Sheep and goat meat market in Uganda

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh, chilled, or frozen sheep and goat meat in Uganda experienced a gradual decline from 82 135 t in 2019 to 75 435 t in 2022, as domestic production contracted over this period.

A strong rebound followed in 2023, with market volume rising to 85 114 t. This recovery coincided with a significant increase in exports, which reached 91 t, driven by government efforts to combat foot-and-mouth disease and boost meat exports to neighboring countries like South Sudan and Kenya.

Production sheep and goat meat in Uganda

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of growth, Uganda's sheep and goat meat production experienced a decline. In 2020, the country produced 79 489 tonnes of sheep and goat meat, representing a 3.2% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 82 142 tonnes, while the most significant growth occurred in 2018 with a 2.3% increase.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Uganda

Exports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import levels varied dramatically, with a 57-fold difference between the high in 2017 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Uganda's sheep and goat meat exports amounted to 1 158 kilograms, marking an 89.0% year-over-year decrease. The largest increase was observed in 2019 at 36.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, Vietnam (39.4% of exports in kind), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (34.2% of exports in kind), and Hong Kong (14.0% of exports in kind) were the top buyers of Ugandan sheep and goat meat. Together, these three markets accounted for 87.5% of total exports in kind.

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

Market behavior during these years was marked by volatility. Exports fluctuated significantly, with a 25-fold difference from the peak in 2017 to the trough in 2020. In 2020, Uganda's sheep and goat meat exports totaled 7.8 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 86.4% year-over-year decline. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 18.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (54.6% of exports in value terms), Oman (16.5% of exports in value terms), and Vietnam (16.2% of exports in value terms) remained the leading buyers of Ugandan sheep and goat meat. Collectively, these three countries represented 87.3% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports sheep and goat meat to Uganda

Imports in kind, kg

The market displayed signs of volatility throughout the observed period. Import levels varied considerably, with a 6-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2018. In 2020, Uganda imported 1 045 kilograms of sheep and goat meat, corresponding to a 92.0% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 045 kilograms. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 58.2%, while the largest increase was observed in 2019 at 213.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, Kenya (58.2% of imports in kind), Italy (12.2% of imports in kind), and South Africa (9.9% of imports in kind) were the primary suppliers of sheep and goat meat to Uganda. Together, these three countries made up 80.2% of total imports in kind.

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

The market exhibited an unstable trend over this timeframe. Import levels fluctuated widely, with a 7.6-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2018. In 2020, Uganda's imports of foreign sheep and goat meat totaled 74.5 thousand US dollars, which is 316.2% higher year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 9.7 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 21.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical distribution of imports in value terms was characterized by a strong dominance of Kenya, which accounted for 86.1% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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