By Nasir Lubwama
Uganda’s coffee exports earned US$2.3 billion (Shs8.3 trillion) over the 12 months ending May 2026, marking another record performance despite a sharp decline in exports during the month of May.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries’ Monthly Coffee Report for May 2026, the country exported 8.6 million 60-kilogramme bags between June 2025 and May 2026, up from 7.4 million bags worth US$2.1 billion (Shs7.7 trillion) recorded during the previous coffee year. This represents a 16 per cent increase in export volumes and an 11 per cent rise in export earnings.
However, coffee exports in May 2026 fell to 617,491 bags valued at US$151.7 million (Shs571 billion), compared to 788,115 bags worth US$242.5 million in May 2025.
The report attributes the decline to lower export volumes and easing international prices, with expectations of improved global supply during the 2026/27 coffee season, particularly following favourable production forecasts in Brazil.
Robusta exports accounted for 517,825 bags worth US$116.1 million, while 99,666 bags of Arabica valued at US$35.6 million were exported during the month.
Farm-gate prices remained firm, with Robusta Kiboko averaging Shs5,250 per kilogramme, Robusta FAQ at Shs11,250, Arabica parchment at Shs15,250, and Drugar Arabica averaging Shs14,500 per kilogramme. Mt Elgon A+ Arabica fetched the highest price at approximately US$9.3 per kilogramme.
The report also shows continued concentration within the export market, with the top 10 exporters accounting for 65 per cent of Uganda’s coffee export volumes during the period. Export Trading Company (U) Ltd maintained the largest market share among the country’s 75 licensed coffee exporters.
