Local processors and exporters report that the ambition of growing volumes and sales across Uganda’s borders and beyond remains complicated. “Of course we have challenges like Rwanda cannot sell our product because we don’t have a quality mark. So I don’t know how again it will take us to get a quality mark for our product.” Joyce Egwaku – Chia Seeds Production, Export. But Inter Agencies of government such as those charged with certification have their trays full. “Standards are science-based, we need economic data, and we need scientific data. If it is available the process takes a short time and if it’s not available it takes a very long time.” Said, Dr. Ben Manyindo – Executive Director, UNBS.

Further, still, some of the players attempting to tackle productivity constraints at the farm level also have a hard ball to play. “Three years ago when we got a training about the electronic vital sanitary certificates and we were promised that they would take off but up to now, we don’t have an update of the same.” Said, Ruth Nyanabo – Exporter of Black Tea. However, the Ministry of Agriculture recommitted itself towards reducing the burden for such producers. “We are in the process of facilitating all those extension workers right from the Sub-County to the National level, we have an MOU; in fact, they will be facilitated with transport means, computers, and everything. It will not be business as usual, you are going to feel our presence everywhere.” Said, Yafesi Ogwang – Ministry of Agriculture.

This 2nd Annual Exporters’ Conference highlighted the need to address the supply side constraints of exports. I will bet with the 500 billion shillings in the export fund now envy edged. “We expect that this money should be coming from our own government but if donors and development partners come in to contribute, we shall be very happy to receive them. But for starters, I think our government should contribute.” Said, Dr. Elly Twineyo – ED, Export Promotion Board.