Masaka Diocese hosts Algerian delegation to discuss coffee export deal

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A delegation from Algeria has met with Bishop Serverus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese to discuss a new coffee export deal targeting 200,000 tonnes of Ugandan coffee.

Led by Algeria’s Ambassador to Uganda, Alintuma Nsambu, the delegation included Majid Aouchiche and Abdunour Seeba from Sarl Falco. The meeting took place at Kitovu Cathedral on July 6, 2025.

The Algerian team also participated in the celebrations of St Charles Lwanga Day and the sixth episcopal anniversary of Bishop Jjumba at the Birinzi Spiritual and Religious Tourism Centre in Masaka Diocese, which attracted thousands of pilgrims from the Central region.

Addressing the pilgrims, including Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, Aouchiche, speaking on behalf of the Algerian government, raised concerns about global price fluctuations in the coffee sector.

“Algeria commits to long-term development of the coffee trade with Uganda, especially in the Greater Masaka region through Masaka Diocese and the bishops. We are aware of the global price fluctuations, and we have an obligation to protect our farmers,” he said.

He added that coffee supplies to Algeria would be managed through designated contractors and firms. The agreement follows a recent meeting between President Yoweri Museveni and his Algerian counterpart, during which the two leaders discussed strategies to enhance trade in coffee and milk between their countries.

Between April and June, Uganda experienced a sharp drop in coffee prices, falling from sh14,000 to sh8,000 per kilogramme of Robusta coffee (FAQ). As a result, many farmers have opted to store their produce while awaiting better farm gate prices. Some traders are currently purchasing processed coffee for between sh9,500 and sh10,000 and selling it at sh11,000.

“At the peak, we were buying coffee at between sh14,000 and sh15,000 and selling it to exporters at sh16,000. We are now stranded with coffee in stores due to the price drop,” said Paul Ssemaganda, a coffee trader from Masaka.

Ambassador Nsambu said Algeria was particularly interested in Ugandan coffee due to its unique quality and taste. He added that funds worth billions of shillings had already been deposited in Centenary and Absa Bank Uganda to facilitate procurement.

“We already have about three companies shortlisted to buy and deliver the required coffee to Algeria. The coffee trade is ready to roll out,” he said.

Algeria plans to import several tonnes of coffee annually to meet its growing local demand, with contracts for an initial 800 tonnes already secured this year.

However, sources told New Vision that language barriers and the challenge of ensuring a consistent supply to meet demand remain hurdles in the Algeria-Uganda trade relationship for coffee, milk, and other products.

Fred Kuzinga, head of Kamama Coffee Farm in Nkuke village, Buwunga subcounty in Masaka district, one of Uganda’s leading Robusta coffee producers, is among the targeted suppliers under the new trade deal.

The Masaka Diocesan Development Organisation (MADDO), which coordinates a network of coffee farmers across 10 districts, is also among the selected groups for the export programme. MADDO has trained farmers and equipped them with two coffee processing plants to support value addition.