Uganda coffee prices recover as exports hit record levels
Farm-gate prices stabilize as Uganda strengthens its position as Africa’s top coffee exporter with record shipments and revenues.
UGANDA – Uganda’s coffee prices have rebounded after months of decline, with farm-gate rates now stabilizing between UGX 13,000 (US$3.65) and UGX14,000 (US$3.93) per kilogram, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has confirmed.
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze announced that a kilogram of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) beans is selling at UGX13,000–14,000, while Arabica parchment fetches between UGX 13,500 (US$3.79) and UGX 14,000.
The rebound follows a slump earlier in 2025, caused by global oversupply from Brazil, Vietnam, and India, which had depressed international coffee prices.
“This rebound reflects Uganda’s resilience, the quality of our coffee, and renewed confidence from international buyers,” Tumwebaze stated. He urged farmers to maintain strict standards in harvesting, drying, and processing to protect Uganda’s reputation for premium coffee.
The Minister further encouraged good agricultural practices to raise productivity, stronger farmer cooperatives to improve bargaining power, and investment in value addition to cushion the sector against global price fluctuations.
Coffee remains Uganda’s leading agricultural export and a vital livelihood source for millions of households. In May 2025, Uganda became Africa’s top coffee exporter, surpassing Ethiopia with a record 47,606.7 tonnes.
Between June 2024 and May 2025, the country exported 7.43 million 60 kg bags, generating US$2.09 billion in revenue. This marked an increase from 6.08 million bags in the previous year.
Italy emerged as the largest importer, accounting for 39 percent of Uganda’s coffee exports, while Europe collectively held a 67 percent market share. Exports to African markets stood at 18 percent, with Asia absorbing 13 percent.
Uganda’s reputation in the global market has been reinforced by stringent quality controls, farmer training programs, and wider access to quality inputs. These measures have enhanced the appeal of Ugandan coffee, valued for its distinctive flavor and consistent quality.
The efforts support the country’s Coffee Roadmap, which targets 20 million 60 kg bags annually by 2030, with projected revenues of US$1.5 billion.
According to MAAIF spokesperson Charlotte Kemigyisha, the Coffee Development Department has intensified surveillance and enforcement to safeguard quality assurance across the country. “These measures mean increased monitoring to guarantee quality assurance,” she explained.
The government affirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure coffee remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy.
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