Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni surprised many by unexpectedly embracing new European Union regulations targeting deforestation-linked coffee imports. In a recent media engagement, Museveni acknowledged the EU’s “good pressure” and expressed support for the measures, even though they require stricter oversight of Ugandan coffee exports.
The EU initiative, set to kick in 2025, prohibits imports of coffee and other commodities associated with deforestation after 2020. This means Ugandan coffee farmers must now register and prove their crops haven’t been grown on cleared land to avoid penalties and maintain access to the lucrative European market.
Museveni acknowledged Uganda’s deforestation challenges, pointing to data showing a doubling of forest loss between 2001 and 2020. He called encroaching on wetlands for development “criminal” and vowed to address the issue, albeit on his own terms and timeline. He recalled successfully pushing back against Mabira forest encroachments earlier in his presidency.
The EU’s regulations present a unique opportunity, according to Museveni. “This time round, I will agree with the European Union,” he declared. He views the pressure as a valuable partner in his fight against deforestation, aligning national environmental goals with market demands.
This stance marks a significant shift for the president, who has previously criticized Western environmental pressures. However, the potential impact on Uganda’s vital coffee industry seems to have spurred a pragmatic approach.
Museveni also addressed other concerns during the session, including land titling issues and the detention of political prisoners. He promised to tackle the land issue by removing soldiers from land disputes and hinted at an upcoming executive order to that effect. While acknowledging a delay in addressing political detentions, he assured that progress would be made.
Overall, Museveni’s engagement with the media painted a picture of a leader adapting to global pressures and acknowledging domestic challenges. His embrace of the EU’s green coffee push suggests a potential turning point in Uganda’s fight against deforestation, driven by both environmental consciousness and economic pragmatism.
