Summary:
- Tugume expressed concern over the struggles faced by women in Uganda’s coffee sector, noting that many have been unable to gain significant value from their coffee.
NTUNGAMO: The Assistant Commissioner for Sports in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Samuel Odong, officially launched the Coffee Marathon Uganda on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Coffee Park Uganda in Rwashamaire Town Council, Ntungamo District.
The marathon, aimed at raising UGX 2 billion to uplift rural women coffee growers from poverty, is scheduled for May 24, 2025, under the theme, “Uplifting the Rural Coffee Woman Out of Poverty.”
Speaking on behalf of the State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, who was invited as the chief guest, Commissioner Odong emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing talent across the country.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to developing the sports sector through adequate funding and modern infrastructure.
Odong encouraged youth to embrace sports careers, dismissing traditional myths about genetic predispositions for excelling in athletics.
He also commended Inspire Africa Group for its efforts in coffee value addition, noting its potential to transform the livelihoods of Ugandans.
Apollo Musherure, representing the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), pledged the Federation’s support for the Coffee Marathon, under the umbrella of Inspire Africa Group.
He expressed optimism that the event could evolve into a continental marathon, bringing economic benefits to the Ankole sub-region.
The Head of Corporate Banking at Equity Bank Uganda, Mary Mukasa, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting local farmers through its sustainability-focused business model.
She stated that Equity Bank will collaborate with Nelson Tugume, CEO of Inspire Africa Group, to achieve the objectives of Aspire Coffee Africa.
On his part, Tugume expressed concern over the struggles faced by women in Uganda’s coffee sector, noting that many have been unable to gain significant value from their coffee.
He reiterated that the Coffee Marathon is part of activities leading to the Africa Coffee Festival, recently endorsed by African heads of state. The festival will be held at the Africa Coffee Park grounds in Rwashamaire, Ntungamo District.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, while launching the Inspire Africa Coffee Factory project in May 2024, pledged support for initiatives aimed at adding value to Ugandan coffee, terming it “Chapter One.” The President also committed to providing the necessary resources to complete the factory.
Since 2023, the government has been investing in Uganda’s coffee value chain through the Coffee Investment Consortium Uganda (CICU).
This initiative aims to increase export revenues, create employment opportunities, and raise farm gate prices for coffee farmers.
In the Financial Year 2023/2024, the government allocated resources through the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Office of the President to establish a modern industrial coffee park in Rwashamaire Town Council.
Construction, which began in October 2023, will enable the production of instant coffee, drip coffee, malt coffee, coffee energy drinks, and coffee-based beauty products.
The Coffee Marathon Uganda is expected to not only promote the coffee sector but also empower rural women and enhance Uganda’s position in the global coffee market.
