Teso cultural institutions call for stronger govt backing for coffee farmers
David Opiding, the KUCH justice and constitutional affairs deputy minister, who represented Kumam cultural chief Raphael Otaya, emphasised the need for the government to guide farmers in selecting quality coffee seed and reliable suppliers.
Ebiau announced that ICU plans to register coffee farmers for supervision and support the coffee-growing initiative in the sub-region.
The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) and Kumam Cultural Heritage (KUCH) have called on the government and development partners to support farmers in Teso to expand robusta coffee production, saying the crop could deliver significant long-term benefits to the region.
David Opiding, the KUCH justice and constitutional affairs deputy minister, who represented Kumam cultural chief Raphael Otaya, emphasised the need for the government to guide farmers in selecting quality coffee seed and reliable suppliers.
Opiding said the call followed past challenges in which specific fruit varieties were favourably promoted by the Soroti fruit factory at the expense of broader farmer interests.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between fruit growers and cultural institutions to ensure shared benefits.
Francis Edison Echodu, deputy prime minister of ICU for Northern Teso, called for structured agreements in coffee production. He proposed legal frameworks under which either party could be held accountable if commitments are not met.
Echodu also encouraged farmers to seek essential resources, such as coffee seedlings, from politicians rather than making limited requests for items such as plastic chairs for funerals.
He expressed confidence that coffee cultivation could transform community well-being for generations, saying coffee is not just a crop but a long-term investment.
Ebiau announced that ICU plans to register coffee farmers for supervision and support the coffee-growing initiative in the sub-region.
Cultural leaders and farmers displaying Robusta Elite Coffee during the symposium. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)
The remarks were made during the Teso Coffee Symposium, held on September 19, 2026, at the Soroti City Mayor's Garden. The symposium was organised by Cajila Africa Links Institute (CALI) in partnership with universities and cultural institutions to enhance the coffee value chain.
Dr Cosmas Agweta, executive director of CALI and chairperson of the Teso Coffee Symposium 2026, said the organisers were addressing the knowledge gap hindering farmers from advancing in agriculture, particularly coffee production.
Environmentalist and agriculturalist Moses Ariong highlighted the importance of selecting the right coffee variety and effective soil and water management.
He recommended strategies such as cultivating cover crops, water harvesting, bottle irrigation, mulching and planting trees such as Albizia, which retain water and provide shade.
Ariong also suggested integrating livestock to improve soil quality, particularly during dry spells.
Ronald Ewou, the LC5 vice-chairperson of Soroti district, called on crop scientists to intensify research into coffee and cocoa to benefit the Teso region. He noted that while cattle, cassava and poultry are thriving in the area, other crops such as citrus and cashew nuts are struggling.
Farmers in the area have asked the government to distribute seeds specifically recommended for the Teso sub-region rather than allowing individuals to purchase different varieties that could be rejected on the global market.
During the symposium, numerous farmers from across Teso took the initiative to buy the recommended coffee seeds to begin cultivation.
The Government of Uganda is promoting and supporting the commercial cultivation of high-value crops such as coffee, cocoa and bananas to enhance household incomes, alleviate poverty and stimulate national export growth.