Stakeholders in Uganda’s avocado value chain have engaged government officials to address challenges affecting production, value addition, and access to international markets.
The meeting, held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on June 18th, 2026, brought together farmers, exporters, processors, government agencies, and other industry players to explore ways of strengthening the sector and increasing Uganda’s competitiveness in global markets.
Representing Col Edith Nakalema, the Head of State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Stephen Kaheru commended government efforts to support investors and address bottlenecks in the sector.
“We are gathered here because we share a common vision of transforming the avocado value chain into a vehicle that catalyzes economic growth and improves rural livelihoods,” Kaheru said.
He noted that stakeholders must work together to remove barriers limiting the sector’s growth.
“We are here to collectively address the concerns that hinder us as farmers and exporters from realizing the full potential of this value chain as a catalyst for rural transformation,” Kaheru noted.
Kaheru emphasized the importance of collaboration across government and the private sector.
“The seamless collaboration amongst ministries, departments and agencies is what will yield the real value that we are all yearning for, from the seed to the plate,” he said.
Representing the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC), Commissioner for External Trade Cleopas Ndorere reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the industry.
“We are here to listen to the farmers and obtain their views because we recognize that any interventions must be informed by the perspectives of all stakeholders. We want to ensure that farmers, exporters, and other players are supported to promote quality production, value addition, and market access,” Ndorere stated.
Representing the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Peter Dhamuzungu said government recognizes avocado as an important emerging commercial crop.
“We are here to listen to the different players in the value chain so that interventions are informed by the realities on the ground,” he noted.
Uganda Agribusiness Alliance (UAA) Board Chairperson Victoria Sekitoleko called for stronger coordination and policies tailored to the growing sector.
“Avocado is a new crop, so we are going to need new policies and a strategy for avocado,” Sekitoleko said.
She urged government and stakeholders to work together to position Uganda competitively in international markets.
UAA representative Francis Kasirinya stressed the need for better market organization and competitiveness.
“Nobody buys from you out of sympathy. You must meet the requirements of quality, price, and trust. Markets work best when they are organized,” he stated.
Agribusiness entrepreneur and Avotein Farms Limited CEO Hank Dahlan said Uganda’s avocado industry still has significant room for growth compared to leading exporters.
“We haven’t started, literally. If you compare us with the largest exporters in the world, we are still very small. This is a cash crop for export. It is not something where we should just assume we are doing a huge thing. We need to understand the market,” he said.
He called for stronger farmer organization, improved quality standards, and better regulation of cross-border trade.
“Do not blame exporters because you are not organized. Organize yourselves, take care of your fruits, and the market will come to you,” Dahlan highlighted.
National Avocado Federation of Uganda founder Richard Welisha urged caution on proposed regulations affecting the sector, particularly concerns about restricting certain buyers.
“Most of us avocado farmers are worried about those proposals in the newspapers. We call upon leaders to explain these proposed measures. Where are these Ugandan buyers paying the same or higher prices to farmers at the farm gate? Where are they?” he asked.
Welisha emphasized the need for dialogue and collaboration among all actors.
“We have no issues with investors. Let us work together. Let the regulations come out, but let us agree and work together,” he said.
Avocado farmer Harriet Matsiko from Ntungamo District encouraged farmers to focus on production and called for government support in addressing challenges such as pests, diseases, and irrigation.
“As farmers, let us begin with production, then other things will come later,” she said.
Stakeholders committed to working together to strengthen Uganda’s avocado value chain and unlock greater economic returns from the growing global market.
