Uganda Coffee: Growing Regions, Production, and Best Brands

Ugandan coffee is grown in Uganda, which is the world's sixth-largest coffee producer and Africa's leading exporter. Uganda grows mainly Robusta (85%) and Arabica (15%) coffee, with key varieties including Nganda, Erecta, Typica, SL14, SL28, Kent, and Bugishu. Coffee in Uganda is grown mainly in regions like Buganda, Rwenzori, Bugisu, and Sebei, with Robusta thriving in lowlands and Arabica in high-altitude areas like Mount Elgon and the Rwenzoris. In 2024, Uganda produced 6.85 million 60-kg bags of coffee.

Coffee in Uganda is produced through nursery cultivation, hand-harvesting, and dry or wet processing, but farmers face challenges like climate change, poor infrastructure, rising costs, and restrictive EU and U.S. trade policies. The best Ugandan coffee brands—Colipse Coffee, Gorilla Highlands, Sasa Coffee, and Nucafe—offer specialty-grade beans known for rich, earthy Robusta and bright, fruity Arabica from high-altitude regions.

What is Ugandan Coffee?

Ugandan coffee refers to coffee beans grown in Uganda, the sixth-largest producer of coffee in the world and Africa’s top exporter. Ugandan coffee contributes 20–30% of Uganda’s export earnings and generates over $900 USD million annually. The main types of coffee beans in Uganda are Robusta (Coffea canephora) and Arabica (Coffea arabica). Robusta thrives in lower altitudes while Arabica is grown in mountainous regions above 1300 meters. Uganda also recently developed pest-resistant coffee varieties.

Ugandan coffee is known for fruity, wine-like Arabica and bold, nutty Robusta, shaped by sun-drying and sustainable farming. About 29% to 32% of all Uganda coffee is classified as specialty coffee, according to recent data from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority. Uganda specialty coffee standards use grading based on screen size, defect tolerance, moisture (max 12%), and cup quality. Coffee must score over 80% with under 3 defects per 300g, showing good flavor, acidity, and aroma. Grades like AA, A+, and PB reflect size and defect level. Beans must be clean and solid, especially washed Arabica from Bugisu.

What Does Ugandan Coffee Taste Like?

Ugandan coffee tastes rich and complex, featuring fruity, wine-like acidity and medium body for Arabica, with robust, earthy, and bold flavors for Robusta. The Uganda coffee flavor profile includes caramel, spicy, herby, nutty, tropical fruit, dried fruit, and chocolate notes. Its cupping notes are chocolatey, spicy, caramel, tropical fruit, dried fruit, and citrus with a mild to medium body.

What are the Different Types of Coffee Beans Grown in Uganda?

The different types of coffee grown in Uganda are primarily Robusta and Arabica. Robusta coffee in Uganda makes up 85% of production, while Arabica accounts for 15%, based on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2024/25 data. The most common Ugandan Robusta is Nganda, while the main Arabica varieties are Kent, Typica, SL-14, and SL-28. The seven different types of Ugandan coffee are listed below.

1. Nganda
2. Erecta
3. Typica
4. SL14
5. SL28
6. Kent
7. Bugishu

1. Nganda Coffee

Nganda coffee is a resilient Robusta sub-variety from Uganda known for its earthy, nutty flavor. Nganda coffee developed naturally and has been cultivated for centuries near the Kigimba forest at 3,900 feet elevation. It thrives in Uganda’s lush, shaded, and rain-rich environments. Nganda coffee is mostly produced in Uganda’s central and western regions. Uganda produces large amounts of Nganda coffee as part of its Robusta output, strengthening its global position as a top Robusta producer.

