agriculture 12 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Mandates International Certification for All Agricultural Exports
The Ugandan government insists that all agricultural products for export must obtain international certification to access global markets effectively. Officials launched a Netherlands-based certification body to aid exporters targeting Europe and America. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/all-agricultural-products-for-exports-must-meet-international-certification-says-govt-5420942
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has declared that every agricultural product destined for international markets must undergo rigorous certification to meet global standards. Dr. Paul Mwambu, Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification, emphasized that certification acts as a ‘passport to trade’ in today’s competitive world.
Without compliance, Ugandan goods risk being shut out of key markets, warned Dr. Mwambu. He urged food exporters to prioritize quality to build a strong reputation, noting that a single non-compliant shipment could damage an entire supply chain. The ministry is ramping up inspections, phytosanitary checks, and post-harvest controls to enforce these rules.
These remarks came during the launch of Control Union, a Netherlands-based certification organization in Uganda. Its Managing Director, Tadeo Kalamaga, highlighted support for crops like coffee, cocoa, vanilla, sesame, and chia seeds aimed at European and American buyers.
Commissioner Alex Lwakuba revealed Uganda boasts over 4,000 organic certified farmers—the highest in Africa—with the sector growing at 12% and projected to hit $740 billion annually by 2033. Dutch Deputy Ambassador Bouwe-Jan Smeding praised the initiative as aligning with Uganda’s goal to expand GDP from $50 billion in 2023 to $500 billion by 2040.