Uganda has taken a decisive step toward transforming its coffee industry from raw export dependency to a value-driven enterprise, with the groundbreaking of a dedicated coffee training facility at Kyambogo University.
A Strategic Partnership Takes Root
The Uganda-Italy Coffee Training Centre, unveiled on Friday, November 6, 2026, represents a deepening strategic partnership between the East African nation and Italy. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja joined Ambassador Stefano Gatti, Italy's Director-General for Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to officially launch the project.
The ceremony drew a distinguished gathering of ministers, permanent secretaries, heads of departments and agencies, as well as business leaders from both countries, underscoring the significance of the initiative.
Moving Beyond the Bean
Speaking on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, Nabbanja stressed that Uganda can no longer afford to remain a producer of raw coffee alone. The country, she said, must build the expertise, infrastructure and industries required to process and market finished products.
"While we grow coffee, we do not capture its full value. Much of that value is captured elsewhere," she noted, describing the new centre as a major step toward ensuring Uganda retains a larger share of the economic benefits generated by its coffee.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the facility will serve not only Uganda but the wider East African market of roughly 360 million people, while opening doors for collaboration across the continent.
The Value Gap in Numbers
Uganda's coffee exports recently hit a record 8.4 million bags, valued at approximately $2.4 billion (about sh9.7 trillion). Yet more than 98% of that coffee leaves the country as green beans, and domestic consumption accounts for only about 8% of production.
Nabbanja expressed confidence that the centre will close these gaps by offering professional training in quality assessment, grading, roasting, processing and preparation, while also strengthening the domestic market.
A Future for Young Ugandans
With coffee supporting more than three million smallholder farming households, the Prime Minister highlighted the initiative's particular importance for young people, given that roughly 70% of Uganda's population is under 35 years old.
The centre is expected to equip a new generation with the skills needed to build careers and businesses within the coffee value chain, from the farm to the cup.
The ceremony, captured in photographs by Mpalanyi Ssentongo, also featured remarks from Prof. Eli Katunguka, Vice-Chancellor of Kyambogo University, where the facility will be hosted.
