Government officials, farmers, exporters and processors have agreed to work together to tackle challenges holding back Uganda’s avocado industry as the country seeks a larger share of the fast-growing global market.
The discussions took place at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on June 19, 2026, bringing together key players in the avocado value chain to address concerns ranging from production and quality standards to value addition and export market access.
Speaking on behalf of Col Edith Nakalema, the head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Stephen Kaheru said the sector had the potential to drive economic growth and improve rural incomes if stakeholders addressed existing bottlenecks.
“We are gathered here because we share a common vision of transforming the avocado value chain into a vehicle that catalyzes economic growth and improves rural livelihoods,” Kaheru said.
He said cooperation between government institutions and private sector players would be critical if Uganda is to unlock the full value of the crop.
Cleopas Ndorere, Commissioner for External Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, said government wanted to hear directly from farmers and other industry players before introducing interventions.
“We are here to listen to the farmers and obtain their views because we recognize that any interventions must be informed by the perspectives of all stakeholders,” Ndorere said.
The discussions come as Uganda positions avocado among its emerging commercial crops. Demand for Hass avocado continues to rise in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, creating opportunities for local farmers and exporters.
Peter Dhamuzungu, representing Agriculture Ministry Permanent Secretary Maj Gen (Rtd) David Kasura Kyomukama, said government was committed to supporting the sector and addressing barriers affecting production, quality and market access.
Victoria Sekitoleko, chairperson of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance, said the industry needed new policies and a clear strategy to guide its growth.
“Avocado is a new crop, so we are going to need new policies and a strategy for avocado,” she said.
Stakeholders also raised concerns about market organisation and competition.
Francis Kasirinya of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance warned that Uganda risked losing out if it failed to meet international requirements.
“Nobody buys from you out of sympathy. You must meet the requirements of quality, price, and trust,” Kasirinya said.
Avotein Farms chief executive Hank Dahlan said Uganda remained a small player compared to leading avocado-exporting countries despite favourable growing conditions.
“We haven’t started, literally. If you compare us with the largest exporters in the world, we are still very small,” Dahlan said.
Meanwhile, National Avocado Federation of Uganda founder Richard Welisha urged government to consult farmers before introducing regulations that could affect trade, particularly proposals concerning foreign buyers.
He argued that competition had helped improve farm-gate prices and warned against measures that could disadvantage farmers.
Farmers also called for support in controlling pests and diseases, improving irrigation and ensuring access to quality agricultural inputs.
Ntungamo farmer Harriet Matsiko said increased investment in irrigation and standardised farm inputs would help growers meet local and international market requirements.
The meeting ended with stakeholders pledging to strengthen coordination across the value chain to boost exports, improve farmer incomes and increase Uganda’s competitiveness in the global avocado market.
