Agric. & Environment
Kenyan grain buyers in Uganda in search of maize, soybeans, sorghum
According to Herbert Kyeyamwa, the country director of the EAGC, the initiative aims to build a more integrated, competitive and resilient grain sector in East Africa.
Business networking between a Ugandan and a Kenyan company during the engagement at Fairway Hotel on Wednesday, June 17. (Photo by Prossy Nandudu)
By: Prossy Nandudu, Journalist @New Vision
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A group of Kenyan grain buyers and sellers has pitched camp in Uganda to source suppliers of grains such as maize, beans, soybeans, sesame and sorghum, as well as animal feeds.
While seeking suppliers, they are also looking for buyers for their surplus green gram and other grains.
The group, composed of 12 cooperatives and grain trading companies alongside their Ugandan counterparts, is part of a Business-to-Business arrangement being pursued by the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) to facilitate cross-border trade in quality agricultural products.
The interface, which took place at Fairway Hotel on Wednesday, June 17, continued on Thursday, June 18, 2026, with visits to different grain trading and milling companies, before concluding with a trade fair scheduled to be held in Masindi district this weekend.
According to Herbert Kyeyamwa, the country director of the EAGC, the initiative aims to build a more integrated, competitive and resilient grain sector in East Africa.
He explained that the mission, which brings together 12 dynamic enterprises from Kenya and approximately 20 from Uganda, is a result of a strategic partnership between the Eastern Africa Grain Council and the Confederation of Danish Industry East Africa.
He said the grain sector is not merely an agricultural sub-sector, but a pillar supporting millions of livelihoods, from smallholder farmers to industrial processors and traders. Despite its importance, systemic challenges continue to affect the sector, including barriers to market access, post-harvest losses and quality management issues.
“The purpose of this mission is to directly confront these challenges by creating a unique platform for practical learning and strategic interaction. Over the next four days, we will explore successful operations within the Ugandan agribusiness sector, visiting exemplary companies that have set high standards in grain handling and trade,” he added.
Kyeyamwa encouraged visiting Kenyan buyers to take advantage of the mission to create lasting trade and supply linkages.
According to Herbert Kyeyamwa, the country director of the EAGC, the initiative aims to build a more integrated, competitive and resilient grain sector in East Africa.
He explained that the mission, which brings together 12 dynamic enterprises from Kenya and approximately 20 from Uganda, is a result of a strategic partnership between the Eastern Africa Grain Council and the Confederation of Danish Industry East Africa.
He said the grain sector is not merely an agricultural sub-sector, but a pillar supporting millions of livelihoods, from smallholder farmers to industrial processors and traders. Despite its importance, systemic challenges continue to affect the sector, including barriers to market access, post-harvest losses and quality management issues.
“The purpose of this mission is to directly confront these challenges by creating a unique platform for practical learning and strategic interaction. Over the next four days, we will explore successful operations within the Ugandan agribusiness sector, visiting exemplary companies that have set high standards in grain handling and trade,” he added.
Kyeyamwa encouraged visiting Kenyan buyers to take advantage of the mission to create lasting trade and supply linkages.
“This mission is a two-way street. While we are showcasing investment opportunities in Uganda this week, we look forward to a reciprocal mission tentatively scheduled for November. That engagement will allow Ugandan enterprises and grain hubs to visit Kenya, learn from your market successes, and seal further business deals,” he added.
Officiating at the event, commissioner for external trade Cleophas Ndolelire commended the initiative, saying it streamlines trade and promotes quality grain standards.
“We frequently observe cross-border traders from Kenya travelling directly to rural farmers in areas such as Masindi, Mubende, Ntungamo and Isingiro. In many instances, these buyers purchase entire plantations before the crops have even flowered to secure their supply for the market,” he said.
He added that the practice leaves farmers vulnerable to exploitation, resulting in low farm-gate prices. Because these transactions are highly informal, the corresponding trade statistics remain scattered and are difficult to track.
“This initiative that is promoting structured business-to-business engagements is a highly welcome intervention. By connecting certified off-takers from both sides, we can formalise these channels,” Ndolelire said.
Officiating at the event, commissioner for external trade Cleophas Ndolelire commended the initiative, saying it streamlines trade and promotes quality grain standards.
“We frequently observe cross-border traders from Kenya travelling directly to rural farmers in areas such as Masindi, Mubende, Ntungamo and Isingiro. In many instances, these buyers purchase entire plantations before the crops have even flowered to secure their supply for the market,” he said.
He added that the practice leaves farmers vulnerable to exploitation, resulting in low farm-gate prices. Because these transactions are highly informal, the corresponding trade statistics remain scattered and are difficult to track.
“This initiative that is promoting structured business-to-business engagements is a highly welcome intervention. By connecting certified off-takers from both sides, we can formalise these channels,” Ndolelire said.