The aroma of Uganda coffee feels a little emptier in the country this morning with the passing of Dr Emmanuel Iyamulemye, the former Managing Director of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).
Agriculture minister Frank Tumwebaze confirmed the death on Tuesday morning but did not divulge the cause or where the 54-year-old coffee promoter had died from.
Charlotte Kemigyisha, the public relations manager at the Ministry of Agriculture described Dr Iyamulemye as a driving force behind Uganda’s rise as a recognized name in the global coffee market.
“His tenacity and resilience in giving Uganda coffee an independent voice on the world stage will be remembered, alongside his work advancing the Coffee Roadmap,” Kemigyisha wrote on X.
An agricultural scientist by training, Dr Iyamulemye led UCDA through a transformative period. Under his stewardship, coffee production nearly doubled, and exports grew significantly, helping position Uganda as a competitive coffee exporter.
He championed value addition, ensuring more roasted and ground coffee was produced locally, so farmers could capture a larger share of the profits.
He also oversaw policy reforms, including the National Coffee Act 2021, which strengthened UCDA’s regulatory role and introduced traceability systems that aligned Uganda with international standards.
Dr Iyamulemye worked tirelessly to improve quality control, on-farm practices, and farmer support systems, leaving an indelible mark on the coffee value chain.
Beyond Uganda, he was a vocal advocate for African coffee, pushing for proper recognition in global forums and helping open new export markets, including China.
Minister Tumwebaze described him as “bold, firm, and intelligent,” praising his contribution to Uganda’s coffee sector and extending condolences on behalf of the government, stakeholders, and citizens.
Dr Iyamulemye’s career also spanned development programs in Northern Uganda and Karamoja, and a stint at the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
He held a PhD and a Master’s in Crop Science from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, along with an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University.
While the cause of death has not been disclosed and funeral arrangements are pending, his passing on November 18, 2025, marks the end of a pivotal chapter in Uganda’s coffee history.
Those who have tasted Uganda’s coffee will remember that the aroma of its beans carries traces of his vision, persistence, and dedication.