Uganda Clarifies Coffee Farmer Registration Requirement

Uganda’s National Coffee Bill 2018 is causing some concerns, particularly with regards to the requirement for the registration of farmers.

In response the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has sought to provide clarification on the matter, stating that the introduction of registration requirements for farmers should not be mistaken for the licensing of operations.

Speaking on the issue the UCDA’s public relations officer Laura Walusimbi stated, "The proposed registration of farmers is for the purpose of enhancing planning, traceability and targeting of service delivery. The information compiled will be used to facilitate the provision of services to coffee farmers individually or through their farmer groups or cooperatives." 

Under the Act farmers will not be issued with licenses, with licenses reserved for those already in the value chain such as buyers, processors, roasters and exporters. In many cases these groups are already subject to licensing and licenses will be renewed on an annual basis.

While farmers will not face licensing requirements they will be monitored by the UCDA, which will oversee quality control throughout the process. Those farmers found neglecting their farms can be punished with jail time. 

Uganda is looking to streamline the process for exporting coffee as the country looks to increased export volumes more than four-fold, from 4.6 million 60kg coffee bags annually to 20 million. It remains the country’s leading agricultural export commodity, with Uganda currently the second largest exporter on the African continent after Ethiopia.