By Spy Uganda
Kampala — The head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, on Tuesday convened a high-level engagement aimed at resolving operational challenges facing avocado processors and exporters in Uganda, as the country positions the crop as a key driver of agribusiness growth and export earnings.
The meeting brought together members of Avocado Processors and Exporters Uganda (AVO UGA) and senior officials from key government institutions to address delays, regulatory concerns, and coordination gaps affecting the avocado value chain. The engagement focused on eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks, improving inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring faster decision-making at SHIPU and other government offices.
Among those in attendance were Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association; Dr. Paul Mwambu, Commissioner at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF); Mr. Cleopas Ndorere, Commissioner for External Trade at the Ministry of Trade; and Ms. Pamela Akwap, Senior Standards Officer at the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). Representatives from the Uganda Revenue Authority, including Mr. Wilbur Bukosi and Ms. Hafsah Seguya, also participated.
The private sector was represented by Mr. Hani Dahlan, Chief Executive Officer of Avotein Farms; Mr. Chris Kaijuka, Director of Afro Kai Ltd; and Hon. Victoria Sekitoleko, Chairperson of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance, among others.
AVO UGA members praised Col. Nakalema for convening the strategic dialogue, describing it as a timely intervention to address critical issues affecting processing, certification, taxation, and export readiness. They commended SHIPU for its proactive approach and for providing a platform where investors and regulators could engage directly to find practical solutions.
In her remarks, Col. Nakalema reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting investors in the agribusiness sector. She said that under the guidance of President Yoweri Museveni, SHIPU continues to work closely with government agencies to eliminate delays, strengthen agricultural value chains, and ensure that investor concerns are handled promptly.
“SHIPU’s mandate is to protect investors and ensure that government systems work efficiently for them,” Nakalema said. “We will continue to coordinate with all relevant institutions so that challenges are resolved quickly and the agribusiness sector can thrive.”
She also commended the participating government officials for their collaborative spirit, noting that effective inter-agency cooperation is essential for unlocking Uganda’s export potential.
Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda emphasized the economic promise of the avocado industry, describing it as one of Uganda’s fastest-growing agribusiness sectors.
“Uganda is shaping its avocado industry for maximum economic impact,” Rubanda said. “With government facilitating production and market forces determining prices, the sector is well positioned for growth, export readiness, and global recognition.”
Uganda has in recent years increased investment in avocado production and processing, targeting high-value export markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Industry stakeholders say continued government support, streamlined regulation, and improved coordination will be critical to sustaining momentum and ensuring the sector delivers jobs, foreign exchange, and long-term economic benefits.
