Diocese of West Lango launches major coffee distribution project

26 April 2026, 7:15 pm

By Sarah Ejang

The Diocese of West Lango distributed 200,000 coffee seedlings, supplied by MAAIF, to over 2,500 clergy members to boost self-reliance and combat poverty.

The Diocese of West Lango, through its Household and Community Transformation department, has distributed 200,000 coffee seedlings out of a total of 350,000 promised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to help combat poverty.

The seedlings, supplied by Amach Seed Co. LTD, were distributed to over 2,500 clergy and lay leaders at St. Peter’s Cathedral Aduku and Loro Town Council.

Beatrice Alela, the Regional Agricultural Officer for Greater Apac, stated that the Ministry is partnering with 39 dioceses under the Church of Uganda.

The first phase of distribution took place on April 24, 2026, with the second phase planned for the four district zones of Oyam, Kwania, Apac, and Kole.

Alela urged the recipients to follow technical guidelines from district extension workers and warned against selling the seedlings, noting that officials will conduct follow-up inspections.

Rev. Bonny Okello Oleny, the Diocesan Administrator, noted that while they requested 500,000 seedlings, they are grateful for the 350,000 provided.

He emphasized that this initiative aims to make the clergy self-reliant, moving them away from “begging” and helping them develop the 106 parishes across 24 Archdeaconries.

Maj. Fred Gawera, the OWC Coordinator for Kwania and Kole, observed that while the government often provides inputs, farmers sometimes fail to take them seriously, leading to future poverty.

George Johnson Ojok Ocen, the Kwania District Production Officer, commended the Diocese’s partnership with the Ministry.

He highlighted that coffee is a vital pillar of Uganda’s economy, with over 1.8 million households involved in its production.

Coffee remains Uganda’s third-largest export, funding infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

Recipients, including Edward Ojok (who received 500 seedlings), Rev. Robert Elai, and Jennet Okao, expressed gratitude, noting that the project would significantly transform their livelihoods.

According to a World Coffee Research report from 2025, Uganda remains a top coffee exporter in Africa.

Between late 2024 and 2025, Robusta coffee (which makes up 80% of production) saw prices reach approximately 140,000 UGX per kilo in certain markets.

The government aims to increase national production to 30 million bags annually by 2030.