In Uganda, robusta coffee, which forms the main crop, is relatively free from pests, but these can be serious with the more valuable arabica crop. Most research in the last 20 years has been directed towards the development of chemical control methods and of machinery suitable for use by smallholders. Of insecticides tested, fenitrothion has been found suitable for controlling most coffee pests. Its application is a problem since most of the coffee is not accessible to wheeled machinery, and farmers cannot afford expensive sprayers. Teams using knapsack sprayers have been found suitable for the routine treatment of arabica coffee. Any applications to robusta coffee are made by individual farmers. Recommended threshold levels for spraying are given for some insects. Experience has shown that insecticide applications can create new pest problems. The ecology of coffee pests in Uganda requires more study since little is known of the causes of outbreaks or why pests differ in importance locally.