Where we are

Optimal Conditions for Outstanding Coffee

Our farms stretch over 37 hectares in two unique locations: 17 in Mpigi Kammengo and 20 in Kyankwanzi Bananywa sub-county. Situated between 1,100 and 1,300 meters above sea level, each area offers something special for farming, and lends our coffee a distinct profile.

In Mpigi Kammengo, our coffee flourishes in rich, red soils combined with mineral-rich terroir, promoting deep root growth and excellent drainage. This enriches our coffee with minerals, giving it a unique, delightful taste.

In Kyankwanzi, the land is blessed with loamy soil that's rich in nutrients, ideal for a variety of crops. Deep volcanic soils offer excellent drainage, and promote healthy root growth. This ensures optimal moisture levels for plants, supporting the development of exquisite coffee.

Collaborating with over 9,000 farmers, we focus mainly on Natural Robusta and Arabica coffees.

We also operate a family-run farm sustained by over 2,035 dedicated farmers over 17 ha in Uganda's Great Lakes area. This blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and traditional African farming practices offers visitors an immersive experience in sustainable coffee farming.

The Edge Trading is situated in Wakiso's Namanve industrial area, part of the Kampala (Uganda's national city) Industrial and Business Park. Our head office and dry mill factory are located here, providing ample space for truck operations. Our factory is vibrant, and we take pride in being a youth-oriented organisation, with over 60% of our workforce comprising young professionals. Our team drives our growth and innovation, reflecting our ethos of progress.

Our story – A shared passion for coffee

Founded in 2011 by Amos and Ruth Kasigi, our journey began with a shared passion for coffee and a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Born into a coffee farming family in Mpigi, located in the Great Lakes region of central Uganda, Amos developed his view of coffee cultivation early. Coffee was about more than just growing crops. It was a vehicle for uplifting the entire community. It was also caring for the land and the animals, so they would continue this symbiotic partnership into the future for generations to come.

Amos' family was also atypical in that his mother, Aidah, was given a piece of land with coffee trees to look after. This opened opportunities for the entire family, provided financial stability, and reduced reliance on a single source of income, and ensured the family could better cope with unexpected expenses or economic downturns. It became clear to Amos that coffee had the potential to unite and strengthen families. This early view of coffee and livelihood continues to shape Amos's approach today.

He went on to finish school and complete a degree in business management at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), and then joined a local coffee business, managing a hulling station in Rakai district, deepening his industry insight, which became the site of Uganda's first reported HIV/AIDS case.

Working at the factory during the height of the HIV epidemic in 1996 required a new approach, and Amos had to overhaul the factory, introducing new processes and programs that were unfamiliar to many, both locally and internationally. Despite the difficulties, the factories served as supportive centers, fostering unity among workers.

Ruth also grew a long way from the city noise, on a 13-hectare farm in a village called Ibanda, in Western Uganda, immersed in the daily routines of a bustling farm life. Gogo's (Ruth' grandmother) simple home, though not extravagant, provided food and abundant care, serving as a sanctuary for those in need. Amid Uganda's hardships, Gogo opened her doors to other families and children, extending refuge to both relatives and community members, an upbringing that formed the foundation of Ruth's values. She went on to study Development Studies at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, which guided her towards a life dedicated to social service and integrity.

Ruth and Amos met when Gogo offered to host him in her home when he was beginning to work in the coffee industry.

Later, Amos pursued his accounting studies in the UK at Birmingham University. When Ruth joined him in the UK, Birmingham became their home for 15 years as they started a business importing vegetables and fruit from Uganda. ALongside working with Amos, Ruth also worked with the British Red Cross, becoming a voice for those facing challenges, especially people living with HIV, advocating for their dignity and independence.

The financial crisis of 2007 prompted their return to their homeland, where they remain committed to uplifting coffee farmers and communities while prioritising quality. Upon their return to Uganda, Amos's strong commitment to farming and community resilience grew, shaped by his upbringing and experiences in Uganda's coffee industry.

In 2011, Amos and Ruth embarked on two significant ventures: establishing The Edge Trading and contributing to the Uganda Quality Traders and Processors Association (UQCTPA), an NGO focused on coffee.

