GOVERNMENT | LAND | RADIATION | EXPORTS

The Ugandan Government through the Free Zones Authority, has acquired 45 acres of land and is constructing a gamma radiation facility that is expected to boost exports.

According to the Free Zones Authority's Brenda Kabasinguzi, the government agency will utilize the land, which is within proximity to the international airport.

“Gama radiation has been widely used in other countries. We are at 40% completion of the facility, which is fully funded by the government,” Kabasinguzi said.

Gamma radiation is used for the sterilization of health care products, pharmaceuticals, and horticultural products (for disinfestation, shelf life extension, pest control), among others.

Fred Bwino, the Minister of State for Agriculture (in suite center) being ushered by some of the Hotifresh, the association members of fresh fruits and vegetables

Kabasinguzi made this revelation in her address to members of HortiFresh at Kabira Country Club yesterday

HortiFresh, the umbrella apex body for the fresh fruits and vegetable sector, convened a stakeholders meeting to discuss challenges faced in the trade facilitation space, packaging, and branding, and to come up with solutions and strategic interventions to address these challenges.

“Government is committed to ensuring seamless production,” Kabasinguzi told the exporters, who had earlier lamented about the massive losses they have been incurring in foreign markets following the destruction of their perishable products that usually arrive late and fail to conform to European standards.

She also revealed that another 190 acres have also been acquired by the government to “enable us to expand and be able to accommodate other exporters."

Uganda Airlines cargo manager Morris Ongwech appealed to exporters to use proper packaging to uphold the Uganda brand.

“The quality of boxes matters as they tend to collapse in the cold rooms,” Ongwech said. 

Fred Bwino, the Minister of State for Agriculture speaks to some of the Hotifresh association members of fresh fruits and vegetables

"Packaging and documentation play a major role in the markets, and these boxes are not only used on the cargo side,” he added.

HortiFresh's first anniversary was celebrated by Agriculture State Minister Fred Bwino Kyakulaga.

“On behalf of the government, this is a platform we recognize. It’s an association where other associations and individuals are free to join as long as they aspire to your values, like quality products for foreign exports,” he said.

KK Foods director Dr. James Kanyigye appealed to the government to provide infrastructure to enable farmers and exporters to not only survive but also thrive in this industry and the foreign market.

Riley Packaging as well as Print N’ Cargo (U) Ltd. were put on task to defend their products. They collectively agreed that there is a need to invest in cold storage facilities which the Government pledged to help out with.