A revolution is brewing in Uganda’s coffee sector, one that blends passion, business acumen, and national pride. At the heart of this movement is the Africa Coffee Pack, led by visionary entrepreneur Nelson Tugume and powered by Inspire Africa Group, whose mission is to elevate Uganda’s coffee industry from a $1 billion to a $5 billion economy in the next five years.
Speaking passionately at the launch of the Barista Coffee Project, Tugume emphasized the deeper meaning behind the Africa Coffee Pack. “It stands for black people, the black race, the black generation to understand that they can determine their own destiny,” he said. “We want our farmers to get better value from their coffee and shift away from the raw material mentality.”
The event, which featured Uganda’s biggest names in entertainment and coffee innovation, brought together local baristas, entrepreneurs, and global coffee advocates. Tugume also called on Uganda to claim a larger share of the $460 billion global coffee market. “Even just $5 billion for Uganda is possible, and we are working towards that.”
Adding his voice to the campaign was musician and cultural icon Bebe Cool, who energized the crowd with a call to action. “I’m happy to be part of the coffee promotion process. I encourage every young person to be involved,” he said. He also sent a personal message to Dubai-based Barista Timo, inviting him and others to return to Uganda and be part of the transformation. “The message of coffee begins now,” Bebe Cool declared.
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Inspire Africa Group’s Public Relations Officer, Kigongo Asuman, highlighted the group’s tangible achievements: “Before, Uganda could export only five containers of coffee. Now, thanks to Inspire Africa, we’re exporting 15 containers per week
the largest in Africa.” He emphasized the need for quality at every stage from harvesting to storage to ensure Uganda remains competitive on the world stage.
Beyond the business, the initiative includes vibrant cultural components like the Coffee Marathon and Concert, turning coffee into a lifestyle movement. “This is more than a show,” said Asuman. “It’s a strategic movement brewed with ambition.”
With events like these taking root in Ntungamo and beyond, Uganda is cultivating more than just coffee it’s growing a legacy of self-reliance, economic empowerment, and global recognition. And for those who taste it, this bold new brew carries the flavor of a continent rising.
