Kijura Tea Company

Kijura Tea Company is a major Ugandan tea producer and exporter based in the Western Region of the country. Originally established in 1939 by colonial agriculturalist Hugh Naylor, the company was acquired in 2010 by the Indian firm Jay Shree Tea and Industries Limited (part of the B.K. Birla Group) through its investment arm, Birla Holdings Dubai. The estate produces high-quality black tea primarily for the international market.

• Production: The company collects approximately 40,000–60,000 kg of green leaf daily, resulting in about 16,000–17,000 kg of processed tea per day.

• Processing: The factory utilizes modern processing steps including withering, fermenting, fixing, drying, and sieving to produce various grades of tea, the highest of which sells for up to $2.50 per kilo internationally.

• Ownership: Kijura Tea Company operates as a fully owned subsidiary of Birla Holdings Dubai, the investment arm of India's Jay Shree Tea and Industries Limited.

• Market Focus: The primary target for Kijura's production is the international export market, with key export destinations including Kenya, India, and China.

• Historical Impact: The tea estate has been a significant employer and economic contributor to the Kabarole region for over 70 years, employing workers from various parts of Uganda and neighboring countries like the DRC and Rwanda.

• Environmental & Social Context: A meteorological station of Uganda's Ministry of Water and Environment is based at the company's location. The company has faced some past controversy related to land disputes and alleged evictions of local farmers.