About the Cooperative
40 years of farmer ownership in Mitooma.
Rubanga Cooperative Society Limited is owned and managed by its 20,578 members, organised into 421 farmer groups and partnered with 13 affiliated cooperatives across western Uganda.
Who we are
A farmer-owned cooperative that creates sustainable prosperity for its members.
Founded in 1986 by visionary leaders dedicated to community transformation, Rubanga today is one of Uganda's most credible farmer-owned cooperatives — triple-certified, export-licensed, and rooted in the volcanic highlands of Mitooma District.
Our members are 48% women, 52% men, and 32% youth. They grow Arabica and Robusta at 1,600m above sea level, where mineral-rich volcanic soils and slow cherry maturation produce coffee with a distinctive cup profile — and where collective ownership turns quality into shared prosperity.
- 20,578
- Members
- 421
- Farmer groups
- 13
- Affiliated coops
- 48%
- Women
- 32%
- Youth
- 1,600m
- Altitude grown
Our values
Five traits, expressed the same way across everything we do.
Rooted
We belong to Mitooma — its soil, climate, people and history are inseparable from who we are.
Credible
We earn trust with evidence, not promises. Certifications, traceability, audited governance.
Collective
Decisions and dividends belong to the members. The cooperative is the farmers.
Progressive
We invest in quality, in technology, and in the next generation of growers.
Dignified
Members are partners, not subjects. Every interaction reflects that.
Timeline
Forty years, told briefly.
1986
Founded
Established in Mitooma District by visionary leaders committed to transforming smallholder livelihoods.
2000s
Quality systems
Built farmer training, washing-station infrastructure and a culture of quality across the membership.
2018
Triple certification
Achieved Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Organic certification — premiums returned to members.
2021
Export licence
Rubanga begins exporting directly, capturing more value for the cooperative and its members.
2024
SACCO launched
Rubanga Mitooma SACCO opens, extending the cooperative model into savings and credit.
2026
Brand & digital refresh
Unified brand system across Cooperative, Coffee and SACCO; new website and traceability platform.
Triple-certified · export-licensed since 2021
Fairtrade
Premiums returned to members
Rainforest Alliance
Verified sustainable practice
Organic
Chemical-free cultivation
We Value Quality
"Every business, service and initiative within the Rubanga family contributes to stronger incomes, stronger communities, and greater economic opportunity for members."