2. Erecta Coffee

Erecta coffee is a rare Robusta sub-variety known for tall, upright growth and a distinct Ugandan flavor profile. Erecta was developed from indigenous coffee and introduced germplasm in the early 1900s, with formal development intensifying from 1910 to 1916. Erecta thrives in Uganda’s humid tropical climate and rich soils, especially in southern-central regions like Malabigambo, Mabira, and Kalangala. Erecta’s productivity, resistance, and traits support Uganda’s coffee heritage and biodiversity conservation.

3. Typica Coffee

Typica coffee is a pure Arabica variety known as the mother of most famous coffee species. Typica developed from wild coffee in southwestern Ethiopia and spread to Yemen in the 15th–16th centuries. The distinct Typica variety was established by 1706 after seeds reached Java and then Europe. In Uganda, Typica grows best in high-altitude volcanic soils, mainly around Mount Elgon. Uganda produces a small quantity of Typica coffee, mostly on smallholder farms. Typica yield in Uganda is low but valued for fine quality and distinctive flavor.

4. SL14 Coffee

SL14 coffee is a drought-resistant Arabica variety selected in the 1930s, known for thriving at medium-high altitudes and offering a decent cup profile. SL14 coffee was developed at Scott Agricultural Laboratories in Kenya between 1933 and 1936. In Uganda, SL14 grows best at medium to high altitudes with sufficient rainfall, mainly in Mount Elgon and Rwenzori regions. Uganda produces significant amounts of SL14 coffee, though exact volumes vary. SL14 is genetically linked to Typica and valued for resilience and yield in Uganda and Kenya.

5. SL28 Coffee

SL28 coffee is a specialty Arabica variety developed in Kenya for drought resistance and superior flavor by Scott Agricultural Laboratories. SL28 was developed in Kenya in the 1930s, selected in 1935 from a drought-resistant Tanganyika population. In Uganda, SL28 grows best in high-altitude areas with good rainfall and well-drained soils. Most SL28 coffee in Uganda is grown in high-altitude regions like the southwest. Uganda’s SL28 production remains modest compared to Kenya but continues to rise as farmers adopt it for quality and resilience.

6. Kent Coffee

Kent coffee is a Typica mutation named after a planter at Kent Estate in India. Kent coffee was developed in India in the 1920s. In Uganda, Kent coffee grows best in high-altitude, cool, well-drained volcanic soils. Kent coffee is mostly produced in Uganda’s Bugisu region.

7. Bugishu Coffee

Bugishu coffee is a washed Arabica known for rich, complex flavors and fruity, wine-like notes. Bugishu coffee was developed in the Bugisu region on Mount Elgon’s western slopes in Eastern Uganda. Bugishu coffee was introduced by British colonialists around 1912. Bugishu coffee grows best at altitudes up to 2,300 meters with temperate climate and dense forest shade. Most Bugishu coffee comes from districts around Mount Elgon, especially Kapchorwa, Bulambuli, and Kween. Uganda produces large volumes mainly from smallholder farms under 2.5 hectares, with annual production in thousands of tons.

Where is Coffee Grown in Uganda?

Coffee in Uganda is primarily grown in the Central, Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southwestern regions, which together produce about 95% of the country's coffee. Buganda is the leading coffee-producing region, accounting for nearly half of Uganda's total output. Notable sub-regions include Bugisu, Sebei, and the slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda; the Rwenzori Mountains in the West; and areas like Kapchorwa, Mukono, Kampala, Lira, Gulu, Zombo, and Kisoro. Robusta coffee thrives at lower altitudes around Lake Victoria, while Arabica is cultivated at higher elevations in regions such as Mount Elgon and Rwenzori.

What are the Coffee Producing Regions in Uganda?

The top nine coffee growing regions in Uganda are listed below.

1. Buganda
2. Rwenzori
3. Bugisu
4. Busoga
5. Ankole
6. Kigezi
7. West Nile
8. Sebei
9. Lango

1. Buganda

Buganda coffee region lies in the Buganda kingdom in south-central Uganda near Lake Victoria. Buganda borders Lake Victoria to the south, the Nile River to the east, Lake Kyoga to the north, and River Kafu to the northwest. Buganda produces about 147,000 metric tons of coffee annually, nearly half of Uganda’s total. Approximately 500,000 smallholder coffee farms operate in Buganda. Popular coffee producers/cooperatives in Buganda include the Uganda Coffee Farmers Alliance and Kyalugondo Farmers’ Cooperative.

