Our Origins
Driven by Purpose, Built with Determination and Forging a Future for All
Nasaaga Investments (u) ltd began its story in 2014 with 14 members on the slopes of Mt. Elgon in Mangasa Village in Eastern Uganda. These 14 smallholder coffee farmers gathered after tasting the first roasted coffee from three small plots owned by Wetaka Charles. The exceptional profile sparked a collective desire to unite and share this remarkable beverage.
Womawungo Henry, now 98 years old, fondly recalls Wetaka Charles' grandmother, Nafuna Everline, brewing delicious roasted coffee. Her brew attracted visitors from far and wide, eager to savour the signature flavours passed down through generations.
By 2016, the group had expanded to 64 farmers, and we registered as Nasaaga Investments (U) Ltd, a private company aimed at promoting our coffee globally.
We recognised the importance of efficient operations at every level of production, so we prioritised collaboration through three cooperative societies.
➔ In Bukyabo Sub County, we established the Nasaaga Specialty Coffee Foundation (u) ltd, comprising 232 coffee farmers.
➔ In Bulago Sub County, Bulambuli District, we formed the NASCOF Cooperative SocietyLtd with 268 coffee farmers.
➔ Lastly, in Kabeywa Sub County, Kapchorwa District, we founded the Sipi Specialty CoffeeCooperative Society Ltd with 228 coffee growers.
Together, these cooperatives unite 728 smallholder coffee farmers. Trained by Nasaaga, they operate independently, with their own democratic leadership and manage their own administrative affairs. We provide technical support and manage logistics and export handling to deliver their coffee directly to customers on commission. All finances and contract negotiations are conducted directly in an open and transparent manner.
Rising from Adversity:
Charles Wetaka's Journey to Challenging the StatusQuo
in the Coffee Industry
Born and raised in Mangasa village, where the red volcanic soils are fine and rich in nutrients, founder Charles Wetaka faced setbacks early in life. His mother got mentally ill when still young, and his father left him in the care of his grandfather, who passed away soon after. Homeless, he moved in with his uncle, where he was surrounded by coffee gardens and livestock, and families working tirelessly from dawn till dusk, sustaining their livelihoods. Charles found solace in the shared efforts of the community in Mangasa village. Despite hardships, there was fulfillment in honest toil and communal spirit.
Alongside his education, Charles worked in coffee gardens to sustain himself. The political upheaval under Idi Amin's leadership in 1972 severely impacted the coffee industry, which led to economic turmoil, affecting Uganda's economy. Uganda's economic liberalisation in 1995 brought opportunities, but also challenges due to players with limited expertise, resulting in a decline in coffee quality and market value, further hindering the industry's revival.
Inspired by the challenges and the potential of coffee enterprise, Charles sought solutions to the fluctuating coffee prices affecting farmers. While consulting with Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), he discovered a root issue: poor coffee quality. With his uncle's support, he started implementing better practices, despite opposition.
With great attention to every stage and a deep understanding of the soil and natural assets of the mountainous region, Charles set out to revitalise the coffee industry in his community. He carefully processed the coffee, ensuring quality at every step. When he presented his coffee samples to UCDA, they were impressed, calling it one of the best coffees they had ever tasted. Encouraged by this experience, Wetaka Charles rallied fellow farmers to showcase the potential and quality of our coffee, and so Nasaaga Production and Marketing Group was born in 2014.
Our name
Our name, "Nasaaga", derives from a local term meaning "A traditional cave or cliff used to rear goats, cows, and dry grains during the season for the Bakyabo community ancestor (Kyabo)" who is said to have migrated from Kapchorwa as a local chief. It symbolises the largest cave and cliff in the community, often serving as a resting spot during trips to the forest for collecting bamboo shoots, firewood, and smuggling coffee to Kenya.
Our Location
The Ideal Conditions for Coffee
Our coffee farms are situated at the very summit, a location so remote even the road stops before you reach them. Here, the soil is fertile and the rainfall is consistent, creating perfect conditions for coffee cultivation. The farmers are knowledgeable about the land and have a strong tradition of growing coffee in these conditions, producing beans that embody the uniqueness of the mountain.
This area is distant, a place of traditional life that we both respect and seek to protect. The coffee cultivation here is part of our commitment to caring for this sacred land. Coffee farming aids in soil conservation by protecting soil from erosion and the challenges posed by tropical thunderstorms and potential landslides. High soil benefits from intercropping with banana and mulching, so the roots can get strong.
The soil is a deep, red clay, rich and fertile from centuries of volcanic activity. It's in this soil that our coffee grows, nurtured by farmers whose knowledge of these lands runs deep.
Here coffee growing is more than a job - it's part of who we are. A legacy passed down through generations, a source of pride and community. We're offering you a part of our history and culture.
Impact and Vision
We harness the farmers' collective strength to produce high-quality coffee that gives them access to premium prices. Our vision extends beyond coffee production to fostering sustainable development, preserving cultural heritage, and improving livelihoods. We aim to uplift the entire community through initiatives focused on:
● capacity building in agriculture
● environmental protection
● social services like infrastructure rehabilitation and supporting school-going children.
Our Mission
To Elevate Coffee Production and Marketing through 4 Ts Practices for Sustainable Growth and a Healthier Planet
Guided by the 4 Ts - Think, Talk, Take, Thrive Coffee communities – we believe true change originates from within communities themselves. Focusing on improving the production and marketing of specialty coffees, we cover all stages of the value chain, aiming to positively impact the social and economic aspects of those involved in the coffee industry. Our goal is to create a profitable agricultural sector while also contributing to a healthier planet.
Our Vision for Remote Farmers
We envision a future where tradition is respected and cherished, and Uganda's remote farmers and sacred lands are safeguarded. Our goal is straightforward: to support our farmers in becoming skilled in growing the finest Arabica coffee. We aim for the happiness of both farmers and customers, while ensuring that farming remains sustainable and profitable. Environmental stewardship is paramount to us, and we strive for everyone involved to earn enough to live comfortably above the poverty line.
Our Core Values
Authenticity
At NASAAGA Coffee Foundation, being authentic means staying true to our roots. We source premium coffee beans from local farmers, observing their community values and employing good practices to preserve the unique flavours and aromas of coffee. Our brand celebrates the rich heritage of our most remote communities in the Mbale region, reflecting our commitment to authenticity in everything we do.
Community-driven
Supporting the local community is key to our ethos. We work closely with smallholder farmers, offering them training, resources, and access to markets to improve their lives. By prioritizing the wellbeing of our community, we aim to create positive social impact and sustainable economic growth.
Environmentally
conscious
We focus on eco-friendly practices like organic farming, efficient water usage, and responsible waste management. For Nasaaga, sustainability means enhancing coffee yield through soil and water management, organic farming, and reforestation, meeting the demand for eco-friendly products while supporting responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.
Innovative
While we respect tradition, we're also committed to innovation. We invest in research to improve our production processes and stay competitive. By embracing new technologies, we ensure quality and sustainability while adapting to changes in the industry.
Passionate
Passion fuels everything we do. From selecting the finest beans to roasting with care, our love for coffee shines through the memorable experience we provide for our customers, who can taste the difference in every cup. It also inspires loyalty among our team members, who take pride in sharing the joy of growing specialty coffee with the world.
Choosing our coffee connects you with a community that has grown coffee for generations. Every bean comes from the rich, volcanic soils of Mount Elgon, where families have farmed for many years. Enjoy a piece of Uganda's heritage, made with care and tradition.