Source premium green coffee directly from Uganda's top exporters and cooperatives. Robusta and Arabica grades, indicative FOB pricing, and complete buyer guidance for importers and roasters worldwide.
Uganda isn't just Africa's top coffee exporter. It's the birthplace of Robusta, home to indigenous varieties found nowhere else, and a rising star in specialty Arabica. Here's why global buyers are turning to Uganda.
Uganda surpassed Ethiopia to become Africa's number one coffee exporter. With 8.8 million 60-kg bags exported annually and growing, Uganda offers the volume and consistency that large-scale buyers demand.
Uganda is one of the few places where Robusta grows wild. The country's indigenous Robusta varieties deliver a clean, full-bodied cup that commands premium pricing in the European espresso blend market.
High-altitude Arabica from Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori Mountains is earning cupping scores that rival Ethiopia and Kenya. Bugisu AA and organic-certified lots are increasingly sought after by specialty roasters.
UCDA regulates and facilitates all coffee exports. The process is transparent, well-documented, and supported by a network of licensed exporters, warehouses, and logistics providers ready to serve international buyers.
Uganda benefits from two harvest seasons: the main crop (October-February) and the fly crop (May-July). This dual-cycle system ensures near year-round availability and fresh-crop flexibility for buyers.
Over 1.7 million smallholder farming households are organized into cooperatives and farmer associations, providing traceable, community-based supply chains ideal for direct-trade and certification programs.
Uganda exports both Robusta and Arabica under UCDA's standardized grading system. Below are the most commonly traded grades with indicative FOB Mombasa price ranges. Live daily prices are available on our sister site.
| Grade | Type | Screen Size | Indicative FOB | Flavor Profile | Typical Buyer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC18 | Robusta | Screen 18+ | $2.80-3.20/kg | Full body, low acidity, dark chocolate, earthy. The premium Robusta grade preferred for Italian espresso blends. | European espresso roasters, instant coffee manufacturers |
| SC15 | Robusta | Screen 15-17 | $2.50-2.90/kg | Medium-heavy body, neutral cup, clean finish. Versatile blending grade with excellent crema production. | Mid-tier roasters, blend manufacturers, supermarket brands |
| SC12 | Robusta | Screen 12-14 | $2.10-2.50/kg | Lighter body, mild earthy notes. Entry-level Robusta suitable for instant coffee and value blends. | Instant coffee producers, value segment buyers |
| Bugisu AA | Arabica | Screen 18+ | $3.80-4.60/kg | Bright acidity, winey, chocolate, stone fruit. Uganda's premier Arabica with distinctive Mount Elgon character. | Specialty roasters, single-origin programs, premium blends |
| Bugisu A | Arabica | Screen 16-17 | $3.40-4.00/kg | Medium acidity, balanced body, dried fruit, brown sugar. Consistent quality for roast-and-blend programs. | Mid-market roasters, regional coffee brands |
| Bugisu B | Arabica | Screen 14-15 | $2.80-3.40/kg | Mild acidity, smooth body, gentle sweetness. Good value Arabica for everyday blends. | Value-conscious roasters, commodity traders |
| Bugisu PB | Arabica | Peaberry | $4.20-5.00/kg | Intense, complex, bright fruit and floral notes. The peaberry selection prized for its concentrated flavor density. | Specialty roasters, microlot buyers, competition roasters |
Indicative prices as of mid-2026. Actual FOB prices fluctuate daily based on ICE futures, quality differentials, and supply conditions. Visit ugandacoffeeprices.com for live daily prices.
There are three primary pathways for international buyers to source green coffee from Uganda. Each has its advantages and tradeoffs depending on your volume, timeline, and relationship preferences.
Work directly with a licensed export company. This is the most common route for established buyers purchasing container-load volumes. Exporters handle all documentation, logistics, and quality control.
Use a Kampala-based coffee agent who represents multiple exporters. Agents consolidate offers, negotiate on your behalf, arrange samples, and coordinate logistics for a commission (typically 1-2%).
UCDA operates a weekly auction every Tuesday in Kampala. Registered exporters bid on graded lots. International buyers can participate through a registered exporter as an agent. A transparent, market-driven price discovery mechanism.
Requesting samples is a standard part of the Uganda green coffee buying process. Here's what to expect and how to ensure a smooth evaluation.
Reach out to a UCDA-licensed exporter directly (or through an agent). Specify the grade, volume, and quality requirements you're interested in. Most exporters respond within 24-48 hours with available offers.
Exporters typically ship 200-500g pre-shipment samples via DHL or FedEx. Samples are drawn from the specific lot offered for sale. Expect international delivery within 5-10 business days after dispatch.
Roast, cup, and evaluate samples against your quality specifications. Compare against your reference standards. Most buyers complete evaluation within 3-5 days of receipt and respond to the exporter with a decision.
Once you approve the sample, the exporter issues a sales contract with the exact lot specifications, price, payment terms, and shipment schedule. The contracted lot ships within the agreed window with matching quality to the approved sample.
Typical turnaround: 2-3 weeks from initial inquiry to sample approval
Sample shipping costs are usually covered by the exporter for serious buyer inquiries. Multiple samples from different exporters can be requested simultaneously to compare quality and pricing.
Standard terms, container configurations, and freight estimates for importing Uganda green coffee. All exports ship FOB Mombasa, Kenya, as Uganda is a landlocked country.
Standard FOB Mombasa terms with payment via:
Standard container loads for Uganda green coffee:
Transit timelines from Mombasa port:
Standard marine cargo insurance covers:
Use our free tools to estimate FOB costs, freight, margins, and landed pricing for Uganda green coffee. Built for professional coffee buyers and importers.