Uganda has reaffirmed its commitment to building a globally competitive coffee sector anchored on increased production, improved quality, traceability, sustainability, value addition and stronger access to international markets.
The commitment was made during Uganda’s inaugural participation in the 17th Swiss Coffee Trade Association (SCTA) Forum and Dinner in Montreux, Switzerland, where the country showcased its coffee transformation journey to leading global coffee traders, investors and industry stakeholders.
Uganda’s delegation was led by Hon. Desire Muhooza, Minister of State for Agriculture, alongside Rtd. Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), and Mr Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The engagement was held under the theme “Brewing Trust: Traceability, Sustainability and Value Addition in Uganda’s Coffee Journey.”
Speaking at the Forum, Hon. Muhooza described coffee as central to Uganda’s economy, culture and the livelihoods of millions of households.
Uganda’s coffee exports have grown from approximately 3.6 million bags in 2017 to more than 8.3 million bags in 2025.
The Minister attributed this growth to Government interventions including the distribution of coffee seedlings, farmer training, subsidised fertilisers, extension services, rehabilitation and replanting programmes.
She also highlighted the expansion of coffee production into Northern and Eastern Uganda, broadening opportunities for farmers while strengthening Uganda’s production base.
Rtd. Maj Gen Kasura-Kyomukama emphasised the importance of traceability and sustainability in strengthening Uganda’s position in international markets.
He noted that Uganda is implementing systems for farmer mapping and registration and strengthening compliance with international requirements, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
“Trust begins with knowing where our coffee comes from and being able to demonstrate how it is produced,” he said.
Uganda is also strengthening climate resilience and sustainable production as part of the long-term development of the coffee industry.
Uganda used the Forum to highlight opportunities for investment across the coffee value chain, including processing, manufacturing, branding and export development.
Mr Joseph Enyimu, Commissioner at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, said Uganda’s objective is to capture greater value from its coffee rather than exporting raw commodities.
“Coffee presents significant opportunities not only in production but across processing, manufacturing, branding and export development,” he said.
Uganda also showcased its distinctive coffee origins, including Fine Robusta, known for chocolate, caramel, nutty and spicy flavour profiles, as well as speciality Arabicas from Bugisu, Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori Highlands.
Mr Bagiire Waiswa said Uganda’s participation in the SCTA Forum aligns with the country’s broader Economic and Commercial Diplomacy agenda and demonstrates the importance of inter-agency collaboration in promoting Ugandan products, attracting investment and expanding international markets.
The engagement in Montreux provided Uganda with an opportunity to deepen partnerships with global coffee stakeholders and strengthen confidence in Ugandan coffee.
Government remains committed to producing more, producing better, meeting international standards, adding greater value and improving farmer livelihoods, while positioning Uganda as a recognised and competitive coffee origin in the global market.