From degraded landscapes to emerging green corridors, a government-led, community-driven restoration effort is rebuilding ecosystems, strengthening livelihoods, and advancing Uganda’s climate resilience agenda in Adjumani District.

By Bazio Doreen

Across six sub-counties in Adjumani District, a quiet transformation is taking root—one that reflects Uganda’s broader commitment to environmental restoration and climate resilience.

What were once stretches of bare, exhausted land are now dotted with young tree seedlings, carefully planted and nurtured by communities working in partnership with government and implementing agencies.

Launched in 2025, the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate Smart Development (IFPA-CD) project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment through Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Eco Trust.

The initiative forms part of a coordinated national response to environmental degradation, translating policy commitments into practical, community-level action.

A Landscape under Pressure

Adjumani District continues to face significant environmental stress driven by population growth, increased demand for wood fuel, and land pressure associated with its role as a major refugee-hosting district.

Uganda’s forest cover has declined sharply over the past three decades—from about 24 percent in 1990 to approximately 11.8 percent today—according to national and international forestry data. The country continues to lose an estimated 90,000 to 100,000 hectares of forest annually, largely due to unsustainable harvesting for firewood and charcoal.

This is particularly critical given that over 88 percent of Uganda’s energy needs are still met through biomass, placing immense pressure on forest resources, especially in northern districts such as Adjumani.

In refugee-hosting regions, the challenge is even more pronounced. Uganda hosts more than 1.6 million refugees, and districts like Adjumani experience significantly increased demand for land and wood fuel. In northern Uganda alone, over 70 percent of households rely on biomass energy, further accelerating environmental degradation.

At the local level, these pressures have translated into declining soil fertility, erratic rainfall patterns, and reduced agricultural productivity—conditions that directly threaten household resilience and food security.

A Targeted Government Response

In response, the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Water and Environment and its partners, is implementing targeted interventions aimed at restoring degraded landscapes while strengthening community livelihoods.

According to Ojja Francis, the District Forest Officer, the IFPA-CD project is structured to deliver measurable outcomes.

“The project targets 1,635 households and will cover 327 hectares by June 2026 across six sub-counties of Ofua, Ukusijoni and Arinyapi for small-scale woodlot establishment, and Pachara, Ciforo and Adropi for agroforestry,” Ojja explained.

While addressing farmers during a tree planting demonstration in Tianyu Central Village in Ofua Sub-county on April 9, 2026, he emphasized the importance of community ownership.

“I want you people to take this project very serious. These trees take a short time to grow. In 3–4 years from now, you will be supplying firewood or timber and this could be your breakthrough in farming,” he said.

The project currently targets 1,635 households and aims to restore 327 hectares of land by mid-2026, contributing to national restoration targets and climate commitments.

Beyond Tree Planting: Restoring Systems and Livelihoods

The IFPA-CD initiative is designed not only to plant trees but to promote sustainable land use systems that integrate environmental restoration with economic benefits.

Through Eco Trust, communities are supported with seedlings, technical training, and continuous extension services. The approach aligns with global evidence showing that agroforestry systems can increase farm productivity by up to 30 percent while improving soil fertility, moisture retention, and resilience to climate variability.

Major (Rtd) Baru Stone, a farmer in Ofua Sub-county, says the initiative is already influencing community attitudes.

“I want to utilize these two acres of the woodlot to showcase to other farmers that it is possible. I want other people in my community to be like me and take tree planting as both a source of income and for fighting climate change,” Baru said

By integrating trees into farming systems, households are able to diversify income sources through timber, firewood, and other tree-based products while reducing dependence on natural forests.

Strengthening Farmer Capacity and Environmental Compliance

Implementation partners emphasize that the long-term success of the project depends on proper management practices and adherence to environmental safety standards.

Joan Amuge, a Project Officer at Eco Trust, confirmed that more than 31,000 seedlings have already been distributed across participating sub-counties.

“So far, we have supplied 31,000 seedlings to the three sub-counties under the woodlot component. In Ofua alone, about 5,000 seedlings have been supplied, with at least 10 farmers receiving 460 seedlings each,” Amuge said.

She noted that the next phase is critical.

“The survival of these trees will depend on how well farmers take care of them,” Amuge emphasized correct application techniques.

Amuge added: “When you apply the fertilizers, ensure that the chemicals touch all the walls of the hole where you have poured the mixture.”

Field-based technical guidance is further reinforced by forest assistants.

