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The Middle East has again emerged as the biggest destination of Uganda’s exports, accounting for 33.1% of the total share in August 2024. The finance ministry report for the performance of the economy for September also said within this region, the United Arab Emirates accounted for 97.8% of Uganda’s exports to the region.

With 33.1% of Uganda’s total exports in August 2024 going to the Middle East, the region has once again become the country’s top export destination. According to the September economic performance report from the finance ministry, 97.8% of Uganda’s exports to the area went to the United Arab Emirates.

The finance ministry report for the performance of the economy for September also said within this region, the United Arab Emirates accounted for 97.8% of Uganda’s exports to the region.

Other significant regions for Uganda’s exports were East African Community, European Union and Asia, which accounted for 24.4%, 23.3% and 13.2%, respectively.

In August 2024, export earnings amounted to $789.58m, a 0.6% increase from $785.03m the previous month.

The report said the increase was mainly attributed to higher earnings from coffee exports during the month.

Coffee exports in August grew by 5.3% to $221.63m (sh812.16b) up from $210.48m (sh771.30b) the previous month.

“This was mainly on account of an increase in both the price and volumes of coffee exported during the month,” the report said.

The export volume for coffee was higher during the month owing to the peak harvest season for Robusta coffee while the value of coffee exports was higher mainly due to the continued rise in global coffee prices as dry conditions continue to affect Brazil and Vietnam’s production.

Other export commodities that registered notable growth during the month included mineral products and fish and its products.