Black tea · East African tea
Uganda Black
Ugandan tea
6.5/10 editor's score
Black tea from Uganda, where favourable climate and soils support the crop. Production almost stopped in the 1970s and was rebuilt in the 1980s; about 90 percent is exported.
Based on published sources, not yet tasted.
What you need
At a glance
Black tea from Uganda, where favourable climate and soils support the crop.
About Uganda Black
What sources say about the taste
Sources say favourable climate and soil let Uganda develop some of the world's best quality tea 1; the taste depends on the estate.
First sip
Lift the cup and smell before you drink.
Middle
Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.
Finish
What stays after you swallow.
Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.
Where it grows
- Export
- About 90% of the crop 1
- Revival
- 1,700 t in 1981, 5,600 t in 1985 1
- Smallholders
- Sell through the UTGC 1
- Climate
- Favourable climate and soils 1
More from Various regions and Uganda.
History and culture
Production almost ceased in the 1970s, when the government expelled many tea estate owners 1.
Mitchell Cotts formed the Toro and Mityana Tea Company (Tamteco) with the government in the early 1980s 1.
Tamteco and the Uganda Tea Corporation were known for leading mechanisation efforts 1.
Editor's score
Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.
Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →
Taste profile and caffeine+
Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.
Caffeine
Our estimate. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.
Harvest calendar+
Our general guide for East Africa. Tap a month or a season.
Cultivars and plant+
Camellia sinensis.
How it is made+
Dry leaf and liquor+
The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.
Food pairings and storage+
Works well
- Breakfast
- Milk tea
- Biscuits
Best avoided
- Delicate desserts
Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.
Storage
- Airtight, opaque tin or pouch, away from light, heat, moisture and strong smells.
- Keep it out of the fridge unless fully sealed, to avoid condensation.
- Most loose tea is at its best within a year. Note the harvest date on the tin.
Grades and fakes+
Estate grades.
How to spot a poor or fake one
- Region shown is an approximate area.
- Most Ugandan tea is exported 1.
FAQ+
Is Ugandan tea exported?
Yes, about 90 percent of it 1.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Agriculture in Uganda". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture_in_Uganda
- Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372
Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.