Opportunities in Agriculture Value Addition

The Agricultural Sector continues to be the most important sector in Uganda; it employs approximately 72% of the population and contributed about 32% to the GDP.  However, Productivity is limited by reliance on natural weather conditions and the still widespread use of traditional methods and equipment.

Uganda is among the leading producers of coffee, bananas and oil seed crops (sesame, soybean, sunflower etc.). It is also a major producer of other crops like tea, cotton, organic cotton, tobacco, cereals, fresh foods and vegetables, nuts, essential oils, flowers, poultry and freshwater fish.

The Ugandan Government is pushing for greater commercialisation of agriculture in Mbale by encouraging the use of irrigation and mechanised farming. Opportunities for investment exist in:

• Commercial farming in both crops and animal industries as well as aquaculture;
• Value addition (agro-industries, agro food industries);
• Manufacturing of inputs such as improved seeds, fertilisers and pesticides
• Cold storage facilities and logistics
• Farm machinery manufacturing and assembly
• Packaging