The Uganda–China Coffee Tour 2025 began this week with a vibrant and symbolic launch at Kibinge Coffee Farmers’ Co-operative Society Ltd in Bukomansimbi District, marking a renewed chapter in agricultural cooperation between the two nations.
The inaugural event brought together a high-level delegation of Ugandan government officials, Chinese investors, and stakeholders in the coffee value chain.
Against a backdrop of traditional music and the aroma of freshly brewed Robusta, guests were warmly welcomed into the heart of Kibinge Sub-county—home to one of Uganda’s most successful coffee cooperatives.
Kibinge Coffee’s General Manager, Ashiraf Ssekyayi, traced the cooperative’s journey from humble beginnings in 1995 to becoming a regional leader in sustainable Robusta coffee production.
With over 2,400 active members and Fair Trade certification since 2012, the cooperative now produces more than 4,600 metric tonnes of coffee annually across nearly 4,900 acres.
“Our impact goes beyond production. We provide financial services, quality seedlings, farmer training, and advanced processing facilities to ensure consistent quality,” Ssekyayi noted.
Despite the success, he pointed out that limited access to financing remains a barrier to expansion and to meeting the increasing global demand for Ugandan coffee.
Uganda’s Ambassador to China, Oliver Wonekha, who hosted the delegation in Beijing, applauded Kibinge’s achievements and urged Chinese partners to invest more in Uganda’s coffee value chain.
“Kibinge Coffee is proof that Uganda can deliver quality to global markets. With China’s growing taste for premium coffee, this is a perfect opportunity to deepen our trade relationship,” she said.
The tour continued to Kasese District, where the Busongora County Joint Farmers’ Cooperative—a women-led initiative in Ihani Village—showcased the growing leadership of women in coffee farming.
Founded in 2003, the cooperative manages 873 acres and produces over 2.1 million kilograms of red cherry coffee annually.
Using meticulous post-harvest practices such as hand-sorting and sun-drying, the cooperative ensures a premium, export-quality product.
The visit ended with a cultural dinner at the Rwenzori Snow Peaks Coffee House, where guests enjoyed Arabica brews accompanied by traditional music and dance.
Delegates also explored Uganda’s eco-tourism potential with a guided game drive in Queen Elizabeth National Park, led by Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger Emmanuel Euku.
The experience highlighted how biodiversity and agriculture can be integrated for sustainable development.
The final stop was the Inspire Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo District—a state-supported agro-industrial hub featuring instant and malt coffee production, a resort, and coffee demonstration labs.
The park sources beans from Ankole, Kigezi, Rwenzori and other regions and is seen as a catalyst for exports and job creation.
The Uganda–China Coffee Tour 2025 is a landmark initiative aimed at boosting bilateral trade, attracting investment, and cementing Uganda’s reputation as a top-tier producer of Robusta and Arabica coffee.
Through hands-on farm visits and high-level engagements, the tour sets the stage for Uganda’s emergence as a global leader in value-added, inclusive, and sustainable coffee production.
