Business 19 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Emerges as Reliable Grain Supplier Through Harmonised EAC Standards
Uganda is boosting its position as a top grain supplier in East Africa by aligning with regional standards on quality and grading, though challenges like differing testing procedures persist. Initiatives like farmer aggregation and certification reforms are driving structured trade and market access. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/harmonised-standards-are-making-uganda-a-reliable-grain-supplier-5396468
Uganda’s grain sector is gaining reliability in the East African Community (EAC) market due to harmonised standards on moisture, aflatoxins, grading, and packaging. This alignment reduces border disputes and builds buyer confidence amid rising demand from urban growth and agro-processing.
Despite policy progress, traders face hurdles from varying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for testing and certification, acting as non-tariff barriers that raise costs. The Grain Council of Uganda (TGCU) pushes for solutions, including a new Mutual Recognition Agreement with Kenya and plans to standardise SOPs for key grains.
The Enhancing Access to Markets project (2024-2027) targets 150,000 smallholder farmers, aiming to boost quality grain trade by 30%, train 105,000 in standards, and lift warehouse use by 50%. Training covers quality management and standardised handling.
TGCU partners with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and Ministry of Agriculture on self-regulation, including a Personnel Certification Scheme that speeds up quality checks from months to days via trained private testers at hubs. Over 40 certified warehouses now support traceability, shifting from volatile informal trades.
Aggregation by cooperatives and traders pools smallholder output for efficient bulk handling. To build on this, government must enforce the National Grain Trade Policy, align local rules, and eliminate SOP barriers.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)