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At 68, Julius Akorinako, a retired District Inspector of Schools from Kamwenge District, stands as a shining example that it’s never too late to reinvent oneself—especially when guided by the right advice.

After retiring in 2017, Mr. Akorinako found himself uncertain about his next move. His attempts at maize farming yielded little, offering meager returns that left him discouraged.

“After retirement, I didn’t know what to do next. I was growing maize but earning very little,” he shared during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s visit to his farm in Kamwenge.

It was President Museveni’s frequent message during local rallies that eventually sparked Mr. Akorinako’s transformation. “The President often told us maize has no money and urged us to grow coffee, fruits, poultry, and other high-value crops. That advice stuck with me,” he said.

In 2019, acting on that presidential counsel, Mr. Akorinako—now a resident of Lwamugonera Cell, Rwenkuba Ward, Kahunge Town Council—planted two acres of clonal coffee seedlings. Within two years, he was harvesting his first yield.

“In the first season, I earned Shs 5 million. After expenses, I was left with Shs 3 million in profit. That proved I’d made the right decision,” he noted.

Buoyed by his success, Mr. Akorinako expanded his plantation to six acres. Today, he earns about Shs 20 million every four months, with an annual net income of around Shs 40 million.

“I’m truly grateful to President Museveni. His advice changed my life. I encourage fellow Ugandans to take his words seriously,” he said.

The benefits of coffee farming have extended far beyond Mr. Akorinako himself. His family’s livelihood has significantly improved, with his children advancing academically—some even attaining master’s degrees, funded through coffee proceeds.

His thriving farm now provides employment to 20 permanent workers earning Shs 200,000 monthly, and up to 60 casual laborers on a weekly basis. Diversifying his farm activities, Mr. Akorinako also cultivates bananas on four acres, grows beans and mangoes on 1.5 acres, and keeps a herd of 60 goats.

“I’ve invested in solar-powered irrigation to cushion against drought. It covers five acres, mainly for coffee and bananas,” he explained.

Reflecting on his journey from retirement uncertainty to agricultural prosperity, Mr. Akorinako says, “Retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. With the right mindset and the right crops, you can succeed.”

President Museveni Commends Kamwenge’s Transformation

President Museveni lauded the people of Kamwenge for embracing mindset change, moving from subsistence farming—particularly maize—to more profitable enterprises like coffee farming.

“Thank you for listening to my advice and becoming examples for others,” he said.

He recounted his earlier visits to the district when many locals were stuck in unproductive maize farming, earning as little as Shs 600,000 from two acres.

“I told them, that’s blindness. You can’t remain in poverty because of poor decisions,” he said, emphasizing that true poverty often stems from ignorance.

Museveni referenced historical migrations, such as those of the Bakiga from Kabale, warning that lack of planning could lead to repeated mistakes. “People left Kabale thinking it was full, came here, but without a plan, history could repeat itself.”

He urged Ugandans to adopt better land management practices, avoid land fragmentation, and embrace collective enterprise through family-owned companies.

Praising Mr. Akorinako for adopting irrigation and solar technology, the President said, “You can’t just wait for rain and blame God when it doesn’t come. In Genesis, God said, ‘Go and multiply.’”

To further support Mr. Akorinako’s success, President Museveni donated Shs 12 million to help him buy two more cows and a Fuso truck.

First Lady Applauds Grassroots Transformation

First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, expressed her gratitude for the NRM government’s efforts in transforming lives at the grassroots.

“I thank God for the NRM government, which has worked tirelessly to uplift Ugandans,” she said. “Most African governments never realized their role is to improve their people’s lives.”

She praised the President for personally visiting rural communities, calling it a rare and impactful leadership practice in Africa. “This restores hope in people,” she added.

Looking ahead, Maama Janet expressed hope that Uganda would continue on the path toward full self-reliance. “If citizens understand what the government is doing and play their part, Uganda will be even better.”

National Leaders Echo the Praise

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, praised Kamwenge leaders for taking the President’s advice seriously and transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture.

“Thank you, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, and your team. Even in my area, we’ve moved from only growing bananas and making waragi to coffee and other enterprises,” he said.

Tayebwa called Kamwenge a model district that demonstrates the power of mindset change and the tangible impact of programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, who is also MP for Kibale County, recalled how President Museveni’s directive in 2004 catalyzed change in Kamwenge.

“You told us then to stop planting maize. Since then, we’ve changed our ways. Today, six out of ten households grow coffee,” he said.

He also praised the PDM program for uplifting over 150,000 households and thanked the UPDF for ensuring peace after recent ADF attacks.

Tumwebaze commended infrastructure improvements like the Ibanda–Kabarole Road and the extension of electricity, attributing them to government commitment.

Kamwenge Woman MP, Hon. Sylvia Bahireira Tumwekwase, also applauded the President and UPDF for swiftly restoring peace during the ADF attacks.

“We’re grateful for your support and presence in Kamwenge,” she said warmly.

The event was attended by several local leaders, including Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to grassroots development.