Nestled in the fertile landscape of Katyaza, Lyantonde District, Kinywa Coffee Farm has emerged as a leading symbol of agricultural transformation in southwestern Uganda. Over 70 acres, the farm has been cultivating coffee for the past three years and is rapidly setting new benchmarks in both quality and scale of production.

Owned and managed by Lazarus Kinywa, a visionary farmer and entrepreneur, the farm not only grows its own coffee but also sources from surrounding smallholder farmers to meet a growing export demand.

His initiative is a powerful example of how individual efforts, when combined with community support and government backing, can drive economic transformation in rural Uganda.

“We have organized our farmers, those with 10 acres and above, into a SACCO to support and expand their farming operations,” said Kinywa, underscoring the cooperative spirit that drives his venture.

Through this SACCO, member farmers gain access to essential farming inputs, training, and stable markets which are critical components in enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Kinywa Coffee Farm’s growth aligns with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s broader vision for Uganda’s agricultural sector. The President has consistently championed coffee farming as a national priority, urging Ugandans to take advantage of the country’s ideal climate and fertile soils to boost production and exports.

In a major boost to the region’s agricultural sector, Lyantonde District was recently awarded funding from the European Union in collaboration with the Ugandan government. The investment aims to strengthen both coffee and cocoa production, further energizing the region’s farming economy.

Among the initiative’s strongest advocates is Mutabazi, the former LC5 chairman of Lyantonde and now an active farmer himself.

“The President has strongly supported coffee farming in Uganda, improving its quality and market value,” he said. “Previously, farmers were exploited by middlemen, but through increased awareness and empowerment, they are now earning what they deserve,” Mutabazi emphasized.

During the meeting at the farm, several local farmers present expressed gratitude to Kinywa for mentoring and encouraging them to scale up their farms to meet SACCO requirements which not only guarantees market access but also ties farmers into a growing export-driven value chain.

Lyatonde LC3 Chairman Sserukera Jackson also praised the farm’s impact and acknowledged the growing interest from international partners, particularly visiting Chinese investors who toured the region.

“This is a big encouragement for us as local farmers. Selling directly to investors could solve the problem of low farm-gate prices,” he said.

Sserukera further urged President Museveni to consider introducing manure-on-credit schemes, noting that lack of affordable organic inputs remains a major challenge for many rural farmers.

The Chinese coffee investors, impressed by both the volume of production and the scale of the coffee farms, pledged to support the local community by forming a direct partnership with Kinywa Coffee Farm to purchase coffee straight from the source.

“This farm is not just mine; it belongs to the community,” Kinywa remarked. “I employ over 50 workers directly and hundreds indirectly. If one farmer can create this level of employment, imagine what we can achieve as a country by investing in farming to uplift our communities financially,” said Kinywa.

Uganda’s Ambassador to China, H.E Oliver Wonekha delivered an encouraging message to the farmers.

“The President sent me to China to bring investors to boost the local economy back in Uganda. I have brought coffee investors,” she said.

“We can only achieve growth if everyone plays their part. Farmers produce quality coffee, and investors offer fair prices. That’s how we create a win-win situation.”

As Uganda positions itself to become a global player in premium coffee, Kinywa Coffee Farm serves as a powerful case study of what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and unwavering belief in the power of the land.