By Titus Kakembo
Uganda just pulled off a coffee export miracle, rocking a total of 6.10 million bags that are worth a jaw-dropping US$ 983.41 million (sh328.3 billion). This is what folks downtown call a coffee jackpot.
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) spilled the beans in their recent monthly report. Detail has it that, there’s a 7 percent jump in the quantity of coffee exported and a whopping 14 percent surge in the quality department compared to the previous year (that’s February 2022 to January 2023, FYI).
Data has it that, the Arabica harvest from the Elgon region in Eastern Uganda took a bit of a hit, leading to a slightly lower monthly performance. But there is a silver lining – the value skyrocketed.
One would wonder why.
The cause was higher global prices and other coffee hotspots like Vietnam and Indonesia deciding to take a “coffee break,” in production and supply – giving Uganda the spotlight.
This coffee export extravaganza is more than just numbers on paper – it’s a testament to the grit and grind of Uganda’s coffee industry.
Uganda’s not just playing in the coffee league; it’s becoming a key player. The success story here isn’t just about the fantastic quality of Ugandan coffee – it’s about the smart moves and hard work of everyone involved. The industry stakeholders are like the unsung heroes of this coffee tale, making strategic decisions that are paying off big time.
In a nutshell, Uganda is cementing its spot in the international coffee trade, it’s not just about boosting the economy. It is also changing lives. With the global craving for top-notch coffee reaching new heights, the coffee sector is gearing up to be a major player in the nation’s economic growth.
Countless coffee farmers and everyone else are riding high on the coffee wave.
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) spokesperson Laura Walusimbi says no stone will be left unturned to rip from coffee.
“We are monitoring and enabling farmers and traders to deliver a product that measures to the required standards. This is besides providing them with equipment, seeds and handling skills,” confided Walusimbi.
