Kinoni, a Robusta-Growing Region with More to Offer

Located in the Lwengo District of central Uganda, Kinoni is a region where Robusta coffee has been grown for generations. Historically, production has focused on commodity coffee for commercial markets, where volumes generally take priority over the quality differentiation of individual lots.

Farming and processing practices have largely developed around this model, particularly natural processing, with harvesting methods that do not always allow for cherries to be picked at optimal ripeness. These practices can affect the final quality of the coffee and limit opportunities to add value to individual lots.

Yet the region has many strengths: experienced coffee producers, fertile soils, and favorable growing conditions that offer real potential for high-quality Robusta.

This is exactly what our Belco Uganda team aims to achieve through the Kinoni project: working alongside producers to improve harvesting and processing practices, and explore the potential of fine Robusta in a region traditionally focused on commodity coffee.

Working Alongside Producers, Starting with the Harvest

To launch the project, our team chose to work with a group of ten local coffee producers, including Augustine Mweruka, Michael Kamya, Mutebi, Nalukenge, and Serwanja. Already experienced in coffee growing, these producers receive support in developing their practices, with a particular focus on cherry quality and post-harvest handling.

This work begins with selective harvesting: only fully ripe cherries are picked, while the others are left on the trees to continue ripening. This essential step helps ensure more consistent cherry quality and reduces the risk of defects during processing. Producers also receive training in good post-harvest practices, particularly in handling cherries before they reach the processing station.

This support is provided by Stephan Katongole, Managing Director of Belco Uganda, and his local team. With over ten years of experience in fine Robusta, Stephan oversees processing operations and works closely with his team and the producers on the ground.

This close relationship with producers is at the heart of our presence at origin. It allows us to better understand their practices, share our expertise, and work together to improve coffee quality.

A New Processing Station with Quality at the Heart of Every Step

In 2026, our Belco Uganda team began operating its new processing station in Kinoni, dedicated to Robusta coffee. The goal is to gain greater control over each post-harvest stage, preserving cherry quality and bringing out the coffee's full potential in the cup.

As soon as the cherries arrive at the station, they are carefully sorted, and each lot is monitored throughout processing. The team works with different methods, including Natural and Honey processing, with anaerobic fermentation lasting up to 72 hours. The coffees are then dried on raised African beds, with particular attention paid to drying conditions, which are essential for preserving quality.

Above all, the station allows for better quality control and full coffee traceability. By processing each lot separately, our team can closely monitor every stage, reduce the risk of defects, and trace each coffee back to its producer. It also provides an opportunity to experiment with different methods, better understand the characteristics of Kinoni coffees, and bring out their unique potential.

With this new station, Belco Uganda continues its work alongside local producers, focusing on quality at every stage, from harvest to green coffee.

Notre sélection de cafés Kinoni

What's Next?

The Kinoni project marks a new step forward for Belco Uganda, as the team continues to support local producers and explore new approaches to quality and coffee processing.

At the same time, our team is also developing another processing station dedicated to Arabica coffee in the Rwenzori region.

Both projects reflect the same commitment: working closely with producers, strengthening quality control at origin, and showcasing the diversity of Ugandan coffees.