Mt Elgon Gibuzale, Uganda | ESPRESSO

Mt. Elgon Gibuzale is a specialty Arabica coffee produced in the Eastern highlands of Uganda. Situated at approximately 1,900 metres above sea level in the Bulambuli district, the Gibuzale washing station is part of the Mt. Elgon Washed Arabica Scheme operated by Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd. A total of 1,328 smallholder farmers contribute to this lot, each cultivating an average of one hectare of land at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 2,200 metres. The coffee is processed using a fully washed method and dried on raised beds, with varietals including SL14 and SL28.

Despite Uganda’s historical reputation as a Robusta producer, the Mt. Elgon region offers ideal conditions for Arabica cultivation—volcanic soils, high altitudes, and regular rainfall. However, smallholders face a range of challenges, including low yields from aging trees, limited access to fertilisers, and disease pressures such as Coffee Berry Disease. Climate change further compounds these issues, with increasingly erratic rainfall and rising temperatures.

In response, Kyagalanyi has implemented an integrated sustainability programme aimed at improving coffee quality and farmer livelihoods. Their efforts include free cherry collection services, a strict 95% red cherry acceptance policy, and post-harvest eco-processing using eco-pulpers. Additionally, farmers receive annual household training sessions, access to demonstration plots, and support from Coffee Youth Teams—local groups trained to provide rejuvenation and agro-input services.

Ecological stewardship is also central to the programme. Gibuzale borders Mt. Elgon National Park, and Kyagalanyi promotes reforestation, shade tree planting, and erosion control practices to protect the environment. These efforts led to the company receiving the Rainforest Alliance’s Sustainable Standard-Setter Award in 2018—the first awarded to a coffee company in Africa.

Beyond agriculture, Kyagalanyi invests in social welfare. Farmers benefit from access to medical care, clean water, and insurance support. Gender inclusion and youth employment are also key focus areas, with specific programmes being developed for the Gibuzale area.

The result is a coffee that reflects both the unique terroir of Mt. Elgon and the impact of long-term investment in sustainability. Mt. Elgon Gibuzale delivers quality, traceability, and purpose—an origin making meaningful strides in both cup and community.