By Wadulo Arnold Mark
The future of Uganda’s export sector is poised for a significant transformation following a high-level engagement between the Uganda Free Zones and Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA) and the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA). The business forum, held on 13th August 2026, at the newly established Entebbe International Airport Free Zone, highlighted the government’s commitment to utilizing state-of-the-art facilities to bridge the gap in international market standards.
In an interview at the forum, Samuel G.L. Balagadde, the Chairperson of HortiFresh Association Uganda Limited, noted that while Uganda possesses immense export potential, the country has struggled due to a lack of “certifiable packhouses”. He emphasized that the Entebbe facility is intended to be a state-of-the-art, EU-certified hub designed to increase exports and serve as a model for other regions.
However, this progress faces a critical hurdle. As a prospective tenant of the faccility, Balagadde revealed that a €2 million (approx. UGX 8 billion) grant from the European Union (EU) SPS project, implemented by CABI, is at risk of being lost. The funds are earmarked for procurement and installation of equipment, a training center, and cold chain trucks, but the process has stalled because the facility’s tenancy agreement remains unsigned. “We are at the risk of losing it because the project has timelines,” Balagadde warned, noting that procurement cannot proceed without the necessary legal documentation.
Addressing the delays, Hez Kimoomi Alinda, the Executive Director of UFZEPA, acknowledged that government systems sometimes face procedural bottlenecks that must be resolved before moving to the next level. He expressed optimism that the current engagement would provide the necessary momentum to facilitate the private sector.
“Our interest is to ensure that we facilitate the private sector. I’m sure that all the paperwork that has been pending in the past will be cleared,” Alinda stated.
Minister Tanna issued a stern directive to ensure the facility does not remain an “idle asset”.
“The moment they get that letter, within two months, I want to see this place operational!” the Minister declared.
He emphasized his vision of seeing the facility booming with activity, specifically the processing of vegetables and fruits for the international market through Entebbe International Airport.
The operationalization of the Entebbe International Airport Free Zone is expected to solve the “consistency and quality” issues that have historically hindered Ugandan exporters by providing a certified environment for washing, drying, and storage.
It will be a channel for local manufacturers and farmers who meet the rigorous standards of the European Union and China’s tariff-free markets to benefit.
