The discussions, chaired by Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna, focused on tackling key constraints affecting the sector, including high post-harvest losses, inadequate cold chain infrastructure and expensive airfreight services.
According to the ministry, Uganda produces about 1.3 billion metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually. However, between 30 and 45 percent of the produce is lost after harvest, while less than 20 percent reaches high-value export markets because of logistical and infrastructure bottlenecks.
Samuel Balagadde, the chairperson of the Hortifresh Association of Uganda, said the association is seeking a structured five-year partnership with the ministry to strengthen Uganda's competitiveness in global horticultural trade.
"We want to work closely with government to improve sanitary and phytosanitary compliance, expand market access, strengthen value chain coordination and promote regional trade integration. Increasing productivity, improving quality and ensuring a reliable year-round supply will require better planting materials, irrigation and stronger aggregation systems," Balagadde said.
He said the association aims to significantly increase Uganda's horticultural exports over the next five years.
"The global fruit and vegetable market presents enormous opportunities for Uganda. Our goal is to increase the country's fruit and vegetable exports to about Shs7.2 trillion by 2030," he added.
Uganda’s horticulture exports earned about $80.9 million (Shs291 billion) in 2024, with fresh fruits and vegetables accounting for the bulk of the earnings.
The sector has grown significantly from about $32.1 million in 2015, driven by increased exports of products such as hot peppers, passion fruits, pineapples, avocados, mangoes and dried fruits to markets including the European Union and the United Kingdom.
Flower exports, another major component of horticulture, generated about $64.1 million in 2024.
The government is targeting to grow horticulture export earnings to about Shs7.2 trillion by 2030 as it seeks to expand Uganda’s presence in international markets.
In response, Tanna reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting exporters through its agencies, including the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority.
"The ministry will continue working with its agencies to strengthen market intelligence, support exporters' participation in international trade fairs, negotiate fair trade opportunities and collaborate with other stakeholders to address the challenges affecting fresh fruit and vegetable exporters," Tanna said.
He said improving export performance remains central to Uganda's strategy of expanding exports, creating jobs and increasing farmers' incomes.
The minister also highlighted other initiatives the ministry is pursuing to strengthen Uganda's economy, including collaboration with the Presidential CEO Forum to remove bottlenecks affecting manufacturers and a partnership with MTN Uganda to promote digital trade and a cashless economy.
He added that the ministry is working with various stakeholders to help farmers and manufacturers comply with international food safety standards, strengthen business capacity and support youth- and women-led enterprises to compete in regional and global markets.
The proposed partnership with Hortifresh is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve Uganda's export competitiveness and position the country to benefit from growing global demand for fresh fruits and vegetables.