KAMULI, December 7, 2025 — Uganda has officially flagged off its first-ever container of dried chili for export to the People’s Republic of China signaling deepening trade ties, stronger agricultural value chains and the growing success of the FAO–China–Uganda South–South Cooperation [SSC] Programme.
The ceremony, held recently at Bunambo Village in Namasagali Sub-county, Kamuli district, was officiated by Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who was in the district on the presidential campaign trail.
The first consignment of 11 tonnes of premium Ugandan dried chili peppers from Kehong Spices Uganda Ltd, is destined for Shanghai which marks the opening of a new export channel to one of the world’s largest commodity markets.
Flagging off the consignment, Museveni praised China’s longstanding cooperation with Africa and its commitment to fair and mutually beneficial engagement.
“I congratulate the Republic of China for working with Africa. China has been working with Africa since 1949. Now we are trading very closely with them, and on equal basis,” said Museveni
He emphasised that such partnerships are enabling Uganda to commercialize agriculture, expand export capacity, and uplift communities through value addition and industrialization.
China hails fruitful collaboration under BRI and FOCAC
The Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, welcomed the achievement as a symbol of growing economic cooperation:
“In recent years, our bilateral cooperation has achieved fruitful results under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation [FOCAC].”
He noted that the chili export represents an important step in unlocking new agricultural trade opportunities that benefit both countries.
The flagship export is the result of multi-year efforts under Phase III of the FAO–China South–South Cooperation Project, launched in 2022. Since project inception, the Chinese experts dispatched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China and their Ugandan counterparts screened over 30 chili varieties, identifying high-yield, disease-resistant varieties suitable for Uganda. These varieties underwent three rounds of trials and demonstrations at the China–Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park in Luweero, proving their productivity and adaptability.
FAO Representative Yergalem Taages Beraki praised the achievement as a testament to long-term collaboration:
“FAO has worked with Uganda and China for more than a decade, introducing new crop varieties, enhancing farmer skills, and supporting value-chain development. Today’s milestone demonstrates the power of partnership, innovation, and commitment to transforming agri-food systems.”
Expanding Production and Farmer Benefits
Through the “company + base + farmer” partnership model, chili cultivation has expanded from 33 acres to more than 100 acres, benefiting over 100 households. Technical training, field demonstrations, and innovations, such as tray seedling cultivation and straw mulching, have been introduced in multiple districts, including Kamuli, Bukedea, Hoima, Luwero, and others. Over 500 farmers have been trained, and more than 200 manuals distributed.
One of the participating farmers, Nabirye Sarah, shared her excitement:
“Chinese experts taught us scientific planting techniques. Before, yields were low and prices were poor. Now harvests have doubled and we can export to China. Life is getting better and better.”
A New chapter for Uganda’s export diversification
The export was made possible following the Protocol on the Export of Ugandan Dried Chili to China, signed during the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit under the witness of the Vice President of Uganda. The protocol officially opened the door for Uganda’s dried chili to enter the Chinese market.
https://thecooperator.news/partners-sign-mou-to-boost-growing-horticulture-sector-in-hoima/
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