Uganda Showcases Coffee Transformation, Traceability and Sustainability at Global Coffee Forum in Switzerland

What the report says

Uganda used its first appearance at the 17th Swiss Coffee Trade Association Forum and Dinner in Montreux, Switzerland, to present its coffee sector reform agenda to international traders, investors and industry stakeholders, according to Watchdog Uganda. The delegation was led by Minister of State for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, Agriculture Permanent Secretary David Kasura-Kyomukama and Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire Waiswa, with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uganda’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, the Ministry of Agriculture, and private sector actors.

The government framed its message around traceability, sustainability, value addition and expanded market access under the theme “Brewing Trust: Traceability, Sustainability and Value Addition in Uganda’s Coffee Journey.” Officials said coffee exports have risen sharply over the past decade, from about 3.6 million bags in 2017 to more than 8.3 million bags in 2025, and pointed to interventions such as seedling distribution, farmer training, subsidized fertilizer, extension services, and rehabilitation and replanting programs.

Uganda also highlighted efforts to expand production beyond traditional growing areas into northern and eastern parts of the country, with the aim of involving more farmers and strengthening supply. Kasura-Kyomukama said traceability systems are being developed to support compliance with international rules, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation, while officials stressed that transparency and climate resilience are becoming central to the sector’s future.

The forum appearance matters because the Swiss Coffee Trade Association is a major platform in global coffee trade, and Uganda is seeking stronger recognition for its coffee origins, quality and sustainability credentials. The country is also pushing for more local value addition, including processing, branding and export development, as part of a broader economic and job-creation strategy.