Bukedi Sub-Region Embraces Coffee and Cocoa to Combat Poverty

The Bukedi sub-region is set to embark on a transformative journey to economic prosperity with the launch of the Coffee and Cocoa Household Poverty Eradication Initiative. Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth championed the project, urging residents to harness the significant economic potential of these cash crops to uplift their livelihoods and move beyond subsistence farming.

Officially inaugurated in Tororo Municipal Council Gardens, the event saw a high-profile attendance including Vice President Jessica Alupo, several cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, and local leaders. Speaker Oboth underscored that this initiative represents a crucial turning point for a region with fertile land and favorable climate, but which has historically grappled with widespread poverty.

He emphasized that agriculture, when approached as a business with modern techniques and quality inputs, can create sustainable jobs and wealth. The Speaker encouraged farmers to adopt contemporary methods, protect the environment, and form strong cooperatives to enhance their market influence. He likened the initiative to existing government programs like the Parish Development Model, reaffirming Parliament’s commitment to the agricultural sector through increased budgetary support and protective policies.

Vice President Alupo highlighted the necessity of irrigation infrastructure to support coffee and cocoa cultivation, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite water-for-production interventions. She also advised farmers to diversify their farming activities, integrating coffee and cocoa with other commercial ventures while maintaining food crop production.

With the launch of this initiative, stakeholders are hopeful that the Bukedi sub-region will transition to a more market-oriented and prosperous agricultural economy. Transparency and accountability in resource utilization were stressed as critical for the project’s success.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4465/speaker-oboth-roots-coffee-cocoa-fight-poverty-bukedi