From Allafrica · · 2m
Uganda's Cotton Crisis
Uganda's cotton industry struggles to recover after 64 years of independence.
In brief
Uganda's cotton industry struggles to recover after 64 years of independence. Uganda's cotton farmers earn less than half their previous income due to falling prices and unreliable buyers. Originally reported by Allafrica.
Uganda marks 64 years of independence
Uganda celebrates 64 years of independence while cotton production remains a traditional cash crop but has fallen far short of its former economic role.
Uganda was once a top cotton producer
Uganda produced 84,000 tonnes of cotton in 1969 according to John Baffes' World Bank study.
Cotton industry collapsed in political turmoil
The cotton industry collapsed during years of political and economic turmoil in Uganda.
Recovery in the 1990s did not restore strength
Cotton production recovered after reforms in the 1990s but did not restore the industry to its former strength.
World Cotton Day highlights challenges
On October 7, 2026, World Cotton Day focused on opportunities and challenges for Uganda's cotton farmers and processors.
Cooperatives once linked farmers to markets
Cooperatives operated 53 cotton ginneries by 1971, handling 440,000 bales of cotton.
Textile industry provided market for cotton
Textile firms like Southern Range Nyanza Textile Industries and African Textile Mill in Mbale processed cotton into finished products.
Cotton production fell sharply in the 1970s
Cotton output fell from 78,000 tonnes in 1972 to 14,000 tonnes in 1976 and just 2,000 tonnes in 1987.
Farmers earn less than half their income
Cotton farmers in Omoro District reported earnings falling from 1.75 million shillings to 1.2 million shillings per season.
Price drops force farmers to sell to middlemen
Farmers sell cotton for as little as 1,200 shillings per kilogramme due to payment delays and lack of storage.
Cotton's profitability remains low
The fundamental problem of Uganda's cotton sector is its low profitability according to John Baffes.
World prices affect farming decisions
Farmers plant more cotton when international prices rise, but low returns make it unprofitable.
Cotton faces competition from synthetic fibres
Cotton competes with synthetic fibres like polyester in the global market while remaining important for clothing and textiles.
Uganda needs competitive cotton prices
Uganda must produce cotton at competitive cost, maintain quality, and supply buyers reliably to rebuild the industry.
The short version
Uganda's cotton farmers earn less than half their previous income due to falling prices and unreliable buyers.
