coffee Grading Factory

The Coffee Grading Factory is the heartbeat of the Masaka Cooperative Union’s (MCU) revival. It represents the union’s shift from being a mere middleman to a high-value processor capable of competing on the global market.

The factory is located at Kyabakuza, in the Kijjabwemi zone on the outskirts of Masaka City.

🏗️ Facility and Machinery
The facility has undergone a massive Shs 4 billion ($1.1M approx.) upgrade to meet international export standards. The MCU invested in “state-of-the-art” technology, much of it sourced from Germany, to ensure the highest quality of coffee.

Color Sorters: These use advanced sensors to identify and remove defective beans (black, fermented, or immature) that human eyes might miss. This is critical for achieving “Premium” or “Specialty” grades.

Grading Units: The machinery screens beans by size and density, separating them into specific grades (e.g., Screen 18, Screen 15) which fetch higher prices in Europe and Asia.

Industrial Dryers: These ensure the coffee reaches the exact moisture content (usually 12.0%) required for long-term storage and shipment, preventing mold.

Processing Capacity: The plant is designed to process FAQ (Fair Average Quality) clean coffee beans, taking raw “Kiboko” (dried cherries) and turning them into export-ready green beans.

🌍 Strategic Role: The Export Hub
The primary goal of the Kyabakuza factory is to turn Masaka into an Export Hub by 2025.

Direct Exporting: By grading their own coffee, the MCU no longer has to sell “FAQ” to large private exporters in Kampala at a discount. They can now ship directly to international buyers.

Farmer Premiums: Because the union adds value through grading, it earns a higher “premium.” This extra profit is returned to the farmers in the form of higher prices per kilogram and annual bonuses (dividends).

Quality Control: The factory serves as a laboratory where the Union’s extension workers bring samples to test, allowing them to advise farmers exactly which regions or primary societies need to improve their drying or harvesting techniques.

☕ Value Addition (Local Market)
Beyond export-grade green beans, the factory has pilot sections dedicated to roasting and grinding. You may see “Masaka Union Coffee” branded products appearing in local shops—this is part of their mission to encourage domestic coffee consumption and keep 100% of the value chain within the region.