The Green Gold of Kitara: Unveiling the History and Significance of Coffee Among the Banyakitara

COFFEE (OMWANI) AMONG THE BANYAKITARA.

Coffee is said to have been introduced in the Great lakes region and Kitara region by the Bachwezi from Ethiopian Highlands around 1350 when they conquered Kitara empire from the Batembuzi rulers.

Coffee has remained the major cash crop among the Banyakitara and East Africa region on ranking second to Ethiopia in Africa.

Coffee growing was greatly influenced by the British colonialists in Buganda but after large scale planting shifted to Western Uganda among the Banyakitara.

It has long been the major cash crop grown in the hills of Ankore, Kigezi, Tooro and Bunyoro which favour it's growth and fertile soils and favourable climate of the region.

It can be mixed with other crops especially banana, cassava and beans.those who have continueously grown coffee have become rich and their families are well off.

Coffee grows well in the hills of Greater Bushenyi, Kigezi, Ibanda- Kitagwenda, Toro and the forest lands of Southern half of Bunyoro and it takes only 3-4 years to start harvesting.

Coffee has got a number of importances ranging from drinking it as tea, brewing, medicine to environment protection as it's trees and roots hold soil together and resist erosion.

Therefore, I call upon all Banyakitara people wherever you are , consider planting our historical green gold you will thank me in future.