2. Rwenzori

The Rwenzori coffee growing region in Uganda spans the mountainous western border near the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwenzori is located in western Uganda, encompassing districts like Kasese and Kabarole. Approximately 126,000 kg of green coffee is produced annually in Rwenzori. Arabica coffee is mostly produced in Rwenzori, known for its floral and fruity notes. Around 45,000 coffee farms are located in Rwenzori. Popular coffee producers/cooperatives in Rwenzori include Bukonzo Organic Cooperatives Union and Rwenzori Farmers Cooperative Union.

3. Bugisu

The Bugisu coffee growing region in Uganda is a high-altitude area renowned for producing specialty Arabica coffee with winey, fruity flavors. Bugisu is located in Eastern Uganda, on the western slopes of Mount Elgon near the Kenyan border. Bugisu produces approximately 10% of Uganda’s coffee, around 600,000 60-kg bags annually. Arabica beans, particularly varieties like SL14 and Nyasaland, are mostly produced in Bugisu. About 300,000 smallholder coffee farms are located in Bugisu. These farms collectively cover roughly 30,000 hectares. Popular coffee producers and cooperatives in Bugisu include Bugisu Co-operative Union and Nasaaga Coffee.

4. Busoga

The Busoga coffee growing region in Uganda is a key agricultural area known for its Robusta coffee production. Busoga is located in southeastern Uganda, bordering Lake Victoria and the Nile River. In 2018/19, Busoga produced 672,281 60-kg bags of coffee. Robusta coffee beans are predominantly grown in Busoga due to its lower-altitude terrain. Approximately 150,000 coffee farms operate in Busoga. These farms cover around 40,000 hectares of land. Notable cooperatives in Busoga include the Busoga Growers Cooperative Union and Jinja Multipurpose Cooperative.

5. Ankole

The Ankole coffee region in South-Western Uganda is a key agricultural area known for high-quality coffee. Ankole includes Bushenyi, Sheema, and Mbarara districts. The region mainly produces Arabica beans. Ankole produces about 300,000 60-kg bags annually, contributing significantly to Uganda’s coffee output. The Ankole Coffee Producers Cooperative Union (ACPCU) is the region’s most popular cooperative. Around 50,000 coffee farms operate in Ankole. These farms cover about 10,000 hectares, mainly smallholder plots.

6. Kigezi

The Kigezi coffee growing region in Uganda is a highland area known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee. Kigezi is located in South-Western Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The region primarily produces Arabica coffee beans, valued for their bright, fruity flavors. Kigezi produced approximately 285,576 60-kg bags of coffee in 2018/19. Most popular coffee producers and cooperatives in Kigezi include Kigezi Coffee Farmers Cooperative and Kigezi Highland Coffee. An estimated 50,000 coffee farms operate in Kigezi. These farms collectively cover about 12,000 hectares of land.

7. West Nile

The West Nile coffee growing region in Uganda is a key area for high-quality Arabica production, known for its citrusy, washed-processed coffees. West Nile is located in northwestern Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Approximately 6,000 smallholder coffee farms operate in West Nile, covering about 3,000 hectares. Arabica coffee beans are mostly produced in West Nile, especially varieties like SL14 and Catimor. West Nile produces about 2,000 metric tons of coffee annually. Popular coffee producers and cooperatives in West Nile include the Nebbi White Nile Mill and Kyagalanyi Coffee.

