Prof. Willy Okullo, the Prime Minister of the Lango Cultural Institution, has issued a powerful message of hope and gratitude toward President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The Prime Minister praised the President’s unwavering commitment to lifting Ugandans out of poverty through aggressive agricultural reforms that are changing the face of the nation. This celebration of progress comes as the Lango sub-region prepares for a massive economic shift from basic survival farming to high-value commercial agriculture.
The air was filled with optimism at the Lango Cultural Centre on April 16, 2026, as the community celebrated the arrival of 150,000 coffee seedlings. These are not just any plants; they are specially engineered to resist the coffee wilt disease, ensuring that farmers have the best possible chance at success. This delivery from the Ministry of Agriculture marks a pivotal moment in the government’s plan to boost household incomes and create lasting wealth across the sub-region.
Prof. Okullo was quick to credit the visionary leadership within the cultural institution as well. He lauded the Won Nyaci, Eng. Dr. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, and the institution’s Agriculture Minister, Michael Abeja, for their tireless work in coordinating with the central government. Their partnership has successfully unlocked resources that will directly benefit the local people, proving that when cultural and political leaders work together, the community wins.
However, with this opportunity comes a call for serious commitment. The Prime Minister and other local leaders, including Itogo Chairperson Rashid Eton, have warned that these seedlings must be treated with the utmost care. Farmers are encouraged to adopt professional farming techniques to ensure the project succeeds. Negligence or the distraction of political squabbles could jeopardize future support, so the message is clear: focus on the work, protect the investment, and grow the future.
For years, Northern Uganda has leaned heavily on crops like maize and soybeans, which often provide low financial returns. Minister Michael Abeja highlighted that this introduction of coffee is a historic turning point. By moving toward more profitable crops, the region can finally move past the economic shadows of the past. To ensure no seedling goes to waste, regional experts like Andrew Okello Awany have already begun training farmers, making sure every participant is equipped with the knowledge needed to turn these plants into a thriving business.
This entire movement was sparked by a formal request from the Lango leadership earlier this year. While the demand for seedlings was high, the current allocation of 150,000 plants is a massive first step toward a greener, wealthier Lango. With strict monitoring and a community united by the goal of financial independence, the region is now on a clear path toward a more prosperous and self-sustaining future.