Bunyoro Leaders Rally Support for Coffee Farming Revival
By Amos Ssemuwemba
Bunyoro Kingdom’s top leaders, led by Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga and regional MPs, are calling on residents to embrace coffee farming, positioning it as a key solution to the region’s economic challenges. Vice Chairperson Harriet Businge Mugenyi and other leaders highlighted coffee’s potential to become Bunyoro’s main cash crop, citing its low maintenance and profitability.
The region’s fertile soils, they argued, make it an ideal candidate for coffee production, which could surpass the success of crops in other regions, such as Buganda.
“Coffee is a resilient crop, less affected by pests, and can yield substantial returns even on a small scale,” Byakutaga explained. “We are partnering with NARO to distribute seedlings and educate farmers about its benefits. This is a long-term effort, and we aim to get every household involved.”
The push for coffee farming comes amid concerns over Bunyoro’s lack of a defined cash crop, a gap the region has struggled with for decades. Historically, coffee was a major contributor to Bunyoro’s economy, competing closely with the central region. However, over the past 30 years, the rise of other crops like tobacco, sugar cane, and rice caused farmers to shift focus. Coffee’s longer maturation period made it less appealing in comparison, leaving the region without a stable cash crop.
At present, many farmers in Bunyoro rotate between maize, rice, and cassava depending on seasonal profitability. This lack of consistency, however, has frustrated cultural and political leaders, who see coffee as the key to revitalizing the region’s agricultural potential.
Harriet Businge Mugenyi, Bunyoro’s parliamentary vice chairperson, pointed out the contrast between Bunyoro and other regions.
“Regions like Ankole thrive with milk and bananas, but Bunyoro lacks a major cash crop. Coffee is the most viable option for us. I’ve personally started growing coffee on my farm and am distributing seedlings to local farmers. I urge other leaders to promote coffee for its numerous advantages,” she said.
Dr. Joseph Ruyonga, MP for Hoima West and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Health Committee, echoed this sentiment, reminiscing about coffee’s role in his upbringing.
“Many of us were educated thanks to coffee. While rice and sugar cane are popular today, we still lack a dependable cash crop. Coffee can fill that gap if we take it seriously,” he stated.
In addition to encouraging coffee farming, Mugenyi urged her fellow MPs to shift away from the practice of giving handouts to voters, suggesting that long-term investments like coffee farming could provide a more sustainable path to self-reliance.
“Handouts create dependency. Instead, we should be encouraging our people to save and invest in coffee farming. Coffee can lead to long-term prosperity and stability,” she added.
The leaders remain steadfast in their vision to make coffee the cornerstone of Bunyoro’s agricultural landscape, believing that the crop’s success could transform the region’s economy, ensuring a steady income for its people.
