Uganda · Bundibugyo District (Semuliki Valley, Rwenzori foothills)
reviewed
admixture
Uganda's best-known cacao district, in the warm Semuliki Valley between the Rwenzori Mountains and the DR Congo border, producing fruit-forward, largely organic beans from thousands of smallholders, with vertically integrated central buying and processing.
Country
Uganda
Region
Bundibugyo District (Semuliki Valley, Rwenzori foothills)
Growing region
Africa
Coordinates
0.70°, 30.06° (approx.)
Elevation
700-1000 m
Producer
multiple
Genetic groups
admixture
Traditional class
mixed
Also known as
Semuliki Valley, Semliki Valley, Rwenzori cacao
Bean notes
Mixed hybrid populations grown by smallholders in the warm Semuliki Valley at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains; Bundibugyo District accounts for the large majority of Uganda's cocoa.
Harvest season
two main flushes spread across the year; harvest broadly year-round
Fermentation
Fresh cacao sold at village collection points and fermented centrally, typically 5-7 days; smallholder fermentation also practised.
Drying
Sun-dried on raised racks and tarpaulins.
Flavour
bright fruit · citrus · lively acidity · cocoa
Certifications
organic
Updated
2026-05-22
Sources
Uncommon Cacao — Semuliki Forest origin reports and producer profile
Latitude Trade Co. — Bundibugyo sourcing and certification documentation