US-based executive Brooks returns to Uganda to finalise coffee pact
During the visit in August this year, Brooks joined prominent African American executives from BET, Warner Bros., National Broadcasting Company (NBC), and other sectors, many of whom were visiting Uganda for the first time. The group explored opportunities in line with Uganda’s priorities, such as boosting exports and creating legacy investments.
US investor Peter Brooks (right) shaking hands with Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama (left), 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Minister Without Portfolio.(Courtesy)
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Peter Brooks, the United States (US) based Senior Vice President of Growth Strategy at Paramount Pictures, has returned to Kampala this week with a 10-member delegation to finalise a major coffee purchase agreement and explore broader commodity partnerships with Ugandan producers.
Close sources have revealed that Brooks' team, while in Uganda, will conclude agreements on coffee export. The delegation will also assess market potential for commodities like shea butter, cocoa, chia seeds, and vanilla.
“The return visit is a direct result of the vision of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the strategic groundwork laid by our network."
“We are strategically engaging our people from the diaspora as key partners in Uganda’s economic transformation, not merely welcoming visitors. This coffee deal is the first fruit of that intentional partnership,” said Ambassador Walusimbi, revealing on Friday. 
US investor Peter Brooks shaking hands with the senior presidential advisor on diaspora affairs, Amb. Abbey Walusimbi. (Courtesy)
During the visit in August this year, Brooks joined prominent African American executives from BET, Warner Bros., National Broadcasting Company (NBC), and other sectors, many of whom were visiting Uganda for the first time. The group explored opportunities in line with Uganda’s priorities, such as boosting exports and creating legacy investments.
During the visit, Brooks described Uganda as “appealing, safe, secure, friendly, and somewhat like home.”
He reserved special admiration for President Museveni’s leadership. "We’re especially thankful to the authorities, who ensure investments are protected, making Uganda a welcoming home where we can build lasting legacies with peace of mind,” he added.
According to Walusimbi, the delegation quickly identified coffee as a prime opportunity. Sources close to his office reported that Brooks has since introduced Ugandan coffee samples to several renowned personalities and big brands, thereby creating opportunities that could provide links in supply chains.
According to the Ministry of Finance’s performance of the economy report, coffee is Uganda's top agricultural export. In September this year, export volumes reached 0.84 million 60-kg bags, marginally lower than the 0.86 million bags shipped in August. However, earnings did not decrease because the average international price increased from $3.95 (sh13,825) in August to $4.31 (sh15,085) in September.
Ugandan officials, including Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, have signalled strong support, recognising the diaspora’s “real economic value, global reach, and cultural influence,” as Paige noted. She envisions a “connected diaspora economy” where Uganda’s resources meet global networks for mutual wins.