CEAU Visits West Nile and Greater North Cocoa Farmers and Cooperatives
COCOA PRODUCTION POTENTIAL: Exporters Confirm Northern Uganda’s Agricultural Shift
ARUA – GULU. Northern Uganda and the West Nile sub-regions are rapidly emerging as prime hubs for premium cocoa production. Cocoa Exporters Association Uganda (CEAU), led by Chairman Mr. Magoola Richard, concluded a strategic five-day field tour from August 3rd to 7th, 2026. Navigating through Kampala, Arua, Koboko, Adjumani, Gulu, Nwoya, and Amuru, the executive team revealed that local production capacity and climate infrastructure have shattered previous industry benchmarks.
Moving away from traditional cash crops like tobacco and cotton, local smallholders have successfully self-mobilized. Structured entities like the Koboko Cooperative Society (KCS), led by Chairman Mr. Asike, and the Maadi Coffee and Cocoa Cooperative (MCCC), guided by Chairman Mr. Ballu Robert, are demonstrating rigorous governance and crop-bulking protocols.
Engagement with Koboko Cooperative Society
The exporters had a brief meeting with over 50 Koboko Cooperative Society (KCS) farmers, a group championed by Hon. Ambassador James Baba, the pioneer and advocate of cocoa farming in Koboko District. Discussions emphasized good agronomy practices, quality control measures, and proper post-harvest handling. The exporters promised a ready market. Mr. Asike, Chairman of KCS, expressed gratitude for the CEAU visit.
The delegation visited Nature Harvest KK Ltd, a model farm spearheaded by Director Henry Baba under the advocacy of Hon. Ambassador James Baba. The farm boasts specialized drying facilities, fermentation setups, and advanced nursery beds. A chocolate bar prototype produced here recently caused immediate supply shortages due to overwhelming local exhibition demand.
Hon. Ambassador James Baba has invested in cocoa seedling supply and training programmes, championing the formation of cooperatives and emphasizing the value of working in groups.
To build resilience against the northern dry season, farmers are deploying innovative sub-surface bottle drip-irrigation alongside banana-canopy shade covers.
Exporters heavily praised the widespread integration of raised solar drying beds and uniform fermentation procedures. These practices help prevent bean contamination and safeguard the distinct flavour profile required by international chocolate manufacturers.
The delegation noted the need for continuous agronomy training. Farmers were advised on tree shade, regular pruning, and the use of organic inputs.
“Our visit has completely redefined the timeline for northern cocoa. We went to evaluate potential, but we found a fully viable export pipeline ready to be integrated into our national portfolio.”
A journey well experienced.
