Uganda has once again asserted its presence on the global coffee stage, making a strong impression at the World of Coffee Expo San Diego 2026 in the United States.
The event, organised by the Specialty Coffee Association, brought together producers, exporters, roasters, and industry experts from across the world, offering Uganda a strategic platform to showcase the depth and diversity of its coffee industry.
As Africa’s leading coffee exporter and one of the top global producers, Uganda continues to build its reputation on both Robusta and Arabica varieties.
At the expo, the country presented a carefully curated narrative centred on quality, origin, and sustainability—an approach that resonated strongly with international buyers and industry stakeholders.
The Ugandan delegation, led by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries alongside representatives from the Embassy of Uganda in Washington, D.C., included exporters, processors, and cupping specialists.
Their exhibition stand attracted significant interest, with visitors sampling freshly brewed coffee that highlighted Uganda’s wide-ranging flavour profiles.
From the bold, full-bodied characteristics of Ugandan Robusta to the bright acidity and complex notes of Arabica grown on Mount Elgon, in the Rwenzori Mountains, and the Kigezi Highlands, attendees were given a sensory experience of the country’s coffee diversity through live brewing and cupping sessions.
Beyond showcasing the product itself, Uganda used the platform to emphasise the economic importance of coffee, which supports more than 1.7 million households nationwide.
Government efforts to increase production, improve quality standards, and expand value addition were highlighted as central to Uganda’s long-term strategy of strengthening its global coffee brand.
“Uganda’s coffee is increasingly meeting the highest global quality standards, and platforms like this allow us to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and value addition,” said Gordon Katwirenabo, Assistant Commissioner for Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
The expo also provided an opportunity for direct engagement with international buyers and partners, with discussions focusing on traceability systems, organic certification, and sustainable sourcing—areas in which Uganda continues to make steady progress.
Uganda further showcased its commitment to climate-smart agriculture through agroforestry practices and environmentally friendly farming methods.
The country also promoted its emerging coffee tourism offering, encouraging visitors to explore production regions and experience the journey from bean to cup.
By the close of the event, Uganda’s participation was widely regarded as successful, strengthening its visibility in the global specialty coffee market.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the exposure would translate into increased demand, improved farmgate prices, and expanded investment across the value chain.
Uganda’s message at the expo was clear: its coffee is more than a commodity—it is a heritage, a story, and an emerging global brand with growing influence on the world stage.
