More Than Just Coffee—A Symbol of Heritage and Progress
When you sip a cup of Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee, you’re tasting more than just a finely brewed beverage. You’re experiencing the flavor of Uganda’s rich soils, the dedication of its farmers, and the dawn of a new era for East African agriculture. The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee Geographical Indication (GI), which is the first GI in Uganda and East Africa was officially launched on the 13th May 2025 in Kasese Uganda. With the official website unveiled by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), this GI promises to be a huge success for Uganda and the local producers of coffee.
A Landmark for Uganda and East Africa
The Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee (RMMC) GI isn’t just a label—it’s Uganda’s first ever registered Geographical Indication and the very first in East Africa. This achievement marks a pivotal moment for our nation, demonstrating the power of intellectual property to add value to our agricultural products and open doors to global markets.
In just two years since its registration in February, 2023, local producers are already seeing tangible benefits in branding and commercial opportunities.
Early Success: Taking Ugandan Coffee to the World
The momentum is real. Already, three containers of GI-tagged Rwenzori coffee have been shipped to Europe specifically Italy, showcasing the immense potential of leveraging the GI system for our unique products. This is just the beginning, and the excitement among producers and stakeholders is palpable.
Building Capacity and Empowering Producers
The launch event wasn’t just about celebration—it was about action. Producers participated in hands-on training sessions led by global experts. These sessions covered:
- Strategic Branding and Promotion: How to tell the story of Rwenzori coffee and build a powerful global brand.
- Effective Control and Marketing Mechanisms: Ensuring quality and consistency while reaching new markets.
- Strengthening Value Chains: Building resilience and value at every step, from farm to cup.
This capacity-building was made possible by a powerhouse collaboration, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), CIRAD, Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the French Embassy in Uganda, MAAIF, UNBS, and the Rwenzori GI Association.
GIs: Transforming Rural Communities
Geographical Indications are more than just marks on a package—they’re game-changers for rural communities. They empower producers to build global brand equity, access premium markets, and command better prices for their products. For the Rwenzori region, this means new opportunities, increased incomes, and a brighter future.
The Unique Taste of Rwenzori Coffee
What makes Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee so special? It’s renowned for its sweet, fruity aroma, chocolate flavor, smooth body, mild citric acidity, and a lingering dried fruit aftertaste. Personally, I’m captivated by the smooth, fruity aroma of freshly ground beans—there’s nothing quite like it!
Curious to learn more or taste it for yourself? Visit Rwenzori Mountains of the Moon Coffee
The Road Ahead: Protecting Uganda’s Heritage
Uganda is home to countless unique agricultural, animal, and traditional products that deserve similar recognition and protection. The Rwenzori GI is just the beginning. With growing momentum, more communities and products can benefit from the transformative power of GIs.
Celebrating a New Chapter
Hats off to the incredible producers leading this transformation and to all partners driving IP-driven growth in Uganda. The future is bright, and this is only the first step in a journey that promises to elevate Uganda’s heritage and prosperity for generations to come.
Let’s raise a cup to progress, pride, and the power of Geographical Indications!
