OWOMUGISHA T
Coffee farmers and buyers in several parishes of Rugyeyo Sub-county, Kanungu District, have expressed gratitude for the successful coffee season and the encouraging prices experienced this season compared to previous ones.
Many farmers are reportedly beaming with excitement over a great harvest and better prices that have yielded profits, enabling them to earn more than what they invested during the season. They say the income has supported other important activities, including making investments for future use.
Edson Tumwesigye, a farmer of both Arabica and Robusta coffee and also the LC1 Chairperson for Kyampungu Cell, Nyarurambi Parish, Rugyeyo Sub-county, says that they have experienced a successful season with higher coffee prices compared to previous ones. This has enabled him to construct a business house with two double rooms and pay school fees for his children.
Tumwesigye notes that although it has been a profitable season, they have faced several challenges, including changing climate, poor roads that hinder coffee transportation, drying of some coffee, especially Robusta, and theft of coffee from gardens and stores.
He therefore, thanks the government for the increased coffee prices and urges them to provide solutions to the challenges, such as renovating roads to address transport issues.
According to Kennedy Muhwezi, a coffee farmer and seller, they are pleased with the improved prices—currently at 16,500 UGX per kilogram for Robusta and 13,500 to 14,000 UGX for Arabica—though the prices are not stable for long. He notes the issue of price fluctuations and appeals to the government to set stable prices that can last longer to ensure that those who sell dry coffee can recover their investment.
The Rugyeyo Sub-county and Nyakabungo Town Council Agricultural Officer, Alfred Rwakarara, says that while Rugyeyo also produces other crops such as tea and bananas, it is best known for coffee, which remains the main source of income for the community.
He adds that many challenges were faced this season, including climate change, poor agronomic practices, and pests and diseases such as coffee wilt disease and coffee twig borer, which are major threats to coffee plants.
Rwakarara advised farmers on how to handle and maintain their coffee plantations. He noted that practices such as mulching, spraying, weeding, applying manure and fertilizers, and pruning are essential for achieving better quality and quantity in harvests.
He urged all LCs and other local authorities to cooperate with the police in forming committees that will enhance coffee security and help curb theft.
