Coffee roasters target sh5b financing as UCRA names new boss
The financing target is among the key priorities facing Rugaya as the association shifts its focus towards helping members expand their businesses and secure measurable commercial benefits.
The Uganda Coffee Roasters Association (UCRA) has appointed Richard Rugaya (pictured), a co-founder of Gorilla Highlands Coffee, as its executive director to lead the implementation of the proposed 2027–2030 Strategic Brief. (Courtesy photo)
________________
Coffee roasting businesses in Uganda are targeting up to sh5 billion in financing under a new industry strategy that seeks to expand domestic consumption, open export markets and improve the commercial performance of local processors.
The Uganda Coffee Roasters Association (UCRA) has appointed Richard Rugaya, a co-founder of Gorilla Highlands Coffee, as its executive director to lead the implementation of the proposed 2027–2030 Strategic Brief.
The financing target is among the key priorities facing Rugaya as the association shifts its focus towards helping members expand their businesses and secure measurable commercial benefits.
The strategy seeks to address some of the business needs of local roasters, including access to finance, market development and stronger partnerships with public institutions and private-sector players.
Financing and market access
Under the plan, UCRA intends to mobilise between sh1 billion and sh5 billion to support members’ businesses.
According to sector players, the financing target could support business expansion if the funds are secured and channelled into viable commercial activities.
Rugaya is expected to coordinate with the agriculture ministry, standards bodies, trade and export agencies, and financial institutions to advance these objectives.
“I am deeply honoured to take on the role of executive director of UCRA. This appointment is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with commitment, humility, and a clear vision for the future,” he said.
He is also looking forward to working closely with the UCRA leadership, members, partners, and stakeholders to strengthen the organisation, promote innovation, enhance collaboration, and drive sustainable growth.
“Together, we can build on the achievements made so far, address existing challenges, and unlock new opportunities that create lasting impact."
UCRA’s board has linked the new executive director’s performance appraisal to a scorecard covering revenue generation, partnerships and market access.
The framework signals a move towards assessing the association’s leadership against business outcomes rather than relying mainly on representation and stakeholder engagement.
“As the Board, we look forward to working closely with him and the entire management team to build on the progress already made, strengthen stakeholder partnerships, and promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence,” reads the statement from the board.
Rugaya’s first-year roadmap is organised into three phases: diagnosis, mobilisation and delivery.
The approach, according to the association, is intended to establish members’ needs, mobilise resources and partnerships, and implement initiatives during his first year.
Rugaya has worked with Gorilla Highlands Coffee since 2016. The Kisoro-based enterprise operates in coffee and tourism, and Rugaya has served as its director of tourism, overseeing the company’s coffee experiences.
He holds a degree in Development Studies from Makerere University and a Diploma in Business Studies. He also holds Specialty Coffee Association certificates in sensory skills, green coffee and roasting.