agriculture 13 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Aging Coffee Trees Hamper Bugisu's Arabica Production
Leaders and coffee experts in Uganda's Bugisu region are pinpointing the advanced age of coffee trees, many over 70 years old, as a primary cause for the area's declining Arabica coffee yields and vulnerability to pests and diseases. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/aged-coffee-trees-cause-low-production-in-bugisu-5557136
Coffee production in Uganda’s Bugisu sub-region is facing a significant challenge due to the widespread aging of its coffee trees. Many of these trees, crucial for the area’s valuable Arabica coffee crop, are reportedly over 70 years old, leading to reduced yields and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Specialists suggest that while Bugisu has the potential to produce up to 1.2 million bags of coffee annually, current output hovers around 700,000 bags. This figure represents about 10 percent of Uganda’s total coffee production and nearly half of its Arabica exports.
“Yield and production capacity begins dropping consistently from around 30 years of age,” explained Alex Kamali, director of Gahoyaa Group Investment Ltd. He emphasized that replacing old trees with young, high-yielding, and disease-resistant varieties is essential for boosting both quantity and quality. These newer trees are also easier to harvest and produce beans with a superior taste profile.
To address this issue, the Bugisu Parliamentary Caucus has included a coffee tree replacement campaign in their regional development agenda. Local leaders are advocating for a government-backed replanting program to combat household poverty.
Alternatively, farmers can rejuvenate existing trees through a process called “stumping,” where trees are cut back to promote new growth. Beyond replanting, experts also highlight the importance of sustainable farming practices, proper post-harvest handling, and value addition, such as using coffee waste for organic fertilizer and cooking briquettes, to improve farmer incomes.
While tree age is a major factor, other contributors to low yields include declining soil fertility, inadequate pruning, drought, poor farm management, and limited access to quality planting materials. Companies like Bayaaya Specialty Coffee Ltd are focusing on supporting women farmers to enhance coffee quality and adopt better agricultural practices, recognizing Bugisu’s potential for distinctive specialty coffee profiles.