The call was made by the Second Deputy Katikkiro and Buganda Kingdom Treasurer, Owek. Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa, during the launch of the 23rd African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition and the 4th African Coffee Week at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The conference, considered Africa’s leading coffee trade event, brings together coffee farmers, exporters, buyers, policymakers, and other industry players from across the continent and beyond to discuss opportunities and challenges within the coffee value chain.
Given the Buganda Kingdom’s role in promoting coffee production and improving farmers’ livelihoods through its Mwanyi Terimba programme, the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) invited the Kingdom to share its perspective under the theme: “Strengthening Cross-Border Collaboration – The Buganda Kingdom Perspective.”
Nsibirwa challenged AFCA to create stronger systems that maintain trade connections throughout the year, including establishing a digital platform that links farmers, exporters, buyers, and investors.
“The association should work throughout the year so that by the time delegates meet at the conference, they have already prepared business deals, while buyers and investors are ready to engage with them,” Nsibirwa said.
He said the success of Africa’s coffee industry depends not only on increasing production but also on maintaining quality standards and strengthening farmer support systems.
Nsibirwa highlighted the impact of the Buganda Kingdom’s Mwanyi Terimba initiative, saying it has contributed to increased coffee production, with annual output now exceeding four million bags.
“Planting coffee is only the beginning. Real success requires continuous monitoring, proper crop management and technical support for farmers to ensure healthy trees and better yields. Coffee quality does not begin at the cup; it begins on the farm. High production may open market opportunities, but quality is what keeps you in those markets,” he said.
He also highlighted the programme’s contribution to empowering women and youth in coffee-growing communities.
According to Nsibirwa, women’s participation in agricultural decision-making and ownership of productive assets has increased significantly in areas where the Kingdom’s programmes operate, rising from 14 percent to nearly 90 percent.
He added that young people are increasingly embracing coffee farming by establishing certified seedling nurseries, adopting technology for coffee traceability, and pursuing careers within the agricultural sector.
“These numbers represent transformed lives. Many women in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), who once depended entirely on their husbands, are now using coffee income to buy property, acquire land in their own names, and pay for their children’s education and family healthcare,” Nsibirwa said.
The conference was officially launched ahead of the main sessions scheduled to begin on Tuesday, with Uganda’s State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza, government officials, and international delegates attending.