The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Stephen Kazimba Mugalu, has made an impassioned call to religious leaders across the country, urging them to utilize the vast tracts of land owned by religious institutions for coffee farming. During his pastoral visit to the South Ankole Diocese at Kitunga Archdeaconry in Kajara County, Ntungamo District, the Archbishop highlighted the significant economic potential that coffee farming holds, not only as a profitable venture but also as a means to safeguard the land owned by these institutions from potential land grabbing.
Addressing the congregation and local leaders, Archbishop Kazimba pointed out that many Ugandans are already reaping the benefits of coffee farming due to the growing demand for the crop in both local and international markets. With the government offering its support for the coffee sector, he stressed that religious institutions have a unique opportunity to both protect their land and generate substantial income by embracing coffee farming.
“Religious institutions hold large portions of land that, if properly utilized, can provide a steady stream of income. This would not only ensure financial sustainability for the institutions but also safeguard their land from being taken away. Coffee farming has proven to be one of Uganda’s most reliable cash crops, and the government has already committed to supporting farmers in this sector,” Archbishop Kazimba said during his address.
He emphasized that, with the increasing demand for coffee and the potential for lucrative returns, it would be prudent for churches, mosques, and other religious organizations to diversify their income streams by venturing into coffee cultivation. This initiative, according to the Archbishop, would not only provide economic stability for religious institutions but also contribute to the broader national economy.
Furthermore, the Archbishop encouraged religious institutions to involve local communities in the farming process, which could help to create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of many Ugandans, particularly in rural areas. By adopting coffee farming as an economic activity, religious institutions would be making a meaningful contribution to the nation’s development while also empowering their congregations.
The Archbishop’s call comes at a time when coffee farming in Uganda has seen a resurgence, with the government actively promoting the sector through various initiatives aimed at improving the quality and quantity of coffee production. The coffee industry is one of Uganda’s most vital export sectors, and the country is one of the largest producers of coffee in Africa. This has made the crop an essential component of Uganda’s economic growth strategy.
In his message, Archbishop Kazimba also took the opportunity to urge religious leaders to be proactive in exploring alternative income-generating activities that could sustain their institutions and contribute to the welfare of their communities. He pointed out that while many religious organizations rely heavily on donations and tithes, diversifying their sources of income would provide greater financial security and reduce dependence on external support.
“I believe that by engaging in activities like coffee farming, religious institutions can become more self-reliant. This would ensure that they can continue to serve their communities effectively without always having to rely on handouts or external funding. It is important for us as religious leaders to lead by example and take responsibility for the sustainability of our institutions,” the Archbishop added.
The Archbishop’s pastoral visit to the South Ankole Diocese was not only an opportunity for spiritual reflection but also a platform to discuss the practical steps that can be taken to improve the livelihoods of Ugandans through economic activities like coffee farming. His message resonated deeply with the local leaders and community members in Kajara County, who expressed their commitment to exploring coffee farming as a viable economic activity.
As Uganda continues to face challenges such as land grabbing, climate change, and economic instability, Archbishop Kazimba’s call for religious institutions to embrace coffee farming offers a hopeful solution to these issues. By utilizing their land for productive purposes, religious organizations can help to secure their future, support local communities, and contribute to the growth of Uganda’s coffee industry.
The Archbishop’s initiative also aligns with the broader national goal of boosting agricultural productivity and creating a more robust economy. With the government’s support, religious institutions can play a key role in revitalizing the agricultural sector and ensuring that coffee farming remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy.
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