Uganda's Cotton Production Plummets Amid Rising Textile Imports

Lawmakers on the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, Trade and Industry have expressed deep concern over the continuous drop in Uganda’s cotton production. During a meeting on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, ministry officials revealed that despite the country’s rich agricultural potential, domestic textile manufacturing continues to struggle against a backdrop of shrinking harvests and surging foreign imports.

Denis Ainebyona, the Commissioner for Industry at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, presented troubling statistics to the committee. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, cotton output peaked at 115,975 bales during the 2022/2023 financial year. However, production drastically fell to 64,338 bales in 2023/2024 and further plummeted to 54,883 bales in the 2024/2025 financial year.

Ainebyona noted that these severe fluctuations severely undermine the development of a sustainable textile industry, leaving local processing plants underutilized. Meanwhile, Uganda Revenue Authority figures show that textile and apparel imports grew from approximately Shs715 billion in 2020/2021 to Shs779 billion in 2024/2025, with second-hand clothing making up more than 55 percent of these imports.

To counter these challenges, the ministry is evaluating the creation of a 10,000-hectare nucleus farm to reduce dependency on out-growers. Officials are also considering a phased ban on second-hand clothing, starting with undergarments. However, Committee Chairperson Hon. Boniface Okot cautioned that any potential ban requires a thorough impact assessment to protect the livelihoods of the many citizens who rely on the second-hand trade.

State Minister for Trade, Gen. Wilson Mbadi, emphasized the urgent need for coordinated efforts to revive the cotton and textile value chain. He stressed that revitalizing the sector is vital for driving industrialization, boosting domestic value addition, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across Uganda.

Read more details on the Parliament of Uganda.