Uganda

In the mountainous region of Rwenzori, located on the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, farming families both cultivate and process coffee. They do this at home, upholding an ancient tradition. Unfortunately though, rarely is the resulting drink of an acceptable standard. The recent creation of trading centres (especially for export) has raised production levels, despite managing only 1% of the local coffee.

Stephen Muhindo Pundamali runs the small collection centre in Mulhuma, which serves over 1100 small-scale local farmers, connecting them to the world market. The trading centre handles the purchasing of the ripe drupes and offers farmers services and initiatives to enhance their agronomic knowledge and skills.

The aroma of the ice-crowned mountains

Our collaboration with Agri Evolve assures us scrupulously selective coffee lots, obtained from hand-picked drupes, which are fermented for 48 hours in a low-oxygen environment and then sorted using float tanks. After a second fermentation phase in airtight bags, the cherries are dried for 3-4 weeks on raised African beds.

The Mulhuma trading centre relieves farmers from the complex business of processing the drupes so they can then be sold on the foreign market. Agri Evolve’s team of experts manage everything from initial selection to the constant movement of the cherries, ensuring uniform drying under the African sun and providing shade during the hottest parts of the day to protect them from the strongest rays.

A speciality coffee that benefits those who produce it: with this single-origin coffee we can support local savings groups that help workers manage their businesses in the face of uneven income through the year.

"I chose this Uganda Rwenzori Natural for Omkafè’s Selezione line because I was impressed by its complexity and aromatic depth. Every sip reveals delicate notes of rose petal, a pleasingly vinous character and a touch of cinnamon. It’s a coffee that reflects perfectly the rich biodiversity and farming traditions of the Rwenzori region."