Uganda is one of Africa’s leading coffee producers and exporters. Best known for Robusta, it is also home to distinctive Arabica grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Elgon on the border with Kenya.
Key takeaways
- Robusta makes up most of Uganda’s production and is native to the country’s forests.
- Bugisu Arabica comes from the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda.
- High altitude and volcanic soils shape Bugisu’s character.
- In fact, smallholder farmers grow most of the coffee.
A Robusta homeland
Wild Robusta grows naturally in the forests around the Lake Victoria basin, and Uganda is one of the world’s major Robusta producers. Robusta brings body, strength and crema, which is why roasters value it in espresso blends.
Bugisu: Arabica from Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon is an extinct volcano in eastern Uganda. On its slopes, farmers grow Arabica at high altitude in fertile volcanic soil, often alongside bananas and other crops on small family farms. As a result, people know coffee from this region as Bugisu, after the local area and its people.
What to expect in the cup
Washed Bugisu is often described as having good body, balanced acidity and notes of chocolate, citrus or dried fruit. As always, the exact profile depends on the farm, the processing and the roast.
Other Arabica regions
Arabica is also grown in western Uganda, on the slopes of the Rwenzori Mountains. Similarly, traders sell natural-processed Ugandan Arabica under the name “Drugar”, short for dried Uganda Arabica.
Smallholder farming
Most Ugandan coffee comes from small farms, where coffee is an important source of income for families. Harvest times vary by region and altitude.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ugandan coffee Arabica or Robusta?
Both. Robusta makes up the majority of production, whereas farmers grow Arabica mainly in the highlands of Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori Mountains.
What is Bugisu coffee?
Arabica coffee grown on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, usually washed-processed.
What does “Drugar” mean?
It is short for “dried Uganda Arabica” — Arabica processed by the natural (dry) method.
Saint Darker offers Uganda single origins including Bugisu and Drugar. Discover Saint Darker.
