Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, recently visited Uganda and expressed interest in importing milk and coffee from the country. During his visit, he toured Pearl Dairy Farms Limited in Mbarara city and met with President Yoweri Museveni. Obasanjo was impressed to learn that Uganda has the capacity to produce 5.7 billion liters of milk per year and expressed Nigeria’s willingness to purchase Ugandan processed milk and coffee.
As Obasanjo and Museveni toured the dairy farms, they discussed the potential for Uganda to become a key exporter of milk and coffee in Africa. Obasanjo noted that many Africans, including Nigerians, are unaware of the vast agricultural resources available on the continent. He highlighted the fact that Uganda is a net exporter of milk in Africa, contradicting the common practice of importing milk from Europe.
In response, Museveni thanked Obasanjo for his interest in partnering with Uganda and emphasized the importance of maximizing milk production for both local consumption and international export. He encouraged farmers in Kiruhura and Kazo districts to adopt zero-grazing techniques and invest in silage production to increase their profits. Museveni also advised families to register their farms as companies to facilitate business operations and ensure sustainability.
In addition to promoting the dairy industry, Museveni shared insights on Uganda’s economic performance, noting a 9.2% increase in export earnings in July 2024 compared to the previous month. The growth was driven by higher revenues from coffee, mineral products, cotton, tobacco, and oil re-exports. The country’s export value reached $785.03 million in July, reflecting a positive trend in Uganda’s trade sector.
Furthermore, Uganda’s Agriculture State Minister, Bright Rwamirama, highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance milk production by eradicating ticks and developing effective tick vaccines. These initiatives are aimed at boosting dairy farming and increasing Uganda’s export potential in the global market.
Overall, Obasanjo’s visit to Uganda signifies a growing partnership between the two African nations in the agricultural sector. By exploring opportunities for milk and coffee trade, Nigeria and Uganda aim to strengthen their economic ties and promote sustainable development in the region. With a focus on enhancing productivity and quality standards, both countries are poised to capitalize on their agricultural resources for mutual benefit.