The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has engaged with journalists to discuss the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and Uganda’s preparedness for compliance. The regulation, which comes into effect on December 30, requires coffee exporters to prove that their products come from land where no deforestation has occurred since 2020.
At a meeting held at Hotel Africana on Tuesday, UCDA highlighted national efforts to engage stakeholders and raise awareness about the EUDR. Robert Nangatsa, an Extension Manager at UCDA, outlined the authority’s nationwide registration drive for coffee farmers, aimed at streamlining exports and ensuring compliance with the new regulation.
“The EU market is crucial for Uganda’s coffee industry, accounting for approximately 60% of our exports. It is imperative that we comply with the EUDR to maintain access to this market,” said Nangatsa.
He explained that exporters will need to submit detailed land-use maps and due diligence statements to prove deforestation-free production, including geographic coordinates of production plots.
The EUDR aligns with Uganda’s National Coffee Act 2021, which emphasizes the need for traceability in the coffee sector.
UCDA has developed a Geospatial Monitoring and Evaluation System and a Farmer Registration App to register farmers and other value chain actors.
“These innovative tools will empower coffee exporters to adhere to EUDR regulations and ensure the sustainability of our coffee sector,” Nangatsa added.
A dedicated unit has been established to oversee the implementation process, and UCDA is working closely with private sector partners, ministries, departments, and agencies to ensure a smooth transition.
The authority has organized national-level workshops to raise awareness among stakeholders and is conducting market research to integrate the EUDR module with the Geospatial M&E System.
“We urge all stakeholders to support the implementation of a comprehensive traceability system,” Nangatsa said.
Dr. Gerald Kyalo, UCDA’s Director of Development Services, emphasized the importance of registration for traceability and access to the EU market.
He explained that the registration process involves capturing farm geo-locations and farmer details to ensure traceability.
“The regulation requires that we show evidence that our coffee doesn’t contribute to deforestation. To do this, we need to trace our coffee back to the farmer and have a register of all farmers, gardens, and coordinates.”
Mr. Samson Emong, representing the National EUDR Task Force, underscored the need for accurate reporting on the campaign’s progress, noting the risks to Uganda’s coffee industry if it fails to meet EU deforestation and sustainability standards.
The task force presented a comprehensive plan for achieving EUDR compliance, including measures to enhance supply chain transparency, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and support smallholder farmers.
With the EU market accounting for a significant share of Uganda’s coffee exports, compliance with EUDR is crucial to maintaining market access.
The national task force has established a robust framework to support the industry’s transition, including capacity-building programs, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