Francis Vukereda, a Forest Assistant at Eco Trust, stressed the importance of precision and safety in agrochemical use.

“For two acres, you use 12.5cc and mix it with eight litres of water. When applying, ensure you consider the central point of the farm size,” Vukereda said.

He also warned of health and environmental risks associated with improper handling:

“These chemicals can be highly dangerous. You must wear protective gear like gloves, eye glasses and face masks. Do not reuse fertilizer containers for other purposes,” Vukereda said.

In line with national environmental guidelines, he also cautioned against improper waste disposal:

“Do not throw polythene materials from seedlings in the garden after planting because this affects environmental conservation,” he added.

Such guidance reflects broader national standards, which highlight that improper agrochemical use can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and health risks, underscoring the importance of safe and sustainable practices.

Early Results and Emerging Impact

Across the six sub-counties, early results indicate positive progress.

Seedling survival rates are improving due to consistent monitoring and farmer engagement. Communities are increasingly adopting sustainable land management practices, while reliance on natural forests for fuel is gradually reducing.

Demonstration plots are also serving as practical learning centres, enabling knowledge sharing and strengthening community ownership of restoration efforts.

Advancing Uganda’s Climate Agenda

The IFPA-CD project represents a strategic shift in environmental management—moving from short-term interventions to long-term, community-driven restoration models.

By integrating ecological restoration with livelihood improvement, the initiative contributes directly to national priorities, including climate change adaptation, forest landscape restoration, sustainable energy use, and resilience building in vulnerable communities.

Conclusion: A Scalable Model for Climate Resilience

As trees take root across Adjumani, they symbolize more than environmental recovery—they represent a working model of inclusive, government-led climate action.

In a district facing increasing environmental pressure, the IFPA-CD project demonstrates that restoration efforts can deliver both ecological and economic benefits when communities are placed at the centre.

With continued implementation and community commitment, the initiative offers a scalable pathway for addressing deforestation and climate vulnerability across Uganda.

The future of Adjumani’s landscapes—and livelihoods—is steadily growing, one tree at a time.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline; 13th. April 2026

Security leaders from Adjumani and Amuru districts have intensified efforts to restore calm in the troubled Apaa area, following a joint security committee meeting held on Monday 13^th April 2026 with members of the Acholi community living in the disputed area.

The meeting, organized under the directive of the 4th Division Commander, comes in the wake of renewed attacks between the Madi and Acholi communities over a long-standing land dispute four people were killed and two others left with severe injuries.

According to Asea Collin, Police PRO for the North West Nile region,
the violence has unfolded in cycles of attack and retaliation, leaving communities living in fear and uncertainty.

Bakole Rashul, the Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO) for the West Nile sub-region, narrated the unfortunate incident.

“On 8th, April, this year, two people from Acholi community, one was injured badly. There’s a child who was killed in the process. As a retaliation, the Acholi community on 10th, April this year also attacked the Madi people. They ended up killing three people and then others are injured. These are unbecoming cultures of civilization. If we are human beings, if we are northerners, if indeed we feel ourselves are useful, why do we kill ourselves? very unfortunate situation,” Rashul said.

Rashul also highlighted the complexity of the conflict, pointing to both boundary disputes and leadership challenges. He urged leaders to adopt a more informed and conflict-sensitive approach.

“There are two aspects in this land conflict. The issue of district boundary should be treated by leaders in a knowledgeable way using a comprehensive approach. I call for improved local governance, continuous engagement, and sensitization of communities to foster a shared understanding of common goals, while cautioning against retaliatory attacks,” he said.

Addressing stakeholders during the meeting, Col. Bainomugisha Nathan, the 501 Brigade Commander of Zoka and Apaa, also emphasized that the conflict reflects deeper underlying challenges that have evolved over time. He noted that factors such as population pressure, political manipulation, and government policies including the gazetting of Apaa as part of East Madi Wildlife Reserve have contributed to tensions.

“The Apaa conflict is a reminder that peace is not given to its fullest. Today, let us take another step towards building it together for the sake of our children and generations to come. The priority for security forces is to prevent further bloodshed, protect lives, and ensure disputes are resolved through dialogue rather than violence,” Nathan said.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, Toko Swaib, strongly denounced the killings.

