Lira District, Uganda – June 2025
A bold agricultural initiative led by Major (Rtd) Emmy Johnson Opio is transforming the economic landscape of Erute North as cocoa farming takes root across the region.
Since the beginning of the year, the retired army officer turned political aspirant has been championing cocoa cultivation as a sustainable cash crop for long-term community prosperity. Now, just months later, his campaign is gaining serious momentum, with hundreds of farmers, religious figures, cultural and local leaders embracing the vision.
Speaking to karumapost earlier this week, Major Opio—who is contesting for Member of Parliament for Erute North on the NRM ticket—announced a major boost to the campaign. Starting Monday next week, he plans to distribute over 40,000 cocoa seedlings parish by parish throughout Erute North.
“This is not just a farming project. It is a movement to change livelihoods,” Opio stated. “We want every household to grow cocoa and realize long-term income generation.”
In addition to the upcoming distribution, he revealed that another 30,000 seedlings will be given out in July, followed by 30,000 more in August, bringing the total to over 100,000 seedlings within three months.
The project, which was initially met with skepticism by some, has now drawn widespread support, with testimonies from farmers already preparing their land in anticipation of the seedlings.
Local religious and cultural leaders have praised the initiative, calling it a “pathway to economic freedom” and a “wise investment in future generations.”
With cocoa being a globally traded crop with high demand, many in Erute North are hopeful that this shift will lead to increased household income, job creation, and economic growth for the Lango sub-region.
As Major Opio continues to rally support on the ground, his cocoa vision appears to be more than a campaign promise—it’s becoming a community-led movement for prosperity.
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