The Emolyne Legacy Project, established in memory of the late William Kigambe Tibamanya, has provided 18,000 Robusta coffee seedlings to 200 farmers in Kitagwenda District, located in western Uganda.
This donation is part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and boosting the economic prospects of local farmers by encouraging coffee cultivation, a key cash crop in the region.
The distribution event took place in Bwera parish, Kicheche Sub County, where the legacy of Tibamanya a respected local leader dedicated to serving the community was honoured.
His daughter, Emolyne Ramlov, launched the Emolyne Legacy Project in November 2023 to carry forward her father’s work, with a focus on agriculture, education, health, and environmental conservation.
While Kitagwenda has traditionally relied on subsistence farming of crops like maize, beans, and bananas, the project aims to encourage a shift toward coffee farming, offering farmers a more profitable opportunity.
Brenda Nampijja, the project coordinator, explained that the donation was part of a larger plan to support farmers and help them improve their economic status.
“Through our needs assessment, we found that 90% of Bwera’s population depends on farming. Acknowledging the challenges they face, we decided to provide coffee seedlings and equipment to help them achieve a better quality of life,” Nampijja said.
Peter Ashaba, the Kitagwenda District Vice Chairperson, encouraged farmers to embrace this opportunity, noting that coffee is one of Uganda’s leading export crops.
He emphasised that, with the proper support, the community could benefit significantly. Agricultural experts at the event assured farmers of ongoing technical support to ensure the successful cultivation of their coffee crops.
One of the event’s highlights was the testimony of Denis Kyakahaire, a 62-year-old coffee farmer from Bwera village. A retired teacher, Kyakahaire has seen his income increase substantially since starting coffee farming.
“I began with just a few plants, and two years later, I now earn around Shs 4 million per season, which has allowed me to send my children to school and improve my home,” he shared.
Despite such success stories, some farmers are reluctant to transition from traditional crops to coffee due to concerns about the initial costs, the time it takes for coffee plants to mature, and their limited knowledge of the crop.
However, agricultural officer Deo Mukasa from Kicece Sub County reassured farmers that these challenges can be overcome with the right support and community collaboration.
Another challenge facing local coffee farmers is theft. Philip Rutaremwa, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner, warned that those caught stealing coffee would face severe legal consequences.
“We take coffee theft very seriously, and anyone found guilty will be arrested and prosecuted,” Rutaremwa said.
As more farmers turn to coffee cultivation, there is growing optimism that Kitagwenda could become a significant producer of high-quality coffee in Uganda.
This transformation is expected to enhance local infrastructure, improve market access, and stimulate economic growth.
The Emolyne Legacy Project remains committed to uplifting Kitagwenda by focusing on sustainable agriculture, education, and healthcare.
With continued support from both the government and non-governmental organisations, coffee farming could transform the livelihoods of Kitagwenda’s farming communities and provide lasting benefits for future generations.