yields.
“For farmers to benefit, best agronomic practices such as proper spacing and mulching must be followed. Do not sell these seedlings or allow them to dry out, as they are expensive to acquire,” he said, noting that each seedling costs about Shs 2,000.
He added that the current distribution builds on earlier efforts by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority [UCDA], whose functions were recently mainstreamed into the MAAIF.
“The government has resumed coffee distribution under the MAAIF coffee department. This initiative supports the national target of exporting 20 million bags of coffee by 2030,” he explained.
Rwothomio said the seedlings were issued to farmers who had formally applied, noting that demand remains far higher than supply.
“The demand is very high, but government supply is still limited. I have engaged Members of Parliament to lobby for additional seedlings for their constituents,” he said, attributing the surge in demand to growing recognition of coffee as a high-value crop.
He noted that coffee offers higher profitability than many other crops and can be intercropped, making it particularly attractive to farmers.
However, he raised concern over poor harvesting practices in the district, warning that premature harvesting is undermining coffee quality.
“It is unacceptable to harvest coffee by stripping or picking unripe cherries. Some farmers are drying immature coffee in sugarcane plantations. We will enforce the law,” Rwothomio cautioned.
He reminded farmers that the Coffee Act empowers authorities to arrest and prosecute offenders, with penalties including imprisonment of between two and four years or fines of about Shs 2.4 million or more.
To improve compliance and quality, he said the ministry is intensifying farmer education through community training sessions, radio programmes and farm visits.
Farmers who received the seedlings welcomed the initiative, expressing appreciation to the government for restoring access to quality, disease-resistant planting materials.
They noted that although many farmers are willing to invest in coffee, access to certified seedlings remains limited due to high costs and inadequate availability at accredited nursery beds.
Patrick Kisembo, Subcounty Chief of Bwijanga, urged beneficiaries to prioritise coffee cultivation regardless of land size.
“Whether you have a large or small plot, prioritise coffee farming. It is environmentally friendly and can be intercropped. Adhering to best agronomic practices and proper post-harvest handling is essential for maximising benefits,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to providing extension services.
Coffee farming in Masindi district is steadily expanding and is being promoted as a key driver of household income growth.
Coffee prices
The MAAIF reports that during January 2026, farm-gate prices in coffee growing regions ranged between Shs 5,500 and Shs 6,000 per kilogramme for Kiboko [Robusta dry cherries]; Shs 12,000 to Shs 12,500 for FAQ [Fair Average Quality]; Shs 15,000 to Shs 16,000 for Arabica parchment; and Shs 14,000 to Shs 15,000 per kilo for Drugar.
Average prices declined compared to the previous month. Robusta Kiboko averaged Shs 5,750 per kilo, down from Shs 6,250; Robusta FAQ averaged Shs 12,250, down from Shs 12,500; Arabica parchment averaged Shs 15,500, down from Shs 16,500; while Drugar averaged Shs 14,500 per kilo, also lower than Shs 16,500 recorded the previous month.
https://thecooperator.news/police-officers-to-plant-coffee-to-boost-household-incomes-and-welfare/
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