Officially known as the Republic of Uganda, Uganda is an East African country landlocked by the nations of Kenya, South Sudan, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania. A major producer of coffee, the country sports the climatic and geographical conditions to sustain both the Robusta and Arabica varieties. Known as the 8th largest coffee growing country in the world. While modern coffee production in Uganda was developed by the British, this has been reclaimed by with help of the established Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). Thus, there is a huge investment in coffee farming, production and export. While Robusta dominates the Uganda coffee market, we will be shining the spotlight on the rising trend of Uganda Arabica coffee varieties and processes.
Uganda Coffee Farming
Coffee is a vital part of their export crops and has a significant contribution on their export earnings. Due to their high caffeine content and bold flavours Robusta is their main export contributing up to 80 – 85% of their global coffee export and production. Arabica, on the other hand, makes up to only 15 – 20% of Uganda coffee production and export. Their unique geography allows for robusta cultivation in lower altitude areas such as Lake Victoria which Uganda shares with Tanzania and Kenya while Arabica cultivation thrives on higher altitudes such as the slopes of Mount Elgon which Uganda shares with Kenya.
Uganda grows multiple varieties of both robusta and arabica coffee beans. Robusta varieties include the Nganda and Erecta. These coffees are known for their high caffeine content, low acidity, and distinctive bold flavours, with taste notes of caramel, chocolate, spice, with nutty and fruity hints.
Arabica coffee varieties include Typica, Kent, SL-14 and SL-28. SL-28 was taken from Kenya and thrived in the Ugandan slopes. Uganda Arabica coffee is known for its diverse and complex flavour profiles, often described as having notes of dried fruit, chocolate, spice, and citrus. The acidity and body can vary, but are generally low to medium, with a citrus aftertaste.
Coffee Growing Regions in Uganda
Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon is an extinct shield volcano on the border of Uganda and Kenya It has two of the central growing regions – Bugisu and Kapchorwa. Bugisu grown near Sipi Falls on the western slopes of Mt. Elgon is in high demand for its winey and fruity tasting notes. It’s distinguished by its clean flavour and distinctive aroma.
Rwenzori Mountains
Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, these mountains are so tall they’ve earned the nickname “Mountains of the Moon.” Arabica and Robusta grow well here because of the diverse terrain; the rich volcanic soil and abundant rainfall enhancing the beans flavour complexity.
Mount Muhabura
The southwest region (Kisoro) specializes in Arabica production. The high elevations of this inactive volcano, reaching 4127 M.A.S.L, are particularly suited to this variety. It also hosts Kigezi Coffee, the only Ugandan coffee that helps to reduce poaching, (especially of endangered mountain gorillas).
Uganda Exclusive coffees
The rising star of the coffee world, Uganda Arabica coffees are underrated. And the exclusive and experimental coffees?... Practically unheard of. Flava Coffee with our Q Grader Singgih Wibawa has unveiled three Uganda Exclusive coffees as part of our Exquisite Collection. These Uganda Single Origins were sourced from farms situated on the slopes of Mount Elgon and processed with experimental processes like Anaerobic Honey, Anaerobic Natural and Natural Extended. These coffees have sweet, juicy and fruity notes, with hints of floral notes, giving you a very refreshing coffee experience.
Future of Uganda Coffee
In May 2025, Uganda exported over 47,600 tonnes of coffee, surpassing Ethiopia’s over 43,400 tonnes and becoming the top coffee exporter in Africa. Italy is the top importer with 39% along with the rest of Europe with 67%, while the rest is split between home markets in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world. Robusta lays claim to most of these exports’ percentages, but Arabica is increasing in popularity.
