Uganda is seizing the rising global demand for Hass avocados, now at 28 million tonnes annually, to strengthen its position as a major exporter and boost local incomes.
Government officials, industry leaders, and technical officers outlined strategies to expand production, enhance quality standards, and empower farmers during a recent stakeholder meeting.
The session, hosted by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Lynette Bagonza, together with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Maj Gen. (Rtd) David Kasura, highlighted the sector’s potential as a “new green gold.”
Col. Edith Nakalema, head of State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), emphasized coordinated support for the sector.
“Growers are the key because they are central to production. We must produce for both exports and local processing to ensure farmers and processors benefit,” she said.
She also called for stronger coordination, quality standards, and balanced value addition across the value chain.
Dr Ezra Muhumuza, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), underscored the need for “a well-structured and regulated avocado value chain, with clear roles and protection for farmers, aggregators, processors, and exporters.”
Sector representatives agreed that sustainable competitiveness depends on empowered farmers, proper regulation, and adherence to quality standards.
Col. Nakalema commended MTIC leadership, noting that “constructive engagement will strengthen the avocado sector, empower local farmers, and position Uganda as a dependable supplier of high-value products on the global market.”
Maj Gen. Kasura highlighted agriculture’s central role in national development.
“Our ultimate goal is to transform Uganda from a low-income, agrarian economy into a modern, middle-income society, and agriculture must lead that transformation,” he said.
He added that agriculture engages roughly 90% of the population, contributes 20–25% of GDP, and generates $4.2 billion in exports, emphasizing the need for farmer-centered policies, fair pricing, and stronger value chain coordination.
Bagonza noted that Uganda produces between 250,000 and 300,000 metric tonnes of avocados annually, supported by fertile soils and favourable climate.
She highlighted government efforts to strengthen the value chain through regulation, value addition, and market development, while safeguarding Uganda’s international reputation through strict quality standards.
“Together, we can unlock the full potential of Uganda’s avocado industry and drive inclusive economic growth,” Bagonza said, underscoring the sector’s contribution to both local livelihoods and national export earnings.