BUSINESS NEWS – Uganda’s coffee sector has posted another strong performance, with export earnings climbing to $2.3 billion (about UGX 8.3 trillion) over the 12 months ending May 2026, driven by higher export volumes and sustained international demand for the country’s coffee.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) Monthly Coffee Report for May 2026, Uganda exported 8.6 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee between June 2025 and May 2026, up from 7.4 million bags recorded during the same period the previous coffee year.
The increase represents a 16 percent rise in export volumes and an 11 percent growth in export earnings, reinforcing coffee’s position as Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earner.
The report attributes the improved performance to sustained production and strong export demand, despite fluctuations in international prices during the reporting period.
In May 2026 alone, Uganda exported 617,491 bags worth $151.7 million (UGX 571 billion). Although this represented a decline compared to May 2025 due to seasonal factors, the cumulative annual performance remained significantly stronger than the previous year.
MAAIF noted that the average export price in May stood at $4.1 per kilogram, slightly lower than April’s $4.3 per kilogram, reflecting easing global coffee prices as expectations of improved supplies from major producing countries, particularly Brazil, increased.
The report shows that Robusta coffee continued to dominate Uganda’s exports, accounting for 517,825 bags worth $116.1 million, while Arabica exports reached 99,666 bags valued at $35.6 million during May.
At the farm gate, prices remained attractive for growers. Robusta Kiboko averaged sh5,250 per kilogram, FAQ coffee fetched sh11,250 per kilogram, Arabica parchment sold at sh15,250 per kilogram, while Drugar traded at sh14,500 per kilogram. Coffee from the Mt. Elgon A+ grade registered the highest price at approximately $9.3 per kilogram.
The report also highlighted improved participation by exporters, with the top 10 exporting companies accounting for 65 percent of total export volumes during the month. Export Trading Company (U) Ltd emerged as the leading exporter with an 11.6 percent market share among the 75 companies that exported coffee in May.
Industry stakeholders say the continued increase in both export volumes and foreign exchange earnings underscores the success of ongoing efforts to improve coffee production, quality and value chains.
With coffee earnings now surpassing $2.3 billion annually, the sector continues to play a critical role in strengthening Uganda’s balance of payments, supporting millions of farming households and contributing to the country’s broader economic growth agenda.
