Clarke’s property was the site of Uganda’s first coffee lodge.

Tom Butiime, the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has opened the country’s first Coffee Lodge at the “Clarke farm” in Kasaba sub county, Kyenjojo district.

Butiime revealed at the opening on Sunday that the government is considering transforming the Oruha forest reserve in Kyenjojo district into a regional zoo that would also function as an education and conservation center for the western area.

Just after Kyarusozi fort portal road, 30 kilometers off the Fort entrance Kyenjojo Highway, is the Coffee Lodge.

The minister stated that the investment, which is situated in the center of 640 hectares of coffee near the Oruha forest, will attract a large number of tourists, thereby boosting not just the country’s economy but also the local economy.

“This farm is a fantastic idea for not just the owner, but also the residents of this area; tourism is more than simply buildings and wildlife parks.” This farm employs between 200 and 700 people, according to Butiime.

According to the minister, the government is looking forward to providing necessary support to investors who are concerned not only about profit but also about nation building.

Dr. Ian Clarke stated that his goal in establishing a large farm on 1500 hectares of land is to engage in commercial agriculture while also assisting other farmers in appreciating the benefits of farming by teaching them fundamental farming skills. His ambition is to have Uganda produce high-quality coffee for the global market.

The district has also prioritized the production of coffee as a primary cash crop in the region, according to Gilbert Rubaihayo, the Kyenjojo district chairperson, to enable farmers to engage in productive agriculture.

Dr. Clarke was praised by Rubaihayo for putting the district’s ambition of coffee production as a significant enterprise into action. “ Dr. Clarke has produced coffee on his farm as well as supplied coffee seeds to farmers.

Dr. Clarke was requested by Faith Kunihiira, the Woman MP for Kyenjojo area, to consider hiring women at the coffee resort and on the farm as a means of empowering women.

Mwenge north MP David Muhumuza, who sits on the parliamentary agricultural committee, said his committee has suggested to the government that free planting supplies be provided to farmers across the county.

Seedlings are too expensive for farmers, especially in rural areas, he claims.