MUGABE R
His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda, and the First Lady, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, are expected to officiate at the Africa Coffee Marathon slated for 24th May 2025 in Ntungamo District.
This announcement was made today, Saturday, 15th March 2025, by Mr. Nelson Tugume, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inspire Africa Group, during a preparatory meeting for the Coffee Marathon. The event aims to raise funds to establish a Women’s SACCO that will provide financial services at the lowest interest rates, empowering women to invest in agricultural inputs and benefit accordingly.
The Africa Coffee Marathon is organized by Inspire Africa Group, a company specializing in coffee farming advisory services, buying, and processing. Operating at Kabuhungu Hill in Kakika Ward, Rwashamaire Town Council, Ntungamo District, the company seeks to expand beyond Uganda.
Mr. Nelson Tugume emphasized the goal of attracting over 10,000 participants from across borders to raise over 2 billion UGX for investment in the Women’s SACCO. The initiative will facilitate affordable loans for women while promoting tourism, foreign exchange earnings, public aid facilities, and export networking.
He further highlighted plans to improve coffee quality by introducing contract farming, which provides loans to farmers and prevents the sale of low-quality coffee. He also introduced “broad chain technology,” a digital platform that will post farmer performance data for international exposure and collaboration. This initiative aims to increase Uganda’s coffee income from $900 million to $5 billion within five years.
Kigongo Asumani, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Aspire Africa Group, called on the public and farmers to voluntarily support the marathon to empower women in coffee farming. He also urged organizers to ensure the event meets international standards.
Mr. Dan Kaguta, the retired Resident District Commissioner (RDC), advocated for extraordinary preparations and urged the public to support the initiative as part of national development.
Denis Muhumuza Savimbi, the District Councilor representing Itojo Sub County, expressed gratitude for the event and encouraged public participation as a step towards economic transformation.
Alex Kafureka from Kiruhura District assured massive support to strengthen the coffee industry as a reliable cash crop for the region.
Winnie Bavuga, the Director of BAFASO AGRO TOURISM FARM Ltd in Kisoro District, welcomed the initiative, noting that it would address the challenges women face in coffee farming.
The Coffee Marathon event will follow this schedule:
21st May: Official arrival of President Museveni and the First Lady for the commissioning of the coffee processing hub.
22nd May: Women’s conference focusing on sensitization about health and coffee production.
23rd May: Model farmers’ tour for advisory support and recognition.
24th May: The marathon event, followed by an evening concert headlined by Diamond Platnumz.
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