Uganda's Coffee Export Industry
Coffee is Uganda's largest agricultural export, generating over USD 800 million in foreign exchange annually. Uganda is the largest coffee exporter in Africa and the second largest in sub-Saharan Africa after Ethiopia, producing both Robusta (grown in central and western Uganda) and Arabica (grown on Mt Elgon and in the Rwenzori region). The sector supports over 1.7 million smallholder farming households across Uganda.
For any company wishing to export coffee from Uganda, the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) is the regulatory body governing all aspects of coffee quality, licensing, and trade.
UCDA Coffee Export Licence — Requirements 2026
To legally export coffee from Uganda, you must obtain an export licence from UCDA. The requirements are:
- Company registration: Must be a registered company with URSB with a valid certificate of incorporation
- URA TIN: Valid tax identification number and current tax compliance
- Paid-up capital: Minimum paid-up capital of UGX 50 million for a coffee export licence
- Warehouse/processing facility: Must have or have access to a licensed coffee processing and storage facility
- Application form: Complete UCDA coffee export licence application form (available at UCDA offices on Jinja Road, Kampala)
- Licence fee: Annual licence fee — contact UCDA for current rates
Coffee Quality Standards for Export
All coffee exported from Uganda must meet UCDA quality standards. Coffee is graded by screen size, moisture content, and defect count:
| Grade | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Robusta Grade 1 (FAQ) | Robusta | Fair average quality — minimum export standard |
| Robusta Grade 2 | Robusta | Screen 15, low defects, 12.5% moisture max |
| Arabica Grade 1 (Drugar) | Arabica | Dry-processed, high quality |
| Arabica Grade 2 (Wugar) | Arabica | Washed, high quality, specialty market |
| Specialty Grade | Arabica | 85+ cup score, premium international markets |
Coffee Export Documentation Required
- UCDA export permit (issued per shipment)
- Certificate of Origin (from Uganda Export Promotions Board — UEPB)
- Phytosanitary certificate (from Ministry of Agriculture)
- UCDA quality inspection certificate
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (for sea shipment) or airway bill
- Customs export declaration (filed with URA)
Coffee Export Routes from Uganda
- Mombasa port (Kenya): Most common route — road transport Kampala to Mombasa, then sea freight. Transit time: 2–3 days road, 21–25 days sea to Europe
- Dar es Salaam (Tanzania): Alternative southern corridor for some buyers
- Air freight via Entebbe: For specialty and high-value small lots — expensive but fast
How to Find International Coffee Buyers
- Uganda Coffee Trade Federation (UCTF): Industry body connecting exporters with international buyers
- Specialty Coffee Association (SCA): Annual trade shows in Europe and USA — key networking events for specialty Arabica
- International Coffee Organization (ICO): Market data and buyer contacts
- Direct sourcing programmes: Major roasters (Nespresso, Starbucks, Lavazza) run direct sourcing programmes in Uganda
- Online platforms: Algrano and Cropster connect Uganda sellers with international specialty buyers
Basket Advisory — Agribusiness Project Management Uganda
We support coffee exporters, cooperatives, and agribusiness companies with programme management, farmer mobilisation through Jirani, and payroll for field staff across Uganda.
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