RIP: Dr. Iyamulemye
Uganda’s coffee fraternity is grieving the death of Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye, the former Managing Director of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), who passed away on Tuesday morning. His death has triggered an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from farmers, exporters, policymakers, and industry leaders who credit him for reshaping Uganda’s coffee landscape and fiercely defending the sector during its most challenging moments.
Dr. Iyamulemye, remembered by many as a quiet but resolute champion of Uganda’s coffee, leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, and transformative leadership.
A Defender of Uganda’s Coffee Sector
Renowned coffee farmer Robert Kabushenga was among the first to eulogize him, noting that Dr. Iyamulemye fought tirelessly to protect the interests of Uganda’s coffee value chain.
“He was the last Managing Director of UCDA before it was disbanded. He did his best for Ugandan coffee. He fought desperately to save the sector,” Kabushenga wrote.
An Industry Friend and Mentor
Coffee entrepreneur Jackie Arinda described him as a steadfast ally:
“You fought a good fight and finished your race! The coffee sector in Uganda will forever be indebted to you.”
Exporter and farmer Kenneth Barigye offered one of the most detailed tributes, remembering Dr. Iyamulemye as a leader defined by honesty, humility, and unwavering commitment.
“He believed genuinely in the potential of Ugandan coffee and worked tirelessly to elevate its quality, its reputation, and the livelihoods of the millions of families who depend on it,” Barigye said.
He hailed Dr. Iyamulemye as a man who always chose integrity over convenience and collaboration over personal glory.
A Legacy Recognized at the Highest Levels
Minister for Agriculture Frank Tumwebaze credited Dr. Iyamulemye for guiding Uganda’s coffee road map and driving exponential growth in production and export earnings.
“Under his leadership, Uganda strengthened its coffee quality standards, expanded farmer extension systems, and positioned itself among the world’s most competitive coffee origins,” Tumwebaze noted.
He further highlighted Dr. Iyamulemye’s bold contributions to international coffee forums, particularly his advocacy for the correct classification of African coffees, including Uganda’s robusta.
Tributes from Leaders and Elders
Former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza remembered him as “a humble, respectful and result-oriented” manager who served diligently.
Buganda Kingdom Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga recalled his instrumental role in the 2017 EMMWANYI TERIMBA partnership with UCDA, which boosted coffee production and quality across Buganda.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda praised him as a “patriotic Ugandan” and a proud son of Kigezi. He noted that during Dr. Iyamulemye’s tenure, Uganda achieved a historic milestone of 8.2 million coffee bags and USD 2.4 billion in earnings (2024/25).
A Sector in Mourning
Across Uganda, farmers, exporters, processors, and value-addition entrepreneurs continue to share memories of a man whose work reverberated from the smallest coffee gardens to global markets.
Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye leaves behind a legacy defined not only by numbers and policies, but by the countless lives uplifted through his dedication to strengthening Uganda’s coffee sub-sector.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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