UGANDA - East African coffee chain Java House has extended its footprint in Uganda by opening two new branches, both located on Shell service station forecourts in the suburbs of Kampala. 

The new outlets in Najjera-Kira and Muyenga mark Java House's ongoing partnership with Shell’s service station operator, Vivo Energy, in East Africa. With this addition, Java House now operates six branches in Uganda, contributing to a total of 94 outlets across the region, including locations in Kenya and Rwanda.

In addition to the new branches, Java House has renovated its existing location at Shell Lugogo in Kampala, updating the branch to reflect the brand’s quality-driven ambiance. It also unveiled an ‘on-the-go’ concept at the Shell Nansana station, aimed at commuters on the main northwest route out of Kampala. 

The introduction of this mobile-friendly setup mirrors a strategy Java House has adopted across the region, especially in densely populated areas with high commuter traffic.

In Kenya, Java House has pursued similar partnerships with TotalEnergies and Rubis fuel stations, enabling the brand to reach a broader audience through quick-service outlets in high-traffic zones. 

Java House has recognized the potential in East Africa's emerging coffee culture, a region traditionally dominated by tea. By sourcing Ugandan-grown coffee for its stores in Uganda, Java House hopes to align itself more closely with the local agricultural sector and resonate with a growing base of coffee-drinking, middle-class consumers.

Priscilla Gathungu, CEO of Java House, highlighted the company’s commitment to making premium coffee and quality meals accessible in Uganda. 

“Expanding to Najjera, Muyenga, and on-the-go in Nansana is part of our mission to ensure every Ugandan has access to our welcoming service and the high-quality meals and coffee we are known for,” she noted. 

Gathungu added that the new outlets aim to offer an experience that connects with Ugandan customers, creating a home-like atmosphere that denotes Java House's dedication to East African communities.

In the first quarter of 2024, Java House also opened two new outlets in Nairobi in collaboration with Rubis, reinforcing its commitment to convenient yet high-quality service across the region. 

Now present in 18 cities across three East African countries, Java House remains one of the region’s leading coffee brands, strategically positioning itself to cater to the on-the-go, middle-class consumer.