Julius Akorinako swims in the fruits of his labor
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I At 68, Julius Akorinako, a retired District Inspector of Schools in Kamwenge, is living proof that it is never too late to start over again.
After retiring in 2017, Akorinako ventured into coffee farming, and today, his story is a testimony to resilience and transformation.
“When I retired, I didn’t know what was next. I was earning little from maize, and the returns were discouraging,” Akorinako recalled.
In 2019, Akorinako, a resident of Lwamugonera cell, Rwenkuba ward, Kahunge Town Council, Kibale County, Kamwenge district embarked on a journey that was to transform his life.
He started with just two acres of clonal coffee seedlings from a coffee nursery bed and within two years, he had his first harvest.
“In the first season alone, I earned Shs 5m. After expenses, I remained with Shs 3m in profit. That was proof that I had made the right choice,” he said.
Julius Akorinako tends his coffee plantation in Kamwenge
Encouraged by the success, he gradually expanded his coffee plantation to six productive acres. Today, Akorinako earns Shs 20m every four months with an annual net income of about Shs 40m. He credited President Museveni for helping him open his eyes.
Thanks to coffee farming, Akorinako has not only improved his daily livelihood but also transformed the future of his family.
“My children have gone for further studies; some even hold master’s degrees. That wouldn’t have been possible without the income from coffee,” he proudly noted.
His farm now employs 20 permanent workers, each earning Shs 200,000 monthly, alongside 60 casual laborers who work on a weekly basis. Beyond coffee, Akorinako grows bananas on four acres, beans, mangoes on one and a half acres and rears 60 goats.
“I’ve also invested in irrigation to boost productivity during drought. I use a solar power generator for irrigation to cover five acres, especially for the coffee and the bananas,” he explained.
Reflecting on his journey from retirement uncertainty to agricultural success, he truly believes his story can inspire others.
“Retirement is not the end. It’s a new beginning. With the right mindset and the right crops, you can thrive,” he said.
