By Morrison Rwakakamba, Coffee Farmer, Nyeibingo, Kebisoni, Rukungiri District
In a remarkable visit yesterday, Assistant Agricultural Officer Provia Katsigaire Keishanyu, from the District Production Department of Rukungiri, arrived unannounced at my coffee farm in Nyeibingo, Kebisoni. Despite the heavy rains, Keishanyu rode in on a boda boda, embodying the spirit of dedication and patriotism we need in Uganda’s agricultural advisory system. She hadn’t been formally invited, nor was she aware I’d be around, but her visit was a testament to her commitment to her role.
Keishanyu, formerly of Buhunga Sub-County and now back in Kebisoni, once advised my late father, one of Rukungiri District’s most esteemed coffee farmers. Her wealth of knowledge about coffee production, from pest management to disease control, was impressive and essential. She identified our trees’ persistent health issues as symptoms of fungal infections beyond typical pest damage and advised a multi-step treatment with Striker and Indofil fungicides, followed by copper fungicide if necessary. Her guidance on organic pesticide processing, fertilizer application, pruning, and spraying techniques was invaluable, helping us implement more effective farming practices.
Keishanyu’s visit reinforced my belief that Uganda’s coffee sector needs practical, timely support from knowledgeable advisors, whether they’re from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) or the Ministry of Agriculture. As a seasoned coffee farmer, I have observed that what truly matters is government-backed, correct, and timely agricultural advice. The support I need as a farmer is consistent access to inputs, fair markets, and the essential infrastructure, like electricity, that enables value addition on farms.
I understand that Uganda is currently debating the UCDA’s future under the government’s rationalization efforts. While there are diverse perspectives, I believe President Museveni, who has driven Uganda’s coffee success story, is committed to ensuring that any changes will enhance efficiency, quality, and yield. Rationalization may be a necessary step toward streamlining resources and achieving the government’s vision for Uganda’s coffee sector, which has seen remarkable progress in recent years. The President’s science- and evidence-driven leadership has brought us this far, and I am confident that he will continue guiding us to even greater coffee production and prosperity for Ugandans.
Uganda’s coffee industry is central to many livelihoods, and I am optimistic that with continued government support, rationalized structures, and efficient advisory services, the quality, quantity, and value of Uganda’s coffee will continue to grow. With committed advisors like Keishanyu, empowered and present across the country, Uganda’s coffee industry has a promising future.
Edited and Published by: Bob Rumanzi
Editor-In-Chief
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