8. Sebei

The Sebei coffee growing region in Uganda is a high-altitude area on the slopes of Mount Elgon, renowned for producing high-quality Arabica coffee. Sebei is located in eastern Uganda, bordering Kenya, centered around the Kapchorwa, Kween, and Bulambuli districts. Approximately 10,000 smallholder coffee farms are located in Sebei, mostly family-run. These farms collectively cover about 5,000 hectares of land. Arabica coffee beans are predominantly produced in Sebei, known for their fruity and wine-like flavors. Sebei produces around 15,000 metric tons of coffee annually. Popular coffee producers and cooperatives in Sebei include the Sipi Falls Coffee Cooperative and Kapchorwa Coffee Farmers’ Cooperative.

9. Lango

The Lango coffee growing region in Uganda is a non-traditional coffee-producing area in the northern part of the country, increasingly promoted for commercial agriculture. Lango is located in northern Uganda, encompassing nine districts including Lira, Otuke, and Alebtong. Over 100 coffee farms are located in Lango, covering approximately 200 hectares. Robusta coffee beans, primarily Nganda and Erecta varieties, are mostly produced in Lango. Total coffee production in Lango is modest, with no specific figures reported by the Uganda Coffee Development Authority. Notable coffee cooperatives in Lango include the Lango Coffee Farmers Cooperative.

How Much Coffee Does Uganda Produce?

Uganda produced 3.9% of the world's coffee in 2024, generating 2.22 billion USD, according to USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Arabica coffee contributed 20% of the revenue, while Robusta accounted for 80%. Uganda ranks as the eighth-largest coffee producer, a leading Robusta producer, and a significant exporter of green coffee. According to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Uganda exported 6.35 million bags of coffee in 2024, earning $2.22 billion. The European Union and the United States were the top importers of Ugandan coffee, followed by Morocco, China, and Japan. The world’s second-largest coffee exporter after Brazil is Vietnam.

Uganda produced 6.85 million 60-kg coffee bags in the 2023/2024 harvest, according to USDA. Coffee production in Uganda rose 67% from 2001 to 2020 due to improved agricultural practices. Uganda leads in coffee production due to favorable climate, fertile soil, and farmer training programs. Uganda emphasizes sustainable farming, manual harvesting, and improved processing to ensure quality production and support smallholder farmers. Central Region, Uganda’s top coffee-producing area, produced 3.35 million 60-kg bags in 2024, according to UCDA. Kaweri Coffee Plantation, located in Mubende District, is Uganda’s largest coffee farm. Uganda’s coffee industry employs 1.8 million households, mostly in rural areas.

How Much Coffee Does Uganda Export?

Uganda exported 6.13 million 60-kg coffee bags in 2023/2024, earning $1.14 billion, a 6.33% increase in quantity and 35% in value from the previous year. In May 2025, exports hit 793,445 bags, worth $243.95 million. The top coffee exporting companies include Ugacof (16.44%), Export Trading Company (8.68%), Ideal Quality Commodities (8.66%), Kyagalanyi Coffee, Kawacom, Olam Uganda, Touton Uganda, Louis Dreyfus, Ibero, and Besmark Coffee Company.

How is Coffee Produced in Uganda?

Coffee production in Uganda includes cultivation, harvesting, drying, and wet or dry processing methods. Coffee production begins by planting seeds in nurseries and transplanting them to fields. Coffee trees require proper altitude, climate, and soil to thrive. Uganda’s tropical climate and fertile soils make it ideal for coffee cultivation. Clonal coffee, grown from cuttings, is expanding in Uganda for its disease resistance and uniform Robusta quality.

In Uganda, Arabica harvest season vary by region, Mount Elgon peaks October to February, with a flycrop May to July; Western Uganda peaks April to July, with a flycrop October to January. Robusta harvests in Central and Eastern Uganda run November to February, with a flycrop May to August; Western Uganda peaks May to August. The two main methods are selective hand-picking and strip picking, with selective picking preferred for quality.

