OWC Mobilises Isingiro to Drive Coffee Productivity

Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) has brought together local leaders, farmers, and processors in Isingiro District to evaluate progress in the coffee sector and explore strategies for boosting production as Uganda advances toward its goal of 20 million bags annually.

The meeting at the district headquarters focused on strengthening the coffee value chain, enhancing value addition, and tackling persistent challenges facing farmers and processors.

The acting Deputy Chief Coordinator of OWC Brigadier General Godfrey Muwanguzi, stressed the inseparable link between security and development, noting that both are essential for Uganda’s transformation. He encouraged farmers to adopt modern agronomic practices and to prioritise value addition. “We grow coffee, but much of it is exported in raw form and brought back at a high cost. I appeal to you to start adding value so that farmers and the country can benefit more,” he said.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Isingiro commended OWC’s role in distributing coffee seedlings, saying it had improved livelihoods, but urged stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability and resolve emerging issues.

Farmers raised concerns about theft of unripe coffee, limited access to certified seedlings, and diseases such as leaf rust. Processors cited financial constraints, fraudulent garden sales, and the lack of cooperatives to strengthen their market presence.

The meeting resolved to strengthen coordination among district officials, farmers, and processors; invest in irrigation to address drought; prioritise coffee theft cases at the District Security Committee; and encourage adherence to recommended practices to improve bean quality.

Isingiro, a producer of both Robusta and Arabica coffee, is one of several districts in Western Uganda under OWC’s ongoing assessment tour.

Brig Gen Muwanguzi also visited Kabarole, Kyenjojo, and Ibanda as part of the review exercise.