The era of paper based procedures and back and forth movement is out as coffee exporters and value chain actors get enrolled on the Uganda Electronic Single Window.

By the end of July, all coffee export processes will be digital. Exporters will apply for export licenses, contract registrations, pre-shipment inspection requests, loading inspection requests, and CESS payment online, eliminating any delays for export companies.

To enable a smooth transition for exporters to enroll onto the Uganda Electronic Single Window, Coffee Production and Development Department (MAAIF) in partnership with Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) trained coffee exporters over three weeks at the CPDD Boardroom at Coffee House.

The training was open to all coffee exporters.

According to Mr. Nicholas Ssesinde, the Manager Information Systems at CPDD, the system will simplify the export process and save time since exporters do not need to physically come to CPDD to deliver export documents as has been the practice.

The system is simple to use and everything can be handled by a click on a computer. Exporters will upload all the necessary export documents online. The documents will then be verified by CPDD staff who will provide immediate feedback.

“Imagine, in the past, some exporters had to travel long distances to submit export documents to CPDD and in case the documents had issues, the exporter had to travel back. This will be no more. The system eliminates back and forth processes which are a cost to export companies and hindrances to trade,” says Mr. Ssesinde.

Rogers Wasibi, General Manager Mt. Elgon Coffee and Honey Cooperative who traveled from Mbale to attend the training said that the system is a welcome initiative that will ease the way they do business.

“As a newly registered coffee export company, we are glad that this system has come at such a time. We have been having challenges of travelling to Kampala every time we need to conduct business with CPDD. This simplifies the processes,” Wasibi noted.

Uganda’s coffee exports have risen significantly. Uganda’s coffee exports have risen significantly hitting 6.13 million bags worth US$ 1.14 billion for the twelve months (July 2023-June 2024). The growth in exports requires an efficient system that can handle the export demands.

The UESW is a trade facilitation initiative that enables coffee exporters and value chain actors to submit regulatory documents such as contracts, clearance certificates and licenses online. It enhances efficiency and reduces the time taken to clear coffee by enhancing the sharing and exchange of information between private sector stakeholders and CPDD. The system will operate 24/7 providing exporters a seamless service.

The training targeted all coffee exporters and the system once rolled out will enhance efficiency and reduce the time taken to clear coffee.

Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) Board Chair Dr. Charles Mugoya has commended Uganda’s producers and exporters who attended the World of Coffee 2024 expo held in Copenhagen, Denmark, this past June. At this internationally acclaimed expo, attended by over 10,000 people, Uganda proudly showcased its finest coffee, highlighting the exceptional quality and rich flavors that distinguish Ugandan coffee on the global stage.

Our participation in the World of Coffee 2024 has been a remarkable success,” said Dr. Mugoya. “Ugandan coffee continues to capture the attention and admiration of coffee enthusiasts and industry experts worldwide. The connections made and insights gained here will undoubtedly propel our coffee industry to new heights.”

The expo provided an invaluable platform for Uganda’s coffee producers and exporters to connect with industry leaders, foster new business relationships, and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in the coffee sector.

Uganda’s presence at the World of Coffee 2024 not only celebrated the country’s rich coffee heritage but also underscored its commitment to excellence and sustainability in the global coffee market.

Uganda’s ambassador to Denmark, Amb. Margaret Otteskov, visited the Uganda booth during the expo and engaged with UCDA and the private exhibitors. Her presence was not only a show of support but also an opportunity to provide invaluable tips on trade and market penetration to the exporters and producers represented at the expo thus enhancing their ability to navigate and succeed in the competitive global market. Following the expo, Amb. Otteskov further championed Ugandan coffee by hosting an exclusive cupping session at Uganda’s embassy in Denmark. This event offered a unique platform for exhibitors to present their finest brews to a discerning audience, fostering deeper appreciation and interest in Ugandan coffee among international stakeholders and potential partners.

The ambassador’s involvement underscored the strategic importance of diplomatic support in promoting Uganda’s coffee industry on the world stage.

