By Jovita Mirembe
Salongo Fredrick Sebawuttu Musoke, a resident of Tebalyala village in Luwero District, says that maintaining a productive coffee plantation requires continuous management.
He says that pruning coffee trees carefully to a manageable height and retaining shade trees in a garden helps protect coffee plants from harsh sunlight.
‘‘Hygiene in the garden is a priority,” he adds.
Growing coffee runs in the family
Sebawuttu grows coffee on six acres which he inherited from his late father, Lawrence Musoke.
He says his late father taught him the value and long-term benefits of growing coffee.
As he walks through his coffee garden, he proudly points at coffee trees that have been thriving since the 1980s, a testimony to coffee’s longevity and resilience.
“Through coffee, I have been able to support my family, including educating my two daughters who recently graduated from university,’’ Sebawuttu said.
He, therefore, encourages all farmers regardless of how small their land is, to invest in coffee because it is more than just a crop but ‘green gold’.
With proper care, he says coffee can provide lifetime income and stability.
Harvesting
Sebawuttu’s years of experience have taught him that harvesting on time is essential.
He adds that handpicking fully ripe cherries ensures the best flavour and quality which makes a significant difference on the market.
He follows strict procedures handed down from his father to ensure the cleanliness and quality of his beans.
“These practices, combined with proper pruning, shade management, and soil enrichment, a coffee garden will continue to produce high yields and superior beans,” he explains.
A crop for the future
Sebuwuffu says the transformative power of coffee farming has not only provided financial stability but has also been the backbone of many Ugandan families’ livelihoods.
“It has allowed them to educate their children, build better futures, and create a lasting legacy,” he adds.
He says that the use of organic and sustainable practices further enhances the resilience of coffee gardens, ensuring that coffee remains a long-lasting source of prosperity.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Fredrick Sebuwuttu picking coffee from his garden. Photo by Jovita Mirembe
