Vehicle, IT tools donation to boost inspection of fresh fruits and vegetables for export

To enhance national capacity to meet export standards for fresh fruits and vegetables destined for Europe and other international markets, the agriculture ministry (MAAIF) and HortiFresh have received a donation of equipment from CABI and the European Union (EU).

The equipment is aimed at strengthening the operations, inspections and monitoring teams across the horticulture sector.

The support to MAAIF includes two double‑cabin vehicles, 53 laptops and 14 tablets, which are expected to bolster the institution’s ability to conduct timely and accurate sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) inspections.

HortiFresh, a membership organisation representing Uganda’s fresh fruits and vegetables sector, has also received a vehicle to facilitate field monitoring of its member associations. 

The umbrella body brings together exporters, producers and service providers, with the goal of advancing economic development and promoting sustainability within Uganda’s horticultural industry.

This enhanced capacity is expected to streamline export processes and strengthen the competitiveness of Uganda’s horticultural sector, which will lead to increased trade, improved public health safeguards and expanded income and employment opportunities.

This support forms part of the CABI-led, EU‑funded SPS project’s commitment to boosting export performance by building the capacity of Ugandan authorities and private sector actors to comply with SPS requirements.

During the equipment handover ceremony, held at the CABI offices within the National Agricultural Research Laboratories in Kawanda on February 26, 2026, CABI executive director Morris Akiri said the new equipment will enhance the efficiency of movements and inspections at export farms, packhouses and exit points, enabling Uganda’s agricultural products to access premium markets, including the EU.

Opportunity to expand

At the same event, Luis Lechiguero, the programme officer Green Transition and Private Sector in the delegation of the European Union to Uganda, said by strengthening SPS compliance, Uganda has an opportunity not only to expand its market share in Europe but also to reinforce its position as a trusted supplier of high‑quality fresh fruits and vegetables on the global market.

Receiving the equipment on behalf of MAAIF, Dr Paul Mwambu, the commissioner, crop inspection and certification, said the equipment will empower the ministry inspectors to digitise export records and reduce errors in the certification process.

“This will lead to increased export volumes and ultimately improve the lives of thousands,” he said.

The donation is part of a project titled Boosting International Trade Improving Sanitary and Phytosanitary Systems in Horticulture in Uganda, which will run between 2025 and 2029.

It is implemented by CABI in collaboration with COLEAD and Hortifresh.