UCDA Robusta Grade Specifications
| Grade | Screen Size | Bean Size (mm) | Max Defects (per 300g) | Quality Tier | Price (US c/kg) | Typical Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen 18 | 18/64 inch | 7.15mm+ | Under 10 | Premium | 262 | Specialty roasters, EU premium instant, Japan |
| Screen 15 | 15/64 inch | 5.95mm+ | Up to 20 | Standard | 245 | Commercial instant, espresso blends, EU, MENA |
| Screen 12 | 12/64 inch | 4.75mm+ | Up to 30 | Economy | 228 | Local processors, low-cost blends, domestic market |
| BHP 1199 | Below 12 | Under 4.75mm | 30+ | Secondary | 195 | Domestic roasting, soluble coffee factories |
Uganda Robusta Price Trend -- Last 12 Months (US cents/kg)
What Moves Robusta Coffee Prices
ICE London Robusta Futures
The ICE London robusta futures contract is the global benchmark for robusta pricing. Uganda's auction prices track ICE London with a country-specific differential. When London futures rally on supply concerns, Kampala auction prices follow within 1-2 trading sessions. As of mid-2026, robusta futures have been trading near historic highs above $4,800/MT.
Vietnam Crop & Supply
Vietnam produces ~40% of the world's robusta coffee. Any disruption to Vietnam's crop -- drought in the Central Highlands, delayed monsoon, or export restrictions -- directly lifts Uganda robusta prices. Vietnam's 2024/25 crop faced a 10-15% decline due to El Nino drought, pushing global robusta prices sharply higher and benefiting Ugandan exporters.
EUDR Compliance
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective December 2025, requires coffee imports into the EU to prove deforestation-free origin. Uganda has invested heavily in traceability systems and geolocation mapping for smallholder farmers. Compliant Ugandan robusta now commands a premium from EU buyers seeking verified supply chains, adding US$50-100/MT to Screen 18 export prices.
Weather & Harvest Cycles
Uganda's two annual robusta harvests (main crop October-February, fly crop May-August) create seasonal price fluctuations. Prices typically soften during peak harvest when volumes surge, then firm in the lean months (March-April, September). Drought in Uganda's robusta-growing regions (Central, Western, Busoga) can cut output by 15-20% and spike auction prices by 20+ US c/kg within weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current robusta coffee price in Uganda?
As of June 2026, Uganda robusta coffee prices at the Kampala auction are: Screen 18 at 262 US cents/kg, Screen 15 at 245 US cents/kg, and Screen 12 at 228 US cents/kg. These prices are FOT (free on truck) Kampala and fluctuate weekly based on auction results, ICE London futures, and the USD/UGX exchange rate. Uganda's robusta typically trades at a differential to the ICE London contract reflecting quality, freight logistics, and EUDR compliance status.
What is Screen 18 coffee and why does it cost more?
Screen 18 is the highest grade of Uganda robusta coffee. Beans are sorted through a No. 18 screen (7.15mm holes), retaining only the largest, most uniform beans. Screen 18 tolerates fewer than 10 defects per 300g sample, compared to 20 for Screen 15 and 30 for Screen 12. The larger bean size produces a cleaner cup, more consistent roast, and higher extraction yield -- commands a 15-35 US c/kg premium over Screen 15. European specialty roasters and premium instant coffee manufacturers are the main buyers.
What's the difference between Screen 18, 15, and 12 robusta?
The three grades are differentiated by bean size (screen retention), defect tolerance, and end use. Screen 18 (7.15mm+, under 10 defects) is premium grade for specialty and high-end instant. Screen 15 (5.95mm+, up to 20 defects) is the standard commercial grade used in most instant coffee and espresso blends. Screen 12 (4.75mm+, up to 30 defects) is an economy grade for local processing and low-cost export blends. Below Screen 12, beans are classified as BHP (broken, hollow, pea-berry) and sold at a discount for domestic soluble coffee production.
How are Uganda robusta coffee prices determined?
Uganda robusta prices are set through a combination of: (1) the weekly Kampala coffee auction where licensed exporters bid on graded lots from cooperatives and estates; (2) ICE London robusta futures, which set the global benchmark; (3) UCDA-set minimum export prices that establish a floor; (4) local supply-demand dynamics including harvest volumes and exporter inventory; and (5) the UGX/USD exchange rate, since coffee is traded in US dollars but production costs are in shillings. Direct sales outside the auction (contract farming arrangements) are also common for certified and traceable lots.
When is the robusta coffee season in Uganda?
Uganda has two robusta harvest seasons thanks to its equatorial climate. The main crop runs from October to February, with peak harvest in November and December -- this is when 55-60% of annual robusta volume reaches the market. The fly crop (secondary harvest) runs from May to August, peaking in June and July, contributing 35-40% of annual output. During peak harvest months, prices typically soften 5-10% as supply surges, then recover in the lean months of March-April and September.