The ZICOFE Story
A journey of determination and growth in Central Uganda since 1984
Our Origins
In 1984, riding on a motorbike along a dusty dirt road, Rose Nakayenga Kato and her late husband, Enock Kisuule Kato, sought out the perfect land for cultivating coffee. They found it – a parcel of rich and promising land – in the rural town of Zigoti, in central Uganda.
They acquired it, and so Zigoti Coffee was born. Rose and Enock dedicated themselves to nurturing their dream, tirelessly working the land to establish their coffee farm, mill, roastery and even a beautiful hotel, Enro Hotel.
Over the years, their hard work paid off, and Zigoti Coffee grew into a thriving enterprise, renowned for its high-quality Robusta and Arabica coffee beans.
41 Years of Excellence
Today, ZICOFE stands as a testament to Rose and Enock's vision and perseverance. The company has become a leading coffee producer in Uganda, exporting premium quality coffee to markets around the world.
In 1996, Enock passed the operational reins of the family business to Rose, a pivotal moment in Zigoti Coffee's journey. Under Rose's leadership, the company flourished and expanded into a respected export enterprise, with a roastery and the renowned Zigoti Café and Hotel adding to its legacy.
Rose is a prominent figure and a respected leader in Uganda's coffee industry, actively engaged in organisations like Uganda International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) and promoting Ugandan coffee worldwide. She is recognised as a strong female figure, earning immense respect for her contributions to the industry, particularly in empowering women.
She is passionate about elevating the coffee culture in Uganda, especially emphasising the significance of Robusta coffee, which is native to Ugandan soils. But Rose's greatest commitment is to improving women's lives through proactive initiatives, from providing seed funding to women's groups to developing innovative solutions like briquette production from coffee waste.
Our Achievements & Recognition
First in East Africa
In 2005, Zigoti achieved a significant milestone by obtaining certification from the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS), making it the first company in East Africa to receive such recognition.
This accomplishment paved the way for the establishment of our own coffee shops in Nagoya City and Nishin City, Japan. Zigoti's pioneering efforts in accessing the Asian market were acknowledged by the President of Uganda and the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA).
Award-Winning Excellence
Recognised for its exceptional qualities and scoring 85+ cupping scores, our coffee won the Best of the Pearl Robusta Coffee title in the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA's) Taste of the Pearl Coffee Competition.
Our coffee boasts flavours of: Raisins • Cocoa • Black Currants • Winey Notes • Vanilla • Coffee Blossoms
Global Reach
Our coffee made history as the first Ugandan coffee to reach Japan and is now sought after worldwide, with our markets spanning across Europe, the USA, Asia, and Africa. We hold Fair Trade certification and maintain our commitment to quality at every step of production.
Inspiring Change, One Bean at a Time
Working across Mityana, Mubende, Masaka, and Luweero districts
Leading the way in coffee production and entrepreneurship
Building the future of Uganda's coffee industry
We collaborate with a network of 12,000 small-scale farmers across central Uganda's key coffee-producing districts. Each farm typically looks after around 450 trees of both Robusta and Arabica varieties, such as SL.14, SL.28, and KP 423, providing farmers with a reliable source of income while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Our Values & Mission
Our Core Traits
We pride ourselves on accountability, honesty, and professionalism in every aspect of our business.
Our Promise
At Zigoti, we're dedicated to delivering high-quality coffee while nurturing our relationships with customers, suppliers, and the community, ensuring ethical and responsible business practices.
Our Vision
To always be a leading high-quality coffee exporter in Uganda.
Our Goals & Aspirations
- •To continue to operate at full production capacity with a fully traceable supply chain
- •Looking ahead, we're focused on maintaining consistent production levels and developing specialised product grades for a discerning market
- •Expanding market reach while continuing to support the local community and environment
Our Journey Through Time
The Beginning
Rose Nakayenga Kato and her late husband, Enock Kisuule Kato, acquire land in Zigoti and establish the first coffee farm, laying the foundation for what would become a leading coffee enterprise.
New Leadership Era
Enock passes the operational reins of the family business to Rose, marking a pivotal moment. Under Rose's leadership, the company flourishes and expands into a respected export enterprise.
First in East Africa
Zigoti achieves JAS certification from the Japanese Agricultural Standard, becoming the first company in East Africa to receive such recognition. This paves the way for coffee shops in Nagoya City and Nishin City, Japan.
Award-Winning Excellence
Our coffee wins the Best of the Pearl Robusta Coffee title in UCDA's Taste of the Pearl Coffee Competition, with cupping scores of 85+. Production reaches 4,700 tons of green beans.
Today & Beyond
ZICOFE continues to grow, supporting 12,000 farmers (including 4,000 women and 7,000 youth) and exporting premium coffee to markets across Europe, USA, Asia, and Africa. We're working towards a production goal of 8,000 tons by 2028.
Leadership & Legacy
Rose Nakayenga Kayondo Kato
Owner · Founder · Managing Director
Rose is a prominent figure and respected leader in Uganda's coffee industry, actively engaged in organisations like Uganda International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) and promoting Ugandan coffee worldwide. She served as UCDA board member (2014-2017) and currently serves as the IWCA Treasurer.
She is passionate about elevating the coffee culture in Uganda, especially emphasising the significance of Robusta coffee, which is native to Ugandan soils. Rose's greatest commitment is to improving women's lives through proactive initiatives.
"Be proactive, transparent, believe in yourself, and embrace family businesses for the prosperity of your home."
The Next Generation
Zigoti's leadership today includes Rose's sons, who have been immersed in the coffee industry from a young age, developing a deep understanding and passion for the trade.
Mr. Enock Ssenyonga
Finance Director
Mr. William Muyanja
Chief Operations Officer
Mr. Wilson Ssukwe
Marketing Manager
Their commitment to the family business honours their mother's legacy and sets the stage for continued innovation and success in the coffee industry. Their skills and experience contribute significantly to the company's growth and profitability.
Dedicated to Continuous Learning
To continue growing and meeting the dynamic needs of the global coffee business, we emphasise building relationships and engaging in constant learning. Our dedicated team actively participates in coffee exhibitions, webinars, online training sessions, and conferences both at home and internationally, ensuring we remain informed about the latest ideas and technological advancements within the industry.
Join Our Journey
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast, a potential partner, or interested in learning more about our work, we'd love to hear from you.