Compared to darling African coffee producers like Kenya, Ethiopia and Rwanda, you don’t hear all that much about Uganda in the specialty coffee scene, which is a shame because Ugandan coffee can be excellent. Fortunately, we’ve seen a growing number of Ugandan specialty lots make their way to our shelves this year, thanks to our fantastic roasting partners like Legado.

Due to its high altitude and equatorial climate, Uganda actually boasts some pretty ideal terroir for growing high quality coffee, particularly in the regions closest to Mt Elgon, which provides the nutrient-rich volcanic soil that Arabica tends to thrive in. This particular lot is one such lot from near Mt Elgon, grown and processed in the Buginyanya sub-county of Uganda’s Bulambuli district. 

Coffee farmers in Bulambuli typically hold small farms rather than large plantations, and operate via cooperatives to pool their harvest, which is then processed at the nearest coffee mill, being Kwigate Washing Station in this instance. Kwigate operates under Bulambuli Kwigate Coffee, a Ugandan coffee processing and trading company which aims to produce high-quality coffee while improving the lives of the farmers it relies upon.

You’ll notice that this coffee is made up of a mix of varieties, including the relatively lesser-known Nyasaland variety. Believed to be a Typica offshoot originally from Malawi (which itself was called Nyasaland while under British colonial rule until the mid ‘60s), this variety is known for a pretty balanced flavour profile with potential for bright, fruity notes. These should hopefully come out bright and sweet thanks to this coffee’s natural processing.

Phaedon's tasting notes

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this coffee, particularly in my moka pot, my French press and my siphon. It offered a veritable medley of fruit flavours. In my siphon it was a wonderful combination of berries and stone fruit but in my French press, I found some tropical notes, perhaps even a hint of banana. The coffee also has a mild acidity and creamy quality that make it very easy to drink.

Legado’s notes

• Tasting notes: Tart berries with a chocolatey finish
• Acidity: Low
• Body: Full
• Roast level: Light-Medium

Coffee details from Legado

“Our Natural Uganda Buka Bula Single Origin is a vibrant and fruity coffee, featuring tasting notes of tart cranberries, juicy blueberries, and a smooth, chocolatey finish. Grown in the lush hills of Uganda, this naturally processed coffee offers a bright and refreshing flavour profile with a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. Ideal for those who enjoy a clean, lively cup with a smooth, satisfying finish.”

• Country: Uganda
• Region: Bukalasi, Bulambuli District, Mt Elgon
• Varieties: SL28, SL14 & Nyasaland
• Altitude: 1600 - 2100 masl
• Processing method: Natural