African Fine Coffee Conference

Language in and around the venue

English is the working language of Ugandan government and business and is used in the coffee trade, so stand materials, cupping sheets and contracts can be prepared in English. Luganda is the everyday language of much of Kampala and a greeting in Luganda usually warms a first meeting, while Swahili is also understood in trade settings.

Greetings and meeting style

Open with a handshake and a genuine enquiry about the other person's journey or business before moving to prices and volumes. Ugandan counterparts often prefer to establish rapport first, so expect the first meeting to spend time on relationships, cooperative or estate background and season quality rather than a rapid quote.

Titles, seniority and decision-making

Address counterparts as Mr, Mrs, Ms or Dr unless invited otherwise, and acknowledge the most senior person in the room first. Decisions on coffee contracts are frequently taken after internal consultation, so ask who else needs to see samples and offer to leave scored cupping sheets behind.

Dress and punctuality

Business dress is conservative and smart: a collared shirt or suit for men and business or smart-casual dress for women works at the show and in Kampala offices. Arrive on time for appointments, but build slack into the day because traffic between hotels and the venue can compress a tight schedule.

Cupping and sample etiquette

Cupping at the show is a working session, not a marketing demo - present clean, labelled samples, state the processing method and grade, and be ready to discuss moisture, screen size and defects. Slurping and spitting are normal; ask before photographing another company's samples or cupping table.

Cash, cards and mobile money

Mobile money is the default for everyday payments in Kampala, with MTN and Airtel the main networks, and it is useful for boda-boda rides, small stand costs and taxi fares. Carry some Ugandan shilling cash for markets and tips; cards work in hotels and larger restaurants but not everywhere else.

Tipping and small courtesies

Tipping is appreciated rather than obligatory: around 10 percent in restaurants and a small amount for hotel staff who handle sample bags. If a counterpart or driver helps with logistics beyond the agreed job, a modest thank-you is the norm rather than an inflated gesture.

Photography and community respect

Ask before photographing farms, workers, processing stations or individuals, and follow organiser guidance on photography inside the exhibition halls. If your itinerary includes a farm or cooperative visit around the show dates, check with the host about gifts, dress and whether children should be photographed.

Safety and getting around

Use arranged transfers or ride-hailing after dark, keep valuables out of view in traffic, and agree boda-boda fares before setting off. Keep a copy of your hotel address and the venue name in writing for drivers, and allow extra time on the first morning for security screening at the entrance.