Hope for Improved Household Income as Fort Portal Diocese Launches Coffee Policy

The Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal has once again sparked hope for improved household income among its faithful by launching the Fort Portal Diocesan Coffee Policy (2025–2030) under theme “No one Should be left Behind”.

 

The launch, began with a guided tour of a 30-acre robusta coffee plantation established by the Diocese as a demonstration farm, where the plantation that employs over 30, serves as a model to inspire parishes to adopt modern, climate-smart coffee farming practices.

Rev. Fr. Tadeus Tusiime, Diocesan Priest in charge of Agriculture, said that the policy seeks to increase household income, enhance food security, and foster economic self-reliance among Christian families. He emphasized that coffee offers a reliable path to long-term development when managed sustainably.

He mentioned that with 30 acres of coffee already planted, they hope to expand to 50 acres by the end of the current planting season. Fr. Tusiime commended the Uganda Coffee Development Authority -UCDA for their continued support in coffee farming and the visionary leadership of Bishop Robert K. Muhiirwa for making this possible. He shared their vision of setting up a coffee factory in the future, which could provide employment for over 100 people.

Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Commissioner at the Coffee Production Unit, commended the Diocese for launching a policy that aligns with the National Coffee Roadmap. He represented Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture.

Dr. Kyalo, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for sustainable economic development through coffee farming , called for the need to maintain high quality seeds during harvesting and processing. He cautioned farmers against harvesting immature coffee, which undermines quality and market value but also compromises their earnings in the long run.

 “Poor handling, similar to what led to the tea price crisis in this same region, should not be repeated in coffee,” said Kyalo. “When coffee is harvested and processed properly, it can generate significant income for farming households.”

He called on farmers to fully utilize the coffee wet mills provided by the ministry, explaining that these facilities are designed to remove the skin, pulp, and mucilage from only ripe coffee beans. This he added, helps farmers to do away with harvesting green coffee beans.

Reflecting on past government support, including the provision of seedlings to the Diocesan farm, Dr. Kyalo  commended the Diocese for the theme “No One Should Be Left Behind.” and pledged continued collaboration from MAAIF. He gave an assurance to the Diocese that the Ministry is ready to supply robusta seedlings upon request and later, organic fertilizers to support healthy growth.

The Ordinary of Fort Portal Diocese, Rt. Rev. Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, commended the Diocesan Finance Council for steering the policy to completion. He called on Christians in all the Diocese’s territories in the nine Districts of Bundibugyo, Ntoroko, Bunyangabu, Kitagwenda, Kamwenge, Kyegegwa, Fort Portal City, Kabarole, and Kyenjojo to fully embrace the policy and utilize it.

The Bishop further encouraged parish priests to introduce the policy to the already organized existing Catholic associations like the Catholic Women’s Association and Catholic Men’s Association, which he is confident will ensure inclusive participation.

He further called for timely evaluation with guidance from the policy on the coffee farms to ensure successful projects, but asked the ministry to avail them with more coffee seedlings.

Fred Kaawha Kayondo, a policy consultant, explained that the coffee policy is designed to address key challenges faced by smallholder farmers, such as low productivity, limited market access, climate change, and the financial dependency of local parishes.

He added that the policy aligns with national frameworks like NDP III, UCDA regulations, and international standards with its strategic objectives including:

According to Mr Kayondo, Implementation will be parish-based, with each parish expected to establish a minimum 3-acre model farm. The plan also includes mobilizing farmer cooperatives, engaging agricultural extension staff, working with SACCOs, and forging partnerships with agencies like MAAIF, NARO, and relevant NGOs.

Charles Kulibanza – Diocesan Head of Laity

Kulibanza, a veteran coffee farmer with more than 40 years of experience, urged residents to take coffee farming seriously and that if they wish to age gracefully, they must invest in coffee production.

 “If you look after coffee at every stage—mulching, weeding, fertilizing—you’ll enjoy rich harvests. Even when prices fluctuate normally in the range of 18000-1000 Shs, coffee remains a valuable source of income.” He remarked.

He also encouraged farmers to learn from each other and not to forget to reward themselves after successful seasons.

Richard Rwabuhinga – District Chairperson, Kabarole

Dr.Rwabuhinga praised the Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal for promoting holistic development both spiritual and economic with a call on residents to follow the enclosed policy guidelines.  He warned farmers against selling gardens prematurely,  narrating that some farmers normally sell gardens at the coffee flowering stage.

“Let us aim for quality produce and improved incomes. This policy is a golden opportunity,” Said Rwabuhinga.

Yoweri Mugume – LCI Chairperson, Nkuruba

Mugume testified to the local impact of the Diocesan initiative as a source of area growth and employment opportunities.

 “We’ve already seen growth and increased job opportunities. We are grateful to the Diocese for establishing the  coffee farm at Nkuruba. We highly  believe this model will inspire many more small-scale farmers in our region.” Said Yoweri.