LIRA, UGANDA – Former Erute North parliamentary contestant in the 2026 general election, Major (Rtd) Emmy Johnson Opio, has advised the people of Lango sub-region to shift their focus from partisan politics to agriculture—specifically planting perennial crops like cocoa and coffee, which he says are reliable and cannot be easily destroyed by floods or drought.
Speaking over the weekend, the retired major urged residents to take advantage of the current heavy rains, describing the downpours as an opportunity rather than a problem.
"The rain is now too much, but people should use it well," Maj. Opio said. "Cocoa and coffee, along with shade-giving crops like bananas, and water-retaining plants like peas, offer long-term security. Unlike annual crops that can be wiped out by one bad season, perennials stand firm."
He noted that the election season has passed, and now is the time for citizens to concentrate on fighting poverty through sustainable agriculture.
"Politics have passed. Now people should focus on planting cocoa and coffee," he emphasized. "I will continue to give out seedlings to those who are serious."
Maj. Opio revealed that last year alone, he distributed 150,000 cocoa seedlings and 5,000 coffee seedlings, mostly to farmers in the Erute region. He also put his own land to use as a demonstration farm.
"Last year, I planted three acres of coffee, and it is doing very well. I also planted one acre of cocoa, and it is thriving," he said.
But the retired major has much larger ambitions. He disclosed that he is currently establishing 40 acres of cocoa and 10 acres of coffee a move he says is aimed at setting an example for the community.
"My aim is to eradicate poverty. I cannot tell people to plant what I am not willing to plant myself," Maj. Opio stated.
Maj. Opio assured any farmer interested in venturing into cocoa or coffee that he is ready to help.
"Those who want seedlings, I can advise, guide, or help them on how to get the seedlings and the correct planting methods," he said.
He called on local leaders, youth, and women's groups to embrace the two cash crops, noting that the global demand for both cocoa and coffee remains high, and with proper farming practices, Lango could become a major producer.
"The land here is good. The rains are reliable if we manage them properly with shade and water conservation like planting bananas alongside. There is no excuse for poverty," he added.
As parts of the region experience flooding, Maj. Opio reiterated that perennials like cocoa and coffee, once established, survive weather extremes far better than seasonal crops. He urged farmers not to wait for government handouts but to take initiative, starting with whatever land they have.
"Let us fight poverty from our gardens. I have shown the example. Now it is up to all of us to follow," he concluded.
