Business 20 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
DRC and South Sudan Emerge as Uganda's Top Export Destinations, Overtaking Kenya
Uganda's export landscape has undergone a significant shift, with the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan now leading as the country's primary markets, surpassing Kenya. This change is attributed to persistent non-tariff barriers and policy adjustments in Kenya affecting Ugandan goods. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/drc-south-sudan-overtake-kenya-as-uganda-s-top-export-markets-5565154
Uganda’s trade patterns have seen a dramatic alteration in recent months, with Kenya, traditionally a major buyer of Ugandan exports, dropping out of the top three destinations. Persistent non-tariff barriers and policy shifts in Kenya have created hurdles for Ugandan traders, leading to a significant decline in export volumes.
In June 2026, Uganda’s export earnings from Kenya plummeted to $19.8 million, a stark contrast to figures from previous months and a substantial decrease from its 2025 peak. This downturn is partly due to Kenya’s efforts to boost its own agricultural production, particularly maize, and policy changes impacting sectors like sugar. Dr. Adam Mugume, Director of Research at the Bank of Uganda, noted that primary commodities like maize and beans face both environmental challenges and market structural issues.
The void left by Kenya has been swiftly filled by Uganda’s neighbors to the west and north. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has surged to become Uganda’s largest export market, with earnings reaching $79.4 million in June 2026. South Sudan has also experienced substantial growth, with export receipts climbing to $73.6 million in the same month, driven by strong demand for foodstuffs and consumer goods.
Trade with Rwanda has also expanded, with exports reaching $43.9 million in June 2026. Other East African nations like Tanzania and Burundi also recorded positive export momentum from Uganda. Analysts suggest that while Kenya’s market share has diminished due to administrative hurdles and specific policies, the diversification of Ugandan exports into other regional markets, including value-added goods, provides a strategic cushion against single-market dependencies.