FORT PORTAL, Uganda (November 7, 2024) – The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has registered over 100,000 coffee farming households as part of an ongoing national registration campaign aimed at meeting European Union (EU) deforestation-free product standards. The registration drive, which is set to end on December 31, 2024, seeks to enroll 1.8 million coffee farming households across Uganda.
Speaking in Fort Portal on Thursday, Israel Ssebugenyi, the Technology Development Manager at UCDA, confirmed that the campaign is progressing smoothly, with no major resistance from farmers. “The target is to register 1.8 million coffee farmers before the year ends. As of now, we’ve successfully registered 100,000 coffee farmers, and another 5,000 farmers have been registered in Kasese District through a parallel effort by the UNDP,” Ssebugenyi said.
The registration is part of Uganda’s commitment to comply with the EU’s Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR), which requires farmers to demonstrate that their coffee is grown on land free from deforestation. This move aims to ensure that Ugandan coffee meets global sustainability standards, particularly in export markets where environmental concerns are increasingly influencing trade practices.
Ssebugenyi assured the public that the registration process is progressing without significant hurdles. However, some farmers have expressed concerns about the level of awareness regarding the campaign.
Gilbert Rubaihayo, the Kyenjojo District Chairperson urged UCDA to ramp up efforts to sensitise farmers about the initiative, especially in remote areas. “Many farmers are still in the dark about this important exercise. We need more awareness efforts to ensure that all farmers understand the benefits and the requirements of the registration process,” Rubaihayo said.
Olive Birungi, another coffee farmer, echoed these concerns, calling for accurate data collection. “It’s important that all farmers, no matter the size of their coffee gardens, are registered correctly,” she said. “This will ensure that the data we provide is accurate and that no one is left out.”
Meanwhile, Joanita Nakityo, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kamwenge District, encouraged farmers to embrace the registration process, emphasizing its long-term benefits.
“This exercise is not only necessary for meeting international standards, but it will also bring greater recognition and better opportunities for farmers in the global coffee market,” Nakityo said.
With less than two months remaining before the registration deadline, UCDA continues to urge farmers to take part in the exercise to ensure their compliance with the new EU regulations, which could impact Uganda’s coffee export market.
