Weak SPS communication undermines Uganda’s horticulture export potential
Weak communication of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards is constraining Uganda’s ability to fully exploit export opportunities, particularly in the European Union market, stakeholders have said. The concern emerged during the closing session of a two-day stakeholders’ consultative forum on fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) export growth under the EU-Uganda SPS project. Participants pointed to […] The post Weak SPS communication undermines Uganda’s horticulture export potential appeared first on Daily Star.
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Weak communication of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards is constraining Uganda’s ability to fully exploit export opportunities, particularly in the European Union market, stakeholders have said.
The concern emerged during the closing session of a two-day stakeholders’ consultative forum on fresh fruits and vegetables (FFV) export growth under the EU-Uganda SPS project. Participants pointed to communication gaps as a key factor behind persistent non-compliance, export rejections and lost market opportunities.
The forum, organised by the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) with support from the European Union and government agencies, brought together regulators, exporters, researchers, farmer organisations and development partners.
Discussions centred on how to strengthen communication systems to ensure SPS information reaches farmers, exporters and other actors in the horticulture value chain in a timely, accurate and user-friendly format.
SPS measures are internationally recognised rules designed to protect human, animal and plant health from pests, diseases and contaminants. Compliance is a prerequisite for accessing high-value markets such as the European Union, one of Uganda’s key export destinations for fresh produce.
However, stakeholders noted that Ugandan exports continue to face interceptions due to non-compliance, including excessive pesticide residues, pest infestations and poor post-harvest handling.
“These challenges are largely linked to communication breakdowns,” participants observed, noting that critical information often fails to reach producers and exporters in a usable form.
Michael Owino, an exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables to Europe, described communication as the weakest link in the compliance chain.
“Why exports fail to meet European standards is largely communication. Exporters often don’t have sufficient time to interpret the technical information provided,” he said.
Owino added that while SPS requirements are frequently updated, the information is often too technical and not translated into practical guidance for farmers. As a result, producers may unknowingly breach requirements such as pre-harvest intervals, acceptable moisture levels and approved packaging standards.
Caroline Nakinga, SPS programme manager, said the forum was convened to address precisely these communication gaps.
“In the European Union and other markets, our exports are frequently intercepted because they fall short of required standards, leading to losses,” she said.
She stressed that improving compliance begins with ensuring that accurate and relevant information is effectively communicated across the value chain.
“We must ensure farmers and exporters understand the standards and how to meet them,” Nakinga added.
Dr Bill Okaka, development communications manager at CABI, said an effective SPS communication strategy must go beyond information dissemination.
“It requires identifying target audiences, appropriate communication channels, and packaging content in ways that different users can understand and apply,” he said.
Participants also warned that repeated compliance failures risk damaging Uganda’s reputation in international markets, potentially undermining gains made by exporters who consistently meet standards.
The meeting concluded with a call for stronger coordination among government agencies, development partners, exporters, farmers and the media to ensure SPS information is accessible, consistent and actionable.
Stakeholders said improving communication will be critical not only for reducing export rejections but also for unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s horticulture sector.
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