Zombo gears up for maiden Agricultural Trade Show
Zombo has thick, fertile clay-loam soils with high water-retention capacity that helps crops withstand prolonged dry spells. We are also promoting water-for-production systems to counter climate variability and heat waves.
The district leaders address journalists during a press briefing ahead of the Zombo Agricultural Trade Show and Coffee Conference. (Credit: Robert Adiga)
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ZOMBO Zombo District Local Government has officially launched a three-day Agricultural Trade Show and Coffee Conference scheduled for November 11 –13, 2026, at the Kyambogo University Paidha Campus playground.
Running under the theme; “Building Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Agro-Industrialisation and Market Linkages for Wealth Creation,” the event aims at showcasing the district’s agricultural potential, with strong emphasis on expanding coffee production and exports to approximately 61 metric tonnes per annum within the next five years.
The District Production Officer, Dr Walter Kumakech, said the show is strategic for highlighting Zombo’s untapped potential along key priority commodity value chains, including coffee, banana, Irish potatoes, tea, cassava, honey, horticulture, aquaculture, dairy and small ruminants.
The announcement was made during a press conference held in the district boardroom at the district headquarters last week. The show will also promote the unique tourism attractions and cultural diversity of the Alur, Kebu, Lendu and Lugbara communities.
“The event will create direct linkages between farmers, research institutions, academia, agro-input dealers, processors, manufacturers, traders, buyers and investors from across West Nile, Northern Uganda and beyond,” Kumakech said.
He outlined plans to boost coffee output through targeted government interventions, including the supply of seedlings, fertilisers and associated agro-inputs, alongside continuous quality extension and advisory services to raise farm productivity, improve quality and minimise post-harvest losses.
Jovian Kayenyparwoth, the district tourism officer, said beyond the trade and conference sessions, the show will feature traditional and cultural regalia, dances of the Alur, Kebu, Lendu, Madi and Lugbara communities, local cuisines and beverages, and various coffee products.
Farmers, traders, students, researchers and members of the public are invited to attend what organisers described as a key opportunity to gain agricultural knowledge, explore market linkages and celebrate the region’s cultural heritage.
The District Agricultural Officer, Patrick Aneniu, emphasised that the learning platform will prioritise practical local adaptation solutions to climate change, environmental conservation and integrated farming practices.
These measures are expected to raise agricultural productivity, strengthen food and nutrition security, and increase household incomes amid unpredictable weather, soil degradation and land fragmentation.
Zombo district Chief Administrative Officer Robert Abenaitwe assured stakeholders that the trade show will build farmers’ capacity for large-scale coffee cultivation.
According to a Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Zombo has already exported 5.6 metric tonnes of parchment coffee in the first half of 2026.
Charles Etoma, the Regional Agricultural Officer for the Arua region under Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed that the ministry will provide full technical support.
"Participants will include district extension officers, the agriculture ministry, the National Agricultural Research Organisation, the National Coffee Research Institute, development partners, civil society organisations, and religious and cultural leaders," said Etoma.
He said discussions will focus on commercial agriculture, agro-processing, value addition and climate-smart practices.
The Zombo district chairperson, James Oruna Oyullu, who also chairs the organising committee, urged leaders from other coffee-producing districts in West Nile, as well as farmers, local leaders, business people and other stakeholders, to participate.
Isaac Urochi, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Zombo, assured participants of heightened security and strict adherence to Ebola standard operating procedures.
The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, is expected to be the Guest of Honour.
Organisers have designed the event as a one-stop centre combining agricultural learning, business networking, cultural exhibitions, food and entertainment.