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SIRONKO, UGANDA. In a major relief for local farmers, Sironko District has officially been declared free from Coffee Leaf Rust Disease, a destructive fungal infection that had plagued coffee plantations last year, causing significant financial losses. Â
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Coffee Leaf Rust, caused by the multicellular basidiomycete fungus (Hemileia vastatrix), weakens coffee plants by attacking their leaves, leading to reduced yields and poor-quality beans. The disease struck Sironko in November 2023, severely affecting key coffee-growing sub-counties, including Bukisa, Masaba, Bumalimba, Buhugu, and Bumasifwa. Â
For the Bagisu people, coffee is more than just a crop—it is a vital source of income. Many farmers faced devastating losses as their plantations were ravaged by the disease. Sam Wadaba and Peace Kwaga, coffee farmers from Masaba Sub-County, revealed that they lost over 5 million Ugandan shillings due to reduced yields caused by the infection. Â
For the Bagisu people, coffee is more than just a crop—it is a vital source of income. Many farmers faced devastating losses as their plantations were ravaged by the disease. Sam Wadaba and Peace Kwaga, coffee farmers from Masaba Sub-County, revealed that they lost over 5 million Ugandan shillings due to reduced yields caused by the infection. Â
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Despite the challenges, the district managed to contain and eliminate the disease through aggressive farmer sensitization programs Francis Nabugodi, the Sironko District Agriculture Officer, explained that although the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries did not provide chemicals, the district deployed extension workers to educate farmers on prevention methods. Â
"Our extension workers guided farmers on the right chemicals to buy and proper spraying techniques," Nabugodi said."We are now free from the disease, but farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicious signs immediately."Â
"Our extension workers guided farmers on the right chemicals to buy and proper spraying techniques," Nabugodi said."We are now free from the disease, but farmers must remain vigilant and report any suspicious signs immediately."Â
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While celebrating the good news, farmers urged the government to provide timely chemical support in case of future outbreaks.Sunday Wojega, a coffee grower from Bukise Sub-County appealed to the district and the agriculture ministry tosupply free or subsidized fungicides to small-scale farmers during emergencies. Â
"Last year was tough. If the government had given us chemicals early, our losses would have been less," Wojega said. Â
While celebrating the good news, farmers urged the government to provide timely chemical support in case of future outbreaks.Sunday Wojega, a coffee grower from Bukise Sub-County appealed to the district and the agriculture ministry tosupply free or subsidized fungicides to small-scale farmers during emergencies. Â
"Last year was tough. If the government had given us chemicals early, our losses would have been less," Wojega said. Â
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With Sironko now declared Coffee Leaf Rust-free, farmers are optimistic about the upcoming harvest season. However, agricultural experts warn that continuous monitoring and proper farming practices are essential to prevent another outbreak. Â
The district agriculture office has assured farmers of ongoing support, urging them toreport any disease symptoms early to extension workers for swift action. Â
The district agriculture office has assured farmers of ongoing support, urging them toreport any disease symptoms early to extension workers for swift action. Â
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Coffee is a key cash cropin the Bugisu region, supporting thousands of livelihoods. The defeat of Coffee Leaf Rust in Sironko sets a positive example for other coffee-growing regions in Uganda, demonstrating that community awareness and proactive measures can combat agricultural threats effectively. Â
As farmers prepare for the next season, the focus remains on sustainability, early disease detection, and government support to safeguard Uganda’s vital coffee industry.Â
Coffee is a key cash cropin the Bugisu region, supporting thousands of livelihoods. The defeat of Coffee Leaf Rust in Sironko sets a positive example for other coffee-growing regions in Uganda, demonstrating that community awareness and proactive measures can combat agricultural threats effectively. Â
As farmers prepare for the next season, the focus remains on sustainability, early disease detection, and government support to safeguard Uganda’s vital coffee industry.Â
