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Is Ugandan Coffee Delicious? Flavor Characteristics of Ugandan Coffee & Price of Ugandan Coffee Beans

Published: 2026-01-27 Author: FrontStreet Coffee

Last Updated: 2026/01/27, Professional coffee knowledge exchange For more coffee bean information Please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account cafe_style) Ugandan coffee beans Although not well-known in China, they have already gained some recognition internationally. In the past, Ugandan coffee was dominated by Robusta beans. In recent years, to increase coffee export income, the Ugandan government began to support coffee farmers in cultivating and growing A

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style)

Introduction to Ugandan Coffee

Ugandan coffee beans have always been relatively unknown in China, but they have already gained some international recognition. In the past, Ugandan coffee was dominated by Robusta beans. In recent years, to increase coffee export income, the Ugandan government has begun supporting farmers in cultivating Arabica coffee varieties. They have also introduced the concept of specialty coffee from abroad and re-planned harvesting and processing methods. Although Ugandan coffee beans are still mainly processed using natural methods, they have achieved considerable success.

Geography and Climate

Uganda is located in the East African Rift Valley region, situated in the heart of East Africa and crossing the equator. It borders North and South Sudan to the north, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Tanzania and Rwanda to the south, and Kenya to the east.

The entire country sits on a plateau with an average elevation of 900 meters. Within its borders, there are high mountains and deep valleys, with peaks in the west reaching 5,120 meters that remain snow-covered year-round. Mount Elgon on the eastern border has an elevation of 4,322 meters.

Most of the southern region has an elevation of only 1,524 meters, while the northern region has an elevation of only 610 meters. The northeast features hot, dry deserts, the west has abundant rainfall and forested areas, and the east boasts vast plains.

Uganda has many rivers and lakes, with lakes covering a total area of 35,436 square kilometers nationwide. The average temperature ranges between 15.6 to 26.7 degrees Celsius, with abundant rainfall and an average annual precipitation exceeding 1,000 millimeters.

Agriculture and Coffee Production

With abundant water sources and fertile soil, 82% of Uganda's population (as of 1999) depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture follows a smallholder system, with coffee being one of the main crops. In 2000, coffee exports accounted for 43% of the country's total exports.

Coffee Varieties and Growing Regions

Uganda's suitable climate makes it one of the world's main production areas for Robusta varieties. Some experts believe Uganda is the birthplace of Robusta coffee. In Ugandan coffee production, Arabica varieties account for only about 10% of total production.

The premium coffee-growing regions are mainly the Mount Elgon area on the northern border, the Bugisu mountain region, and the Ruwenzori mountains in the west. The coffee harvest period is from October to March of the following year.

Uganda's coffee grading system is similar to Kenya's, with AA being the highest grade.

White Nile Organic Washed

Varieties: Catimor (30%), SL14 (70%)

Elevation: 1,450m ~ 1,800m

Region: White Nile area, northern Uganda

Processing: Slow-drying washed method

Certification: Organic certification

USDA organic green bean certification number: 106-3216-00014

This batch of organic coffee comes from the high-altitude White Nile region of northern Uganda. The processing method involves washing and screening out floating unripe beans, followed by one hour of washing and depulping. The beans are then moved to raised beds for two weeks of sun-drying, after which they are spin-dried using a centrifuge for 36-48 hours until reaching the target moisture content. The White Nile processing plant also uses volcanic rocks to recycle wastewater generated during the washing process.

Uganda, which gained independence in 1962, is a country in North Africa lacking agricultural land, with many mountains and lakes within its borders. Most people live in southern Uganda, while the Nile River basin in northern Uganda has a humid and warm climate. Uganda's natural environment features fertile soil and stable rainfall. 80% of Uganda's employed population are farmers, and coffee is the third largest export agricultural product after cotton and tea.

Flavor Profile

Reference flavors: Raisin, spices, chocolate, European pear, excellent body, long-lasting sweetness

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