Uganda Kalingwe AA

Arabica coffee has been grown in the Rwenzori region of Uganda for as long as anyone can remember, and the conditions of high rainfall, altitude from 1300 to over 2000 masl, and rich volcanic soils are perfect for the production of top quality speciality arabica coffee. Practically all coffee is grown by smallholder farmers. The typical size of plot is between 1 and 2 acres. The main varietals are SL28 and SL14, but with a range of other older varietals which contribute to the rich complexity of the coffee produced.

In the past, coffee from this area has not had a good reputation. Poor harvesting and processing and long delays in processing and shipping resulted in an inconsistent, unreliable and low grade product.

Agri Evolve is committed to turning that around, and since 2016 they have seen a significant improvement. Motivating the farmers to harvest only red cherries by paying top price for the very best cherries is where it starts, and then careful processing and adhering to the highest standards, together with training and support for the farmers results in a high quality product. Rwenzori coffee is typically bright, fruity, clean and complex which regularly scores 85 and above and this offering from Kalingwe is one of the best of the 2023 arrivals.

We’re delighted to be bringing in this latest harvest from Uganda.

Uganda is known as ‘the Pearl of Africa’ due to its spectacular landscapes and abundant wildlife. It's also one of the few countries in the world where coffee grows natively, with indigenous robusta trees still growing around Lake Victoria.

Robusta coffee was first domesticated by the Baganda people who used it for cultural and medicinal purposes. The British colonial government established large estates for robusta cultivation in the early 20th century, and also introduced robusta's higher-quality but fragile cousin Arabica to the country.

When many of the large estates collapsed in the 1920s due to falling prices and the fallout from World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic, smallholder farmers took over and remain the backbone of Uganda's coffee industry.

Today robusta coffee continues to play a crucial role in Uganda's economy, although high-grown Arabica is increasingly important and sought-after by roasters.

Did you know?

• High altitudes and cool temperatures make the Rwenzoris ideal for growing Arabica coffee, while the myriad microclimates and prevalence of shade-growing lead to healthier plants and more complex coffees.
• The Kibale Wild Coffee Project was an initiative around the millennium to commercialise the park's native-growing robusta by providing employment to inhabitants and incentivising conservation practices. However it transpired that there wasn't enough interest in premium robusta coffee at the time and the project was subsequently shelved.
• The Rwenzori Mountains are among the leading contenders for title of 'Mountains of the Moon', thought by Ptolemy and other ancient geographers to be the source of the Nile. Unfortunately the glaciated peaks that give the Rwenzoris their moon-like appearance are in retreat due to the global impacts of climate change.

Our speciality coffees are 100% traceable and ethically sourced. We work direct with farmers, or through trusted partners, to bring you the best coffee from around the world.

Sourced in partnership with: AgriEvolve
Producer relationship length: Since 2022