Uganda Launches New Quality Push to Help Coffee and Organic Exports Meet Strict EU Rules

The Ugandan government has initiated a fresh quality assurance push as local agricultural exporters grapple with tightening global trade regulations and rising compliance challenges in lucrative international markets.

Through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), the government has partnered with the newly launched Control Union Academy-Uganda. The educational arm of the global certification entity aims to bridge operational gaps by training local stakeholders on international market requirements, focusing heavily on coffee and organic produce.

Speaking at the launch event in Kampala, Dr. Teddy Asio, Assistant Commissioner for Seed Inspection and Certification, noted that the intervention addresses pressing concerns regarding export rejections. Farmers had previously raised complaints after shipments were returned and destroyed due to quality issues. MAAIF intends to work closely with the academy and retool technical staff to enhance service delivery and expand Uganda’s export footprint.

Experts emphasize that sustainability and strict environmental standards are now mandatory for global trade. Dr. Gordon Katwirenabo pointed out that certification barriers often force producers of sustainably grown coffee to sell their goods as conventional products at lower prices. Officials are calling for collaborations to domesticate standard certifications and reduce the financial burden of compliance on local farmers.

Uganda’s expanding organic sector relies heavily on European demand. According to Dr. Chariton Namuwoza, CEO of the National Organic Agriculture Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU), about 80 percent of the country’s organic exports head to the EU, including the vast majority of exported chia and sesame. Meanwhile, the number of certified organic farmers in Uganda has grown significantly since 2019, reflecting strong adoption of national agricultural policies.

Mr. Odrek Rwabogo, Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), urged exporters to prioritize rigorous certification to penetrate competitive global markets and drive sustainable national economic growth.

Read more details in the Daily Monitor Report.