Mukwano Tea is a known and trusted quality conscious brand in the tea industry of East Africa. With a history spanning over two decades, Mukwano Tea, a product of Rwenzori Commodities Ltd, has grown to become a leading tea product on East Africa’s regional market, more particularly in Uganda. Mukwano tea is produced from a selected blend of tea cultivated in the fertile soils around the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains in Western Uganda. The growth of Mukwano tea into a leading product, though incredible has not been without hurdles.
In 1972, then President Idi Amin expelled a significant number of people of Asian origin from Uganda, some of whom owned tea estates and factories. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Uganda’s tea sector was neglected leading to a drastic decline in tea production for about twenty years. The above notwithstanding, Rwenzori Commodities Ltd decided to venture into the challenging tea industry and grow it to match international standards.
In January 1993, a new era of tea production was initiated by the Chairman of Rwenzori Commodities Ltd, the late Amirali Karmali who was popularly known as ‘Mukwano’ meaning “Friendship” in Uganda. Mukwano took the bold step of venturing into the collapsed tea industry of Uganda. As a private investor, this was indeed a brave move that required a major overhaul using substantial investment. There was rehabilitation of the estates, new planting, re-development of tea factories among other strategies for the revival of the Industry.
The “Green Revolution” of the tea industry in Uganda was reignited in the late 80’s and early 90’s with the lengthy experience and financial muscle of industrialists led by Mukwano among others. Mukwano’s vision was not only to produce the best quality tea, but to show the world that Uganda stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s leading tea producers.
Currently Rwenzori Commodities produces producing 8-10 million kilograms of black tea per annum. A substantial amount is exported to different parts of the world, including the well known international auction in Mombasa.
Tea is a seasonal beverage and is affected by various environmental factors which affect production accordingly. Being part of Uganda’s export business, one has to remember that tea is essential for the country’s economic growth. Therefore, Rwenzori Commodities Ltd pays serious attention to maintenance of the tea plantations, employee welfare, research & development, new technologies in the tea sector and quality assurance.
Under the flagship of Mukwano Tea, various products are sold locally and internationally in various forms including loose tea as well as tea bags. Mukwano has a strong local and global presence with networks of international buyers, some of whom tailor our product to fit the needs and tastes of their target market or consumers in their respective international regions.
Mukwano’s aspiration for the end consumer is for one to experience the finest quality tea grown,plucked, cured and packed at the beautiful foothills of the fascinating mountains of the moon, tended with utmost care and ensuring freshness of taste and quality. We aspire to be part of every cup of tea that is sipped in any and all corners of the world.
Our journey has been acknowledged and recognized by both Government and Non- Governmental Organizations for its economic contributions in development of the region as well as for producing the finest teas that are making their mark internationally.
