MITYANA, September 17, 2025 – Coffee farmers in Buganda Kingdom’s Busujju County have been encouraged to register their plantations under a new system introduced in partnership with the European Union [EU], aimed at improving traceability and ensuring compliance with international market standards.
The move follows the recent adoption of the European Union Deforestation Regulation [EUDR], a landmark law that prohibits the sale of products linked to deforestation. Under this regulation, companies placing high-risk commodities such as; coffee, soybeans, palm oil, and timber on the EU market must carry out due diligence to prove their supply chains are “deforestation-free” and that the products have been produced in compliance with the laws of their country of origin since December 31, 2020.
The call for registration was made during a recent sensitisation campaign led by the Buganda Cultural and Development Foundation [BUCADEF], in collaboration with Café Africa and EDU. Farmers received training on proper plantation management and quality control practices to enhance the value of their produce.
During the engagement, farmers raised concerns over the growing impact of climate change, particularly erratic weather patterns that are increasingly disrupting coffee growing seasons and, in some cases, causing coffee trees to wither.
“The weather is becoming very unpredictable. Sometimes the rains come late, and other times our trees dry out without warning,” one farmer explained.
Others pointed to poor harvesting practices as a major challenge, especially the picking of immature coffee cherries, which significantly affects overall quality.
“Our coffee is losing value because some farmers harvest unripe cherries and mix them with the mature ones,” another farmer added.
Trainers from Café Africa highlighted the importance of registration, noting that it empowers farmers by shielding them from exploitation by middlemen and improving their bargaining position.
Judith Nabimanya, one of the trainers, encouraged farmers to register their plantations, stating:
“When farmers register their coffee gardens, they become part of an organised system. This not only protects them from being cheated but also gives them access to better markets.”
BUCADEF’s Executive Director, Andrew Bakyuusa, advised farmers to practice intercropping as a strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on coffee production.
“We urge farmers to integrate bananas and shade trees within their coffee gardens. This helps to conserve soil moisture, protect the coffee from extreme heat, and ultimately improve yields,” he said.
Israel Lubega Maaso, the Kabaka’s representative in Busujju, expressed concern that many farmers in the county still do not appreciate the importance of registration.
“Registration is not just a requirement; it is a gateway to better prices and stronger protection for our farmers,” he remarked.
Lubega also warned traders against unethical practices such as mixing coffee from different sources, stressing that such behaviour undermines quality and damages Uganda’s credibility on the global market.
“We appeal to traders to respect the integrity of our coffee. Mixing beans from different farmers reduces quality and erodes the trust of international buyers,” he said.
Coffee remains Uganda’s leading cash crop and a vital source of livelihood. For instance, the country’s coffee exports for twelve months [August 2024-July 2025] totaled 7.93 million bags worth US$ 2.25 billion [Shs 8.07 Trillion] compared to Shs 6.88 million bags worth US$ 6.88 1.41 billion Shs 5.06 trillion) in the previous year [August 2023-July 2024].
Sector experts believe that with proper registration, improved agronomic practices, and robust quality control, Ugandan coffee farmers will be better equipped to withstand climate-related challenges and secure premium prices on the global market.
https://thecooperator.news/uganda-aims-to-register-2-8mln-coffee-farmers-ahead-of-eudr-deadline/
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