With support from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Amos planted coffee seedlings on approximately 30 acres (15,000 trees) of family land in Kyankwanzi District, located in the western part of Buganda, Central Uganda.

As pioneers, we introduced the village agent model in Kyankwanzi under the USAID CPM activity, promoting community-led farming to assist struggling farmers with poor agronomy. We aim to be a sustainable entity, committed to aiding smallholder farmers and delivering premium coffee directly. Our efforts in Uganda's coffee belt uplift rural communities throughout the country.

Our Name

Our name is our identity and it's more than just a title; it's our guiding philosophy. Not just a strategy, but a way of life.

Edge: Where Innovation Meets Precision in Trading

We, as a company, pulsate with the very essence of excellence and innovation within the trading industry.

We live on the edge, where the thrill of pushing boundaries meets the drive for cutting-edge technologies, propelling us forward as pioneers of progress.

We stand tall as a beacon of dynamism, always pushing the limits to surpass expectations and carve new paths.

We dare greatly and seize every moment with boldness and conviction.

With a relentless spirit and unwavering determination, we embrace challenges as opportunities, fuelled by the adrenaline of the unknown. In every endeavor, we embrace the edge of progress, making decisions with meticulous precision to propel ourselves towards greatness.

We strive to elevate those around us. Through our unwavering support for youth empowerment, disability inclusion, and women's advancement, we extend our reach beyond profits to create a ripple effect of positive change in our community. Whether it's collecting and processing top-quality products from leading EDGE farmers or improving farming practices and streamlining processing and exporting, we are dedicated to elevating our nation.

We're passionate about every detail, especially when it comes to our coffee. With every sip, we invite you to taste the intensity of our commitment to quality and the richness of our dedication to perfection.

Join us at The Edge, where every heartbeat echoes with the rhythm of innovation [link to impact page]

Our team is our family

Everyone involved with our company, from local builders to farmers, becomes part of our extended family. This sense of family and community is integral to our operations, driving our commitment to quality and sustainable practices in coffee processing.

In Mpigi and Kyankwanzi, our managers hold bachelor's degrees in Agriculture and Rural Innovation, with over five years of experience in the coffee industry. They are passionate about working with small-scale farmers to make coffee sustainable.

At the milling factory, we have five permanent staff and about 10 casual staff during peak season. Three of our permanent staff in Mpigi are deaf. In Uganda, deaf individuals often struggle to find employment due to societal misconceptions. We aim to break these barriers and support them in building their futures, including owning their own coffee farms.

Organisational Approach and Partnerships

Our approach revolves around collaboration with aggregators and cooperatives, focusing on enhancing coffee quality and ensuring fair treatment of farmers. Our partnerships extend to five dry mills, including renowned names like New Rutookye Coffee Factory and Modern Ishaka Coffee Factory. Through these collaborations, we provide essential support, including training, tools, and access to finance, aimed at empowering farmers and improving the quality of their produce.

Additionally, we actively address compliance issues and stay abreast of market changes and technological advancements by engaging with regulatory bodies and industry organizations such as the Uganda Coffee Development Authority and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).

Our recent collaboration with the National Coffee Research Institute underscores our commitment to innovation. By accessing cutting-edge technologies for coffee seedlings, we aim to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

Our dedication to supporting our partners extends beyond the operational realm. We distribute printed materials to provide valuable references and share success stories, such as that of the Lwabenge Cooperative, where our assistance led to significant growth and empowerment within the community.

Overall, our journey is marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable practices, empowering farmers, and driving positive change within the coffee industry.

Our Mission

To deliver quality commodities to our buyers while ensuring fair and excellent prices for smallholder producers. We're dedicated to sustaining a beneficial value chain for all involved.

Our Vision

Our aim is to build lasting relationships with both buyers and producers, enhancing our service through innovation and respect. We're committed to pursuing business that upholds our values and meets the needs of those we serve.

Our Values

Integrity: Consistent in our actions, we uphold moral values in all our work.

Accountability: We responsibly manage the resources entrusted to us by The Edge Trading Limited's family.

Transparency: We commit to transparent dealings for the betterment of our company.

Diligence: Our mission is pursued with ethical dedication and care, prioritising quality service delivery and impeccable customer care.

Stewardship: As guardians of the company's business, we protect and nurture it for future generations.