Uganda recorded its highest-ever annual coffee export volume in the 2025/26 financial year, exporting 8.3 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee valued at US$2.18 billion (about UGX 7.9 trillion), according to the latest coffee market report.

The performance represents a 7.7% increase in export volumes compared to the previous financial year, when Uganda exported 7.7 million 60-kilogram bags worth US$2.21 billion (about UGX 8.1 trillion).

However, despite shipping more coffee, Uganda’s export earnings declined by 1.2% in value due to falling international coffee prices.

The report attributed the decline in earnings to increased global coffee supply, particularly from major producers including Brazil and Vietnam, which pushed prices downward despite Uganda’s increased production.

Higher Production Drives Export Growth

The rise in export volumes was mainly linked to increased coffee production, strengthening Uganda’s position among the world’s leading coffee exporters.

Uganda’s coffee exports remain dominated by Robusta coffee, which accounted for about 90% of exports in June 2026.

During June 2026, Uganda exported: 744,540 bags of coffee, worth US$175.5 million (about UGX 651 billion).

The monthly performance was lower compared to June 2025, with export volumes declining by 24.2% and export value dropping by 37.4%.

The decline was linked to lower export volumes and reduced global coffee prices.

Robusta Continues to Lead Uganda’s Coffee Exports

Robusta coffee remained the backbone of Uganda’s export market.

In June 2026: Robusta exports totaled 668,216 bags and Export value stood at US$147.3 million.

Arabica exports totaled: 76,324 bags, worth US$28.2 million.

Although Arabica accounts for a smaller share of exports, it continues to attract higher prices.

Mt. Elgon A+ Arabica achieved the highest price at US$11.1 per kilogram, highlighting the potential of specialty coffee markets.

Europe Remains Uganda’s Biggest Coffee Market

Europe continued to dominate Uganda’s coffee export destinations, accounting for 62% of total imports of Uganda coffee during June 2026.

The leading destinations were: Italy — 31.3%, Sudan — 12.9%, Germany — 7.9%, India — 6.5%, Morocco — 5%.

African countries imported 158,651 bags, representing a 21% market share.

Italy remained Uganda’s largest destination, reflecting the importance of European coffee processing and consumption markets.

Government Pushes Value Addition and Quality Improvement

Uganda is increasingly focusing on improving value addition, quality, and traceability across the coffee value chain.

During the reporting period, government-supported activities included: Training 4,741 coffee farmers through 150 training sessions, Conducting 271 farm visits reaching more than 907 farmers, Inspecting 252 coffee value chain actors, including buying stores, hullers, roasters, washing stations, grading facilities, and factories, Training traders and processors on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), traceability, and quality standards.

The efforts are aimed at helping Uganda meet changing international market requirements and improve the competitiveness of its coffee exports.

Uganda Promotes Coffee Brand Globally

Uganda showcased its coffee at the World of Coffee Expo held in Brussels, Belgium, from June 25–27, 2026.

The country launched the coffee brand campaign:

“Uganda Coffee, It’s In Our Nature.”

More than 20 Ugandan coffee exporters participated in the exhibition, where Uganda showcased coffee profiles from different agro-ecological zones.

More than 5,000 cups of Uganda coffee were served during the event to international visitors.

Farmers Continue to Receive Strong Coffee Prices

Farm-gate prices remained relatively strong during June 2026.

Prices ranged between: UGX 5,000–6,000 per kilogram for Robusta Kiboko, UGX 11,000–12,000 per kilogram for Robusta FAQ, UGX 14,500–15,500 per kilogram for Arabica parchment, UGX 14,000–15,000 per kilogram for Drugar coffee.

Robusta prices improved slightly compared to the previous month, while Arabica parchment prices recorded a small decline.

Uganda Coffee Export Forecast

The report projected Uganda’s coffee exports could reach 800,000 60-kilogram bags in July 2026 as the main harvest season in Greater Masaka and southwestern Uganda winds down.

As of August 2026, a newer full-year update beyond the FY2025/26 report had not yet been released. The latest available figures therefore continue to show a coffee sector experiencing strong volume growth while facing pressure from global price movements.

Uganda’s record export performance confirms the continued expansion of its coffee industry. However, the decline in export earnings despite higher volumes highlights the importance of increasing value addition, strengthening coffee branding, improving quality, and accessing higher-value markets.

The next phase of Uganda’s coffee growth will depend not only on producing more coffee but on ensuring farmers, exporters, and the wider economy capture greater value from every kilogram exported.