Uganda’s coffee industry is stirring up strong momentum, with exports reaching 855,441 bags in August 2025, earning the country Shs722.58 bn, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
While this marks a 2.45% rise in volume compared to August last year, total earnings dipped 8.19%, largely due to a softening in global prices.
Robusta coffee remained the dominant force, contributing 797,363 bags worth US$180.79mn (≈ Shs705 billion), while Arabica accounted for 58,078 bags, generating US$21.96mn (≈ Shs85.64 billion). Despite the overall drop in Robusta value, Arabica showed impressive gains up 11.88% in volume and nearly 64% in value year-on-year.
The average export price stood at US$3.95 per kilogram (≈ Shs15,405/kg), a decline from US$4.19 in July and US$4.41 last August, reflecting continued global price pressure. MAAIF attributed the lower prices to lingering effects from July’s global market dip, especially for Robusta.
In the 12-month period from September 2024 to August 2025, Uganda exported 7.93 million bags of coffee, up from 6.73 million bags the year prior. Earnings skyrocketed by 58.72%, reaching Shs7.94 trillion, thanks to stronger volume and Arabica’s price surge.
At the farm-gate, prices remained encouraging: Robusta Kiboko fetched Shs6,500/kg, Robusta FAQ Shs13,500/kg, Arabica parchment Shs14,500/kg, while Drugar held steady at Shs13,500/kg, despite a slight dip.
On the export front, Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd led with an 8.73% share, followed closely by Export Trading Company (8.61%) and Olam Uganda Ltd (8.26%). Together, the top 10 exporters controlled 64% of Uganda’s coffee trade.
Globally, coffee production is expected to hit a record 178.7 million bags in 2025/26, fuelled by recoveries in Vietnam and Indonesia, and record output from Ethiopia, according to the USDA.
Locally, MAAIF credited favourable weather conditions for supporting coffee activities such as planting, pruning, and training. In August alone, over 145 farmer trainings were conducted across 11 regions, reaching 4,000+ farmers, with a focus on climate-smart practices, pest control, and agronomic skills.
Looking ahead, Uganda’s coffee exports for September 2025 are projected at 750,000 bags, as the main harvest season begins in Central and Eastern regions—positioning Uganda to remain a leading coffee exporter both regionally and globally.
Uganda brews bigger coffee future as exports hit 855,000 bags
Globally, coffee production is expected to hit a record 178.7 million bags in 2025/26.