After harvesting, coffee cherries are processed to remove pulp and extract beans. Uganda uses three processing methods: dry, semi-washed, and wet. The dry process, which sun-dries whole cherries, is most common for Robusta in Uganda due to climate suitability. The semi-washed process removes skin before drying, producing coffee with a lighter body. The wet process, mainly used in Mount Elgon for Arabica, involves pulping, fermenting, and washing cherries.

What are the Problems Faced by Coffee Farmers in Uganda?

Coffee farmers in Uganda face multiple problems including climate change causing unpredictable weather patterns and pests, limited access to quality inputs like fertilizers and improved seedlings, inadequate infrastructure such as poor roads and storage, volatile global coffee prices, and challenging compliance with EU anti-deforestation rules.

The European Union's anti-deforestation policy requires stringent compliance, including land traceability, which is challenging for many smallholders and risks limiting market access. Additionally, heavy taxes and fears of government monopolization increase financial pressures, threatening farmers' livelihoods amid rising production costs and fluctuating coffee prices. U.S. tariffs impose a 15% levy on Ugandan coffee exports, reducing competitiveness. This tariff squeezes profit margins and limits U.S. market access.

How Much is Coffee in Uganda?

In Uganda, coffee prices vary by type and market level. As of 2025, farmgate prices for green coffee beans range from $0.41 to $0.83 per kg for Robusta cherries and $2.48 to $3.93 per kg for Arabica. Wholesale green coffee bean prices are higher, typically between $6.51 and $17.04 per kg, with Robusta at $5.00 and Arabica at $7.25 per kg projected for 2026. Robusta, comprising 80% of Uganda’s coffee, costs around $2.22–$3.90 per kg at farmgate, while Arabica, grown in high-altitude regions, fetches $8.00–$9.50 per kg for parchment. These prices reflect global market trends and regional harvest variations.

What are the Best Ugandan Coffee Brands?

The best Ugandan coffee brands are top-rated, specialty-grade coffees grown in Uganda or sourced directly from Ugandan producers. The best Ugandan coffee has a full body, low acidity, and rich, earthy flavor. High-altitude Robusta provides creamy texture and chocolatey notes, while premium Arabica from Mount Elgon adds bright acidity, fruity aroma, and floral undertones. The four best coffee brands in Uganda are listed below.

1. Colipse Coffee
2. Gorilla Highlands
3. Sasa Coffee
4. Nucafe

1. Colipse Coffee

Colipse Uganda Sipi Falls Coffee is a medium-dark roast using single-origin Arabica beans from Uganda’s Bugisu region near Mt. Elgon. It features Blue Mountain, Bourbon, and SL28 varietals grown at 1,500–2,500 meters elevation. This is one of the best tasting Ugandan single-origin coffee because its freshly roasted to orderdue to roast-to-order freshness and its celebrated growing region. The coffee uses hand-picked, shade-grown beans, offers competitive pricing, and includes free U.S. shipping with no minimum order.

Taste: Colipse Ugandan coffee offers mild acidity with flavor notes of tangerine zest, cocoa nib, brown sugar, and molasses. It creates a naturally sweet and balanced cup. Its light to full body, earthy aroma, and clean aftertaste make it ideal for espresso, immersion brewing, and filtered brews. The cup shows high complexity, with clear, layered notes ranging from fruity brightness to deep earthiness.

About Colipse Coffee: Colipse Coffee is an independent specialty brand founded in 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It offers roasted-to-order beans and grounds for all brewing methods.

Availability: Colipse Uganda Sipi Falls coffee beans are sold online at www.colipsecoffee.com. It comes in 12 oz, 16 oz, 2 lb, and 5 lb bags, with whole bean and coarse, medium, or fine grind options. Pricing is competitive, starting at $22.99 for a 12 oz bag, with up to 40% off for bulk and subscription orders and free U.S. shipping.

Pros: Various grinds, multiple sizes, bulk discounts.

Cons: Online only.

