By Patrick Okino
As part of efforts to promote coffee growing, reduce poverty, and drive economic transformation in Lango, a European investor has pledged to establish a coffee processing factory in Lira City.
Hans de Heer, the Chief Executive Officer of PLUTUS Coffee Group, held a regional stakeholder engagement on perennial crop production in Lango under the theme: “Repositioning Lango as a hub for high-value coffee and cocoa value chains.”
Ambassador Dickson Ogwang Okul, who led the team, revealed that the company plans to establish a Central Processing Unit in Lira. The facility will provide a reliable market for coffee farmers, enable value addition through processing, and position Lango as a recognized origin in the global coffee market.
“In addition, farmers will receive technical support, inputs, and training in modern agricultural practices to ensure both productivity and quality,” he said.
The meeting, held at Canon Lawrence in Boroboro, Lira City, attracted cultural and religious leaders, as well as key coffee and cocoa farmers from across the sub-region.
Ogwang Okul urged farmers to take advantage of the initiative by shifting from seasonal crop production to large-scale cultivation of perennial crops as a pathway to poverty eradication and economic transformation. He noted that this transition is a strategic move away from the region’s long-standing reliance on cotton farming.
He emphasized that coffee is now at the center of the emerging economy and plays a critical role in Uganda’s transformation agenda—marking a shift from subsistence agriculture to high-value, market-driven production.
RADO Conciliation and Consultancy Firm will provide governance oversight, coordination, and dispute resolution mechanisms during the implementation of the project according to Ogwang Okul.
Currently, coffee production in Uganda is concentrated in the Central Region, particularly in the Greater Masaka area, which contributes a significant share of the country’s output.
Uganda’s coffee exports in 2025 rose to a record 8.4 million bags valued at 2.4 billion US dollars, up from 5.8 million bags worth 1.3 billion dollars the previous year.
The Lira District Production Officer, Thomas Okello, said that the first step for the initiative to succeed is to train farmers on how to plant coffee.
He explained that coffee is still a new crop in the area, and many farmers are not familiar with the proper planting procedures. He added that over 60% of farmers lack knowledge on how to grow coffee, making it very risky to distribute seedlings without first providing adequate training.
According to Hans de Heer, the company has already recruited agronomic teams across Lango to promote the adoption of coffee and cocoa farming. He added that the initiative will not only equip farmers with technical knowledge but also organize them into primary societies to improve coordination and market access.
He further encouraged farmers to embrace organic farming, noting that it is environmentally friendly and helps protect soil health while addressing climate change challenges.
He also warned against the use of counterfeit agricultural inputs, stating that the company is working to ensure access to genuine, high-quality products through direct importation and partnerships with certified suppliers.
Former Deputy Inspector General of Police Julius Odwee called for strong grassroots engagement and continuous monitoring to ensure the successful implementation of the coffee and cocoa initiative.
Rev. Haggad Eguny, Parish Priest of Adok in Dokolo, emphasized the need to strengthen extension services and ensure farmers have access to inputs, financial support, and technical guidance.
He also highlighted key challenges, including land fragmentation, limited access to inputs, and climate uncertainty affecting both new and existing farmers.
Levi Okodi Macpio, a clan leader, expressed optimism about the project, noting that with effective mobilization, it is likely to succeed.
Bishop Joseph Omara of the National Born Again Pentecostal Churches underscored the importance of addressing water access, stating that irrigation and proper planning will be critical for the success of coffee and cocoa farming in the region.