Some of the participates attending the Avocado Stakeholder’s Consultative meeting at Imperial Royal Hotel, Kampala on 18th June 2026. Photos by PPU/Tony Rujuta.
Avocado stakeholders during the meeting at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala today, 18th June 2026
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s avocado industry is poised for significant growth in international markets following renewed efforts by government agencies, farmers, exporters, processors, and investors to address challenges affecting the sector and position the country as a competitive global supplier.
Uganda’s avocado value chain for increased economic returns. Uganda produces an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of avocados annually. However, its annual exports of fresh and dried avocados are significantly lower, ranging between 7,000 and 22,500 tonnes, with a large portion of local yield also used for crude avocado oil production.
The discussions, held at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, brought together key players across the avocado value chain to identify practical solutions aimed at improving production, quality standards, value addition, and export market access amid rising global demand for avocado products.
Representing Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Stephen Kaheru said Uganda has an opportunity to transform avocado farming into a major driver of rural development and economic growth if stakeholders work together to address 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 noted that despite growing investor interest and favorable production conditions, farmers and exporters continue to face challenges that prevent them from fully exploiting the sector’s potential.
According to Kaheru, closer collaboration among government ministries, departments, agencies, and private sector actors will be essential in building a sustainable avocado industry capable of competing in international markets.
“The seamless collaboration amongst ministries, departments and agencies is what will yield the real value that we are all yearning for, from the seed to the plate,” he said.
The Commissioner of External Trade, Cleopas Ndorere, representing the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Lynette Bagonza, reaffirmed government commitment to supporting the sector’s growth.
Ndorere said policymakers were keen to hear directly from farmers and exporters so that future interventions are informed by realities on the ground.
“We want to ensure that farmers, exporters, and other players are supported to promote quality production, value addition, and market access,” he said.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries also emphasized the increasing importance of avocado as an emerging commercial crop. Representing Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Kasura Kyomukama, Peter Dhamuzungu said the government recognizes the crop’s potential to diversify agricultural exports and generate incomes for farming communities.
Industry leaders argued that Uganda’s ability to penetrate lucrative export markets will depend largely on its capacity to meet international standards for quality, consistency, and traceability.
Victoria Sekitoleko, Board Chairperson of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance (UAA), said the avocado industry has made significant progress from its early stages but now requires a dedicated strategy and stronger institutional support.
“Avocado is a new crop, so we are going to need new policies and a strategy for avocado,” she said.
Sekitoleko urged government agencies responsible for standards, cooperatives, industrialization, and export promotion to work closely with stakeholders to position Uganda competitively in global markets.
Her remarks were echoed by Francis Kasirinya of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance, who warned that Uganda risks missing opportunities in the rapidly expanding global avocado trade unless the local market becomes more organized.
“Nobody buys from you out of sympathy. You must meet the requirements of quality, price, and trust,” Kasirinya said.
He explained that a fragmented market system creates uncertainty for farmers, limits exporters’ access to reliable supplies, and undermines Uganda’s reputation among international buyers.
For exporters already operating in the sector, the message was clear: Uganda possesses enormous potential but remains far behind established avocado-exporting nations.
Hank Dahlan, Chief Executive Officer of Avotein Farms Limited, said the country’s favorable climate provides a strong foundation for growth, but stakeholders must better understand export requirements and focus on producing premium-quality fruit.
“We haven’t started, literally. If you compare us with the largest exporters in the world, we are still very small,” Dahlan said.
He stressed that Hass avocado, one of the most sought-after varieties globally, should be viewed primarily as an export crop requiring strict adherence to quality standards.
Farmers attending the meeting highlighted concerns that could affect the industry’s future growth. Richard Welisha, founder of the National Avocado Federation of Uganda, called for consultations on proposed regulations affecting avocado trade, warning that restrictions could disadvantage growers if not carefully designed.
Meanwhile, Ntungamo farmer Katushabe Harriet Matsiko, who manages 60 acres of avocado, appealed for government support in addressing pests, diseases, and irrigation challenges. She said access to quality agricultural inputs remains critical if Uganda is to meet international market requirements.
As global demand for avocados continues to rise, stakeholders agreed that strengthening production systems, improving quality standards, enhancing farmer organization, and promoting value addition will be key to unlocking Uganda’s export potential. With coordinated action from government and the private sector, participants expressed optimism that Uganda could emerge as a significant player in the international avocado market while creating jobs, increasing export earnings, and improving rural livelihoods.
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