Maize flour and cereals market in Uganda, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, production and market volume of maize flour and cereals in Uganda declined, likely influenced by the introduction of the Eastern Africa Grain Council's regional staple food standards and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards' push for improved storage and processing compliance, which may have temporarily affected millers' operations. The market recovered in 2020, with production rising to 2 405 thousand tons, driven by increased export demand to neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan, as regional trade expanded.

In 2021, despite Kenya's ban on maize imports from Uganda, a government-backed Shs100bn loan facility for maize traders helped sustain domestic purchases, supporting production growth to 2 548 thousand tons. The following year, production surged to 3 487 thousand tons, fueled by continued export demand and the emergence of fortified maize flour initiatives aimed at enhancing nutrition and accessing new markets, even as erratic weather posed challenges to raw maize supply.

By 2023, production eased slightly to 3 386 thousand tons, while the sector continued adopting improved maize seed varieties and production technologies disseminated by NARO to boost yields. Exports maintained an upward trend, reaching 166 thousand tons in 2024, reflecting the market's ongoing export orientation and integration into regional trade networks.

Production maize flour and cereals in Uganda

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Uganda ranked 15th globally in maize flour and cereals production between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize flour and cereals, 2017-2020

In 2020, Uganda produced 2 405 thousand tonnes of maize flour and cereals, representing a 24.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 30.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 13.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of maize flour and cereals in Uganda was valued at 1 127 million US dollars, reflecting a strong 13.8% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 42.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 129 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 42.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the most substantial decline of 12.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uganda in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports maize flour and cereals from Uganda

Exports in kind, t

Maize flour and cereals exports from Uganda declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 67 877 tonnes, down 1.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 17.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The peak was reached in 2018 with 84 452 tonnes, marking the largest increase of 46.1%. However, exports fell by 18.7% in 2019, the most significant decline during this period.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Sudan remained the dominant partner for Uganda's maize flour and cereals exports in volume terms, accounting for 71.7% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Uganda in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. In 2020, maize flour and cereals deliveries from Uganda amounted to 31 808 thousand US dollars, a 9.5% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 42 855 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 72.5%. In 2019, exports declined by 18.0%, the most significant drop. Overall, the value varied 1.7-fold between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2017.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uganda in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Uganda's maize flour and cereals exports in value terms were largely concentrated on South Sudan, which accounted for 82.6% of total flows, with other countries making up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Uganda in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize flour and cereals to Uganda

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, foreign maize flour and cereals supplies to Uganda declined. In 2020, Uganda imported 469 tonnes of maize flour and cereals, a 3.0% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 483 tonnes, while the largest increase of 7.5% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, India and Turkey continued to lead the list of markets for Uganda's maize flour and cereals imports in volume terms, together accounting for 86.7% of total flows, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Uganda in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year advance, maize flour and cereals imports to Uganda declined. In 2020, imports totaled 190 thousand US dollars, indicating a solid 11.8% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 6.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 215 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uganda in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, India and Turkey were the core markets for Uganda's maize flour and cereals imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 80.3% of total flows, while other destinations had comparatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Uganda in value, 2017-2020