Our Story

From Kyegegwa to the World

The Story Behind POVU Coffee

I did not build POVU to sell coffee. I built it to change what a cup of Kyegegwa Robusta is worth — to the farmer who grew it and to the world that drinks it.

— Emmanuel Bahindi, Founder & CEO

The Beginning

Born in Kyegegwa District to a mother with a serious mental illness, Emmanuel was raised by his elderly grandmother from three months old. She fed him mashed Irish potatoes mixed with milk — not tradition, but all she could afford.

The Student

Despite everything, Emmanuel became the top student in his rural community. A HESFB government loan took him to Makerere University to study Software Engineering. He survived on Kikomando in a leaking room in Nakulabye and coded his first software contract for UGX 600,000.

The Return

After founding COTE TECH (U) Ltd, he did what no one expected — he returned to Kyegegwa. Armed with digital farmer profiling, professional grading standards, and above-market pricing, he built what no supply chain had ever offered those farmers: dignity. POVU Coffee was born.

Key Milestones

The POVU Journey

Birth

Emmanuel Bahindi born in Kyegegwa District, western Uganda. Raised by grandmother from three months old.

2011

Mother passed away. Emmanuel in Primary Six. Grandmother continued raising him.

PLE

Top student — First Grade, 8 aggregates. Won scholarships to Central College Mityana.

UCE

Multiple distinctions at O-Level. Secured HESFB government loan for university.

Makerere

Enrolled in Software Engineering at Makerere University. Built first software contract for UGX 600K.

GDSC

Competed in Google Developer Student Clubs hackathon.

Baylor

Worked with Baylor Uganda on health technology systems.

Jan 2024

Graduated from Makerere University in Software Engineering.

COTE TECH

Founded COTE TECH (U) Limited — building digital systems for African enterprises.

2025

Dual export routes established: Entebbe Airport + Mombasa Port.

POVU

Returned to Kyegegwa with digital farmer profiling. Founded POVU Coffee.

Taste the Story

Every Cup Tells a Story

Shop Now