By Alfred Opio
PALLISA — More than 100 coffee farmers from across all sub-counties in Pallisa District have completed a comprehensive training on coffee farming and management, marking a significant step toward transforming livelihoods in the area.
The training, held at the Pallisa District headquarters, was led by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries as part of government efforts to expand coffee production into non-traditional growing regions.
The initiative is part of a broader national strategy aimed at increasing household incomes and reducing poverty through promotion of coffee as a key cash crop.
Speaking during the training, National Senior Agriculture Officer Mike Maliro highlighted the historical imbalance in coffee growing across Uganda and the government’s efforts to address it.
He explained that during the colonial period, coffee cultivation was largely concentrated in regions such as Buganda, Busoga, Bugisu, and parts of Western Uganda, while other areas focused on crops like cotton. According to Maliro, this created long-standing economic disparities.
“We cannot allow our people to remain trapped in a cycle of poverty,” he said. “That is why we have deliberately introduced coffee growing in areas that were previously left out, including Bukedi, Teso, Lango, and Acholi.”
Maliro pointed to success stories from northern Uganda, particularly in the Acholi sub-region, where coffee farming is already transforming communities. He noted that with proper practices, farmers in new regions can achieve high productivity comparable to traditional coffee-growing areas.
A major focus of the training was proper crop management, especially the importance of shade in coffee farming. Maliro emphasized that coffee requires careful handling and should not be treated like staple crops such as maize or cassava.
“Coffee loves shade,” he said, urging farmers to plant both temporary and permanent shade trees to support healthy growth and improve yields.
The training also highlighted government support programs in Bukedi, Teso, and Mid-North regions, including the distribution of free coffee seedlings to accelerate adoption.
Pallisa District Agriculture Officer Emmanuel Olebo advised farmers to handle the seedlings with care and follow recommended practices to avoid losses and maximize production.
Farmers who attended the training expressed optimism about the opportunities coffee farming presents.
Agalasio Olupot, a farmer from Agule Town Council, said the training had changed his perspective.
“Coffee can change our lives. This training has opened our eyes to its potential,” he said.
Bufuna Amure from Olok Sub-county also shared her experience, noting that previous crops had yielded limited returns.
“I have tried other crops without success, but now I believe coffee will improve my family’s livelihood,” she said.
Uganda remains one of Africa’s leading coffee producers and the continent’s top exporter, with coffee identified as a priority crop for national economic growth.
The training marks a turning point for Pallisa District as more farmers begin to embrace coffee as a pathway to financial stability. With sustained support and adoption of best practices, experts believe the district has the potential to become a key coffee-producing area in Uganda.
