By Willy Chowoo
The Chief Justice and co-chair of the Rocco Paco Foundation, Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi, has called on district local governments in the Acholi sub-region to enact ordinances promoting compulsory coffee farming as a strategy to combat abject poverty. Speaking during the second day of the Gurre Me Pongdwongo event at Restore Leadership High School on Saturday, December 28, 2024, Owiny-Dollo emphasized the transformative potential of coffee farming for the region.
“Each household should plant at least an acre of coffee to replace cotton, which has historically been the main cash crop for the Acholi community since colonial times,” he stated. Cotton, once the backbone of Acholi’s economy, now yields minimal returns in the current market compared to coffee. According to the Chief Justice, planting just a quarter-acre of coffee can generate a minimum income of UGX 2 million—four times the revenue from cotton farming. Research has shown that coffee thrives in the Acholi sub-region, making it a viable alternative cash crop.
Poverty in Acholi Sub-Region
The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) reports that the Acholi sub-region consistently registers some of the highest poverty rates in Uganda. According to UBOS’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), poverty incidence in Acholi stands at 63.6%, significantly above the national average. A 2024 report on multidimensional child poverty further highlights the grim reality, with child poverty rates in districts like Pader (91.2%), Agago (90.9%), Amuru (90.7%), and Lamwo (90%) reaching alarming levels.
These figures underscore the persistent economic challenges faced by the Acholi people and the need for targeted interventions to address poverty at both household and community levels.
Addressing Historical Economic Injustice
Owiny-Dollo attributed Acholi’s enduring poverty to the colonial British administration, which restricted the region to cotton farming. “This historical misguidance left Acholi reliant on a low-value crop, with devastating consequences in today’s market,” he said.
The Chief Justice pledged that the Rocco Paco Foundation would partner with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to train farmers on planting and managing coffee while providing high-quality seeds. “I will take the lead in promoting coffee farming in Acholi. However, the government must deploy more agricultural extension workers to train farmers directly in their gardens,” he maintained.
Combatting Corruption in Development Programs
Owiny-Dollo issued a stern warning against the misappropriation of funds allocated for rebuilding northern Uganda, including those channeled through programs such as the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF). “Through Rocco Paco, we shall monitor every shilling from the Office of the Prime Minister to its final destination. Those who attempt to divert these funds will be exposed and held accountable,” he vowed.
Environmental Conservation for Coffee Farming
The Chief Justice also urged the community to preserve indigenous trees, as coffee requires shade to grow effectively. He emphasized the importance of reforestation in the sub-region, which has suffered significant environmental degradation.
Mr. C.D. Langoya, co-chair of the restoration committee, announced plans to involve 40,000 households annually in tree planting, with each member of the household planting ten trees. “These will include indigenous species like the African Afzelia, which is native to northern Uganda, as well as commercially valuable fruit trees such as shear nut, cocoa, jackfruit, avocado, lemons, and oranges,” Langoya added.
As per the National Population and Housing Census (NHPC) 2024 Preliminary Report, the Acholi sub-region has a population of approximately 2.155 million individuals.
The average household size in the North region, which includes Acholi, is reported to be 6.35 persons per household.
Based on these figures, the estimated number of households in the Acholi sub-region is approximately 339,370.
A Vision for Acholi’s Restoration
The three-day Gurre Me Pongdwongo event, which brought together over 3,000 Acholi community members from the diaspora and within Uganda, focused on rebuilding, restoring, and transforming Acholi land. The discussions and initiatives launched at the event aim to foster economic growth, environmental conservation, and cultural revitalization across the sub-region.
Owiny-Dollo’s rallying call for coffee farming and sustainable development represents a bold step toward addressing Acholi’s poverty and empowering its people to reclaim economic independence and prosperity.
