High on the slopes of Uganda’s Mount Elgon, in the isolated community of Budwale, change is brewing. For years, local coffee producers faced the difficult choice of either transporting their harvests to distant sites or falling prey to local middlemen, who exploited them with predatory loans. These middlemen often provided a lump sum payment in exchange for the entire season's crop, leaving producers trapped in cycles of debt, unable to meet unreasonable quotas. It’s a system that has long kept this remote region disconnected from fair markets and sustainable income. Responding directly to community demand, they established the Budwale buying site as a fair and reliable marketplace for local producers. Not only are farmers paid promptly and at prices higher than the regional average, but Zukuka Bora also provides an additional bonus in the off-season—timed perfectly to help families with school fees and other essential needs. In just one year, the trust between Zukuka Bora and the farmers has grown exponentially, with the number of producers delivering cherries increasing from 38 to 131. This is more than just a coffee initiative; it’s a lifeline for a community that had been at the mercy of exploitative systems for far too long. We are proud to present Budwale Honey, a honey-processed coffee grown at 1,700 metres above sea level, embodying both the richness of the land and the resilience of its people. Expect a vibrant, layered cup where juicy red grape sweetness meets the deep, rich tones of molasses, followed by the bright, refreshing lift of lemon zest. With every sip, you’re not just experiencing exceptional coffee—you’re supporting a movement that’s transforming the lives of smallholder farmers, connecting an isolated community to the global market on fairer terms.
Did you know 20c from every kilogram of coffee roasted and every cup sold goes to The Cup That Counts.