Uganda Coffee Exports Rise by 56% in September, Earning Shs766bn

Uganda’s coffee exports continued their impressive upward trend in September 2025, reaching 844,949 60-kilogram bags worth UGX 766.7 billion (US$ 218.6 million) — a 56.1% increase in quantity and 48.2% rise in value compared to August, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

The latest Monthly Coffee Market Report shows that Uganda exported 771,704 bags of Robusta valued at UGX 666.5 billion, and 73,245 bags of Arabica worth UGX 100.1 billion. Robusta exports grew by 50.2% in volume and 35.8% in value, while Arabica posted exceptional gains of 166.2% and 280.2%, respectively — signaling renewed global interest in Ugandan coffee.

“It is encouraging to see our coffee exports continuing to grow and bring higher returns to the country,” said Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Kasura-Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary of MAAIF. “Our September 2025 performance reflects not only the resilience of Uganda’s coffee farmers but also the success of our strategic efforts to improve productivity and market access.”

Improved Prices and Expanding Markets

The average export price rose to US$ 4.31 per kilogram, up from US$ 3.95 in August. Robusta fetched an average of US$ 4.10 per kilogram, while Arabica earned US$ 6.50, with the Rwenzori C/PB grade commanding the highest price at US$ 9.83 per kilogram.

At the farm gate, prices also improved: Robusta Kiboko averaged UGX 6,500 per kilogram, FAQ (Fair Average Quality) UGX 13,500, Arabica parchment UGX 14,500, and Drugar UGX 13,500 per kilogram.

Uganda’s top export destinations remained Italy (25.6%), Germany (13%), Morocco (7.5%), Sudan (6.8%), and Algeria (5.9%). Europe accounted for 61% of Uganda’s total coffee exports, while African markets took 22%, with increasing demand from North Africa.

Record Annual Performance

For the coffee year 2024/2025, Uganda exported 8.2 million bags worth US$ 2.3 billion (UGX 8.1 trillion) — a 29.6% rise in quantity and a 64.1% surge in value compared to the previous year.

Promoting Uganda Coffee Abroad

In September, Uganda also showcased its speciality Arabica and fine Robusta coffees at the Speciality Coffee Expo Japan 2025. The Ugandan delegation — led by MAAIF and the Embassy of Uganda in Tokyo — featured private sector exporters such as Mountain Harvest, Bugisu Cooperative Union, JKCC, Crystal Coffee, and Gorilla Highland Coffee Company. The showcase attracted strong attention from Japanese buyers, with positive feedback from cupping sessions and investment discussions.

Empowering Farmers and Strengthening Regulation

Domestically, MAAIF intensified coffee development initiatives to boost productivity and quality. In September alone, over 4,300 farmers participated in 166 specialised training sessions covering pest management, soil fertility, post-harvest handling, and climate-smart agriculture. Additionally, 190 coffee nurseries were verified for quality, and 241 value chain actors were inspected to ensure compliance with the Coffee Act 2025 (Amended).

Positive Outlook

With the main harvest season underway in parts of Central and Eastern Uganda, MAAIF projects that coffee exports could reach 850,000 bags in October 2025.

Uganda remains Africa’s leading exporter of Robusta coffee and continues to strengthen its position in premium Arabica markets — a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a source of high-quality, sustainable coffee.