Kamuli, Uganda – Uganda reached a significant milestone in its agricultural export journey on 20^thNovember 2025, when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially dispatched the country’s first shipment of dried chili bound for China. The ceremony took place in Bunambo Village, Namasagali Sub-county in Kamuli District and brought together senior government leaders, diplomats, investors, and farmers who hailed the achievement as a transformative step for Busoga and Uganda’s broader agro-export industry.

President Museveni, joined by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, oversaw the departure of three containers carrying 11 tonnes of dried chili. He praised China as one of Uganda’s steadfast partners and stressed that the export deal was consistent with national priorities of agro-industrialisation and value addition. He recalled China’s long history of cooperation with Africa and commended the mutual respect at the heart of the relationship.

Calling chili a “gold crop,” the President expressed optimism that the trade opportunity will uplift household incomes in Busoga, a region long affected by poverty. He encouraged farmers to fully embrace chili cultivation, noting that the Chinese market was only beginning to expand and held significant promise for Uganda’s producers.

Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, described the flag-off event as the result of years of groundwork, lobbying, and partnership with Chinese counterparts. She welcomed the progress while reminding the government of outstanding commitments such as expanding electricity access and establishing an industrial park to bolster value addition.

China’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Zhang Lizhong, congratulated the country and highlighted the 2024 chili export protocol signed at the FOCAC Summit as key to unlocking this opportunity. He noted strong growth in China-Uganda trade reaching USD 1.3 billion by August 2025 and emphasised the impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports.

The Busoga Consortium for Development and its Chinese partners have mobilised thousands of farmers to grow chili for export. Its Director General, Dr. Mula Anthony, underscored the project’s role in transforming household incomes and positioning Busoga as Uganda’s leading chili-growing region.