“I want to condemn in the strongest terms of what happened last week in Ofua East where we have so lost four lives. It started on Tuesday when a baby was found dead, a baby of about 1 year. And then that now was followed with attack where a total of five people were attacked of which the three died. And of these three who died, one is a gentleman called Mamawi Christopher somebody from Moyo. The two ladies who died also one was taken to Obongi but the other one is in Adjumani. I want to appeal to the communities that revenge is not a solution. Leave it to the authorities to manage,” he said

He also questioned the continued violence over land said to belong to the government. He expressed concern over the loss of lives and suggested drastic measures to prevent further clashes.

“Why should the land that belongs to government now become an issue of tension, and people are killing themselves? If this land is for government, why are we allowing people to continue killing themselves there?” he asked.

He revealed that he had earlier proposed the evacuation of residents from the disputed area, pending guidance from higher authorities, emphasizing the need for a structured process.

On his part, Amuru Resident District Commissioner, Geoffrey Osborn Ochen, underscored the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding lives, noting that security operations transcend administrative boundaries.

“Security has no boundaries. We are trying to restrain because the issue is about protecting lives,” Ochen said.

He appealed for calm and urged the deployment of intelligence-led operations, including reinforcement of detachments, to deter external actors who may be fueling violence in the area.

Meanwhile, Col. Shem, the 4th Division Intelligence Officer, reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to act decisively in the face of escalating threats. He acknowledged the intersection of politics and security but maintained that protecting lives remains the top priority.

“It is very hard to separate security from politics, but where there is a condition causing insecurity, we stand firm and separate from politics,” he said.

He warned against the use of traditional weapons in the conflict, describing them as deadly and unacceptable.

“From today onwards, anybody with deadly weapons in the form of bows and arrows must be dealt with decisively,” he cautioned.

The joint meeting marks a renewed push by security agencies to de-escalate tensions in Apaa through dialogue, coordinated enforcement, and community engagement, as leaders on both sides seek lasting solutions to one of the region’s most persistent land conflicts. The meeting is part of the bigger meeting that will be held on Friday 17th April 2026.

Leaders across the West Nile sub-region are now calling for urgent interventions to restore peace and find a lasting solution to the Apaa dispute, warning that continued violence threatens not only lives but also the fragile coexistence between the neighboring communities.

END.

By Anzoo Evaline.

District stakeholders in Northern Uganda have appealed to implementing partners of the Eco Food Project to ensure effective utilization of funds aimed at transforming livelihoods, particularly among vulnerable communities.

The project, valued at Ugx 8.8 billion shillings, is funded by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Italy through the Italian Agency for International Cooperation. It will be implemented by a consortium of five partners, including: CEFORD, NUDIPU, C&D, and AgriTalk, with Christian Blind Mission as the lead partner.

The project is geared towards supporting vulnerable people in Northern Uganda specifically targeting women and persons with disability. The core focus of the project is to ensure that the households that are food insecure and also income insecure are able to generate a food for the households’ consumption but also able to sell the supplies to generate income.

The project is looking at two approaches to ensure that the economic viability and also employment of the groups is ensured through one a promotion of indigenous crops in terms of the value addition looking at what has previously been done here. But also, true it’s looking at introducing new value chains that has already ready market in Italy through the cooperation with the private sectors in Italy.

And under the new value chains, the focus is on crops that are new to Uganda and we are looking at three new crops that is kwangwan, sirium and amarantas. Amarantas is already indigenous here so we are going to start with the production of amarantas and the market as I said is ready. We have Martino Rossi private sector in Italy.

Speaking during the project engagement, Mawa Alatawa, the Head of Programs at CEFORD, emphasized the collaborative effort behind the initiative and its intended beneficiaries.

“They are going to buy this produce in tonnes and it is in tonnes to ensure that the farmers get income but also to ensure that the right agronomic practices put in place with the right storage facilities to meet the international market standards,” Mawa said.

However, local leaders raised concerns about the technical capacity required to successfully implement some aspects of the project, particularly the introduction of new crops.

Dr. Mamawi Ambayo Godfrey, the District Production Officer Adjumani, noted the need for specialized training for agricultural officers.

“You know, kwangwan and sirium are new. And probably our agriculture officers or agronomists may not be confident with the agronomy of how to grow it. So, it will be also important for CEFORD or C and D to have experts contracted to train the agronomists on the value chain of these two enterprises. We know Amaranta’s very greed is not new here.
We have been hitting it for some time, that one is common, but the other two are new,” Dr Mamawi said.

The Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani, Edema Richard, underscored the importance of sustainability and responsible resource use under the Eco Food concept.

