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Kaguta at a farmers' baraza in Nyakashaka Town Market yesterday
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Bruno Mugizi
Buhweju
Amid plunging tea prices that have left many farmers uncertain, Michael Toyota Kaguta, the National Vice Chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), has urged residents of Buhweju District to embrace coffee farming as a viable and more profitable alternative.
Speaking at a farmers' baraza in Nyakashaka Town Market yesterday, Kaguta encouraged locals to prepare land for coffee cultivation while maintaining their tea plantations, citing coffee's annual income potential and tea's long-term value.
The baraza, organized by Inspire Africa Coffee in partnership with Buhweju West Member of Parliament Hon. Ephraim Biraro Ganshanga, aimed to educate farmers about the economic benefits of coffee farming and promote agricultural diversification in the region.
"Coffee is a high-value crop with the potential to transform household incomes," Kaguta said. He added that the government, in collaboration with Inspire Africa Coffee, would provide coffee seedlings and establish systems to collect harvested beans directly from farms to ease transportation burdens.
Don’t uproot tea gardens
While advocating for coffee adoption, Kaguta cautioned farmers against abandoning their tea gardens, emphasizing that both crops could complement each other to provide sustainable income streams.
"Coffee brings income once a year, while tea offers continuous earnings. So, don’t uproot your tea—even when prices are low, it still has long-term value," he said.
Buhweju currently has over 3,000 hectares under tea cultivation. Although many farmers have previously expressed frustration over declining prices, recent trends indicate a market rebound.
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According to updated data, Uganda’s tea prices have risen from an average of 0.74(UGX2,725) perkilogram in late 2023 to 0.74 (UGX2,725) per kilogram in late 2023to 1.02 (UGX 3,760) in 2025—an increase of UGX 1,035 per kilogram. This growth offers renewed hope, though smallholder farmers continue to face market and logistical challenges.
Inspire Africa coffee commits to quality and empowerment
Asiimwe Nicholas Bangizi of Inspire Africa Coffee reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting local farmers through regular field visits, training, and quality control measures.
"We are committed to working closely with farmers to help them produce top-quality coffee that meets international standards," Bangizi said.
He also encouraged participation in the upcoming Coffee Marathon, a community-driven initiative designed to support women involved in coffee farming. "This marathon is not just a race; it’s a movement to empower the women behind Uganda’s coffee," he added.
MP pushes for seedlings and road upgrade
Buhweju West MP Hon. Ephraim Biraro Ganshanga revealed that he had written to President Yoweri Museveni requesting 150,000 coffee seedlings for distribution across the six sub-counties in his constituency.
He also appealed for the urgent tarmacking of the Nyakabirizi–Nyakashaka road to improve the transportation of agricultural produce. "Good infrastructure will greatly improve post-harvest handling and increase farmers' earnings," he said.
Torch Media Africa
