By Teddy Namayanja
In a bid to revolutionize the coffee industry in Buganda, the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga has urged farmers to register their coffee ahead of the European Union Deforestation (EUDR), which comes into effect on December 30, 2024.
He made the call on Friday September 6, 2024 during a meeting with key stakeholders in the coffee sector at Bulange Mengo. Mayiga highlighted the benefits of the registration exercise, assuring farmers that it is necessary to secure access to the lucrative European market, which offers better prices and expanded opportunities for Ugandan coffee.
“The European Union’s regulations for coffee exports are designed to protect the livelihoods of over 15 million Ugandans who depend on coffee. It is our collective responsibility-government, UCDA, and all stakeholders-to ensure compliance with these regulations, safeguarding the well-being of our farmers and the entire coffee industry,” Mayiga stated.
Mayiga noted that registration will also help the Kingdom track production, identify areas of support, and advocate for farmer’s interests. He assured farmers that the registration exercise would not lead to additional taxes or levies. Instead, it aims to ensure that Uganda’s coffee meets the EU’s stringent standards.
“The registration of farmers is crucial for their benefit”, he emphasized, warning that failure to comply with the regulations could result in falling coffee prices starting January 2025, with devastating consequences for the more than 7 million Ugandans who rely on coffee farming for their livelihood.
He underscored the transformative impact of coffee on the Buganda community, citing its contribution to improving the lives of many farmers by providing income for essential needs such as education and healthcare.
He also highlighted the traceability of coffee, which would allow buyers to track the origin of their coffee, fostering greater trust and confidence in the market.
Gerald Kyalo, the Director of Development Services at UCDA, noted that Uganda’s coffee exports to the EU account for 63% of total exports, and that the new regulations will have a direct impact on the country’s coffee. Kyalo outlined the EUDR requirements, including submitting detailed land-use maps, complying with local legislation, and providing a due diligence statement for the entire coffee supply chain.
Furthermore, he highlighted the country’s progress in complying with the regulations, such as establishing an EUDR task force, engaging international partners, and developing an action plan.
Uganda is now in the final stages of rolling out a nationwide coffee value chain registration exercise, which will form the basis for enhanced traceability. The EU regulations aim to promote sustainable coffee production and protect the environment, and Uganda’s coffee farmers are urged to take proactive steps to comply, securing their access to one of the most valuable markets in the world.
