Uganda’s coffee industry has posted one of its strongest performances in recent years, with exports for the last twelve months (November 2024–October 2025) reaching 8.4 million bags worth US$ 2.4 billion (Shs 8.2 trillion).
This marks a remarkable growth from 5.8 million bags valued at US$ 1.3 billion (Shs 4.88 trillion) recorded in the previous year.
According to the latest Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) Monthly Coffee Report for October 2025, this performance represents a 46.96% rise in export volumes and a 77.33% surge in value.
The report attributes this impressive growth to increased production, with harvests already underway in Central and Eastern Uganda, coupled with improved global prices driven by weather-related concerns in major producing countries such as Brazil, Vietnam, and regions of Central America.
In October 2025 alone, Uganda exported 685,720 bags of coffee worth US$ 185.56 million (Shs 642.7 billion). Robusta accounted for the largest share with 597,925 bags valued at US$ 151.51 million (Shs 524.8 billion), while Arabica contributed 87,795 bags worth US$ 34.04 million (Shs 117.93 billion). This reflects an increase of 38% in volume and 33% in value compared to the same month in 2024.
Robusta exports grew by 31% in volume and 19% in value compared to October 2024, reaffirming Uganda’s dominance as a leading producer of high-quality Robusta coffee.
Arabica exports performed even more strongly, rising by 117% in volume and 182% in value boosted by improved quality and sustained demand in specialty markets.
“Coffee export volume was higher than the previous year on account of increased coffee production as harvest in Central and Eastern regions is already underway. Coffee prices at the global scene improved on weather-related concerns in Central America, Brazil, and Vietnam,” the report states.
Italy maintained its position as the single largest buyer of Ugandan coffee, accounting for 26.22% of exports up from 25.63% in September 2025.
Other key markets included Germany at 10.67% (down from 13.04%), Algeria at 7.49% (up from 5.95%), India at 6.62% (up from 5.41%), and Switzerland at 4.94% (up from 2.14%).
The top 10 destinations collectively accounted for 74.66% of Uganda’s coffee exports, slightly lower than 77.90% in September.
Exports to African markets stood at 108,540 bags, representing 16% of total exports. This was a decline from 182,441 bags (22%) recorded in September 2025. Key African buyers included Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt.
Europe continued to dominate as the main destination for Ugandan coffee, taking in 63% of exports, up from 61% the previous month.
This long-standing market remains vital for Uganda’s premium and specialty varieties.
The average export price in October was US$ 4.51 per kilogram, an increase of 20 cents from September’s US$ 4.31.
However, it was slightly lower than the US$ 4.67 per kilogram recorded in October 2024. Robusta constituted 87% of total exports, though this was lower than the 91% share registered in September. The average Robusta price rose to US$ 4.22 per kilogram from US$ 4.10 the previous month.
Washed Robusta registered the highest price at US$ 4.88 per kilogram, followed by Screen 17 which sold at US$ 4.60. Sustainable or washed Robusta accounted for 0.78% of exports an improvement from 0.33% in September 2025.
Arabica coffee fetched an average price of US$ 6.46 per kilogram, slightly lower than US$ 6.50 in September. The highest Arabica price was for Bugisu C/PB at US$ 8.33 per kilogram, followed by Wugar RFA at US$ 8.06.
Drugar was sold at US$ 6.37, up from US$ 6.34 in September, and constituted 46% of total Arabica exports, down from 52% the previous month.
Sustainable Arabica maintained a 7% share of total Arabica exports, the same as in September 2025, reflecting steady demand for environmentally conscious and ethically sourced coffee.
Uganda’s latest export figures reaffirm the country’s position among the world’s leading coffee producers, while signalling continued progress in value addition, quality enhancement, and market diversification.