Once upon a time this classic Commonfolk coffee was known as Jose, we now like to do justice to the area and the people that produce it, rather than a once famed Ugandan pop artist. Sipi is a well known tourist hot spot, famous for its breathtaking waterfalls and glorious views of the African plains. It’s also one of the foremost coffee producing areas in the whole of Uganda. 

During the 1970s coffee production in Sipi hit its peak. Due to a sweeping frost in Brazil, the world was at a shortfall for coffee and Sipi stepped in. During those years, investment and infrastructure poured into the region, from large export businesses and government mandates alike. Some of those facilities are in use to this day, but many are left abandoned and in a state of disrepair. Today it serves as a stark reminder of how fleeting and extractive coffee relationships can be.

This history has led to the producing families of Sipi being some of the most experienced, and understandably, some of the most cautious. Zukuka Bora has made incredible strides here to become trusted, with the Ugandan led team available year round and purchasing and building a site in Sipi in 2021. It’s fair to say they’re here to stay. With both a trusted buyer in Zukuka and experienced farmers, the quality of their Sipi lots has been exponential. With careful sorting, drying and experimental processing, we end up with complex and fruit forward coffees every year. Massive thanks to Ken and the team at Sipi for this amazing lot.