“Eco food in another way is a sustainable eating and making sure that we conserve the environment as we eat. So, therefore the people gave their money for us to undertake this project. We would like to thank you for really supporting us. Mind his letter’s account for this money effectively by using it as it is required. We requested it for economic use of our food or eating food with a sustainable means. Therefore, these resources that we are getting from Italy must be used effectively for this. To change the minds of our people. In Adjumani particular, we are wasting food. So therefore, this project should be used to change the minds of our own people to make sure that we use food sustainably, not wasting it,” Edema said.

Meanwhile, Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Toko Swaib, called for prudence and accountability in the use of the project funds, cautioning against misuse.

“We should not be talking about poverty now. If all the empowerment programs that government has initiated were implemented and people fully took up those programs. Some of these partners what they do, a project comes up with a big sum of money. Like we have here 8.8 billion. How I wish all this is invested in the areas that we’ve talked about. But you’ll see for some other partners what they’ll do, buy expensive land cruisers, buy jeeps. Almost half of the money that we read for the project goes for those expensive cars. So, my appeal here is much of this money should go for this inaugurated presentation of our made. Invest there. Then we’ll realize a little bit of change,” Toko said.

The Eco Food Project is set to be implemented in the districts of Adjumani, Lira, and Kole, with a strong focus on improving food security, boosting incomes, and empowering women and persons living with disabilities through sustainable agricultural practices and market-driven production.

Stakeholders remain optimistic that if properly implemented, the initiative could significantly transform livelihoods and contribute to long-term economic resilience in Northern Uganda.

END.

By Onzima Allan.

CEFORD Uganda along with implementing partners and stakeholders have launched the ECO-FOOD Project in Adjumani district.

The launch was held at Adjumani Multipurpose Centre on 8^th April 2026 with an aim to inform key stakeholders within the district about the new project while providing a platform for district leaders to voice concerns and share local insights.

While making his opening remarks, Edema Richard, the Principal Chief Administrative Officer of Adjumani, expressed gratitude to donors for supporting the Eco food project, saying their contribution will go  long way in improving food security and promoting climate – smart Agriculture in the district particularly in itirikwa sub county and Ukusijoni.

Lappo Pier Giorgio, the cooperation and development Country Representative Italian cooperation, emphasized that the Italian cooperation’s main aim is to support farmers in Adjumani, Lira and Kole district, enhancing their farming economic growth.

Hon Anyoi Richard, the Sub County Chairperson of Ukusijoni, however appeal to his people to own the project as their own project since CEFORD Uganda came back in their sub county.

Toko Swaib, the Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani, appreciate the project and advised the farmers to learn integrations.

Mawa Alatawa, the Head of the Programme CEFORD Uganda, said the project will be implemented by the six partners which will enable support six thousand one hundred and twenty five farmers.

The objectives of the meeting is to inform key stakeholders within the district about the new project while providing a platform for district leaders to voice concerns and share local insights.

END.

By Victor Andama.

Madi Okollo District leaders have demanded for an affirmative action to be taken to close the wide staffing gap in the district.

During a heated discussion with the State Minister for Public Service at the district headquarters on Wednesday 1^st April 2026, the Madi Okollo District Woman Member of Parliament, Joan Aniku Okia, asked the Ministry to pay an urgent attention to address the service delivery gap in the district.

“I want to draw your attention particularly to the key sectors of education, health and production. A child may be dull but if the service he/she is supposed to receive is in adequate what do you expect?” Joanne asked.

Bruno Nawoya, the Chief Administrative Officer, remarked that, the district has failed to attract staff in key positions, and requested the minister for waiver to change the acting staff to substantial positions, adding that over 180 positions remain unfulfilled hampering effective service delivery.

The Madi Okollo District Chairman, Ismail Drabe Idrisi, requested for a deliberate action to recruit staff to address low performance in some key sectors.

Drabe said that Madi Okollo was used by Arua district as dumping grounds for teachers who are drunkards.

“The education sector of Madi Okollo was killed by the then Arua District by posting only rejected, drunkards’ teachers to the then Madi County. Dear minister, Madi Okollo still needs 1,057 teachers and has only managed to recruit 800,” Andama said.

Adam Kisime Mugara, the Asst Commissioner Human Resource Management at the public service, the in charge of wage bill and pay roll at the Ministry on his part promised that, in the coming recruitment, a special consideration will be given to Madi Okollo.

Meanwhile, Mary Grace Mugasi, the State Minister for Public Service, in her response assured the district leaders of her commitment to ensuring that the staffing gap rises to 65 percent in her remaining term of office.

