Uganda’s Coffee Industry Faces Crisis as EU Rules and Government Reforms Collide
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uganda have issued a stark warning: urgent action is needed to protect 1.8 million coffee farmers from losing access to European markets. With just 239 days left before the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) takes effect, Uganda’s readiness remains in question—particularly after the dissolution of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).
In line with the government’s Rationalization of Agencies policy (RAPEX), the UCDA has been downgraded from a semi-autonomous body to a department within the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). While the move was aimed at improving efficiency, CSOs argue that the sudden change lacks public engagement and threatens the momentum Uganda has built in the coffee sector.
EUDR Compliance Deadline Looms
The EU Deforestation Regulation will ban products linked to deforested land, and Uganda’s coffee—60% of which is exported to Europe—is at risk. The regulation demands strict traceability and deforestation-free guarantees. Failure to comply could cost the country an estimated $1.14 billion annually.
“Without a clear transition strategy, farmer-level awareness, and institutional readiness, Uganda risks being shut out of its largest coffee market,” said Food Rights Alliance (FRA) on behalf of concerned CSOs during a recent workshop in Kampala.
Farmers Left in the Dark
The CSOs criticized the lack of clarity around MAAIF’s takeover of UCDA’s responsibilities, especially in overseeing compliance with EU standards. They fear that if MAAIF doesn’t maintain UCDA’s leadership in EUDR coordination—such as farmer registration and supply chain tracking—Uganda may fall behind.
Coffee remains Uganda’s top cash crop, supporting over 1.7 million households and generating about 30% of the country’s foreign exchange. Under UCDA, production rose from 2.7 million to 7.7 million bags in just a decade. CSOs fear these gains may be lost if the transition weakens sectoral focus.
Civil Society’s Call to Action
CSOs are urging multiple government arms to act:
- Ministry of Trade: Diversify Uganda’s coffee markets beyond the EU and support women-led coffee businesses with finance and export tools.
- Ministry of Finance: Fast-track funding for the national traceability system and offer accessible financial products like concessional loans and coffee bonds.
- Parliament: Monitor MAAIF’s performance closely, secure gender equity in coffee cooperatives, and support research and extension services.
- MAAIF: Ensure a smooth takeover of UCDA roles, continue EUDR preparations, and enhance gender-targeted agricultural support.
Empowering Women Farmers
Women in coffee are especially vulnerable. CSOs are rallying them to unite in cooperatives, adopt climate-smart practices, and stay involved in decision-making processes that shape the future of the coffee industry.
The Clock is Ticking
With the EU deadline fast approaching and sector reforms underway, Uganda stands at a crossroads. How it navigates this moment will determine whether its coffee sector thrives—or falters.