UCDA’s participation in the WOC Expo aimed to promote Uganda’s specialty Arabica and fine Robusta, enhance market access for private sector players, increase Uganda’s visibility as a coffee producer, benchmark with other producers to optimise coffee value addition, improve processing technologies and quality and reducing post-harvest losses. UCDA also aimed to help producers and exporters build relationships and explore business opportunities with industry players and potential investors.

Private Sector Involvement

Under the European Union-East African Community Market Access Upgrade Programme (EU-EAC MARKUP), UCDA hosted several private sector players, including Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union, Mountain Harvest, Gorilla Highlands, Clarke Farm, Gorilla Summit Coffee, Bukonzo Organic Coffee, Rubanga Coffee, and Arabku Export Trading Limited.

These organizations were provided with space to display their coffee and conduct B2B meetings. Other Ugandan exporters and traders who attended the expo under different arrangements included Kawacom, Agri Exim, Agri Evolve, Kibinge Coffee, Coffee Gardens, Zombo Coffee and Tuongeye.

UCDA is a member of several specialty coffee associations, including the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee (WOC), African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA), and Specialty Coffee Association of Japan (SCAJ), among others. These associations organize annual expos that attract specialty coffee buyers from around the world, seeking to source specialty Arabica and fine Robusta from various origins.

Uganda Coffee Booth Activities

During the exhibition, UCDA organised cupping sessions to present coffees from various Ugandan producers to potential buyers. Winning coffees from the Best of the Pearl 2024 Arabica and 2023 Robusta competitions were featured. Impressed buyers received green samples to taste with their teams at their roasteries, along with the producers’ contact information.

Additionally, two brew bars allowed attendees to sample Uganda’s exceptional coffees. The UCDA- operated brew bar featured specialty Arabica and fine Robusta coffees brewed using espresso and pour- over methods, while Mountain Harvest’s brew bar showcased its award-winning coffees from the Best of the Pearl competitions. Most visitors were particularly interested in Uganda Robusta, praising its smooth, clean cup and chocolate notes, and they also commended the naturally processed Arabica from the Elgon and Kigezi regions.

Business-to-business meetings

between producers/exporters and potential buyers were held to discuss export logistics. The team provided valuable information about Ugandan coffee, exporters, and investment opportunities through engaging interactions and promotional materials including QR codes for easy access to relevant details. The exhibitors educated visitors on the unique qualities of Ugandan coffee, such as its diverse flavor profiles and sustainable farming practices, and highlighted investment opportunities in the Ugandan coffee industry.

On the sidelines of the expo, UCDA was represented at the various workshops and lectures. Dr. Gerald Kyalo, Director Development Services, participated in a panel discussion on child labour. His discussion focused on Government’s priorities in line with this and on ensuring compliance to the EU regulations - European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D).

Some of the Government priorities that Kyalo listed include increasing traceability in the value chain to promote decent work, sensitizing all stakeholders on the downside of child labour and a concerted effort by all on sustainability to advance social justice. Kyalo also noted that Uganda is taking significant steps to comply with EUDR and CS3D and has set up a national task force which has since developed an action plan. Transparency and due diligence are key and require a collaborative effort, he noted.

Overall, Uganda’s participation in the World of Coffee Expo was a crucial step in promoting the country’s coffee as well as gaining insights into industry best practices and new technologies to enhance the quality and value of Uganda’s coffee exports.

The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), the world’s leading body in coffee quality training and certification, has awarded Q Venue recognition to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). The UCDA Coffee Laboratory is now internationally recognized as a center of excellence for coffee quality assessment and allows UCDA to offer Q Arabica and Q Robusta training, especially to the youth interested in building a career in the coffee industry.

This milestone reaffirms our commitment to improving the quality of Uganda coffee, promoting value addition, and driving positive change in the coffee industry.

Support to industry growth

Locations certified with Coffee Quality Institute let the world know that they meet international standards. The Q Venue provides a consistent, predictable learning environment where educators know that they will have the tools and space they need to deliver courses that maintain international standards.

The Q venue supports the certification of Q Arabica and Q Robusta graders who are highly specialized coffee professionals who are able to speak the same language with other professionals internationally with regards to coffee quality. They are able to differentiate specialty Arabica and Fine Robusta coffees that are sought for in specialty markets thus fetching premium prices. These will be able to advise farmers on how to improve quality of their coffees and benefit from these niche markets.

