Kampala, January 22, 2026
The Busoga Consortium and the China Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park of Luwero have announced an ambitious plan to scale up chili production in 2026, targeting over 2,000 acres as part of efforts to boost farmer incomes and strengthen Uganda’s agricultural exports to the Chinese Market.
The plan was unveiled during a strategic meeting held at the Cabinet Library, Office of the President Kampala, where leaders from both institutions reviewed the performance of the China–Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Park and drew lessons from the 2025 chili farming season.
Speaking at the meeting, Busoga Consortium Director General, Mr. Mula Anthony, commended Kehong Company and the China–Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park for their continued partnership. He also praised the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Zhang Lizhong, for his contribution to major development initiatives including the Luwero Agricultural Cooperation Park, Mbale Industrial Park, and Lashen Industrial Park.
Mr. Mula described the successful export of Uganda’s first chili container as a milestone achievement, while acknowledging challenges such as limited farmer experience, climate variability, post-harvest losses, and inadequate drying facilities.
“These lessons are shaping a better, more farmer-friendly approach for the 2026 season,” he noted.
Mr. Wang Duozhan Manager at China Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park congratulated Busoga for providing leadership in the production of Uganda’s 1st Chili container of 11 tonnes that was flagged off by H.E the President in Kamuli in November 2026. On Tuesday 20th January, H.E Zhang Lizhong the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Uganda confirmed the arrival and China Customs clearance of the Uganda’s 1st Chili Consignment to China during his meeting with the Rt. Hon. Rebecca A. Kadaga 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East Africa Community Affairs at the Ministry Headquarters at Kingdom Kampala.
While responding to the raised farmers concerns, Mr. Wang inform the BCD Director General that the cost of chili seeds has been reduced from UGX 2,500 to UGX 1,800 per gram this season, lowering the per-acre cost to UGX 270,000, with flexible payment options introduced for low-income farmers.
The plan to import modern chili dryers was also unveiled during the meeting improve quality and minimize post-harvest losses. It was also pronounced that permanent coordination offices will be established in Kamuli and Iganga to improve access to seeds, agro-inputs, and technical support across the Busoga region.
Presenting the progress report, Mr. Wang Duozhan of China Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park cited delayed planting and climate challenges as key factors behind low yields in 2025, adding that stronger farmer mobilization, better timing, and improved technical support will underpin the 2026 rollout.
The meeting further resolved to sign a seasonal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing pricing, farmers training and orientation arrangements, cost of seeds, among others prior to the start of the march 2026 planting season.
Seed distribution is expected to be completed by 10 February 2026, preparation of nursery beds in mid-February with transplanting scheduled for mid-March 2026.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership between the Busoga Consortium and China Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park will significantly improve productivity, enhance export quantities and quality, and uplift livelihoods of farmers across Busoga and beyond.