Who Is Tom

TOM GODWIN SOYEKWO

Tom's Connection

Tom is our East Uganda coffee partner and the heart behind our Ugandan coffee. For over five years, Mt Atkinson Coffee has worked directly with Tom and the Mt Elgon Coffee Cooperative buying coffee straight from the farm, cutting out middlemen, and paying well above fair trade prices.

MT ELGON

Tom and His whānau live in the high altitude slopes of Mt Elgon National Park, East Uganda, Africa. This region’s rich volcanic soil and elevation create ideal conditions for growing exceptional coffee. For generations Tom has been growing coffee. Mt Elgon is also home to the Sabiny people and the Sipi Falls, known for resilience, strength, and world-record marathon runners.

TRANSFORMATION

Tom and his wife Annette Chekwemoi are deeply invested in their community. Together with their children, Emmanuel, Timothy, Paul and extended whānau, they help lead and support local growers, families, and faith communities. Tom also serves as a pastor over many churches, reflecting a heart for people, connection, and transformation that flows through everything they do.

HOW IT STARTED

Because of these direct relationships, we’re able to respond to real needs as they arise.

Over the years, this has included supporting farmers through seasonal challenges and investing in practical solutions that strengthen entire communities.

To date, we’ve helped provide over 180 water tanks to coffee growing communities. We’ve also established a dedicated off-season fund to support growers beyond harvest time.

When Fred, one of the growers, recently needed hip surgery, this fund helped pay for his surgery. A reminder that every bean sold can change lives in ways we may never fully see. He’s back on his farm, able to get amoungst it.

HOW IT WORKS

Because of these long-term relationships, we’re able to pay growers well above the fair trade price and respond to real needs as they arise. Over the years, this has included supporting farmers through seasonal challenges and investing in practical solutions that strengthen entire communities.

To date, we’ve helped provide over 180 water tanks to coffee growing communities. We’ve also established a dedicated off-season fund to support growers beyond harvest time.

When Fred, one of the growers, recently needed knee surgery, this fund helped cover not only farm development but essential healthcare, a reminder that every bean sold can change lives in ways we may never fully see.

THE CHANGE

Our relationship with Tom is at the heart of Mt Atkinson. It’s built on connection, relationship, shared values, and a commitment to seeing coffee change lives.

Your coffee purchase plays a critical role in making this transformation possible. Every cup helps sustain these relationships and the lives connected to them.