Uganda, situated in East Africa and bordered by DRC, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and South Sudan, has seen significant development in recent decades. Known as the birthplace of Robusta coffee and benefitting from an ideal equatorial climate, Uganda’s fertile soils produce a diverse range of high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffees.

The country’s abundant rains and fertile lands ensure flavorful coffee cherries that enhance blends enjoyed worldwide. Uganda’s competitive domestic market drives efficiency and quality throughout its coffee supply chain.

Geographically diverse, Uganda is famously known as the “Pearl of Africa” offering mist-shrouded volcanic mountains, glacier-capped peaks, hot springs, deserts, and fertile hills. With over 500 forest reserves and numerous national parks and game reserves, Uganda provides a sanctuary for unique wildlife, including primates like chimpanzees and the rare mountain gorilla, and hosts over 1,000 bird species.

Uganda boasts a rich coffee heritage dating back over a century and ranks 2nd in Africa and 8th globally in coffee production. It leads Africa in organic coffee exports and is recognized as the birthplace of Robusta coffee, complementing Ethiopia’s distinction as the source of Arabica.

Since the 1970s, coffee has been Uganda’s largest foreign exchange earner, driven by small-scale producers. Robusta coffee comprises 85% of Uganda’s output, with Arabica making up the remaining 15%. Approximately 1.8 million households, a quarter of Uganda’s population, depend on coffee farming for their livelihoods. Beyond coffee, Uganda exports cotton, fish, tea, tobacco, maize, beans, and sesame.

• Varieties: Arabica, Robusta
• Production: tbc
• Export: tbc
• Marketing system: Direct sales
• Harvest season: October-February (main), August (fly crop)
• Port of shipment: Mombasa, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Export destinations: tbc