In short: Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara is a tea estate in the Central region of Uganda, operated by Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd and recorded as supplying Finlays.
Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara is a tea estate located in the Central region of Uganda, at an elevation of 1,808 metres above sea level. The estate is operated by Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd and is recorded as supplying Finlays, a major tea trader and packer in the international market.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,808 metres, the estate sits at an elevation that generally favours slower leaf development and the accumulation of secondary metabolites, characteristics often associated with East African high-grown teas. Estates at this altitude in equatorial Uganda typically benefit from moderated temperature swings and relatively stable day-length throughout the year, conditions that tend to support consistent cropping cycles without the pronounced dormancy seen in more seasonal tea regions.
The Central region's position near the equator and moderate highland climate typically provide reliable rainfall distribution, though local topography and microclimates can introduce variation. Soils in Uganda's tea-growing districts are often volcanic in origin, which tends to yield good drainage and mineral availability, factors commonly linked to vigorous growth and the development of brisk, full-bodied leaf when processed as black tea.
Tea Produced
The estate produces both black and green tea. Black teas from Ugandan estates at this elevation typically yield a brisk, full-bodied cup with good colour and a malty character, attributes valued in blending for everyday and breakfast-style teas. Green tea production from the same leaf base tends to require careful processing to preserve freshness and avoid over-oxidation, though the varietal and plucking standard will strongly influence the final cup. The equatorial growing conditions often support year-round production, which can offer consistency in leaf supply though cup character may vary with seasonal rainfall patterns.
Supply Chain & Market Position
The estate's recorded supply relationship with Finlays positions it within a well-established commercial channel. Finlays operates as both a producer and a major intermediary in the global tea trade, sourcing from estates across East Africa to supply blenders, packers, and retail brands. This connection suggests that leaf from Igara is likely destined for blended products rather than single-estate offerings, a common trajectory for Ugandan production given the country's role as a supplier of reliable, competitively priced black tea to international markets.
- Recorded supplier to Finlays
Operator
The estate is operated by Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd. No other estates operated by this company are currently recorded in our directory.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara lies at -0.4056, 30.3482 in Central, Uganda. Its 1808 m elevation is the highest of 30 estates we map in Uganda. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Mwenge — 24 km away · Ankole. District: Bushenyi Area
- Global Village Tea Company Ltd. — 28 km away · Western
- Kayonza — 53 km away · Ntungamo
- Mcleod Russel Uganda Limited(Mrul), Ankole Tea Factory, Kalinzu Garden — 117 km away · Fort Portal
- KIGUMBA — 117 km away · Kyenjojo
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara (1,808 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara recorded 1,396 mm in 2025, 16% less than the 1,660 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yellapatty Tea Estate | Dist. Kerala, India | 1,805 m | 2,094 mm | 20.9 °C |
| Momul Tea Factory | Kaplelwo, Kenya | 1,811 m | 1,558 mm | 24.7 °C |
| CHANGOI | 124- Cheborge, Kenya | 1,803 m | 1,021 mm | 25.1 °C |
| Coonoor Tea Estate | Yedapalli, India | 1,802 m | 1,467 mm | 20.1 °C |
| Jun Chiyabari Tea Garden | Dhankuta Municipality Ward No 1, Nepal | 1,786 m | 2,160 mm | 19.4 °C |
Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara Compared with Uganda
In Uganda, Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara is wetter than 86% of the others by 2025 rainfall; the highest of the 30 estates by elevation; the coolest of the 30 estates by daytime temperature. The table sets Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara against the 29 other estates we map in Uganda, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,808 m | 1,416 m | 1,070 to 1,644 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,396 mm | 1,251 mm | 943 to 1,664 mm |
| Mean daily high | 23.1 °C | 26.4 °C | 24.5 to 29.7 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.4 °C | 16.5 °C | 15.1 to 18.7 °C |
Observed Climate at Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara’s coordinates recorded 1,396 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was October (240 mm) and the driest was January (31 mm). Daytime highs averaged 23.1 °C and overnight lows 14.4 °C over the year; February was the warmest month and December the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,396 mm |
| Wettest month | October (240 mm) |
| Driest month | January (31 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 23.1 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 14.4 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara located?
Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara is in Central, Uganda, at coordinates -0.4056, 30.3482, at an elevation of about 1808 metres.
Who operates Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara?
Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara is operated by Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara produce?
Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara is recorded as producing black and green tea.
Which buyers does Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara supply?
Public supplier disclosures record Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara as supplying Finlays.
How much rain does Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,396 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in October (240 mm).
How does Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara recorded 1,396 mm in 2025, 16% less rain than the 1,660 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].