Partners sign MoU to boost growing horticulture sector in Hoima
The crops to be promoted include tomatoes, chilli, cucumbers, carrots, potatoes, beetroot, cabbages, spinach, aubergines, and okra, among others
HOIMA, November 6, 2025 — The Hoima District Local Government, the Albertine Farmers Association, and fresh produce exporter KK Foods Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] to boost the production and marketing of selected horticultural crops in Hoima district and the wider Bunyoro region.
The crops to be promoted include tomatoes, chilli, cucumbers, carrots, potatoes, beetroot, cabbages, spinach, aubergines, and okra, among others.
The MoU was signed recently at the district headquarters by Emmanuel Ssempala, Chief Administrative Officer of Hoima; Dr James Kanyije, Chief Executive Officer of KK Foods; and Julius Kwamya, Chairperson of the Albertine Farmers Association.
According to Kanyije, under the agreement KK Foods will handle marketing and train selected farmers to produce high-quality horticultural products for both domestic and regional markets. He noted that the company has already signed agreements with districts including Kikuube, Buliisa, and Hoima City to train farmers to produce sufficient quantities of quality produce for the international market.
“Our goal is to make Bunyoro a hub for quality fresh produce,” Dr Kanyije said. “We want to empower farmers to meet export standards and ensure that the region benefits from the growing demand for horticultural products.”
He added that the initiative aims to increase household incomes and improve the living standards of farmers across the region.
“When farmers earn better incomes from their hard work, their families thrive, and the local economy grows. That’s the real impact we want to achieve,” he emphasised.
“This partnership is timely,” Ssempala said. “It aligns with our development goal of transforming Hoima from a subsistence-based economy to a commercial agricultural district.”
Hoima District Production and Marketing Officer Dr Charles Kajura described the intervention by KK Foods as a driving force that would enhance production through market linkages, value addition, technical guidance, and support to meet product standards.
“Farmers often struggle to access reliable markets,” Kajura noted. “With KK Foods’ involvement, we expect better coordination from production to marketing, which will encourage more farmers to invest in horticulture.”
He urged farmers to embrace horticultural crop production, noting that it offers more stable market opportunities compared to crops such as maize, whose prices often fluctuate.
Representing horticultural farmers in Hoima district, Julius Kwamya said the farmers are ready to produce the required quantities for the international market.
“We have the land and the labour,” Kwamya said. “What we’ve been lacking is technical guidance and access to consistent markets. This partnership gives us hope that our efforts will finally pay off.”
He called upon KK Foods and other stakeholders to continue supporting farmers in improving the quality of their produce.
“We are committed to doing our part,” he added. “With the right support, Hoima farmers can become competitive players in regional and global horticultural markets.
The sector contributes over US$ 2 trillion annually to Uganda’s economy and generates around US$ 35−40$ 35 million in export revenue, with potential for significant growth. However, the sector faces challenges such as climate change impacts, limited market access, and issues with counterfeit inputs.
According to officials, efforts are underway through government initiatives and international partnerships to improve infrastructure, enhance sanitary and phytosanitary [SPS] compliance, and provide training to address these issues.
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