The Ugandan government has called on coffee farmers to remain resilient in the face of challenges affecting the industry. According to Frank Tumwebaze, minister of agriculture, animal industry and fisheries, the global coffee market has experienced downward pressure due to increased supplies from major producing countries, particularly Brazil and Vietnam. This development has impacted Uganda's coffee sector, with the country facing domestic supply challenges following a prolonged period of drought and unusually high temperatures in several coffee-growing areas.
The drought and high temperatures have resulted in water stress, affecting coffee flowering, cherry development, bean filling, and ultimately, processing yields and quality. Tumwebaze noted that the impact of this drought on coffee production at farm level has been felt at the national level. Uganda's coffee export earnings fell to 204.1 million U.S. dollars in July 2026 from 250.7 million dollars in July 2025. The country exported 846,376 60-kg bags of coffee in July 2026, down from 997,105 bags in the same month a year earlier.
Despite the challenges, Tumwebaze emphasized that farmers are not necessarily facing losses. He stressed that a decline in prices does not automatically mean farmers are operating at a loss. The minister urged farmers and other players in the coffee value chain not to lose confidence, saying the resilience of Uganda's coffee industry continues to make coffee production and related activities profitable.
The Ugandan government is implementing measures to help farmers recover from the effects of adverse weather, mitigate future climate risks, and raise productivity and incomes. Coffee remains a key commodity in Uganda's economic agenda, with about 1.7 million households depending on the crop. The ministry is working to support farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the coffee industry.
Tumwebaze attributed the immediate pressure on the global coffee market partly to increased Brazilian exports, as that country's harvest approached completion. He noted that this tells us that the current price movement is not unique to Uganda, but part of a wider international market adjustment. The minister's statement aimed to reassure farmers and stakeholders that the government is aware of the challenges and is working to address them.
The decline in coffee export earnings and volumes has significant implications for Uganda's economy. The country relies heavily on coffee exports, and any disruption to the industry can have far-reaching consequences. However, Tumwebaze expressed optimism that the industry will recover and continue to thrive, with the government's support.
The Ugandan government's efforts to support coffee farmers include implementing measures to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve productivity. With coffee being a crucial crop for many households, the government is committed to ensuring that farmers can continue to rely on it as a source of income. By providing support and guidance, the government aims to help farmers navigate the challenges facing the industry.
Key points
- Uganda's coffee farmers face challenges due to global market volatility and adverse weather conditions.
- The government is implementing measures to support farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the coffee industry.
- Coffee remains a key commodity in Uganda's economic agenda, with about 1.7 million households depending on the crop.
