Mukono District has intensified efforts to promote cocoa growing through a districtwide seedling distribution programme aimed at increasing household incomes, creating employment opportunities and positioning the district as one of Uganda’s leading cocoa-producing areas.
The programme, spearheaded by the District LCV Chairperson, Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, commenced in Nakifuma–Nagalama Town Council before extending to Mukono South Constituency, beginning with Nakisunga Sub-county and proceeding to Ntenjeru–Kisoga Town Council.
During the exercise, farmers from Luga Village and the wider Ntazi Parish received cocoa seedlings at Salama School for the Blind. The distribution exercise later concluded in Katosi Town Council, where each participating farmer received 30 seedlings, with plans to provide additional seedlings to farmers who demonstrate good plantation management and commitment.
The initiative is expected to extend to all 18 sub-counties and town councils across Mukono District, with the overall objective of encouraging households to establish cocoa plantations as a long-term source of income.
According to the Senior Agriculture Officer, Mr. Obedi Nsubuga, Hon. Lukooya’s vision is to promote cocoa production by encouraging every household to establish a cocoa plantation, beginning with at least 30 seedlings. He explained that, based on the projected income of UGX 120,000 per tree annually, a farmer with 30 productive cocoa trees could potentially earn approximately UGX 3.6 million annually, equivalent to an average of UGX 300,000 per month.
The projected returns are expected after approximately four years of growth, subject to proper plantation establishment, management and productivity.
To support farmers in nurturing their plantations and improving crop productivity, Hon. Lukooya has also announced plans to distribute cocoa fertilisers across the district. The fertilisers are expected to arrive at the district headquarters next week, after which they will be distributed to farmers as part of the broader intervention to strengthen cocoa production.
He emphasised that successful cocoa farming requires proper spacing, regular weeding, mulching, pruning and adequate soil nutrition. These practices are essential in maintaining healthy plantations and improving productivity over time.
Hon. Lukooya further projected that Mukono District has approximately 273,966 households, of which 35 per cent, representing about 95,890 households, are engaged in farming. He noted that if each farming household established at least 20 cocoa trees, the district could potentially generate more than UGX 172 billion annually from cocoa production, based on the projected returns per tree.
He urged farmers to take responsibility for the seedlings distributed to them by planting and properly maintaining them instead of allowing them to dry up before establishment.
He stressed that the success of the programme would depend on farmers’ commitment, proper plantation management and consistent care.
It should be noted that cocoa growing in Mukono District dates back approximately 100 years, with the foundation seed of the crop traced to Katooke Village on Damba Islands in Koome Sub-county.
The district therefore seeks to build on this agricultural heritage by reviving and expanding cocoa production among farming households.
Through the districtwide cocoa seedling distribution programme and the planned provision of fertilisers, Mukono District leadership aims to revitalise cocoa farming as a sustainable pathway to household wealth creation, employment generation and improved livelihoods.
The initiative presents an opportunity for farmers to diversify their agricultural activities, establish productive plantations and benefit from the potential long-term returns of cocoa growing. However, achieving the projected economic benefits will require farmers to properly plant, nurture and maintain the seedlings, supported by continuous agricultural extension services and appropriate farm management practices.
As the programme extends to all 18 sub-counties and town councils, the district leadership calls upon farmers to embrace cocoa growing and actively participate in the initiative. The broader ambition is to strengthen agricultural production, promote value addition, expand economic opportunities and contribute to the Government of Uganda’s agenda of wealth creation and improved household incomes.
