Uganda’s coffee sector delivered strong results in September 2025, with exports reaching a total of 844,949 60-kilogram bags valued at $218.554 million (Shs766.7 billion).
According to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) Monthly Coffee Report for September 2025, Robusta coffee led the exports, accounting for 771,704 bags valued at $190.008 million (Shs666.5 billion), while Arabica contributed 73,245 bags valued at $28.547 million (Shs100.1 billion). The value increase was driven by the Bugisu Cooperative Union's announcement of a rise in Robusta prices, which surged to Shs17,000 per kilogram from Shs12,000.
The average export price for Arabica rose to $6.50 per kilogram (Shs22,750), up by 20 cents from the previous month, while Robusta averaged $4.31 per kilogram (Shs15,100), a slight decrease compared to $4.54 per kilogram in September 2024. September’s farmgate prices also reflected strong demand, with Kiboko Robusta fetching Shs6,500 per kilogram, Drugar Arabica priced at Shs13,500–13,750, and Arabica parchment reaching Shs14,500.
Compared to August 2025, exports saw a small dip in volume (858,653 bags in August vs. 844,949 bags in September), but a notable rise in value, from $203.71 million (Shs714 billion) to $218.55 million (Shs766.7 billion), reflecting higher global coffee prices.
The top 10 exporting companies accounted for 69% of total exports, with Uganda Coffee (U) Ltd, Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd, and Olam Uganda Ltd leading the way.
Key export markets included the United States, Italy, Germany, Morocco, and Sudan. More than 25% of Uganda's coffee exports went to Africa, with Kenya, Senegal, and Nigeria being prominent buyers. Uganda also showcased Arabica and fine Robusta coffees at the Specialty Coffee Expo in Japan, held from September 24–27, 2025, generating significant international interest.
For the 2024/25 coffee year, Uganda’s cumulative exports reached 8.2 million 60-kg bags valued at $2.3 billion (Shs8.1 trillion), up from 6.4 million bags worth $1.4 billion (Shs4.9 trillion) the previous year. This achievement solidifies Uganda’s position as Africa’s leading coffee exporter, surpassing Ethiopia.
The UCDA continues its efforts to support the sector through farmer training, factory and nursery inspections, and the promotion of Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs). In September, 4,343 farmers received specialized training, and regulatory checks were carried out to ensure compliance across the value chain.
Looking ahead, Uganda’s coffee exports are expected to remain strong, supported by ongoing harvests of washed and natural Arabica and Robusta from the Central and Eastern regions, along with global demand and competitive pricing keeping the market momentum intact.