Uganda has dispatched its first export consignment of Busoga-grown chilli to China, following an official flag-off by President Museveni in Busambo Village, Namasagali, Kamuli District. The event was attended by First Lady H.E. Janet Kataaha Museveni, Rebecca Kadaga, and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong.
"This is a gold crop for Busoga's development," President Museveni said, noting the role chilli cultivation could play in raising household income levels. He officially released three containers totaling 11 tons of dried chilli for shipment to China.
Ambassador Zhang stated that the export move follows the 2024 Chili Protocol signed at the FOCAC Summit. He also announced that China is applying zero-tariff treatment to 98 per cent of taxable Ugandan exports, encouraging growers to make use of this access.
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga acknowledged the support given to farmers and raised pending matters, including power extension and development of an industrial park. Industrial Park Chairman Luo Heng outlined ongoing investments, including a pineapple processing facility and a US$150 million investment in the egg value chain. He noted that farmers in Busoga produced more than 90 per cent of the chilli included in the first export shipment.
The introduction of dried chilli to China's market is expected to broaden Busoga's commercial crop options, offering growers an alternative to sugarcane, which many farmers have described as unproductive. Regional growers are preparing for the next planting season scheduled for February.
The chilli volumes now entering export channels form part of a broader effort by growers and authorities to diversify production and utilize new market access under recent trade arrangements.
Source: NilePost
