Uganda Gains Membership in Swiss Coffee Trade Association

Uganda’s agricultural sector has received a significant boost with its recent admission to the prestigious Swiss Coffee Trade Association (SCTA). This development, marked during the 17th SCTA Forum and Dinner in Montreux, Switzerland, is expected to enhance Uganda’s presence and opportunities within the international coffee trade.

The SCTA, a key platform for over 40 companies involved in green coffee trading, serves as a crucial venue for discussions on global coffee commerce, sustainability, and responsible sourcing practices. Uganda’s membership signifies its dedication to developing a coffee industry that meets global standards.

According to Charlotte Kemigyisha, the Ministry of Agriculture’s public relations manager, Uganda’s participation under the theme “Brewing Trust: Traceability, Sustainability and Value Addition in Uganda’s Coffee Journey” provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the nation’s coffee sector advancements to leading international traders, investors, and stakeholders.

This membership grants Uganda direct engagement with critical players in the global coffee industry, thereby strengthening market access. It also underscores the country’s commitment to building a coffee sector that is not only competitive but also adheres to increasingly important international standards concerning sustainability and responsible sourcing.

The Ministry of Agriculture stated that Uganda’s invitation to present its coffee transformation journey at the forum was facilitated through its Permanent Mission in Geneva and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ugandan delegation was led by State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, alongside Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Vincent Bagiire Waiswa.

Minister Muhooza emphasized coffee’s central role in Uganda’s economy and the livelihoods of millions, highlighting the government’s ambition to elevate both production and quality, positioning Uganda as a premier coffee origin. Maj Gen Kasura-Kyomukama assured the forum of Uganda’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and compliance with evolving market demands, including the EU Deforestation Regulation, acknowledging the significant effort required for traceability within its smallholder farmer-based industry.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-joins-swiss-coffee-trade-association-5619596