By Emmy Olaki

Uganda coffee industry is set to make better inroads following interest from the world’s seventh largest consumer of coffee.

Algeria have shown interest in importing roasted coffee from Uganda directly rather than through Europe.

This follows a recent trade fair that took place in Algiers where Uganda exhibited her coffees.

Uganda's delegation was led by Abdullahi Hussein Shire, the chairman of Uganda Coffee Roasters Association (UCRA) and John Byarugaba, the executive director Uganda Coffee Trade Federation (UCTF).

The trip was sponsored by Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).

Shire in an interview yesterday said that their stand at the fair attracted several coffee traders from Algeria, including the country's president Abdalaziz Bouteflika.

Bouteflika now wants direct trade between Algeria and Uganda.

"They have been importing their coffee from Europe little knowing that it comes from here. They tasted our coffee and liked it. The show goers including their president are now interested in buying Ugandan coffee directly," Shire said.

"This is only the beginning, but our target is to focus on North Africa and the Arab world, and we will use the joint venture in Cairo as the spring board," UCDA chief, Henry Ngabirano said.

The Algerian coffee community has gone ahead to organise a festival for Uganda coffee on a date yet to be confirmed.

Algerian businessmen have also expressed interest in attending the next Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) international trade fair to see for themselves what opportunities are available here.