One of the affected farmers in Munarya sub county, Kapchorwa district
Coffee farmers in Uganda’s Sebei and Bugisu sub-regions are counting heavy losses following a devastating outbreak of Coffee Berry Disease (CBD) and Coffee Leaf Rust, which have ravaged plantations across several sub-counties.
The worst-hit areas include Kabeywa and Munarya in Kapchorwa District, and Buginyanya and Bulegeni in Bulambuli District.
Farmers say the outbreak has sharply reduced yields, threatening household incomes and food security.
The diseases cause widespread leaf yellowing, withering, and premature berry drop.
Martin Wandera, a farmer from Kapkwateny Parish in Munarya, said the outbreak has robbed farmers of the opportunity to benefit from high coffee prices. “The berries dry before they even ripen, and even with good prices, we cannot benefit. We ask the authorities to step in urgently,” he said.
James Nangayi of Kabeywa noted that infections first appeared in June and spread rapidly. “We have tried spraying, but the situation has worsened, and my entire harvest this year is gone,” he lamented.
Sarah Nabutono, a farmer in Bulegeni, described the situation as hopeless, saying coffee is the only source of income for many families.
“Now we have no harvest, no money for school fees, or even food,” she said. Fred Nangoli, also from Bulegeni, expressed concern over the lack of agricultural extension support in the area. Local officers attribute the outbreak to poor farming practices, prolonged wet weather, and limited access to disease-resistant coffee varieties.
Jimmy Manda, Kapchorwa District Agricultural Officer, confirmed multiple reports from affected farmers and said field assessments are ongoing.
“We are working with the Ministry of Agriculture to send technical teams to guide farmers on disease control and management,” he said.
In Bulambuli, local leaders have appealed to the central government for urgent intervention.
The LCV Chairperson Annet Nandutu warned that the coffee crisis could escalate into a broader food and income security disaster. “We appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture to provide resistant seedlings, fungicides, and farmer training. Without support, many households will face serious hardship,” she said. Coffee is Uganda’s leading export crop and the primary source of income for more than 1.7 million smallholder farmers.
The Sebei and Bugisu sub-regions are critical producers of the country’s premium Arabica coffee. With the next planting season approaching, farmers and local leaders are calling for immediate government support to salvage the coffee industry.
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