“My people of Madi Okollo, I need to assure you for an action not far before my term of office expires,” the Minister affirmed.

Carved out of Arua District in 2019, Madi Okollo District was meant to bring services closer to the people—but years on, that promise remains only partially fulfilled. With staffing levels in some departments estimated to be below half of the approved structure, and critical officers commuting daily from Arua City, the district continues to lose both time and resources, with multiple vehicles consuming tens of litres of fuel each day even before work begins.

The result is a cycle of delayed service delivery, overstretched frontline workers, and growing public frustration. As the district navigates its early years, the real test lies not just in filling positions, but in restoring presence, efficiency, and public trust—ensuring that decentralization delivers not just structures, but services that truly reach the people.

END.

By Vasco Gift.

Families of children who got injured after a grenade they were playing with in Koboko exploded; are calling on the government to come to their rescue with support for their livelihood.

While shading tears during an interview, Happy Yusuf Yassin a 13 year old survivor with many injuries explains that they were seven boys who went to bath then he saw the grenade looking new lying in the water where they used to bath.

So, he picked and six of his brothers gathered around and they started playing with it until smoke began to rise from it with some loud sound that forced them to run away like 7 to 10meters before it blasted. However, some were already trapped.

“Unfortunately, my brother Acidri Jamali who was busy bathing after hearing us running came out of the river running towards us for his safety without knowing what was happening got himself into the area where the grenade blasted when he just left the place few meters, cutting his throat where he died on spot. Also, I have many injuries on my body, I need the government to support my studies because am already disabled and it’s hard to do work or help my parents like other children. Though I can only beat the drum during independence days for the school but movement is still a big problem,” he narrated.

Similarly, Lucky Yasir, another victim is Primary Five Pupil and studies at Lurujo primary school which is located in Lobule Sub County in Koboko district. His dream is to become a teacher.

Lucky who has become disabled and battling with the injuries reveals that when he remembers the incident he gets traumatized and he doesn’t know if he can walk again. “Up to now, my legs start to pain when I move and go to school and even it is very hard for me to dig at home or help my parents and even participate in school co-curriculum activities like football and drama among others. These days wounds create themselves on my legs and pieces of broken bones come out very painful. I want government to take me for surgery. Am suffering, I can’t walk well now, my condition is worsening every day,” he notes.

Kasim Ramadan the father to four of the victims involved in the grenade blast noted that the incident occurred when he was in the village digging but when he was called on phone that three of his children got serious injuries, he had to rush to town (koboko) only to find his children at koboko hospital though they went up to the police to record statements, it had affected them already.

“I was not having money because everything needs money that forced me to borrow a loan of Ugx 4 million from Koboko United Sacco though I just completed paying in June 2025. I have 12 children and I am a Peasant Farmer but with the new conditions, one of my children called Raisi Mudasiri is suffering, he has compound fracture on his legs while for Lucky Yasir, his legs swell and pain a lot especially if he moves even a short distance and also has sleepless nights. Mostly, I use boda boda to carry him to school. I have one child in Primary Three; the one whose leg got broken is in primary four and the other one is in Primary Five.  I want the government to help me to do surgery and also sponsor those children to study because I am going to be busy digging and no one can support me with garden work and grazing of animals coupled with the burden of children going to boarding school, it is very hard to care for them with the conditions,” he cried out.

Yassin Dratibi a resident of Lipa cell, koboko municipality who doubles as a teacher at Nile Junior Nursery and primary school and the father to Acidri Jamali the deceased cites the need for the government to intervene in and support his children because the grenade belongs to the government.

Yassin said that the incident happened when he was in Lobule sub county (village) and immediately after phone call, he came direct to school though he was not informed of his first born Acidri Jamal’s death who was 10 years old, later he realized his son is dead .

The boy died on September 10^th, 2022 and buried on September 11^th, 2022. The deceased was taken to police and then later they went for postmortem at Koboko hospital and the body was taken home.

“I spent around Ugx 8 million that’s to say three bulls, 4bags of maize flour, 3 bags of sugar, and 1 carton of soap, among others. I heard Hon. James Baba the Member of Parliament for Koboko County sent some support but it didn’t reach me. Hon. Charles Ayume also gave me Ugx 100,000/= and they referred me to go and open case against the government of Uganda but as poor as I am, how will I sue the government, it’s impossible and it’s a way of also trying to disorganize me. Why doesn’t the government sympathize with me in all these? I then approached Honorable Aate Sharifah Taban the Woman Member Of Parliament for Koboko District for guidance and she told me that it’s under the security. What she is going to do is to help me on a humanitarian basis but up to now nothing is done and I’m in suspense,” he explained

Now, after many years of following the file from Koboko central police station, the police pulled out a General Reference last month indicating GF /11^th/9/ 2022 though the incident happened on 10^th September 2022 and they told him to sort it with the office of the Resident District Commissioner of Koboko.

