Business 30 July 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Railways Resumes Coffee Exports, Promising Cost Savings
After an eight-year hiatus, Uganda Railways Corporation has restarted its coffee export operations. This move is expected to significantly reduce freight costs and enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan coffee in the international market. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-railways-returns-to-coffee-export-business-after-eight-years-cuts-freight-costs-5541334
Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) is once again facilitating the export of coffee by rail, marking a significant development after an eight-year absence from this crucial trade.
This revival of rail transport for coffee exports is anticipated to bring substantial cost reductions for traders. Previously, the reliance on road transport had led to higher freight charges, impacting the overall profitability and competitiveness of Ugandan coffee on the global stage.
The resumption of services by URC is seen as a strategic move to leverage the efficiency and lower costs associated with rail freight. This shift is expected to make Ugandan coffee more attractive to international buyers by allowing for more competitive pricing.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that it will streamline the logistics of coffee transportation from production areas to the port of Mombasa, Kenya, the primary export gateway for landlocked Uganda. The improved infrastructure and renewed focus on rail services by URC signal a commitment to revitalizing the country’s transport network for key agricultural commodities.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to boost Uganda’s export sector and improve its trade balance. By offering a more cost-effective and efficient mode of transport, the railway aims to support farmers and exporters alike, ensuring that Ugandan coffee reaches global markets reliably and affordably.