Entebbe, Uganda – On Saturday, key stakeholders in Uganda’s agricultural export ecosystem gathered in Entebbe to evaluate the operational readiness of the Free Zones Export Facility, a strategic center poised to accelerate the country’s fresh produce exports to global markets.
The meeting brought together crop inspectors from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), two pioneering exporters, Afrishamba and Hortifresh, as well as offtakers from the United Arab Emirates, representatives from the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), and Uganda EXIM Bank (UGExim). The officials included PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo, Afrishamba CEO Mahmood Huddah, Senior Agricultural Inspector from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Ms. Brenda Kisingiri, and UG Exim’s Dr. Peter Nkategize.
Located near Uganda’s main cargo hub at Entebbe International Airport, the facility is being positioned as a Center of Excellence for high-standard export processing. It aims to enhance quality assurance, compliance, and traceability, critical for meeting the demands of European and Middle Eastern markets.
Afrishamba to Lead Pilot Export in September
Afrishamba is slated to lead the first pilot shipment in September 2025, using the facility’s traceable systems. The pilot will test end-to-end value chain performance, from post-harvest handling and cold chain logistics to regulatory checks and export documentation.
Government Support Lays the Groundwork
Recent government interventions are helping prepare producers for global markets. These include investments in irrigation infrastructure, particularly in regions like Kasese, which enable year-round cultivation, enhanced seed systems, and agronomic support to improve yields and product quality. There is also a need for improved coordination between ministries, including Agriculture, Trade, Science & Technology, and development finance institutions.
PACEID Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo commented on the effort, stating, “This is how we build disciplined, traceable value chains with the Ministry of Trade, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Government as a whole working as one.”
A Step Toward Export Transformation
Uganda’s horticulture export earnings currently hover around $30 million annually, but sector players say the potential is far greater if post-harvest losses, compliance gaps, and fragmented logistics are addressed.
With this facility, the government is building a centralized, traceable system for exports that ensures quality while enhancing market confidence. Supported by growing air cargo capacity and international partnerships, Uganda is aiming to become a trusted origin for premium fresh produce.
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