In a significant move to elevate Uganda's coffee on the global stage, three Ugandan companies—Platinum Commodities, Enkumbi Terimba, and New Cafe—have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the renowned Chinese firm CCCC. The agreement, witnessed at CCCC's headquarters in Beijing, marks a major milestone in Uganda's ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its coffee exports, solidifying its presence in the international market.

The signing ceremony was attended by high-ranking Ugandan officials, including Her Excellency Maj. Retired Jessica Alupo Rose Epel, Vice President of Uganda, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Gen. Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, Minister for Works and Transport Hon. Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Uganda's Ambassador to China, H.E. Oliver Wonekha, Deputy Solicitor General Biribonwoha Pius Perry, Deputy Principal Private Secretary to the Vice President Kityamuwesi Musuubire, and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Uganda Embassy Beijing.

In her remarks, Vice President Jessica Alupo highlighted Uganda's rich coffee heritage, informing CCCC officials that the country produces both Arabica and Robusta coffee. She noted that Robusta is native to Uganda, while Arabica originates from Ethiopia, giving Uganda a unique advantage over countries that produce only one type of coffee. H.E. Alupo assured CCCC that Uganda is on track to significantly increase its coffee production, projecting that by 2025, the country will export approximately 20 million bags of coffee annually. "This guarantees a steady supply of high-quality raw materials for the partnership, making Uganda a reliable and strategic coffee supplier," Alupo emphasized.

The Vice President also underscored the positive impact of the agreements on Uganda's economy, particularly in terms of job creation and contributing to broader economic development in the country and Africa at large.

CCCC President Tang Shun, in a speech delivered by his Vice President Chen Zhong, highlighted the strong diplomatic relationship between China and Uganda, established on October 18, 1962. He noted that the two countries have enjoyed a long-standing friendship, which reached new heights in June 2019 when President Xi Jinping and Uganda's President agreed to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This cooperation has been fruitful, with CCCC playing a leading role in several infrastructure projects in Uganda, including the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway, Entebbe International Airport, and critical oil roads.

Tang Shun affirmed CCCC's commitment to Uganda, recognizing it as one of the company's most important markets in Africa. He pledged that CCCC would continue to support Uganda's national development plans, mobilizing resources under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Gen. Odongo emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening Uganda-China relations to boost exports, particularly coffee, and to solidify Uganda's reputation as a producer of high-quality coffee. Minister for Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala also requested CCCC's support in promoting tourism in Northern Uganda by planning a road project that connects Kotido, Kabong, and Karenga to a major tourist center.

During the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, Gerald Jjakira, MD of Platinum Commodities, signed on behalf of his company, while Chen Zhong signed for CCCC. Mwanyi Yerimba CEO Kironde Charles, and Nu Cafe CEO Nkaadu Joseph, also signed agreements with Chen Zhong representing CCCC.