Ugandan coffee shines at Paris competition
Nov 05, 2024
Supported by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Team Uganda won an impressive array of awards, bringing home three Gold, one Silver, three Bronze and eight Gourmet Medals, showcasing the country’s dedication to high-quality coffee production and global recognition.

Uganda’s coffee industry has achieved a remarkable feat at the prestigious 10th International Competition for "Originally Roasted Coffees," hosted by the Agency for the Valorisation of Agricultural Products (AVPA) in Paris, France.

Nelson Mandela Muhoozi
Journalist @New Vision
Uganda’s coffee industry has achieved a remarkable feat at the prestigious 10th International Competition for "Originally Roasted Coffees," hosted by the Agency for the Valorisation of Agricultural Products (AVPA) in Paris, France.
Supported by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Team Uganda won an impressive array of awards, bringing home three Gold, one Silver, three Bronze and eight Gourmet Medals, showcasing the country’s dedication to high-quality coffee production and global recognition.
The Ugandan delegation was represented by 12 coffee roasters, who UCDA supported in participating in the event.
The brands, including Rubanga Coffee, Gorilla Highlands Coffee, Volcafe Uganda, Sasa Coffee and Great Lakes Coffee House Blend, stood out among competitors from around the world, demonstrating the country’s growing presence in the international coffee market.
Celebrations poured in on social media, where congratulations to UCDA and Team Uganda were widespread. One tweet read, “UCDA’s performance is extremely nice, congratulations!” echoing the positive sentiments of many coffee enthusiasts and supporters of Uganda’s coffee industry.
Mun Richards lauded the accomplishment, stating, "UCDA’s performance is extremely nice, congratulations,” further emphasizing the pride and excitement shared by industry stakeholders.
However, the celebration of Uganda's success also cast a spotlight on potential challenges facing the coffee sector.
The ongoing government rationalisation plans, which would see UCDA absorbed into the agriculture ministry (MAAIF), have sparked concerns among key figures in the coffee industry.
"Say no to rationalisation; MAAIF is not going to add anything but will instead lower the performance. We are proud of Team Uganda coffee always doing us wonders,” said Mun Richards, reflecting industry fears that such restructuring may impede UCDA’s proven efficacy in promoting Ugandan coffee globally.
Wilson Muhindo expressed similar apprehensions, calling the potential rationalisation "a big blow to coffee farmers, given the bureaucracy associated with our ministries in meeting deadlines".
He added: “Our coffee is headed for ‘DEATH,’” illustrating the fear that bureaucratic challenges could stifle the rapid progress made under UCDA’s dedicated oversight.
Masha Coffee, one of the companies that participated said they are proud of Team Uganda Coffee always doing wonders.
Industry leaders happy
Industry leaders are optimistic about the future despite these concerns.
Ankole Coffee Farmers Union chairperson Sam Mugabi praised the international recognition as a "big milestone for Ugandan coffee".
He noted: “Uganda used to be known for poor coffee, but we are improving, and if this position can be attained globally, it means that we are moving forward due to UCDA’s efforts to enforce regulations on quality and to curb indiscipline among farmers, the business community, and exporters”.
Uganda Coffee Federation chief executive officer Martin Maraka also commended the achievement: “Well done on continuing to improve coffee quality and to continue participating in such contests because many companies foot their own bills to subscribe to these competitions. This puts Uganda on the world map”.
He stressed the importance of Uganda's ongoing participation in global competitions.
The AVPA, a non-governmental, non-profit organization that includes producers and enthusiasts, aims to enhance agricultural products' value and recognize excellence.