Uganda has launched the Kilimohai Agroecology Blue Mark, a certification scheme designed to verify sustainable farming practices and strengthen the country's organic agriculture sector. Senior Presidential Advisor Odrek Rwabwogo and Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze unveiled the system during the Organic & National Expo Africa 2026 at Hotel Africana in Kampala. Unlike conventional organic labels, the scheme covers a broader range of sustainable agricultural practices, giving consumers and international buyers greater assurance about production methods.
Rwabwogo identified health and market value as two key drivers of organic agriculture growth, arguing that Uganda could capitalise on rising global demand for nutritious and sustainably produced food. He stressed that the country needed to invest in quality production, credible certification systems and stronger market connections to compete internationally. However, he cautioned farmers and agribusinesses against producing goods without first establishing market demand, warning that they must undertake market research, identify potential buyers and comply with international standards before committing resources.
The presidential advisor emphasised that production standards alone were insufficient to guarantee access to lucrative export markets, particularly where buyers require proper documentation, traceability and compliance with international regulations. He called for the establishment of a centralised food safety authority to coordinate certification, standards, documentation and quality assurance across the food value chain, arguing that such an institution would improve accountability and strengthen Uganda's credibility in regional and international markets.
Beyond certification, Rwabwogo identified limited access to financing, inadequate transportation networks and insufficient storage facilities as major constraints affecting agricultural producers. He proposed establishing product-based centres equipped with cold storage, drying infrastructure, farmer training programmes and specialised logistics services to reduce post-harvest losses and help farmers aggregate sufficient volumes to meet large-scale buyer requirements. For smallholder farmers struggling to access markets individually, collective production and marketing arrangements could improve bargaining power and create more reliable supply chains.
Rwabwogo urged farmers, processors, exporters and other agricultural stakeholders to collaborate, noting that consistency, production volumes and quality are essential to compete internationally. He also encouraged visitors to explore Uganda's countryside, highlighting considerable economic potential in rural areas that could be unlocked through increased investment and strategic partnerships. Strengthening the organic agriculture value chain could create opportunities for farmers to earn better returns, attract agro-processing investment and increase the value of agricultural exports.
The scheme comes amid growing global attention to sustainable agricultural production, with consumers and international buyers increasingly considering food safety, environmental protection and farming methods when sourcing agricultural products. The Kilimohai Agroecology Blue Mark is expected to help build trust between producers, consumers and buyers while encouraging farming practices that protect the environment and support long-term agricultural productivity.