Washed Uganda Arabica — Mount Elgon (Bugisu & Sebei)
Uganda’s premium highland coffee: refined acidity, floral aromatics, sweetness, and a clean specialty-grade cup. Grown at 1,500–2,300 masl in volcanic soils from SL14, SL28, and Bourbon stock — every grade specified at minimum 80 SCAA.
Key Details
Growing Region
Mt. Elgon — Bugisu & Sebei
Altitude
1,500 – 2,300 masl
Variety
SL14, SL28, Bourbon
Process
Washed
Harvest
October – February
Available Grades
All three grades specified at minimum 80 SCAA — specialty quality at commercial-origin pricing.
| Grade | Screen Distribution | Defects | Moisture | Min Cup Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mt. Elgon AA | 17 = 90% · 16 = 8% · 15 = 2% | 5% | Max 12% | 80 SCAA |
| Mt. Elgon A+ | 17 = 60% · 16 = 30% · 15 = 8% · 12 = 2% | 5% | Max 12% | 80 SCAA |
| Mt. Elgon A | 16 = 90% · 17 = 3% · 15 = 8% · 12 = 2% | 7% | Max 12% | 80 SCAA |
Which Grade Should You Spec?
AA
Single-origin specialty offers and premium retail bags — 90% screen 17, max 5% defects.
A+
High-end blends where screen uniformity can flex but the cup floor stays specialty.
A
Quality-led commercial blending with a guaranteed 80 SCAA minimum.
The Bugisu & Sipi Story
Elgon’s eastern slopes (Bugisu) and northern slopes (Sebei, including Sipi Falls) are smallholder country — coffee is hand-picked, washed at local stations, and sun-dried. The result cups like East African washed arabica should: bright but sweet, florals over blackcurrant and citrus, with more body than most Kenyan lots. For roasters priced out of Kenya AA, Mt. Elgon AA is the value play in East Africa.
Trade Terms
| Incoterm | FOB Mombasa |
| Packaging | 60kg jute bags / GrainPro liner |
| Container | 320 bags per 20ft FCL |
| Availability | Year-round (current crop — ask for lot list) |
| Payment | T/T or Letter of Credit |
| Samples | Cupping samples with lot notes on request |
| Certifications | Organic, Rainforest Alliance, Fairtrade (available) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What cup score does Mt. Elgon arabica reach?
All three grades are specified at minimum 80 SCAA; individual AA lots often cup higher — scores supplied with each offer.
What’s the difference between Bugisu AA and Mt. Elgon AA?
Bugisu is the traditional trade name for arabica from Elgon’s Ugandan slopes; our Mt. Elgon AA is the same category, graded 90% screen 17 with max 5% defects.
What varieties are grown on Mt. Elgon?
SL14, SL28, and Bourbon — the SL lines shared with Kenya’s best-known washed coffees.
Cup the current crop.
Request samples of AA, A+, or A with the lot’s cupping notes.