Uganda Coffee: The Best Local Roasters
We may be biased, but Uganda coffee is some of the best coffee in the world.
If you’re looking for great coffee for yourself or as souvenir gifts, check out our favorite coffee roasters in Uganda.
Coffee In Uganda
In 2019, Uganda was the eighth largest coffee producer in the world. The tropical climate, rich soils, and varying altitudes are perfect for growing coffee.
Robusta coffee is native to Uganda and dominates much of the production and exports. Since the mid-1970s though, Arabica coffee production has steadily grown in Uganda.
Despite the availability of high-quality coffee, many Ugandans do not drink it. We hope that sharing our love of Uganda coffee will inspire domestic and international appreciation for this delicious crop.
Here are some of our favorite local Uganda coffee brands.
Uganda Coffee Brands
Given the excellent growing conditions, there are many people roasting coffee on small and large scales in Uganda. Check out our favorite local roasters that we’ve tried and love.
1. Ribbo Coffee
Ribbo Coffee is a product of Anyadwe Foods. Available in both medium and dark roasts, their Signature Blend is 70% Arabica and 30% Robusta from the Kapchorwa and Masaka regions of Uganda.
If you’re looking for a present for your favorite coffee lover, Ribbo Coffee also makes a wonderful Holiday Blend and gift packs for delivery.
Cost
Where To Buy
2. Chariots Coffees
Chariots Coffees is a specialty coffee company. Not only do they make delicious, high-quality coffee, but they also have a barista academy and sell coffee accessories. You can sign up for one of their workshops and leave with all of the knowledge and tools to make your kitchen your new favorite coffee shop!
There are three blends that Chariots Coffee has expertly blended:
- Sipi Specialty Blend. Pure Arabica, Sipi Specialty is a sweet and fragrant, medium roast with floral and chocolate notes. Loved by people who prefer American-style coffee.
- Pearl of Africa Roast. 50 Arabica and 50 Robusta, the Peal of Africa is a spicy and floral blend with very mild acidity. It has a bold and elegant body with notes of wild honey sweetness. Loved by people who prefer a European-style coffee.
- Equator Blend. Pure Robusta, Equator has complex flavors with mild acidity. It has a bold body, honey sweetness, and a citrus finish. Loved by those who prefer strong coffee, especially those who like an Italian-style coffee.
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Where To Buy
3. The Gold Pearl Coffee
Sourced from Mt. Elgon and Nakaseke, The Gold Pearl Coffee showcases the best of the pearl of Africa.
The Gold Pearl Coffee is a women-driven coffee company. They have Arabica and Robusta coffee in medium and dark roasts. Upon opening the bag, the aroma alone will make you a fan.
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Where To Buy
4. Sipi Hills Coffee
Sipi Hills Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster using 100% Arabica beans. Although their name suggests their beans come from the Sipi area of Uganda, Sipi Hills Coffee creates blends to showcase not only the distinctive taste, but rich diversity of Uganda. Their single-origin coffee beans come from the Mt. Elgon, Mt. Muhabura, Mt. Rwenzori, and Paidha areas of the country.
There are six blends that Sipi Hills Coffee has expertly blended in both medium and dark roasts:
- Sipi Single Origin. This blend produces a clean cup that is flowery, chocolatey, citric, and creamy.
- Bududa Single Origin. A creamy, dark chocolate blend with a deep finish.
- Bulambuli Single Origin. A spiced, sweet vanilla and creamy.
- Elgon Sunrise Blend. Well balanced coffee with a rich body, flowery and good acidity.
- Sunbird Blend. Another well balanced, rich body coffee with flowery taste and mild acidity.
- Peaberry Blend. Uniquely spiced with a sweet, chocolate taste, medium acidity, good body, and flowery finish.
Cost
250g bag ranges from 13,000 UGX to 22,000 UGX depending on flavor blend
Where To Buy
5. Great Lakes Coffee Roastery
Great Lakes Coffee has been in the coffee business for three generations, first in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and now Uganda. In addition to roasting and exporting coffee beans, Great Lakes Coffee sells equipment and accessories to make the perfect cup….or three of coffee. They also sell products like flavored syrups, mixes, and coffee capsules to take your coffee game to the next level.
They have a number of coffee blends that are made in their roastery, including the House Blend, Championship Blend, Full City Blend, and Espresso Blend. Keep an eye out for their seasonal and limited edition coffee blends too.
If none of these suit your taste, you can also work with the roasting lab to create your own private label coffee brand!
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Where To Buy
6. Gorilla Conservation Coffee
If you’re looking for great-tasting coffee that also supports a good cause, you’ll have to pick up a bag of Gorilla Conservation Coffee.
This coffee comes out of the southwestern region of Uganda. Gorilla Conservation Coffee supports the work of the organization Conservation Through Public Health by giving farmers in Bwindi a market and training for their coffee. This income helps prevent the farmers from entering Bwindi Forest illegally to hunt, thus protecting gorillas from disease and possible accidental ensnarement.
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Where To Buy
Coffee Accessories in Uganda
The amazing Ugandan coffee you’ve now acquired is of no use unless you can brew it. While there are a few places that you can purchase a french press or other coffee makers in Uganda, it can be quite expensive.
Here are some of our favorite coffee accessories we keep at home or in our bag while traveling:
At Home
On The Go
At Home and On The Go
Where Else to Enjoy Uganda Coffee
If you’re looking to take your love and interest in Uganda coffee to the next level, you can either head to the nearest coffee shop or go direct to the source.
Our favorite places to enjoy coffee, especially in Kampala, are Endiro, Wild Coffee Bar, and Coffee Culture.
We also love heading to the Mt. Elgon region in Eastern Uganda, which is home to many different coffee growers. Many of our favorite local roasters have opportunities to tour their farms and cooperatives. You can also make plans to hike and enjoy the scenery while enjoying your self-roasted coffee beans.
The Wrap-Up: Uganda Coffee
There is no shortage of Uganda coffee. While we can’t possibly choose one favorite, we hope this guide to the best local roasters can help you find your perfect blend.