10 coffee factories closed over poor handling methods

Jun 05, 2012

Ten coffee factories have been closed by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) over poor hygiene and handling methods and operating without licences.

By Ronald Kalyango

Ten coffee factories have been closed by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) over poor hygiene and handling methods and operating without licences.

The factories were found drying coffee on bare ground, while others did not have husk collection chambers.

They include Karobwa, Ankole, SBK, Bugongi and New Ishaka, Kitagata, Bwoma, Katobo and Kasana (A) coffee factories.

This was during an operation conducted by UCDA and the Police criminal investigation department team.

The operation was conducted in Mbarara, Isingiro, Ntungamo, Bushenyi, Mitooma and Rukungiri districts.

“UCDA has partnered with the Police to ensure that there is proper handling of coffee at all stages. Those found mishandling the crop will be arrested and prosecuted,” warned Apollo Kamugisha, the UCDA principle development officer.

He called on district authorities to draft and implement coffee bye-laws to help UCDA streamline coffee trade.

Kamugisha also appealed to factory owners to stop processing wet parchment coffee or drying coffee at factory premises.

“Factories are for processing coffee. Drying coffee at the factory can only be accepted in exceptional circumstances and it has to be on tarpaulins, cemented yards or mechanical driers,” noted Kamugisha.

“Coffee processors in Kampala should also be apprehended. Otherwise, it will be difficult to enforce the regulations in the villages,” observed Yokana Katwire, a coffee trader in Isingiro.

 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});