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In the spotlight

A personal message to Kaweri:
More than just ‘the case’!

In the spotlight

A personal message to Kaweri: More than just ‘the case’!

Since its establishment, NKG’s Kaweri Coffee Plantation in Uganda has frequently been in the spotlight of the international media, particularly in relation to allegations of land grabbing and forced eviction (see info box). This entrenched, one-sided and negative reporting does not do the farm justice in the slightest.

As PR and Communications Manager, I have been involved with the Kaweri case since my first day at NKG as all critical media inquiries on the topic come on my desk. There have been quite a few over the years. From the outset, I have always aimed to answer every enquiry and give every journalist the opportunity to form their own opinion of the events since 2001. Unfortunately, all too often I found that the press had no interest in this. Last year, we gave a journalist access to all the Kaweri documents we have and even invited her to the farm. In the end, however, she only used the information in her report that fitted the story she wanted to tell and simply left out the rest. And the story was that of the evil German company that had plunged all the people around Kaweri into misery with its farm. As is so often the case, no differentiated aspects were included in the reporting. In the Kaweri case, we can also see how damaging the current trend in journalism is to pack the whole story into a catchy headline and introductory text, as many readers often don’t read more than that on social media, for example. Incidentally, this also worries me outside of this topic, as the world is not black and white, even if that would be more convenient for some people. What really angers me in this case, though, is that these publications repeatedly discredit the fantastic work of our colleagues at Kaweri with regard to social, economic, environmental and agronomic factors.

"The issues around Kaweri do not take place in Uganda, here, the Farm is welcome everywhere as a constructive and active member of the community and civil society, to which it has brought noticeable progress and much support over the years. The “problem” seems to have been created here in some consuming markets. Doesn’t that make you think?"


David M. Neumann, NKG Group CEO

Kaweri Coffee Plantation is Uganda’s first and only large-scale commercial coffee farm and a major employer in the Mubende region. The farm preserves 650 hectares of highland rainforest, which is 24 % of their total area, as a wildlife sanctuary for species such as monkeys, wild cats and antelopes. Biological corridors support animal movement and approximately one quarter of the plantation is protected from farming.

Wages are negotiated with the trade union as part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The CBA includes flexible working hours for nursing mothers, 24 days of annual leave instead of the 21 days provided by law, meal benefits and other services. In acknowledgment of this achievement, Kaweri has been invited to participate in International Labour Organization (ILO) knowledge-sharing sessions to present its negotiation approach and outcomes to other organizations.

In addition to its primary operations, Kaweri demonstrates a commitment to community support. They operate an on-site medical facility providing essential first-line healthcare services for employees and their families. Furthermore, Kaweri has installed nine boreholes to deliver clean water to nearby villages and constructed a primary school in Kitemba Village, currently accommodating 690 students.

These are also stories about Kaweri and there is much more to tell. Unfortunately, they are rarely listened to. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to remind us that Kaweri is definitely more than just a “case”. It’s an innovative farm with great ideas for nursery practices and sustainable agriculture, and a huge passion for high-quality washed robusta. Not to mention the great, committed team that gives its all every day, despite the many challenges and difficult conditions. You have my utmost respect, and I hope that one day, other stories about Kaweri will be told.

Kaweri's Agronomy Concept

If you would like to find out more about Kaweri’s Agronomy Concept, you are welcome to watch this video in which our colleagues present their work on the ground.

About the Kaweri Case

In 2000, Neumann Kaffee Gruppe (NKG) leased land from the Ugandan Government to establish the Kaweri Coffee Plantation, under the assurance that the land was free of claims. However, since operations began, Kaweri has faced ongoing accusations of land grabbing and displacement. Before NKG’s involvement, the land was privately owned, but during the owner’s absence under Idi Amin’s regime, up to 2,500 people settled there. Most were later relocated and compensated by the Ugandan Government, without NKG’s involvement. About 25 families refused to leave and were cleared by the government without NKG’s involvement. Legal proceedings over these events are still ongoing, with claims of uncompensated displacement and further land issues. NKG continues to face criticism and a media campaign led by the NGO FIAN.

For more information please see NKG in Uganda – the case “Kaweri” in our INSIDE NKG HUB, Press & Newsroom – Neumann Kaffee Gruppe (NKG) on our website or get in touch with me via Email or Teams, I’m always open for your questions or concerns!

One Response

  1. Very interesting place to visit. After this brief presentation + what I´ve heard about the plantation itself, I will plan to visit the NKG Kaweri Farm very soon! Thank you!

    Reply

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Coffee Plaza • Am Sandtorpark 4
20457 Hamburg • Germany 

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PRIVACY POLICY

Neumann Gruppe GmbH
Coffee Plaza
Am Sandtorpark 4
20457 Hamburg • Germany