The African Union (AU) heads of state Assembly has endorsed the G25 Kampala Declaration on coffee, making coffee a strategic crop for the continent.

The heads of state made coffee a strategic commodity for the continent on February 19, 2024 during the 37th AU Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Kampala declaration on coffee that was endorsed by heads of state came out of the G-25 Coffee Summit held in August last year in Kampala that asked the AU to make coffee a strategic commodity under the AU agenda 2063.

The Ugandan delegation in Ethiopia was led by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Minister for Agriculture, Frank Tumwebaze and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeje Odongo.

Tumwebaze says the AU  Assembly also resolved that  the next  extra ordinary AU Summit to consider the post-Malabo CAADP framework will be held in Kampala, Uganda in January 2025. Uganda currently chairs the special technical committee on Agriculture, rural development and water ( blue economy).

It should be noted that during the second meeting of the G-25 African Coffee Summit held in Kampala in August last year, leaders from coffee-producing countries in Africa agreed to push the value addition agenda and halt the export of raw coffee beans. This initiative is aimed at elevating the income of farmers and curtailing the exploitation perpetuated by Western nations.

All participants at the summit, unanimously emphasized that for Africa to capitalize on the lucrative coffee industry, the continent’s producing nations must assume control and dominance within the market.

While opening the summit, President Yoweri Museveni presented statistics demonstrating that even though Africa contributes a significant portion of coffee to the global market, the producing countries reaped the least benefits from the coffee economy.

Museveni added that all is not lost as the situation can be reversed by emphasizing the imperative for coffee-producing nations to enhance the value of their crop. He contended that this approach will not solely amplify revenue derived from the coffee industry but will also engender increased local employment opportunities, thereby mitigating the escalating unemployment rates.

The President underscored the viability of prohibiting the export of raw coffee and rectifying the inequitable international market dynamics. He told to the delegates that Uganda has already taken steps in this direction by imposing export bans on various raw materials, including valuable minerals such as uranium, copper, wolfram, and iron ore, along with currently sought-after resources like lithium.

Source: www.businessfocus.co.ug 

The Managing Director of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye, Sustainability Director at JDE Peet’s, Ms. Nadia Hoarau-Mwaura, and Chief Executive Officer of Enveritas, Mr. David Browning, announced last week that the UCDA, JDE Peet’s, and Enveritas have entered into an agreement to implement a scheme that will enable Enveritas to verify that the coffee industry in Uganda does not export coffee grown on land deforested after 2020, as required by the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

This regulation, which impacts this year's coffee harvests, is designed to ensure that European citizens are not contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss through the products that they buy and consume. As a result of signing this agreement the parties will take joint action to remediate coffee which infringes the regulation, allowing Uganda to have its entire coffee production area, grown by close to two million producers, assessed as being deforestation-free using Enveritas’ territorial approach.

In addition, through this landmark agreement, JDE Peet’s will support the rehabilitation of land deforested and converted to coffee after 2020. Ms Hoarau-Mwaura said, “Uganda is a key coffee origin for JDE Peet’s and we are proud to partner with UCDA and Enveritas to preserve access to this coffee for our consumers. While EU consumers are rightly concerned that their consumption habits may contribute to climate change and environmental degradation, it is vital that action to mitigate this risk takes into account the social implications of hurting coffee farmer livelihoods. This agreement addresses both environmental and social concerns.”

Enveritas’ territorial approach involves a technologically sophisticated process to monitor all of Uganda’s coffee growing region through a combination of high-resolution satellite imagery, machine learning, and teams on the ground. A protocol developed by UCDA will ensure that any coffee which is found to be in contravention of the new regulation is removed from the supply chain.

Once removed, JDE Peet’s will work with the farmers to reforest the land. This innovative and inclusive JDE Peet’s Enveritas countrywide solution, supported by the EU’s concept of declaration in excess, allows coffee producing land, at a vast scale, to be assessed as deforestation free, delivering on the climate journey while protecting smallholder farmers.

