The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has reiterated its commitment to reforming Uganda’s horticulture sector, citing regulation, coordination, and policy alignment as key to unlocking its full potential.
Speaking at the closure event of the Horticulture Market Acceleration Platform (HOTMAP) project, Peter Dhamuzungu, Principal Agriculture Officer for Cash Crops at MAAIF, lauded the project’s achievements and emphasized the government’s role in creating an enabling environment for the industry to thrive.
“Today we are here to celebrate the achievements of the HOTMAP project—a multi-sectoral initiative that brought together government and private sector actors to improve access to inputs, finance, and markets for smallholder horticulture farmers,” Dhamuzungu said.
He noted that the horticulture sector holds significant potential to generate income and support agro-industrialization but is currently underperforming due to regulatory gaps and systemic inefficiencies.
Dhamuzungu emphasized that HOTMAP’s objectives align closely with the National Development Plan III and Uganda’s broader agro-industrialization agenda.
“The project addressed key areas such as access to agricultural inputs, market linkages, and agricultural financing. These are fundamental pillars that align with our national priorities,” he said.
The Ministry official called for urgent reforms in regulation and oversight to ensure accountability across the horticulture value chain.
“We recognize that the sector is large, with many actors playing different roles. But we must regulate it. A clear and enforceable policy framework is essential to streamline operations and hold stakeholders accountable.”
Dhamuzungu confirmed that MAAIF is working on a comprehensive horticulture strategy and policy to define stakeholder roles across the value chain and improve coordination.
In response to concerns about powerful cartels manipulating horticulture markets—particularly in passion fruit and onion trade—Dhamuzungu said the ministry is ready to act, but needs stakeholders to speak up.
“Cartels distort the market and harm farmers. We urge stakeholders to identify and report these actors. With proper information, we can apply the full force of the law to level the playing field.”
He added that the ministry is strengthening collaboration with HotFresh, the sector’s apex body, to deepen public-private partnerships and streamline compliance in the export market.
Dhamuzungu also pointed to the proliferation of counterfeit agro-inputs and a lack of coordination among sector players as major threats to growth.
“The horticulture sector is uncoordinated, and counterfeit inputs remain a huge issue—especially for crops that require improved or hybrid varieties. These challenges contribute to pest outbreaks, which in turn lead to export interceptions and lost revenue for the country.”
Dhamuzungu concluded by underscoring the ministry’s intention to create a well-organized, regulated, and inclusive horticulture sector.
“We are committed to establishing a supportive policy environment that ensures smooth operations, minimizes counterfeits, organizes stakeholders, and secures Uganda’s position in global horticulture markets.”
