The economic fortunes of Uganda’s Busoga region have received a major boost following China’s decision to open its market to additional agricultural products from the region.
The announcement was made during a high-level courtesy visit by the leadership of the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) to the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Zhang Lizhong.
The meeting, led by BCD Director General Mr. Mula Anthony, was aimed at expressing appreciation for China’s continued support towards Busoga’s development and strengthening of China-Uganda relations.
The delegation also conveyed warm greetings from key national leaders from Busoga, including Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister, and Rt. Hon. Nakadama Rukia Isanga, Third Deputy Prime Minister.
During the engagement, Ambassador Zhang confirmed that China’s market is now officially open for cassava flour and castor oil, adding to the already existing export opportunities for Busoga’s chili and soya beans, which are being cultivated across the region.
The Ambassador described this development as a “blank cheque” for Busoga to take full advantage of its rich agricultural potential, particularly in districts like Namayingo, Kamuli, Mayuge, and Bugiri, where cassava is already a dominant crop.
“Busoga is well-positioned to benefit from these expanded trade opportunities. Cassava is widely grown in the region, and with value addition through cassava flour production, we can create jobs, boost incomes, and enhance food security,” Ambassador Zhang stated.
In addition, he encouraged the region to intensify its focus on coffee production, noting that Ugandan coffee has become one of the top-selling agricultural products on the Chinese market. He emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s rural transformation and economic development through mutually beneficial cooperation.
BCD Director General Mr. Mula Anthony thanked the Ambassador for China’s unwavering support, especially the success of programs such as the Village Agricultural Model, inspired by China’s poverty reduction strategies. This initiative has seen the establishment of model villages across Busoga with support from the China Agricultural University, contributing to improved household incomes and food security.
Mr. Mula further appreciated China’s role in supporting poultry and chili-growing projects, which continue to create sustainable livelihoods for communities across Busoga.
He hailed the new market opportunities for cassava flour and castor oil as a game-changer for Busoga, describing them as evidence of the region’s growing recognition on the international stage. He also reaffirmed BCD’s commitment to mobilizing farmers and agribusiness players to take full advantage of the expanded Chinese market.
“Busoga is determined to emerge as a model of rural transformation in Uganda, driven by partnerships such as the one we enjoy with China. We will work tirelessly to ensure that farmers, cooperatives, and businesses in our region are fully prepared to meet the demands of these new markets,” Mr. Mula concluded.
The meeting marks yet another milestone in the growing cooperation between Busoga and China, building on previous achievements such as Busoga’s participation in the China-Africa Local Government Forums and the establishment of formal sister relations with Liaoning Province in China.