Dr. Iyamulemye said, “We have been monitoring closely the requirements of the EU and realized that Uganda would need to develop an innovative approach. Uganda is home to nearly two million coffee producers, the second largest population of coffee producers in the world. Traditional approaches to farm traceability might work for some of our producers, but we needed a solution at a national level or the bulk of Ugandan coffee producers might be denied access to the EU market during the 2024 harvest. This partnership allows us to take concrete action to address EU concerns regarding the deforestation caused by coffee, while also ensuring that smallholder farmers do not have their livelihoods put at risk."

Coffee-growing area of Uganda (pink). Base image courtesy NASA; crop detection overlay copyright Enveritas.

Mr. Browning said, “We are excited to partner with UCDA and JDE Peet’s on this landmark agreement. A typical Ugandan coffee farmer has less than half a hectare of coffee, and might earn only a few hundred dollars a year in coffee income. Very few Ugandan coffee farmers deforest their land to plant coffee, but how could this be validated? This partnership is a great example of how technology can be used for good. Rather than attempting to individually knock on the door of millions of farmers at enormous expense, machine learning can pinpoint exactly where the issues exist to allow the Ugandan government to address EU concerns."

Enveritas is a non-profit organization that works worldwide to support the livelihoods of smallholder coffee farmers through encouraging the responsible sourcing of coffee.

JDE Peet’s is the largest roaster of coffee in the European Union, serving millions of consumers annually.

Isaac Ntambi is the 13th National Barista Champion, while Wafoyo Raphael retains his crown as Uganda’s best cup taster after winning the 8th National Cup Tasters Championship.

As Uganda’s top Barista and Cup Tasters Competition, the 2023 edition saw the crema of the country’s coffee talent battle it out for top honours at MOTIV, often accompanied by loud cheers from the crowd showing support for their favourite competitor.

In the end, the craft and skill of the Barista and the say of the Judges separated the Champions from the rest of the pack.

Isaac, who is not new to the Barista Championship circuit, has endured many setbacks, coming close in several Barista Competitions but never wearing the crown. Despite such setbacks, he never lost focus. He kept going until he finally claimed the jewel of Uganda’s top Barista.

While receiving the Barista Championship trophy from Jan Sadek, EU Ambassador to Uganda and Guest of Honor of the award ceremony, the soft-spoken Isaac could only muster a few words, “It’s been a long journey.”

Fortunately, this is the beginning of an exciting chapter. Isaac will represent Uganda at the World Barista Championship in South Korea in 2024. His journey is beginning. 

Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) will hold the finals of the National Barista Championship and the 8th National Cup Tasters Championship tomorrow at MOTIV, Kampala, Uganda. 

The National Barista competition focuses on promoting excellence in coffee and advancing the barista profession. The championship seeks to identify the best baristas with the best skills and craftsmanship to make the best coffee beverages.  

Held annually, the competition has been on a break since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. 

Despite the break, the 2023 edition saw a great turn-up of competitors in the preliminary rounds. 43 competitors participated in the preliminary round and 16 qualified for the semifinals.

The overall winner of the Uganda National Barista Champion represents Uganda at world coffee events such as the Africa Barista Championship and World Barista Championship (WBC) that are conducted during the Specialty Coffee Association Conferences, African Fine Coffee Association Conference and World Coffee Events (WCE) in Europe. 

The winner of the Barista Championship will represent Uganda at the World Barista Championship in South Korea. 

Uganda’s participation in global coffee championships provides a platform for showcasing and marketing Uganda's coffee. It also gives visibility for Uganda as a coffee-producing country and markets it as an origin of specialty Arabica and Fine Robusta.

Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) will hold the finals of the National Barista Championship and the 8th National Cup Tasters Championship tomorrow at MOTIV, Kampala, Uganda. 

The National Barista competition focuses on promoting excellence in coffee and advancing the barista profession. The championship seeks to identify the best baristas with the best skills and craftsmanship to make the best coffee beverages.  

Held annually, the competition has been on a break since 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. 

Despite the break, the 2023 edition saw a great turn-up of competitors in the preliminary rounds. 43 competitors participated in the preliminary round and 16 qualified for the semifinals.

The overall winner of the Uganda National Barista Champion represents Uganda at world coffee events such as the Africa Barista Championship and World Barista Championship (WBC) that are conducted during the Specialty Coffee Association Conferences, African Fine Coffee Association Conference and World Coffee Events (WCE) in Europe. 

