Uganda’s coffee industry has reached a historic economic milestone, reinforcing its position as the country’s leading export earner amid shifting global market conditions.
New data shows that in the twelve months ending February 2026, Uganda exported 8.8 million bags of coffee, generating a record $2.5 billion (about Shs9 trillion).
This marks a significant jump from the previous corresponding period, when 6.3 million bags were exported, earning $ 1.6 billion (Shs6 trillion).
The performance represents a 41 percent increase in export volumes and a 61 percent rise in value year-on-year, underscoring both stronger production and improved earnings for the sector.
In February 2026 alone, Uganda exported 651,933 60-kilogram bags of coffee, earning $180.98 million (Shs645.78 billion).
While export volumes rose by 14.93 percent compared to February 2025, international prices showed signs of easing.
The average price per kilogram declined to $4.63, down from $4.71 in January 2026 and $5.03 in February 2025, reflecting a broader softening in global coffee markets.
Despite this downward pressure, Uganda’s high-quality specialty coffee continued to attract premium prices.
Mt Elgon A+ fetched up to $9.99 per kilogram, nearly double the national average, highlighting the growing value of premium Arabica varieties.
Farmgate prices remain strong
At the producer level, farmgate prices remained relatively attractive throughout the month, supporting sustained production across key growing regions.
Robusta Kiboko was priced at about Shs5,750 per kilogram, while FAQ (Fair Average Quality) sold at Shs12,250. Arabica parchment fetched Shs15,500, with Drugar averaging Shs14,500 per kilogram.
These price levels continue to provide strong incentives for farmers despite fluctuations in global markets.
Uganda’s coffee export sector also remains highly competitive, with 79 companies active in the market during February 2026.
However, the industry continues to be dominated by a small group of major players. The top 10 exporters accounted for 66 percent of total export volumes, underscoring a highly concentrated value chain.
Ugacof led the market during the month with a 14.43 percent share, although this represents a slight decrease from January, when the top ten exporters controlled 67 percent of volumes—suggesting a modest increase in participation by mid-sized exporters.
As global coffee markets adjust to changing supply dynamics, Uganda’s challenge will be to sustain its export momentum while strengthening value addition, improving farmer earnings, and maintaining competitiveness in an increasingly volatile international environment.
