In short: Kayonza is a tea estate in Ntungamo, Uganda, operated by Kayona Grower'S Tea Factory Ltd. and known to supply Morrisons in the United Kingdom.
Kayonza is a tea estate situated in the Ntungamo region of Uganda, operated by Kayona Grower'S Tea Factory Ltd. The estate sits at an elevation of 1,416 metres and is recorded as supplying Morrisons, the British supermarket chain. Production encompasses both black and green teas.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,416 metres above sea level and positioned just south of the equator, Kayonza occupies a mid-elevation zone that typically experiences relatively stable temperatures year-round, with warm days and cooler nights. Estates in this altitude band in East Africa often benefit from consistent rainfall distributed across two main seasons, supporting steady vegetative growth without the extreme dormancy periods seen in higher-latitude tea regions.
The Ntungamo region of south-western Uganda generally enjoys deep volcanic soils and reliable moisture, conditions that tend to favour vigorous bush growth. Mid-elevation equatorial estates of this kind often produce leaf with moderate astringency and body, the diurnal temperature variation contributing to reasonable accumulation of secondary metabolites while the warmth maintains rapid flush cycles.
Tea Produced
Kayonza produces both black and green teas. Ugandan black teas from mid-elevation estates typically yield a medium-bodied cup with malty or bready notes and moderate astringency, well suited to blending or breakfast-style infusions. Green tea production at equatorial estates in this altitude range often results in a lighter, vegetal profile, though processing style and plucking standards will determine the final character. The estate's output is likely to reflect the rounded, accessible style common to East African teas grown at this elevation.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Kayonza's recorded supply relationship with Morrisons places it within the procurement network of a major UK supermarket, suggesting that at least a portion of its output meets the quality, traceability, and compliance standards expected by mainstream retail buyers. Morrisons' sourcing from the estate indicates integration into established supply chains serving the British consumer market, where Ugandan tea is often valued for blending and for its competitive pricing relative to teas from higher-cost origins.
- Recorded supplier to Morrisons
Operator
The estate is operated by Kayona Grower'S Tea Factory Ltd., a company whose name suggests a grower-owned or smallholder-linked processing model. No other estates operated by this company are currently recorded in our directory, indicating that Kayonza represents the sole or principal holding under this operator's management.
Certifications & Ethics
Kayonza holds membership of the Ethical Tea Partnership, an industry body that promotes improved working conditions, environmental stewardship, and responsible supply-chain practices across tea-growing regions. For buyers, ETP membership signals a commitment to third-party-monitored social and environmental standards; for workers, it typically entails access to grievance mechanisms, health and safety protocols, and ongoing farm-level assessments against the partnership's code of conduct.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Kayonza lies at -0.8751, 30.2657 in Ntungamo, Uganda. Its 1416 m elevation is the 16th highest of 30 estates we map in Uganda. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Mwenge — 38 km away · Ankole. District: Bushenyi Area
- Global Village Tea Company Ltd. — 39 km away · Western
- Uganda Tea Development Agency Ltd, Igara — 53 km away · Central
- Mulindi Tea Factory — 72 km away · Mu Maya
- MUSHUBI — 86 km away · GICUMBI
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Kayonza
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Kayonza (1,416 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Kayonza recorded 1,045 mm in 2025, 59% less than the 2,550 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Letchmi Super Tea Estate | Kannan Devan Hills, India | 1,418 m | 3,791 mm | 22.3 °C |
| MABAYI | Cibitoke, Burundi | 1,413 m | 1,972 mm | 24.5 °C |
| Rwanda Mountain Tea | KG 438 St, Rwanda | 1,413 m | 1,053 mm | 26.3 °C |
| Idalgasshinna Tea Estate | District -Badulla, Sri Lanka | 1,413 m | 2,188 mm | 23.1 °C |
| Talawakelle Plantations, Mattakelle | Central Province, Sri Lanka | 1,410 m | 3,746 mm | 21.9 °C |
Kayonza Compared with Uganda
In Uganda, Kayonza is drier than 90% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 52% of the others by elevation; warmer than 66% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Kayonza against the 29 other estates we map in Uganda, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Kayonza | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,416 m | 1,481 m | 1,070 to 1,808 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 1,045 mm | 1,251 mm | 943 to 1,664 mm |
| Mean daily high | 26.7 °C | 26.0 °C | 23.1 to 29.7 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 15.5 °C | 16.5 °C | 14.4 to 18.7 °C |
Observed Climate at Kayonza (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Kayonza’s coordinates recorded 1,045 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was October (185 mm) and the driest was January (31 mm). Daytime highs averaged 26.7 °C and overnight lows 15.5 °C over the year; March was the warmest month and November the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,045 mm |
| Wettest month | October (185 mm) |
| Driest month | January (31 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 26.7 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 15.5 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kayonza located?
Kayonza is in Ntungamo, Uganda, at coordinates -0.8751, 30.2657, at an elevation of about 1416 metres.
Who operates Kayonza?
Kayonza is operated by Kayona Grower'S Tea Factory Ltd., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Kayonza produce?
Kayonza is recorded as producing black and green tea.
Which buyers does Kayonza supply?
Public supplier disclosures record Kayonza as supplying Morrisons.
What certifications does Kayonza hold?
Kayonza is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Kayonza receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,045 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in October (185 mm).
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].
