Apac coffee farmers rally behind new cooperative movement

3 May 2025, 5:37 pm

By Mike Okwang Ogule & Daniel Odongo

Coffee farmers in Apac district have been urged to embrace cooperative membership as a strategy to improve production, enhance marketing, and increase profits from their harvests.

The call was made during the general meeting of the Apac Coffee Growers and Marketing Cooperative Society, held on Tuesday 29 April 2025 at the District Community Hall, where members gathered to elect new leaders.

According to Ms. Betty Jokene, the Apac District Production Officer, this is the second officially registered coffee cooperative in the district. She encouraged more farmers to join the initiative to ensure its sustainability and collective bargaining power in the market.

“Joining cooperatives gives farmers stronger access to markets and better prices. The district is ready to offer full support in boosting coffee production and marketing,” Ms. Jokene stated. She also urged farmers to diversify by planting other high-value perennial crops such as cocoa, ash, and avocado alongside coffee.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tr. Ogwang, the Senior District Commercial Officer, appealed to the elected cooperative leaders to be transparent and committed in carrying out their duties. He further urged the cooperative to expedite the remaining registration processes to attain full recognition by the government.

The newly elected chairperson, Mr. Sam Okuta, pledged to serve diligently and called on members to become ambassadors for coffee growing. “Let’s spread the word and encourage more farmers to join this government-supported initiative to transform agriculture in northern Uganda,” Okuta said.

Simon Odyek, a coffee farmer from Adem parish in Chegere sub county, shared his success story, stating that coffee farming has enabled him to educate his children and improve his family’s livelihood. “The benefits are real. I encourage others to join,” he added.

With strong local backing and district support, Apac’s coffee farmers are optimistic that the cooperative will usher in a new era of productivity and prosperity.

The newly elected executive committee includes:

• Chairperson: Mr. Sam Okuta
• Secretary: Mr. Geoffrey Okuta Ayer
• Treasurer: Mr. Martin Ebu
• Production Officer: Mr. Peter Edam
• Publicity: Mr. Daniel Odongo
• Auditor: Mr. Felix Adoko
• Defence: Mr. Okello Opudu Geoffrey, among other key leadership positions

The Government of Uganda, through the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), plays a significant role in supporting coffee farming, aiming to boost production, add value, and improve the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. This is achieved through various initiatives, including financial support, technical assistance, and market access promotion.