State House Investors Protection Unit Steps In to Resolve Avocado Export Bottlenecks

The State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), led by Col. Edith Nakalema, has convened a high-level engagement with avocado processors and exporters under the Avocado Processors and Exporters Association of Uganda (AVO UGA) to address challenges affecting the sector, including delays impacting exports and investment operations.

The engagement brought together key government agencies and private sector players with the aim of streamlining processes, eliminating bottlenecks, and strengthening Uganda’s avocado value chain.

Key Government Agencies in Attendance

Officials present represented institutions critical to agriculture, trade, standards, and revenue administration, including:

• Dr. Ezra Muhumuuza Rubanda, Executive Director – Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA)
• Dr. Paul Mwambu, Commissioner – Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
• Mr. Cleopas Ndorere, Commissioner External Trade – Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (MTIC)
• Ms. Pamela Akwap, Senior Standards Officer – Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)
• Mr. Wilbur Bukosi and Ms. Hafsah Seguya – Uganda Revenue Authority (URA)

Also in attendance were private sector leaders including Mr. Hani Dahlan, CEO of Avotein Farms; Ms. Angel Rusoke, Managing Director of Njojo Agro-based Industries; Hon. Victoria Sekitoleko, Chairperson of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance; and Mr. Chris Kaijuka, Director of Afro Kai Ltd.

Uganda Registers Key Avocado Export Milestones

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Hani Dahlan, CEO of Avotein Farms, highlighted significant achievements in Uganda’s avocado export journey.

“Last November, Uganda exported its first container of avocado oil to Europe, a historic moment for our farmers and processors. Since that first shipment, Uganda has successfully exported five containers of avocado oil, marking steady growth for our emerging industry,” Dahlan said.

He added that Uganda also achieved its largest-ever avocado consignment to Dubai by air, noting that through AVOGA, processors, exporters, and farmers are working together to expand production and boost exports.

Quality and Standards at the Centre

Ms. Angel Rusoke, Managing Director of Njojo Agro-based Industries, said her company is Uganda’s first producer of edible virgin avocado oil, certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).

She emphasized her commitment to quality, international competitiveness, and meeting globally recognized standards to position Uganda favorably in export markets.

Sector Poised for Growth

According to Dr. Ezra Muhumuuza Rubanda, Executive Director of UMA, Uganda’s avocado industry is being deliberately structured for sustainable growth.

“Uganda is shaping its avocado industry for maximum economic impact. With government facilitating production and market forces handling prices, the sector is set for growth, export readiness, and global recognition,” Dr. Muhumuuza said.

State House Reaffirms Investor Support

Members of AVO UGA commended Col. Edith Nakalema for convening the engagement and for the swift, proactive intervention by the State House Investors Protection Unit in addressing critical issues affecting the avocado value chain.

Col. Nakalema reaffirmed that, under the guidance of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, SHIPU continues to work closely with government agencies to support investors in agribusiness, eliminate delays, strengthen value chains, and ensure timely service delivery.

She also commended government officials for consistently demonstrating a positive and collaborative spirit during engagements with the private sector.