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Ugandan Poultry Farmers Still Struggling Despite Lifted Ban on Egg Exports
By Naomi Namusoke/KMA Updates
In 2021, Kenya imposed a ban on the importation of Ugandan eggs, citing the need to protect local farmers. However, after diplomatic engagements between Kenyan and Ugandan officials, the ban was lifted, once again allowing the sale of Ugandan eggs and chicken.
Despite this resolution, Uganda’s fish and poultry farmers continue to face significant challenges, largely due to lingering policies and regulations that remain unaddressed.
These ongoing challenges have prompted various stakeholders in the agricultural sector to convene and formulate new guidelines aimed at supporting farmers and tackling the persistent issues.
Ivan Musiime, a poultry farmer from Ntungamo, highlights that neighboring countries like Kenya maintain high standards that Ugandan farmers are struggling to meet. He says this situation is having a detrimental impact on the economy and needs urgent intervention.
“The standards set by Kenya and other neighboring countries are significantly higher than what we can currently achieve. This mismatch not only limits our access to lucrative markets but also impacts our local economy. There is an urgent need for government support to bridge this gap.”
Geoffrey Junior Wako, the Executive Director of the Sustainable Synergy Initiative, has drawn attention to the environmental concerns associated with poultry farming, particularly caged systems, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions like methane.
“Poultry farming, especially with caged systems, significantly contributes to methane emissions, impacting our environment. We need robust regulations to promote sustainable practices while ensuring animal health and meeting international standards.”
Geoffrey further stresses the importance of implementing comprehensive laws and policies to enhance animal health and open up better market opportunities for Ugandan farmers.
As stakeholders continue to deliberate on sustainable solutions, farmers remain hopeful that improved policies will pave the way for better market access and enhanced productivity.
About Sustainable synergy initiative
​The Sustainable Synergy Initiative (SSI) is an organization dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices, particularly within the fish and poultry sectors. Founded by Geofrey Junior Waako, SSI aims to develop species-specific guidelines for farmed animals, focusing on enhancing public health, biosecurity, and modern farming methods through collaborative stakeholder engagement and evidence-based policies.