Recent figures from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) indicate that Uganda's agriculture sector is experiencing significant growth, primarily driven by a surge in coffee exports, which have reached record levels and generated billions of dollars. This trend highlights the importance of coffee in the country's export performance, suggesting a reliance on this single crop for agricultural success.

Coffee farmers in Uganda's Greater Masaka region are calling for government intervention as a prolonged dry spell leaves their crops withering, according to NTV Uganda. The dry conditions are affecting both farms and households, raising concerns about the potential impact on Uganda's coffee exports, which surpassed eight million bags by July.

In February, Uganda's coffee export volumes increased significantly, with the country exporting 651,933 60-kilogram bags valued at $181 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. This represents a 15 percent year-on-year increase in volumes and a 5.8 percent rise in earnings, despite a decline in global prices, which fell to an average of $4.63 per kilogram from $4.71 in January.

In March, Uganda's coffee exports increased modestly to 671,152 60-kilogram bags, valued at $173.4 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. However, weaker international prices led to a 13.6 percent decline in earnings compared to the previous year. The average export price fell to $4.31 per kilogram, down from $4.63 in February and $5.14 in March of the previous year.

Kenya and Uganda are pushing to expand maize trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, with Kenyan Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Kagwe saying Uganda is well positioned to supply part of Kenya's maize requirements. However, Kagwe urged Uganda to strengthen post-harvest handling, particularly maize drying, to address concerns over moisture content and aflatoxin contamination, stressing the need for safe, aflatoxin-free grain in cross-border trade.

According to Tuko, Uganda has formally raised concerns with Kenya after new restrictions on foreign nationals operating small businesses affected Ugandan traders. Kampala is seeking clarification over the measures and their impact on cross-border commerce, with the dispute centring on the treatment of foreign-owned enterprises and the livelihoods of traders operating between the two East African neighbours.