By Aloysious Kasoma
The European Union (EU) has announced a new push to promote Uganda’s pineapple exports, targeting improved market access and logistics as the country marks 50 years of bilateral partnership.
In his tweet published a few hours ago on his X handle (formerly twitter) the EU Ambassador Jan Sadek revealed plans to establish a “Consulate General” on the Kalangala Islands, a move aimed at bringing trade facilitation services closer to pineapple producers in the Ssese Islands.
“I am happy to announce that the European Union is opening a Consulate General on Kalangala Islands to promote Ugandan pineapple exports. Ugandan pineapple is the best in the world—the EU must experience it,” Sadek said.
The initiative will be supported by the construction of a dedicated airport in Kalangala to ease the transportation of fresh produce to European markets. The development is expected to significantly cut transit time and ensure Ugandan pineapples arrive in cities such as Brussels while still fresh.
Available data shows Uganda’s pineapple export sector has been steadily growing over the past five years, reflecting rising global demand. Export earnings from fresh pineapples increased by over 160%, from about $1.46 million in 2019 to approximately $3.8 million in 2023. This growth, though still modest in global terms, signals increasing competitiveness of Uganda’s horticultural exports.
More broadly, Uganda’s fresh fruit and horticultural exports to international markets—including the EU—have also been expanding. In 2024 alone, Uganda’s total exports to the EU surged to about €1.25b (Sh5.2 trillion), up from €780m in the previous year, driven partly by agricultural and agro-processed products.
Industry players have welcomed the EU’s intervention after seeing the post on X, saying it will ease access to premium markets and improve compliance with European standards. The presence of a consulate in Kalangala is also expected to streamline certification processes and strengthen linkages between exporters and buyers.
For farmers and exporters in the Ssese Islands, the development presents a major opportunity to scale production and increase earnings while the improved access to EU markets will boost household incomes and create jobs along the value chain.
Analysts further note that with improved infrastructure, certification, and logistics, Uganda could significantly grow its share in Europe’s fresh fruit market, positioning pineapple as a key non-traditional export.
DISCLAIMER……..Sorry this was a social media banter which became popular on FOOL’s Day