The winner of the Barista Championship will represent Uganda at the World Barista Championship in South Korea. 

Uganda’s participation in global coffee championships provides a platform for showcasing and marketing Uganda's coffee. It also gives visibility for Uganda as a coffee-producing country and markets it as an origin of specialty Arabica and Fine Robusta.

Kampala, 10th October 2023 – The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) announces the reopening of all primary coffee factories in the Greater Mukono, Greater Luwero, and Busoga regions, effective Wednesday, 11th October 2023. These factories had been temporarily sealed to facilitate the natural ripening of coffee cherries at the farms.

Coffee traders, farmers, and processors are urged to adhere to coffee regulations. Specifically, they are required to hull well-dried coffee, harvest only ripe cherries, and implement proper post-harvest practices to ensure high-quality coffee production and comply with the Coffee law.

The collaboration and cooperation of all stakeholders is required to ensure that the quality of Ugandan coffee is sustained.

6th September 2023, Kampala – The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and Uganda Coffee Federation have today released the final scores of the Best of the Pearl Robusta Competition 2023 with Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative (ACPCU) and Zigoti Coffee as winners. 

Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative topped the Natural Coffee category with a cupping score of 86.25 and the washed coffee category with a cupping score of 83.5. Zigoti Coffee won the Honey Coffee category with a cupping score of 85.5. These are the best robusta coffees for 2023 and will be showcased to coffee buyers globally.

The competition, organised by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and Uganda Coffee Federation in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Feed the Future Uganda Inclusive Agricultural Markets Activity, run from 29th August – 1st September 2023 at the UCDA Coffee Quality Laboratory. This annual competition helps to identify high-quality producers.

Thirty-six samples of Robusta coffees were cupped, graded, and analysed by a panel of qualified and experienced local judges led by Brenda K Mangeni, the Head Judge, and Clare Rwakatogoro, Veronica Najjemba, Fidel Bakomeza, and Jacob Baterierega. The judges used the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) Fine Robusta score sheet and protocols to identify and select the best Robusta coffees from across Uganda. 

Zigoti's honey coffee profile was Rasin, Cocoa, Black Currants, Winey, Vanilla, and Coffee Blossom. ACPCU's natural coffee profile was Coffee Blossom, Mixed Berries, Winey, Raisin, and Tangerine. ACPCU's honey coffee profile was Coffee Blossom, Butter, Chocolate, Honey, Mango Nectar and Hints Of Berries. 

Uganda is the birthplace of Robusta coffee. With increased coffee quality comes higher earnings for farmers and the country. 

The Government of Uganda through Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) is implementing the Coffee and Cocoa Development Project (CoCoDEV) under Inclusive Green Economy Uptake (GreenUp) Financing Agreement of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF).

UCDA will utilize part of the funds under CoCoDEV project to implement a matching grants scheme to support farmers to establish production units of coffee and cocoa.

The objective of the Matching Grant Scheme (MGS) is to stimulate and promote sustainable commercial- production and productivity in the coffee and cocoa value chain.

Deadline for submission of applications is 30th September 2023.

Eligibility criteria: To be considered for funding, the applicant must:

1. Be an individual commercial coffee/cocoa farmer, registered private entity, coffee/cocoa cooperative, coffee/cocoa association, coffee /cocoa Community Business Organization/communal group.

2. Be directly responsible for the preparation and management of the grant.

3. All applicants should be 18 years and above.

4. Must possess a land suitable for coffee/cocoa production of minimum 10 acres (4 hectares)

5. Legal land ownership/user rights. Land must be free from encumbrances and conflicts

6. Must possess land within the eligible districts

7. Must be willing to use own funds for initial investment in establishment of coffee/cocoa farms.

Eligible Activities: The funding will support the following production related activities include:

1. Procurement of planting materials (seeds, seedlings, clonal cuttings)

2. Carrying out good agricultural practices including climate change adaptation measures (shade trees seedlings and banana suckers)

3. Fertilizers (plant nutrition)

4. Pests, disease and weed management measures (pesticides, fungicides & herbicides)

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