Uganda has launched a major initiative to protect and promote its first-ever Geographical Indication (GI) product — Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee. This move aims to boost the country’s coffee industry, support local farmers, and showcase Uganda’s unique coffee heritage on the global stage.
The effort was marked by a two-day Marketing and Control Workshop held in Kasese from May 13 to 15. The event brought together key partners including the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and the French Development Agency (AFD).
The workshop, hosted at the Rwenzori International Hotel, aimed to prepare more than 11,000 coffee farmers from five districts — Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Bunyangabo, and Ntoroko — to manage and market their Geographical Indication. Training focused on maintaining traceability, ensuring authenticity, and securing higher value for their 100% Arabica, high-altitude beans.
“This is more than coffee; it’s a cultural and economic identity,” said one stakeholder during the workshop.
Gilbert Agaba, Commissioner for Intellectual Property at URSB, emphasized the importance of GI protection in raising the profile of Uganda’s premium agricultural products. “The GI framework will protect our producers from unfair competition and elevate Uganda’s reputation,” he said.
The Rwenzori Mountains coffee is known for its rich flavor and quality, and this new designation positions it as a globally recognized specialty product, giving farmers a stronger foothold in premium markets.
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