Uganda earns Shs 8.3trn from coffee exports despite May decline
Released by the Agriculture ministry, the report shows that Uganda exported 8.6 million 60-kilogramme bags of coffee between June 2025 and May 2026, representing a 16 per cent increase in volume and an 11 per cent rise in value compared to the 7.4mln bags worth US$ 2.1bln exported during the previous 12-month period
KAMPALA, July 6, 2026 – Uganda earned US$ 2.3 billion [about Shs 8.3 trillion] from coffee exports over the 12 months to May 2026, despite a significant decline in export volumes and earnings during the month of May, according to the latest coffee export report.
Released by the Agriculture ministry, the report shows that Uganda exported 8.6 million 60-kilogramme bags of coffee between June 2025 and May 2026, representing a 16 per cent increase in volume and an 11 per cent rise in value compared to the 7.4mln bags worth US$ 2.1bln exported during the previous 12-month period.
However, coffee exports in May 2026 fell to 617,491 bags valued at US$ 151.7mln [Shs 571 billion], down from the same month in 2025. The decline represents a 21.6 per cent drop in export volumes and a 34.4 per cent reduction in export earnings compared to May last year.
Of the total exports in May, Robusta accounted for 517,825 bags worth US$ 116.1mln, while Arabica exports stood at 99,666 bags valued at US$ 35.6mln.
The report attributes the lower export volumes to reduced shipments compared to May 2025, while international coffee prices also softened amid expectations of improved global supplies, particularly following favourable production prospects for Brazil’s 2026/27 coffee season.
The average export price in May was US$4.1 per kilogramme, slightly down from US$4.3 recorded in April 2026. Robusta coffee accounted for 84 per cent of total exports and fetched an average price of US$ 3.7 per kilogramme, while Arabica averaged US$5.9 per kilogramme. The highest price was recorded for Mt Elgon A+ Arabica at US$ 9.3 per kilogramme.
At the farm gate, Robusta Kiboko averaged Shs 5,250 per kilogramme, while Fair Average Quality [FAQ] Robusta sold for Shs 11,250 per kilogram. Arabica parchment averaged Shs 15,250 per kilogram, while Drugar fetched Shs 14,500 per kilogramme.
Italy remained Uganda’s largest coffee export destination during May, accounting for 26 per cent of total exports, followed by India [9.5 per cent], Sudan [9.2 per cent], Germany [8.1 per cent] and the United States [5.2 per cent]. Europe continued to dominate as the leading regional market, taking 56 per cent of Uganda’s coffee exports.
Among exporters, Export Trading Company [U] Ltd retained the largest market share at 11.6 per cent, followed by UGACOF [U] Ltd with 9.9 per cent and Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd with 8.5 per cent. The top ten exporters accounted for 65 per cent of Uganda’s coffee exports during the month.
The report also highlights continued investments in coffee sector development. During May, 146 farmer training sessions reached 4,828 coffee farmers across the country, while extension officers conducted 257 farm visits benefiting more than 821 farmers. In addition, about 21.6 million coffee seedlings and plantlets were distributed to 36,435 farmers to support coffee production.
Regulatory and quality assurance efforts also intensified, with 367 coffee value chain actors inspected and 361 licensed during the reporting period. Authorities also sealed 38 non-compliant operators and prosecuted three offenders over malpractice-related offences.
Globally, coffee production for the 2025/26 season is forecast to reach a record 178.8mln bags, driven by increased output in Vietnam, Indonesia and Ethiopia. Rising global production is expected to support supplies, although world consumption continues to grow, keeping international coffee markets relatively tight.
Looking ahead, Uganda projects coffee exports to recover to about 700,000 bags in June 2026 as harvesting continues in the Greater Masaka and South-Western regions.
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