NAKASEKE
Gen (Rtd) Salim Saleh has dismissed claims that Uganda’s coffee was taken away from its people, describing the assertion as false during the launch of the Uganda Coffee Group at Kapeeka Industrial Park in Nakaseke District.
Saleh made the remarks on October 13, 2026, as coffee industry stakeholders gathered for the launch of the private sector-led initiative aimed at strengthening investment and commercial production across the coffee value chain.
Responding to lyrics in singer King Saha’s song about the loss of coffee and other agricultural resources, Saleh insisted that coffee was back and urged Ugandans to participate in developing the industry.
In the song, King Saha sings, “Wano akamwanyi kaaliwo,” which translates to “Here, there used to be coffee.”
He also sings, “Wano akamwanyi kaaliwo nga tumanyi okukalima,” meaning “Here, there used to be coffee, which we knew how to grow.”
The song laments the loss of agricultural resources, also mentioning vanilla, cotton and moringa, while expressing frustration over changes that have affected people’s livelihoods.
Saleh rejected the suggestion that coffee had been stolen from Ugandans, using the launch to call for greater public participation in the sector.
The Uganda Coffee Group aims to mobilise capital, coordinate strategic investments and promote commercial coffee production and value addition along the coffee value chain.
Saleh, who serves as Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, has been associated with agricultural and industrial development initiatives, including projects at Kapeeka.
Coffee remains one of Uganda’s leading export commodities. However, concerns persist over farmers’ earnings, the influence of middlemen and the need to expand domestic processing to retain more value within the country.
The new initiative is intended to bring stakeholders together to strengthen investment, increase commercial production and expand opportunities across the coffee industry.