Dominic Otyeno, the in charge, criminal investigation department noted, “That case started in 2022 and I came to koboko here in 2023. So, when I tried to check the case file it was not there, we only got the Reference it was registered as GF that’s general reference book file. However, I don’t know who told them because the person who brought the children said the policeman who was there told them that the children who survived will be paid after 5 years. So, there is no reality because all the officers have been transferred and it’s the government that pays the Police so no police officer will utter such kind of words maybe office of the Resident district commissioner can.”

However, the Resident District Commissioner of Koboko District, Emmy Mitala, says he is not aware of the information.

As a surprise, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Koboko, Haji Marjani Wailire, acknowledges the incident and says that the information has reached their office though they have advised the families to get letters from the LC1 Chairperson of the village, LC III Chairperson of the division and also a letter from the LC 5 Chairperson to prove acknowledgement.

“First of all, they have delayed to reach our office. Imagine since 2022 and now they are still following up in 2024, we only need those letters and we will sit to see the circumstance under which it happened and if it’s genuine then our office will forward it to the responsible office above us to be credited, they must be patient and wait because we are still investigating the situation,” he stated.

Hon. Mambo Ashrafu the LC5 Chairperson of Koboko District, said that if the Office of the Resident District Commissioner koboko is delaying the process, he will organize with the family and the office of District Police Commander, District Internal Security Office and the Deputy Resident District Commissioner to come up with a solution to address and find a way to settle the victims (family) as quick as possible because it has taken time since 2022.

The incident happened on 10^th of September 2022 around 2 to 3pm in Abele valley along Sinyani River. The victims were seven in number though one died on spot, others became disabled and some sustained terrible injuries.

The two families continue to call for justice to prevail for the deceased and the survivors of the grenade in Koboko as the future of the children remain uncertain as the process to justice is proving to be futile.

END.

By Victor Andama,

Farmers in Madi Okollo District have been urged to alleviate poverty by venturing in high value crops like coffee and cocoa.

Issac Chadri Adyeri, a member of the Madi Okollo District Farmers Association, (MADIFA) made the remarks while meeting farmers of Offaka sub county, at the sub county headquarters on Monday 30^th March 2026.

Chadri said by venturing in coffee and cocoa, farmers will alleviate poverty and improve their economic status.

“As all of us are aware, Madi Okollo is among the few districts in Uganda with vast arable land so far, which still remains underutilized, this can be put to better use for strategic enterprises such as coffee, cocoa, apiculture, tree planting, among other enterprises,” Adyer said.

Victor Wadri, a soil scientist working in Muni University on his part stressed the need to form cooperatives in order to decisively eliminate middlemen.

While breaking down the benefit of the cash crop, Wadri said under ideal conditions and following good agronomic practices, one coffee plant yields between 2-5kg and an acre requires 1,600 seedlings with a spacing of 2.5 mmetres. Considering low yield, an acre generates 3,200 coffee beans (Asele), a farmer is able to get up to Ugx 40 million per year.

While interacting with some of the farmers, Mr. Anyarumva Joshua, from Elibu Parish highly welcomed the move saying for long time they have been relying on crops such as tobacco and cotton which they do not earn much money from.

Vakindu Celine, a single mother from Adraa Parish, also said she will collectively work with her four children to grow coffee which she believes will help them after two and half years.

‘I don’t have problem with labour force because my children have grown up. No need to spend money to hire labour from elsewhere,” Vakindu said.’

Charles Etoma, the Regional Agriculture Officer in charge of coffee said the Ministry Of Agriculture Animal Industries And Fisheries (MAAIF) plans to distribute Arabica and colonial coffee wilt disease resistant (CWDR) robust seedlings, adding that Arabica shall be for Nebbi, Zombo, Arua District, Moyo and Madi Okollo while Robusta shall be tried in districts which include; Arua city, Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Terego and Obongi, saying every individual at household level should be involved to transform the economy.

“There is need for the involvement of every generation (the young and the old) and both men and women,” He stressed.

Currently, farmers in the district are preparing their gardens to plant the first season crops.

END.