By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
Inzu Ya Masaba has launched a research project on Arabica coffee production across the Bugisu sub-region, in a move aimed at revitalizing the region’s coffee sector.
The research was officially flagged off on Monday, 3rd August, 2026 by the Umukuka we Bamasaba, His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, who said the study would provide the evidence needed to attract more government and development partner investment into the coffee sector.
The Government of Uganda has released an initial UGX100 million to facilitate the field research, which will culminate in a roadmap for improving the entire Arabica coffee value chain in Bugisu.
Addressing researchers before they departed for fieldwork, Umukuka Mudoma said the initiative was born out of a proposal submitted by Inzu Ya Masaba to the government through the head of Operation Wealth Creation, Gen. Salim Saleh.
“We want to use coffee to mobilize development in Bugisu. We wrote to the government through General Salim Saleh, and this report will become a roadmap that will guide us on how we move forward in improving coffee production,” Mudoma said.
The study will cover all seven districts of the Bugisu sub-region, with researchers expected to interview at least 40 coffee-farming households in each district. The team will assess challenges affecting production, including declining yields, pests and diseases, access to quality seedlings, extension services, climate change, financing, marketing systems and pricing.
The findings will also examine opportunities for improving productivity, strengthening cooperative societies, enhancing value addition and attracting investment into the coffee industry.
Inzu Ya Masaba spokesperson Steven Masiga said the cultural institution views coffee as a strategic tool for mobilizing communities and improving livelihoods.
“As a cultural institution, we are determined to ensure that we build the capacity of our people and mobilize them for development. We are willing to work closely with the government to ensure our people benefit from initiatives that improve their livelihoods,” Masiga said.
Dr. Sarah Khanakwa, a cabinet member of Inzu Ya Masaba and one of the coordinators of the research, noted that Arabica coffee remains one of the region’s greatest economic assets and has the potential to transform livelihoods if existing gaps along the value chain are identified and addressed.
“Bugisu is one of the most privileged regions in Uganda because of its fertile land, yet many households remain poor. We want to understand how coffee can become an entry point for improving livelihoods and ensuring every household benefits from the coffee economy,” Dr. Khanakwa said.
According to Dr. Khanakwa, the final report will form the basis of an investment prospectus intended to attract additional funding and partnerships for the revival of Bugisu’s coffee sector.
