By Mulengera Reporters
A good farmer does not eat his seeds, but he plants them for a greater harvest. Now Uganda, a nation built on the backbone of agriculture, is taking firm steps to protect its coffee, a golden crop that brings in billions from international markets.
Following the government’s Rationalization of Agencies and Expenditure policy, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) was integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF).
This was revealed in a press release held on January 06, 2025, by MAAIF Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama. While some feared disruptions, MAAIF has ensured continuity, retaining technical staff to oversee key functions like export processes and extension services.
However, not all is well in the coffee fields. Reports of farmers harvesting premature coffee and drying Fair Average Quality beans using poor methods have raised alarms. These bad practices not only reduce the value of Ugandan coffee but also threaten the country’s reputation in global markets.
In response, MAAIF has reminded all coffee value chain actors that enforcement mechanisms remain unchanged despite UCDA’s merger into the ministry. Those who fail to comply with quality standards risk penalties. The ministry is committed to using all available means to protect Uganda’s standing as a leading coffee exporter.
And the numbers tell a promising story. In December 2024, Uganda exported 413,221 bags of coffee, earning USD 115.02 million, an increase from November’s 400,536 bags worth USD 108.91 million. This steady growth, as outlined in the press release, is proof that the country’s efforts to maintain high standards are bearing fruit.
Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, the MAAIF Permanent Secretary, has called on the public to report any poor agronomic and harvesting practices. The future of Uganda’s coffee industry, he insists, depends on strict adherence to quality standards.
Just as a river grows stronger when fed by many streams, Uganda’s investment sector is thriving due to increased public participation in Collective Investment Schemes (CIS). According to the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), Uganda’s CIS assets under management reached UGX 3.85 trillion by the end of December 2024, the first time the country has crossed the billion-dollar mark. This growth, revealed in the same press release, was fueled by a strong regulatory framework, increased investor awareness, and the availability of mid-term savings from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Additionally, Uganda now has seven licensed CIS managers, offering more options for investors. The number of funded CIS accounts also saw a sharp rise, reaching 113,445 in December 2024, an 11.6% increase from the previous quarter. Compared to December 2023, when there were 70,771 accounts, the growth stands at a remarkable 60.29%.
Regionally, Uganda is keeping pace with its neighbors. While Kenya leads with USD 2.44 billion in CIS assets, Uganda’s USD 1.05 billion is nearly equal to Tanzania’s USD 1.051 billion. With a solid foundation in place, the future looks promising for Ugandan investors.
CMA CEO Josephine Okui Ossiya has urged Ugandans to invest wisely and only engage with regulated financial products. She further that strict regulations ensure the safety and growth of investors’ hard-earned savings.
As Uganda continues to strengthen both its agricultural and financial sectors, it’s wise to note that those who sow wisely today will reap great rewards tomorrow. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
