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Uganda has projected a 15 per cent increase in coffee production for the next farming season, driven by improved weather conditions, expanded cultivation, and the government’s sustained investment in agricultural support programmes.
According to the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), the country expects to produce up to 7.4 million 60-kilogramme bags of coffee, compared with 6.4 million bags recorded last year.
Officials say the anticipated growth reflects Uganda’s ongoing efforts to modernise coffee farming, enhance export capacity, and solidify its position as Africa’s leading Robusta coffee exporter.
UCDA’s Executive Director, Emmanuel Iyamulemye, disclosed that the projected increase is largely due to better rainfall patterns and the success of replanting initiatives supported by the government.
He noted that the adoption of disease-resistant seedlings and improved post-harvest handling techniques has also contributed significantly to the positive outlook.
“Our farmers are beginning to see the rewards of adopting new technologies and improved agricultural practices,” Iyamulemye said. “The sector’s growth remains a key driver of Uganda’s rural economy and export performance.”
Uganda’s coffee industry has become a major source of foreign exchange, accounting for about 13 per cent of total export earnings.
The government has outlined plans to double production in the coming years by providing subsidised seedlings, offering training to smallholder farmers, and investing in processing facilities to add value before export.
Analysts note that rising global demand for premium coffee blends presents Uganda with an opportunity to expand its market share, particularly in Europe and Asia.
However, they also cautioned that climate variability and fluctuating global prices remain potential risks to the country’s long-term growth targets.
With the latest forecast, Uganda continues to position itself as a leading force in Africa’s coffee industry, second only to Ethiopia in total output.