Recommendation: Colipse Uganda Sipi Falls Coffee Beans suits medium-dark roast lovers seeking berry and plum notes. Ideal for French press and espresso.

2. Gorilla Highlands

Gorilla Highlands is an Ugandan coffee brand producing high-quality Arabica coffee and supporting social initiatives in Uganda’s Virunga Range. Gorilla Highlands coffee is grown by 1,200 farmers in volcanic soil at elevations of 1,900–2,200 meters. The coffee delivers a sweet, vibrant profile with dark chocolate, berry notes, and a full-bodied texture ideal for percolator extraction. Gorilla Highlands uses 100% Arabica beans, including Typica and Bourbon, to ensure specialty-grade quality. A 250g bag of Gorilla Highlands coffee costs $10–$15 and is sold globally online and in select stores, with direct sourcing ensuring fair prices for farmers.

3. Sasa Coffee

Sasa Coffee is an authentic Ugandan brand known for quality and sustainability. Sasa Coffee comes from Uganda’s Mount Elgon or Rwenzori regions and partners with smallholder farmers to produce specialty coffee. Sasa Coffee’s flavor profile includes smooth, medium-bodied notes of stone fruit, berries, and chocolate. Sasa Coffee is available mainly through select global retailers or fair-trade platforms, though pricing remains unclear; similar 250g Ugandan coffee sells for $8–$12.

4. Nucafe

Nucafe is a top Ugandan coffee cooperative supporting over 1.5 million farmers in regions like Mount Elgon, Rwenzori, and Central Uganda. Its coffee offers a versatile flavor, with Arabica showing bright acidity, berry and caramel notes, and Robusta adding earthy, nutty depth. Nucafe produces Arabica (like Bugisu and SL14) and Robusta beans, focusing on fair-trade and organic practices. A 250g bag of Nucafe coffee costs $8–$14 USD and is sold internationally through fair-trade retailers and export channels. Nucafe ranks among Uganda’s top coffee brands due to its scale, quality, and ethical sourcing.

Where to Buy the Best Coffee from Uganda?

You can buy the best coffee from Uganda at Colipse, an online specialty coffee store. Our Uganda Sipi Falls Coffee Beans come from the Bugisu region near Mt. Elgon and are hand-picked and sun-dried. The Uganda coffee beans feature a medium-dark roast with notes of plum, cocoa nib, and tangerine zest. Here at Colipse, we offer whole bean and ground options, with sizes ranging from 12 oz to 5 lb. Orders ship free across the U.S. within 3–5 business days.

How Does Ugandan Coffee Compare to Other Countries?

Ugandan coffee has a strong, winey flavor with hints of chocolate and fruit, often compared to Ethiopian coffee but with deeper body. Unlike Central American coffees, which are typically brighter and more acidic, Ugandan beans offer a fuller mouthfeel. Its robusta is among the best globally for espresso blends.

What are the Facts About Ugandan Coffee?

The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) protects, regulates, and looks after Ugandan coffee. UCDA enforces the Coffee Act and regulations, controls coffee quality, certifies exports, promotes Uganda coffee, supports sustainable farming, and manages farmer registration and traceability systems for the coffee sector.

Uganda has approximately 1.7 million coffee farms. Most of these are small, family-run farms, with 90% under 2.5 hectares. Only a small percentage of Ugandan coffee farms are larger than 10 hectares, though some estates exceed 100 hectares. In Uganda, "shamba" means a farm or plantation. Uganda has a favorable climate, fertile volcanic soils, and ample land for growing coffee. Coffee is grown at 900 to 2,300 meters above sea level, with most at around 1,500 meters.

Historically, the Central region was once Uganda's largest coffee producer, earning the title of "coffee heartland of Uganda." In the 1960s, it accounted for 60% of the country's coffee production. Today, Uganda's coffee farms cover about 6,000 square kilometers and involve around 500,000 producers across 108 districts, according to data from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).