Kasozi M
The coffee farmers who are also members of Kebisoni Sacco in Rukungiri district have been advised to utilize their sacco for increased productivity and better market opportunities for their coffee.
Nicodemus Bamuhangaine conveyed this crucial message during a three-day workshop held at Kakinga Church of Uganda from March 25th to yesterday, supported by Uganda Investment Authority through Kebisoni Sacco members, particularly coffee farmers. The workshop focused on enhancing every stage of coffee production.
Bamuhangaine emphasized that this initiative, supported by the Uganda Investment Authority, aims to educate farmers in Rukungiri district on advanced coffee growing methods and the entire coffee value chain, from seed selection to marketing, to maximize coffee yields and access better markets.
He stressed that such training will enable Rukungiri farmers to find improved markets, ultimately boosting their income levels. Bamuhangaine also urged farmers, especially coffee growers, to embrace cooperative formations, highlighting the benefits of collaboration in accessing markets, particularly abroad.
Moreover, he urged existing cooperatives to avoid unhealthy competition and instead focus on educating other farmers about the advantages of cooperative efforts.
Mubangizi Evarist, the general secretary of Kebisoni Sacco, commended the trainers, trainees, and Uganda Investment Authority for spearheading this initiative in collaboration with their Sacco. The collaboration between Uganda Investment Authority and Kebisoni Sacco aims to enhance coffee cultivation and expand markets, both locally and internationally.
Alex Mugabe, the mayor of Kebisoni town council, mentioned that lead farmers from various sub-counties will serve as role models for good coffee farming practices. He acknowledged the achievements of coffee farmers in the area but expressed concern over the increasing theft of coffee, including immature coffee, which undermines the industry.
Furthermore, he praised Kebisoni Sacco for its support to farmers and urged them to take full advantage of Sacco’s services.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rukungiri district, Wilberforce Ongum, who was the guest of honor, expressed gratitude towards Kebisoni Sacco and Uganda Investment Authority for their initiative. He emphasized the district’s desire for farmers to form groups and emphasized the importance of intensifying information campaigns and improving market access.
Addressing the issue of coffee theft raised by farmers, Ongum called for cooperation between leaders and law enforcement officers to conduct patrols and curb theft in the area.
