KAMPALA – In a significant move to safeguard Uganda’s agricultural exports, a multi-institutional team is executing a presidential directive to resolve the European Union’s recurring interceptions of Ugandan fruits and vegetables on grounds of non-compliance with market standards.
The initiative, launched following instructions from H.E. President Yoweri Museveni in August 2023, is being spearheaded by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACIED). The committee is working in close collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade, as well as a team from the European Union based in Uganda.
The core of the strategy involves a two-pronged approach: strengthening the Global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) assessment systems for exporters and initiating critical work on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards, particularly for the horticulture sector. These measures are designed to address the root causes of the interceptions, which have historically been linked to low standards and compliance levels.
A recent milestone in this process was a progress reporting session held with the new EU Commissioner and the consulting firm providing technical support for the project. This meeting underscores the high-level commitment from both the Ugandan government and its European partners to find a lasting solution.
Officials have described the task as a structural overhaul essential for the long-term health of the sector.
“We thank the partnership of all parties to ensure this support is not wasted, but leaves the sector stronger and able to fulfill export orders,” a representative stated. “It’s a marathon to change structures to respond timely to trade demands, but we won’t give up.”
The successful implementation of these reforms is expected to not only halt the damaging interceptions but also to enhance the reputation and competitiveness of Ugandan horticultural products on the global stage, ensuring that exporters can reliably meet international demand and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
