Uganda is seeking to expand its coffee exports to the United Kingdom and Ireland by showcasing its processing capacity and opportunities for value addition.
A delegation of coffee buyers, importers and roasters from the two countries visited processing facilities in the Mt Elgon region as part of an eight-day familiarisation tour organised by the Uganda High Commission in London.
The visitors toured Mountain Harvest Sironko Processing Station in Bulambuli District, Zukuka Bora Coffee Company and the OFI Arabica Coffee Unit in Budadiri.
During the visits, the delegation examined coffee processing methods, quality control measures and initiatives that link coffee production to community development.
At Zukuka Bora Coffee Company, the visitors learnt how the business supports employment and local communities.
The company employs about 200 people during the coffee season. It also partners with community development organisations to support social programmes.
The delegation later travelled to Mbale for a coffee cupping session, where buyers assessed the aroma, flavour and quality of locally produced coffee.
The exercise gave UK and Irish importers and roasters an opportunity to examine Uganda's coffee varieties and assess their potential for international markets.
The Uganda High Commission in London organised the tour to connect foreign buyers with local coffee farmers, processors and exporters.
The programme also seeks to attract investment, build trade partnerships and open more opportunities for Ugandan coffee in the UK and Irish markets.
Uganda remains one of Africa's leading coffee producers, with robusta accounting for the largest share of its production. Arabica coffee also plays a major role, particularly in highland areas such as Mt Elgon.
However, the country continues to face the challenge of increasing the value of its coffee exports rather than relying on sales of unprocessed beans.
The government has promoted local processing and value addition as part of efforts to increase export earnings, create jobs and strengthen Uganda's position in international markets.
The familiarisation tour forms part of these efforts by exposing potential buyers to Uganda's processing facilities and the quality of its coffee.
Authorities hope such engagements will encourage stronger commercial ties and help Ugandan producers secure better returns from international trade.
