Raphael Wafoyo
Uganda
Uganda Coffee Development Authority
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Besides conducting preshipment inspections for export coffees as a Quality Assurance Office with the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), I’m an accomplished and certified Q-Arabica and Q-Robusta Grader. I’m the current National Coffee Cup Tasters Champion. I have a food science and technology background, having previously worked with a roastery, and later a green coffee procurement and export company (Volcafe Uganda). It is a true testament to the ardent passion I’ve developed towards quality in the coffee industry.
How did you get started in coffee?:
At the end of my sophomore year (2nd year) at university while pursuing a bachelors in Food Science & Technology, it was required of us to get internship placements for industrial training. I applied for an internship in the quality and regulatory department of Uganda Coffee Development Authority, and was selected. That pretty much kick-started my journey in coffee.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Uganda National Coffee Cup Tasters Championship 2019 – Winner
Uganda National Coffee Essay & Quiz Competition 2012 – Winner
Uganda National Coffee Essay & Quiz Competition 2011- 2nd Runner Up
What are you excited to do in Berlin?:
Besides showcasing my cup-tasting skills alongside formidable opponents on the world stage, I’d love to interact with coffee traders, buyers, and roasters to borrow an idea or two from their entrepreneurial skills and success stories.
What is your favourite coffee to cup?:
A medium dark roasted, fully washed Ugandan arabica (Sipi Falls), from the Mt. Elgon highland region in Eastern Uganda.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I do part time quality assurance consultancy for a small scale rural maize milling enterprises in Uganda. I also have a passion for writing.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
As a private consultant in coffee quality matters at various stages of the value chain, both locally and hopefully internationally.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCTC?:
Yes I’d like to thank my workmate Ms Clare Rwakatogoro, for continued patronage, guidance, and molding of my cupping skills.
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