EDITOR
Coffee farmers across Ntungamo District are expressing deep concern over the sharp drop in coffee prices this season, a situation they describe as both frustrating and economically disheartening.
Farmers say they had high expectations for good returns this season, with the price of a kilogram of coffee initially peaking at UGX 15,000. However, prices have now plunged to between UGX 8,500 and UGX 10,000, depending on the location of the coffee factories.
Apollo Mijuri, a coffee farmer and LC1 Chairperson of Nyarwanya in Rubaare Sub-county, shared his disappointment, stating that the season began with hope but turned into losses for many. “At the start, prices were encouraging. But now, those who bought coffee farms expecting profits are incurring losses,” he said. Mijuri also pointed out ongoing challenges such as coffee plant diseases and pests, coupled with a lack of government support in providing pesticides and technical assistance.
In Kabonero Cell, Kiyaga Parish, Godfrey Nyantono, another concerned farmer, lamented the drop of over UGX 5,000 per kilo, emphasizing the government’s failure to provide necessary farm tools and equipment. “We’ve been trained on farm care by agriculturalists, but without the right tools, it becomes hard to implement,” he said. Nyantono, however, encouraged fellow farmers to remain patient and resilient, noting that fluctuations in farm produce prices are common and unpredictable.
Darius Barekye, a coffee trader and farmer from Rukoni Cell in Kibatsi Sub-county, echoed these sentiments. He revealed that many farmers had taken loans from financial institutions with hopes of reaping profits this season, only to be faced with drastic price declines. This has left many struggling to meet their loan obligations.
Justus Muhagunzi, a farmer from Ruhaama East, warned that the fluctuating prices are likely to lead to widespread financial stress, especially for those who heavily invested in their farms. He called on the government and the Ministry of Agriculture to engage more with local farmers and equip them with modern farming techniques and knowledge on pest and disease control.
In response to the nationwide concern, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, on Friday, June 27th, 2025, released a report outlining five major factors responsible for the current coffee price decline. These include increased global coffee production—particularly in Brazil, currency volatility, an oversupply in the global market, fluctuating demand, and speculative trading in coffee markets.
Minister Tumwebaze urged farmers to remain calm and focus on improving the quality of their coffee to stay competitive in the international market. He encouraged them to continue planting more coffee and consider value addition to maximize profits from each kilogram sold. He stressed the importance of competing favorably with top coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Vietnam.
As farmers wait for recovery and hope for timely interventions, many say their passion for agriculture remains strong, though their confidence has been shaken.
