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Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye
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KAMPALA
Uganda’s agricultural sector is mourning the death of Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye, the former Executive Director of the now-defunct Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). His passing was confirmed early Tuesday by Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who announced the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Tumwebaze described Iyamulemye as “a pillar of Uganda’s coffee sector,” noting that his leadership significantly shaped the country’s modern coffee industry.
“Dr. Iyamulemye played a key role in the design and implementation of Uganda’s coffee roadmap, which propelled the exponential growth the sector has registered over the years,” the minister said.
Frank Tumwebaze's post on X
A Legacy in Coffee Reform
Iyamulemye’s tenure at UCDA marked a period of transformation. First appointed CEO in 2016, he earned a renewed five-year contract in 2021 after what the Board termed a “highly successful” first term.
During his administration, Uganda enhanced its global reputation for coffee quality, strengthened farmer support systems, and expanded its footprint in emerging markets. Tumwebaze credited him for vigorously defending African coffees on the international stage, particularly pushing for accurate classification of Uganda’s Robusta and Ethiopia’s Arabica in global forums. He was also instrumental in steering Uganda into new markets such as China, working alongside other sector leaders to diversify the country’s export destinations.
Career Across Development and Agriculture
Beyond coffee, Dr. Iyamulemye had an extensive career in agricultural development spanning more than 15 years. After completing his graduate studies, he served as programme director for a Food and Agriculture Organisation–supported initiative promoting NERICA rice in Uganda. He later coordinated two major EU–Government of Uganda livelihood programmes in Northern Uganda — the €20 million ALREP and the €15 million KALIP — which ran from 2010 to 2016, helping communities recover from years of conflict and economic hardship.
End of an Institution
UCDA itself was among several government agencies dissolved in recent public-sector reforms. Its mandate was absorbed into the Ministry of Agriculture, a move that stirred considerable debate among coffee stakeholders who felt the authority had been key to the sector’s stability and growth.
Tributes Pour In
In his message, Tumwebaze lauded Iyamulemye as “bold, firm, intelligent, and deeply committed to Uganda’s coffee future.” He extended condolences to the deceased’s family, colleagues, and the wider coffee fraternity. Funeral arrangements had not yet been released by press time.
Torch Media Africa
