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Uganda's 4.23 per cent of the total
world crop is mostly Robusta, but its small crop of washed Arabicas
are grown at impressive altitudes of 1,300 to 2,300 meters. Those
coffees labeled Bugishu, which are grown in the north-eastern region
adjoining the Kenyan border, are probably the best from Uganda, and
they are graded with the same letter symbols as those of Kenya and
Tanzania. In fact, they have been known to be sold as beans from
Kenya, as the beans are worth more to the Ugandan farmer if he can
sell them across the border, where the prices are not so controlled,
unfortunately, the contraband trade has, at times, denied some
Ugandan Arabicas the reputation they deserve. Most Uganda coffee of
acceptable quality is exported. As most Ugandans are tea-drinkers,
coffee exports can, at times, account for up to 98 per cent of
Uganda's earnings from international sales. Transportation, however,
is difficult: without a coastline Uganda has to rely on good
relations with its neighbors for access to ports. |
