Members of the EU touring the state-of-the-art Mityana-based coffee processing plant
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The European Union (EU) has unveiled a 5000 metric tonne coffee processing facility through a 600,000 euro EU matching grant.
This facility is expected to provide livelihood for about 15,000 households in Mityana and other surrounding districts.
The facility, which services 26 cooperatives and thousands of individual farmers is located in Mityana town center.
Karolina Hedström, the Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation in Uganda said the investment has facilitated the construction of offices, a laboratory, a coffee storage facility, a shed for storing coffee, a new cleaning/hulling/grading facility, and a mechanical dryer, significantly boosting production capacity and quality.
She emphasised Uganda’s strategic importance, adding that their focus is on enhancing forestry and coffee production, adding that this investment reflects their dedication to economic growth that benefits thousands of households.
“As Team Europe, we are committed to promoting sustainable development in Uganda, through modern agricultural practices,” she said during a guided tour of EU member state officials and local leaders in Mityana district recently.
She said the investment will boost Uganda’s coffee and timber sectors, and pledged further investment in sustainable forestry amidst the backdrop of pressing environmental and economic challenges.
“With Europe importing approximately 70% of Uganda’s coffee through leading importers like Italy and Germany, the strategic importance of this partnership is undeniable,” said Hedström.
She pointed out that the sector grapples with the dual threats of rapid deforestation, hence jeopardising compliance with stringent EU regulations – and the disruptive impact of climate change on traditional growing patterns, seedling distribution, and research.
The initiatives, showcased in Mityana showed Europe’s commitment to bolstering Uganda’s export capabilities and improving livelihoods while navigating the complexities of climate change and deforestation.
In order to respond to these challenges, the EU has channeled substantial financial support through projects like MARKUP and CoCoDev.
Tony Mugoya, CEO of UCFA, detailed the transformative impact of the EU’s support. “We are deeply grateful for the ongoing collaboration with the European Union delegation in Uganda.
“Their support has been instrumental in our efforts to add value to Ugandan coffee. Specifically, we have benefited from matching grants that have enabled us to establish modern coffee processing facilities and provide crucial training to our farmers in forestry and agronomy.”
Leonidas Hitimana, FAO Uganda Team Leader Forestry, commended the EU’s commercial forestry partnership, stating, “Currently, we’re implementing a component of the forest partnership, supported by the European Union, focusing on wood processing.
This project, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization, aims to support value addition without emphasizing tree planting, as resources are already available.
