The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has reiterated its commitment to reforming Uganda\u2019s horticulture sector, citing regulation, coordination, and policy alignment as key to unlocking its full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s achievements and emphasized the government\u2019s role in creating an enabling environment for the industry to thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday we are here to celebrate the achievements of the HOTMAP project\u2014a multi-sectoral initiative that brought together government and private sector actors to improve access to inputs, finance, and markets for smallholder horticulture farmers,\u201d Dhamuzungu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dhamuzungu emphasized that HOTMAP\u2019s objectives align closely with the National Development Plan III and Uganda\u2019s broader agro-industrialization agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ministry official called for urgent reforms in regulation and oversight to ensure accountability across the horticulture value chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dhamuzungu confirmed that MAAIF is working on a comprehensive horticulture strategy and policy to define stakeholder roles across the value chain and improve coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to concerns about powerful cartels manipulating horticulture markets\u2014particularly in passion fruit and onion trade\u2014Dhamuzungu said the ministry is ready to act, but needs stakeholders to speak up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCartels 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dhamuzungu also pointed to the proliferation of counterfeit agro-inputs and a lack of coordination among sector players as major threats to growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe horticulture sector is uncoordinated, and counterfeit inputs remain a huge issue\u2014especially 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dhamuzungu concluded by underscoring the ministry\u2019s intention to create a well-organized, regulated, and inclusive horticulture sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe are committed to establishing a supportive policy environment that ensures smooth operations, minimizes counterfeits, organizes stakeholders, and secures Uganda\u2019s position in global horticulture markets.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has reiterated its commitment to reforming Uganda\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2270,"featured_media":40089,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_paywall_metabox":[],"jnews_override_counter":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[31,9038,9039,119],"class_list":["post-40088","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","tag-featured","tag-hotmap","tag-maaif","tag-uganda-news"],"yoast_head":"\n