Retired Kamwenge District Inspector of Schools Reaps Big from Coffee Farming

At 68 years old, Mr. Julius Akorinako, a retired District Inspector of Schools in Kamwenge District, is proof that it’s never too late to start afresh, especially when guided by sound advice.

After retiring in 2017, Mr. Akorinako transitioned into coffee farming. Today, his journey stands as a powerful testament to resilience and transformation.

“When I retired, I wasn’t sure what to do next. I was growing maize, but the returns were discouraging,” Mr. Akorinako shared during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s visit to his farm in Kamwenge.

“But I remembered what President Museveni always told us during his rallies here, that maize doesn’t bring money. He advised us to venture into coffee, fruits, poultry, and other profitable enterprises. That message stuck with me,” he said.

In 2019, Mr. Akorinako, a resident of Lwamugonera Cell, Rwenkuba Ward, Kahunge Town Council in Kibale County, acted on that advice. He began with just two acres of clonal coffee seedlings, and within two years, he had harvested his first crop.

“In the first season alone, I earned Shs 5 million. After expenses, I made a profit of Shs 3 million. That confirmed I had made the right decision,” he said.

Motivated by his early success, Mr. Akorinako expanded his plantation to six acres. Today, he earns Shs 20 million every four months, with an annual net income of approximately Shs 40 million.

“I thank President Museveni for opening my eyes. I encourage fellow Ugandans to take his advice seriously. I’ve seen the results, my life has changed,” he added.

Coffee farming has not only transformed Mr. Akorinako’s livelihood but has also secured his family’s future.

“My children have pursued higher education, some now hold master’s degrees. That wouldn’t have been possible without the income from coffee,” he proudly noted.

His farm currently employs 20 permanent workers, each earning Shs 200,000 per month, and hires up to 60 casual laborers weekly. Beyond coffee, Mr. Akorinako cultivates bananas on four acres, beans, and mangoes on 1.5 acres, and rears 60 goats.

“I’ve also invested in irrigation to maintain productivity during dry seasons. I use a solar-powered generator to irrigate five acres, especially for coffee and bananas,” he explained.

Reflecting on his journey from post-retirement uncertainty to successful agripreneurship, Mr. Akorinako hopes his story inspires others.

“Retirement is not the end, it’s a new beginning. You can thrive with the right mindset and crops,” he said.

President Yoweri Museveni commended the people of Kamwenge District for embracing a mindset shift and transitioning from subsistence farming, especially maize cultivation, to more productive ventures such as coffee growing.

“Thank you for listening to my advice and becoming examples for others,” President Museveni said.

He noted that the transformation began when residents took his message to heart.

“When I came to Kamwenge, many people were growing maize. They would tell me they had two acres and only made Shs 600,000 gross. I asked them, don’t you see that’s not sustainable?” he recounted.

The President emphasized that poverty is often a result of ignorance and poor planning.

“The darkness of ignorance is like murder,” he said.

He reflected on historical migrations, such as the Bakiga leaving Kabale due to land pressure, noting that similar issues could arise in Kamwenge if families failed to plan properly.

“If each home has 10 people and there’s no planning, what will the next generation do?” he asked.

President Museveni urged Ugandans to adopt modern land management systems, including forming companies where family members can jointly benefit without subdividing land.

“When we began the student movement in the 1960s, we identified land fragmentation and outdated inheritance practices as serious issues. Staying together and sharing profits is more productive,” he said.

He praised individuals like Mr. Akorinako for adopting innovations such as irrigation, solar power, and pasture cultivation.

“You can’t just wait for rain and blame God when it doesn’t come. In Genesis, God said, ‘Go and multiply,’” he noted.

To support Mr. Akorinako further, the President donated Shs 12 million to purchase two additional cows and a Fuso truck.

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, thanked God for the NRM government’s efforts in transforming Ugandan lives.

“I thank God for the NRM government and the burden it has carried to uplift the lives of Ugandans. Many African governments failed to realize that their purpose is to improve people’s lives,” she said.

She praised the President’s personal outreach to ordinary citizens.

“Thank you, President, for visiting people in their homes. This approach is rare in Africa, and leaders should adopt it to restore hope among citizens,” she said.

Janet expressed hope for Uganda’s continued progress toward full independence and self-reliance.

“I pray that Ugandans understand the government’s efforts and take responsibility for lifting themselves, and the country, higher,” she said.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, commended Kamwenge leaders for heeding the President’s advice and transforming their agriculture practices.

“Thank you, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze and team, for listening. In my area, we were growing bananas and distilling waragi. Today, we’ve embraced coffee farming and other enterprises,” he said.

He highlighted Kamwenge as a model district in implementing mindset change and government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, who also serves as MP for Kibale County, praised the President for his visionary leadership.

“In 2004, Your Excellency, you challenged us to move away from maize. You trained us, and both political and religious leaders embraced the shift,” Hon. Tumwebaze said.

He noted that six out of every ten homesteads in Kamwenge now grow coffee, with those owning more land still planting some maize.

He also praised the PDM for empowering rural households, noting that over 150,000 homesteads have benefited.

On security, Hon. Tumwebaze thanked the UPDF for swiftly responding to ADF attacks in the region, restoring peace.

“We are grateful for the road infrastructure and extended electricity coverage,” he added, also recognizing religious leaders for fostering unity in the region.

“Thank you for your quick response alongside the UPDF. We are now at peace,” she said.

The event, attended by several government officials including Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi and other local leaders, highlighted Kamwenge’s journey from subsistence farming to economic empowerment. Mr. Akorinako’s inspiring story and the district’s transformation reflect the power of good leadership, a shift in mindset, and strategic investment in agriculture.