The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Frank Tumwebaze, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Kibale East County, has urged residents of Kamwenge District to embrace coffee growing as a key source of household income.
At the same time, he issued a stern warning to agricultural extension workers who have failed to support farmers in combating pests and diseases.
Tumwebaze made the remarks while presiding over the graduation of 53 top-class pupils at Oxford Modern School in Biguli Town, where he also commissioned the school’s newly established bakery club.
“I want our people in Kamwenge to embrace coffee growing because it is one of the most reliable income sources,” Tumwebaze said.
“After the elections next year, I will be giving out free coffee seedlings to support households.”
The minister expressed concern over reports of pests and diseases ravaging coffee plantations across the district. He accused some extension workers of neglecting their responsibilities, putting farmers’ livelihoods at risk.
“I keep receiving reports that pests and diseases are destroying our coffee, yet some extension workers are not doing their job,” Tumwebaze warned.
“If you cannot guide farmers and help them protect their crops, then you are failing the very people you are supposed to serve.”
He urged agricultural officers to step up efforts in farmer training, surveillance, and early detection of coffee diseases to safeguard productivity and ensure that Kamwenge residents can fully benefit from coffee cultivation.
Tumwebaze’s call comes at a time when coffee remains one of Uganda’s leading cash crops, contributing significantly to household incomes and national export earnings.
His pledge to distribute free seedlings after next year’s elections is aimed at boosting production and encouraging wider participation in coffee farming across the district.