Uganda's fruit farmers to showcase in Madrid

Uganda has officially launched its participation at the IFEMA Madrid Fruit Attraction Expo 2025 in Spain, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s agricultural sector on the global stage.

The launch, held at the President's Office Conference Hall in Kampala, positions Uganda to showcase its fruit and vegetable industry while driving improvements in product quality, shelf life, and production volumes.

Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Agriculture and Guest of Honour, formally flagged off Team Uganda to represent the nation at the expo scheduled from September 30 to October 2 in Madrid, Spain.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Rwamirama emphasised that Uganda’s participation aligns with the government’s agro-industrialisation agenda, which is critical for national prosperity and increased farmer incomes.

He highlighted the importance of boosting production, attracting diaspora engagement, fostering agribusiness investment, and equipping stakeholders to seize international business opportunities.

Rwamirama also stressed value addition as a key driver for stimulating agricultural growth and urged participants to leverage Uganda’s unique climate and natural resources to maintain world-class standards.

The launch, coordinated by the President's Office (Diaspora Affairs) with private sector partners, farmers, and exporters, marks Uganda’s first appearance at the IFEMA Madrid Fruit Attraction Expo in sixteen years.

The initiative is expected to enhance market access, promote knowledge sharing, and strengthen Uganda’s reputation as a reliable source of high-quality agricultural produce.
Ambassador Abbey Walusimbi, Senior Diaspora Affairs Advisor to the President, described the delegation as national ambassadors tasked with presenting Uganda’s agricultural excellence to the world.

Additionally,Dr. Hillary Musoke Kisanja, Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness and Value Addition Development, called for strategic collective farmer organization and emphasized the importance of bridging sector gaps to sustain Uganda’s agribusiness potential.

The State House Diaspora Unit, led by Liaison Officer Matsiko Topher, reiterated its role in facilitating diaspora contributions to national development through trade, investment, and business advisory services. Equity Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the diaspora with accessible banking and remittance services.

Dr. Geoffrey Arinaitwe, Director of the National Agriculture Coffee Research Institute, underlined the role of coffee as Uganda’s leading export, contributing twenty-five percent of GDP, with over seven million bags exported in the past year generating more than two billion dollars.

He urged active promotion of Ugandan coffee products at the expo.

Other speakers, including Omulangira Juuko Paul, Meg Hilbert Jaquay, Racheal Bagumira, and Charles Ssempijja, highlighted Uganda’s potential in fresh fruit exports, branding, market linkages, and agricultural innovation.

Uganda Investment Authority’s Ndagire emphasized investment promotion, while the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation committed to supporting national visibility through its publications.

In his closing remarks, Denis Patrick Katungi, Acting Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, applauded the event organizers and diaspora contributions, pledging continued government support for agricultural promotion initiatives.

The ceremony concluded with cultural performances celebrating Uganda’s heritage and underlined broad institutional support from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Uganda Tourism Board, Ministry of ICT, and Inspire Africa.

According to Walusumbi,Uganda’s participation at the IFEMA Madrid Fruit Attraction Expo 2025 sets the stage for an ambitious push to elevate the country’s agricultural profile, increase exports, attract diaspora and investor engagement, and demonstrate Uganda’s competitiveness in the international fruit and vegetable market.