A fierce debate over the viability of coffee farming in the Teso sub-region has sparked a compelling response from agricultural experts, with Bukedea district emerging as a living testament that commercial coffee production is not only possible in the region, but already thriving.
 

The exchange began following a video analysis by veteran journalist Steven Ariong. Drawing on 26 years of reporting experience, Ariong voiced deep skepticism regarding government-led agricultural initiatives in Teso, citing historical failures such as withered seedlings in Katakwi and a lack of proper farmer support. Ariong questioned whether Teso’s harsh climate, poor post-harvest handling, and lack of training could ever support a sustainable coffee economy.

However, writing in an open response, Stephen Ekoom, founder of The Farmers Guide Uganda Ltd., argued that while Ariong’s skepticism is historically justified, the narrative on the ground has fundamentally shifted—led by a pioneering model in Bukedea.

“Mzee Ariong’s concerns are valid because we have seen government programs fail in the past,” Ekoom stated. “But with respect, the facts on the ground have changed—and they have changed starting in Bukedea.”

Ekoom addressed Ariong’s core concerns point-by-point, highlighting how Bukedea has navigated the agricultural pitfalls that plagued past initiatives:

Climate and Variety: Acknowledging agronomists’ warnings that delicate Arabica varieties would struggle with Teso’s high temperatures, Bukedea instead piloted Elite Robusta. Backed by soil tests from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), this drought-tolerant, high-yielding variety has successfully taken root in lowland soils and is currently producing thriving yields.

Training Over Distribution: Addressing the issue of unassisted seedling distribution—which previously led to mass crop failures in places like Katakwi—Bukedea adopted a hands-on mentorship model. Rather than handing out unchecked supplies, the district established demonstration gardens. Farmers were trained extensively in water management, utilizing bottle irrigation, mulching, cover cropping, and planting shade trees like Albizia to retain soil moisture. This framework has since expanded to educational institutions, such as Serere’s Kateta Hill View Secondary School.

Post-Harvest Innovation: Tackling the staggering statistic that Uganda loses up to 60% of its coffee post-harvest due to improper drying, Bukedea introduced low-cost solar drying systems utilizing raised, enclosed racks. This innovation protects yields from rain, mold, and aflatoxins, securing fair incomes for farmers while doubling as a drying method for cassava and potatoes.

Depoliticizing Agriculture: Ekoom emphasized that Bukedea’s success was driven from the ground up by farmers rather than politicians. The undeniable success of the pilot subsequently drew the attention of high-level stakeholders. In June, Vice President Jessica Alupo launched an ambitious regional plan targeting over 80 million seedlings across 12 Teso districts. Meanwhile, the Iteso Cultural Union, led by Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, has embraced the crop, securing 100,000 seedlings under the banner that "culture without wealth is nothing."

Agricultural officers in the district are echoing the sentiment that dedication is key to the sector's success. Bukedea District Agricultural Officer Caroline Asekenye Ikodet recently remarked, "A coffee garden is like a shop you must open and inspect every day."

Ekoom concluded his open letter by inviting Ariong to tour Bukedea’s pilot gardens firsthand to witness the red cherries on the branches, declaring that the theoretical debate is over.

"Katakwi taught us what fails. Serere taught us how schools and retired teachers can benefit. But Bukedea taught us that coffee can grow in Teso," Ekoom wrote. "Bukedea opened that shop first. The rest of Teso is now entering."