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Uganda’s coffee industry recorded an impressive performance in September, with exports soaring by 59% compared to the same month last year, according to data released by the Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday. The remarkable growth, fueled by a plentiful harvest, is providing a much-needed boost to the East African nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
The ministry’s report revealed that Uganda shipped 844,949 60-kilogram bags of coffee beans in September 2025, up from 532,212 bags during the same period in 2023. The increase, officials say, was largely driven by favorable weather conditions and strong yields in the Central and Eastern regions, where harvesting is currently at its peak.
“For Uganda, coffee is more than just a crop—it’s a cornerstone of the economy,” a ministry official told Who Owns Africa, speaking anonymously. “This year’s bumper harvest has significantly bolstered our export capacity.”
Coffee remains a central pillar of Uganda’s economy, standing alongside gold as one of its top foreign exchange earners. In the 12 months leading up to September, Uganda earned USD 2.2 billion from coffee exports—a 57% rise from the USD 1.4 billion recorded the previous year.
This surge comes at a critical time for global coffee markets, which are facing instability due to supply chain disruptions, adverse weather patterns, and production challenges in major coffee-producing nations like Brazil. Uganda’s robust output of its signature Robusta beans has helped offset some of these global pressures, contributing to steadier supply flows.
The agriculture ministry noted in its report that “the increase in export volume was higher than the previous year due to expanded coffee production as harvesting intensifies in key growing regions.” Looking forward, Uganda’s government anticipates continued growth in the sector. The ministry projects a 15% increase in coffee production for the new crop year that began this month—a development that could further strengthen Uganda’s global standing and help stabilize international coffee prices.
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For the millions of smallholder farmers who sustain Uganda’s coffee industry, the abundant harvest is translating into higher incomes and improved livelihoods. Still, economists warn that long-term stability will depend on more than just production growth. Market volatility and fluctuating global prices remain key risks, while greater investment in value addition—such as local coffee processing and branding—will be vital to capturing a larger share of global coffee revenues.
As the scent of freshly harvested beans fills Kampala’s trading centers, the record-breaking September figures underscore both Uganda’s rising influence in the global coffee market and its deep-rooted economic reliance on this cherished crop.
