President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially flagged off Uganda’s first consignment of Busoga grown chilli destined for the Chinese market in Busambo Village, Namasagali, Kamuli District.
The President, accompanied by the First Lady, HE Janet Kataaha Museveni, was received by Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Rt Hon Nakadama Rukia Isanga, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong, Hon Bwino Fred, Dr Mula Anthony, investors, and district leaders.
President Museveni flagged off three containers equivalent to 11 tons of dried chilli, describing it as a “gold crop” with the potential to transform Busoga’s economic fortunes. He praised the farmers for embracing commercial agriculture and emphasised that the region stands to gain from shifting to high-value crops.
“I would like to congratulate the Republic of China for working with Africa. China has been supporting us since 1949 and has always related with us on equal terms. The Chinese are not arrogant. That is why our cooperation is smooth,” President Museveni said.
Rt Hon Kadaga, while appreciating the President for supporting chilli farmers, reminded him of pending government commitments such as extending electricity to the area and establishing an industrial park to anchor the growing agro-industrial sector.
Industrial Park Chairman Mr. Luo Heng revealed new investments tied to this export breakthrough. Linyi Qiwei Canned Food Co. (De Shi Bo Ge) is setting up a pineapple processing plant, while Little Giants Animal Husbandry has committed USD 150 million into Uganda’s egg value chain. He commended Busoga farmers, noting that they contributed over 90% of the chilli in this first export batch.
Busoga farmers are now preparing for the next planting season in February, with chilli fast becoming a key commercial crop for raising household incomes. The shift comes after years of economic struggle linked to declining productivity in sugarcane farming.
