Rubirizi coffee farmers warned against picking immature berries
RUBIRIZI, November 15, 2025 – Coffee farmers in Rubirizi district have been urged to stop harvesting immature coffee berries, a practice that undermines both the quality and market value of Uganda’s coffee.
The warning was issued by Isaiah Kabagira, Senior Agriculture Officer for Kirugu Subcounty, during a recent community dialogue organised by the Waltzing Matilda Coffee Farmers Association in the area.
Quality is key to profitability
Kabagira stressed that quality control begins at harvest. “Picking immature berries significantly reduces the quality and market value of Uganda’s coffee,” he cautioned, adding that farmers must allow berries to fully mature if they are to secure premium prices.
The dialogue, held under the theme Modern Farming Practices, sought to raise awareness, improve market access, and promote coffee farming as a profitable enterprise crucial to national development.
Tackling low production and poor quality
Naboth Bainomugisha, Chairperson of the Waltzing Matilda Coffee Farmers Association, said the training initiative was designed to address persistent challenges such as low production, poor bean quality, and limited value addition.
“The training aims to enhance the value of coffee production in Uganda by introducing innovative processing and marketing techniques,” Bainomugisha explained. He underscored the importance of empowering young people and women through skills development as a way of reducing unemployment in the district.
The association is prioritising capacity-building in improved processing methods and marketing strategies to help small-scale farmers secure better prices.
Success stories as motivation
The benefits of quality-focused farming were shared by model coffee farmer Vary Kebirungi from Kyenzaza.
“Coffee has helped us increase our income and improve our livelihoods. Better quality, improved processing, and enhanced market access have connected us to local and international buyers, allowing us to sell at higher prices,” Kebirungi said, offering strong encouragement to fellow farmers to adopt modern standards.
Rubirizi remains a key coffee-producing region in Uganda, renowned for its premium Arabica beans. The district benefits from support by both local and international organisations that provide training and resources to farmers. However, challenges persist, including inadequate processing facilities. Authorities say they are working to enforce quality standards to prevent Ugandan coffee being rejected on the international market.
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