Uganda Coffee Excites Swiss Traders
Uganda’s farmers should brace for good coffee prices as a result of attraction of premium markets. this was the statement made by Hon Desire Muhooza the agriculture state minister in Uganda, while leading a delegation to the Swiss coffee expo and celebrating international coffee day.
The Swiss Coffee Trade Association (SCTA) is one of the most influential organizations in the global coffee trade, representing more than 40 companies involved in green coffee trading and accounting for over 50% of global coffee export volumes. The association serves as a key platform for collaboration across the international coffee industry and promotes best practices in sustainability, trade and responsible sourcing.
speaking at the event, Hon. Desire Muhooza, said Coffee is not simply a crop for Uganda. It is deeply embedded in our economy, our history, our culture and the livelihoods of millions of households. It represents a national commitment and a long-term ambition to produce more, produce better and share Uganda’s coffee excellence with the world.
“Uganda has made remarkable progress over the past decade, with coffee exports increasing from approximately 3.6 million bags in 2017 to more than 8.3 million bags in 2025.
This transformation is not merely a story of increased volumes. It reflects Uganda’s emergence as a dependable and significant coffee origin in the international market, driven by deliberate government investments in farmer support, productivity improvement, quality enhancement and market development.” adds the minister.
she adds that Government interventions, including the distribution of free coffee seedlings, farmer training, subsidized fertilizers, extension services, rehabilitation and replanting programmes, have significantly contributed to the expansion and modernization of the sector. saying the goal is to ensure that more Ugandans participate in and benefit from the coffee economy.
Uganda’s agriculture Permanent Secretary, Rtd. Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama, reports that
Uganda’s coffee industry is built on the efforts of millions of smallholder farmers. Building traceability at this scale is a significant undertaking, but it is essential for developing a modern, transparent and competitive coffee sector.
“We are not pursuing traceability solely because international markets require it. We are doing so because transparency, sustainability and accountability are fundamental to the future competitiveness of Uganda’s coffee sector. We want buyers to say: this is Ugandan coffee; this is the region it came from; this is the farmer or cooperative network behind it; this is the cup profile; and this is the verified sustainability and traceability story behind the lot.” said Kasura
Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs. said participation in the Forum aligns with Uganda’s broader Economic and Commercial Diplomacy objectives, reflecting inter agency collaboration and reinforces the commitment to transform the coffee industry into a driver of growth and long-term development.