By Stephen Ainganiza – Kabarole
Tooro Kingdom has embarked on an ambitious agribusiness drive aimed at empowering young people through commercial agriculture, launching a large-scale distribution of coffee and cocoa seedlings across its nine counties.
The initiative, which aligns with King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV’s vision of youth economic empowerment, seeks to reduce unemployment and promote sustainable farming within the region.
Under the Tooro Kingdom Youth Economic Empowerment Program (TOKYEP)—a partnership between the Kingdom and the government unveiled in September 2025—over 400,000 coffee seedlings and 200,000 cocoa seedlings are being distributed to young farmers.
The program focuses on equipping youth with agricultural tools, entrepreneurial skills, and business knowledge to enhance self-reliance and productivity.
Rt. Hon. Armstrong Calvin Rwomiire, the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, outlined the phased distribution schedule, beginning with Kyaka, Mwenge North, and Mwenge South, before extending to Fort Portal, Bunyangabu, and Burahya, and concluding in Kitagwenda, Kibaale, and Ntoroko counties.
“This structured approach ensures that all parts of the Kingdom benefit equitably from the initiative,” he said.
Hon. Mugume Nicholas, the Kingdom Youth Minister, revealed that the beneficiaries were carefully selected in collaboration with district agricultural officers and extension workers.
“We identified 24 youth groups, each comprising eight members, to receive seedlings for planting on approximately four acres of land,” he explained, adding that this selection process ensures accountability and measurable impact.
The seedlings have already been delivered to sub-county headquarters for collection. Rt. Hon. Nyakake Harriet emphasized the role of families in the project’s success, urging parents to support and encourage their children in nurturing the crops to maturity.
Rt. Hon. Henry Basaliza, the Deputy Prime Minister, lauded both President Yoweri Museveni and King Oyo for their dedication to youth empowerment through agriculture. He called on the beneficiaries to act swiftly: “Plant and care for these seedlings before the season ends. Don’t leave them to dry; they are your future.”
Through this initiative, Tooro Kingdom is positioning its youth at the forefront of agribusiness transformation.
The program not only strengthens food security and household incomes but also underscores a shared commitment between traditional leadership and the government to build a resilient, youth-driven agricultural economy in Uganda’s western region.