Agribusiness

Agribusiness in Uganda

Agribusiness is the cornerstone of Uganda’s economy and society, offering both stability and growth opportunities across the value chain. With fertile soils, a favorable climate, and abundant freshwater resources, Uganda is well-positioned to be the “food basket” of East Africa. The sector contributes about 25% of GDP and employs close to 70% of the working population, making it the single largest source of livelihood.

Crop production is dominated by staples such as maize, beans, cassava, bananas, and rice, while cash crops like coffee, tea, cotton, and cocoa are vital foreign exchange earners. Uganda is the largest exporter of coffee in Africa, and demand for its specialty and organic varieties continues to rise globally. Beyond traditional exports, emerging products such as horticulture, fruits, and spices are gaining traction in regional and international markets.

Livestock and fisheries are equally important. Cattle, poultry, and goats provide food security and income, while Uganda’s vast lakes and rivers make fish one of the country’s top exports. Efforts to modernize aquaculture and meat processing are expanding opportunities for value addition and international competitiveness.

The government, through initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and the development of agro-industrial parks, is encouraging farmers to move from subsistence farming to commercial agribusiness. This shift is supported by investment in irrigation, mechanization, and improved seed varieties. Private sector players are also increasingly involved in processing, packaging, and distribution, creating jobs and linking smallholder farmers to global supply chains.

Opportunities in agribusiness are wide-ranging. Agro-processing is underdeveloped, with much of Uganda’s produce exported raw. Investment in processing coffee, cocoa, oilseeds, dairy, and fish could unlock higher earnings and reduce post-harvest losses. There is also growing demand for modern storage facilities, cold chain logistics, and export-quality packaging. Fintech and digital platforms are creating new models for input supply, farmer financing, and market access.

Sustainability and inclusivity are becoming central themes. Women and youth form a significant share of Uganda’s farming population, and programs that integrate them into value-added chains are transforming rural economies. Additionally, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy solutions are being adopted to make agribusiness more resilient.

Uganda’s agribusiness potential is vast, supported by strong government policy, investor incentives, and a strategic location within the East African Community market. As the country moves toward its vision of industrialization, agribusiness will remain the driving force for food security, employment, exports, and long-term economic transformation.

Shaping agribusiness’s future with expertise

Farmers ⁠–⁠ and the agriculture industry as a whole ⁠–⁠ face escalating challenges due to evolving government policy, shifting market trends and environmental influences. Fortunately, we can provide expert insight and guidance to people in this rapidly changing industry.

We have a long history of supporting Uganda’s rural communities. Extensive experience in the farming and agriculture sector, from coast to coast, has helped our advisors develop the expertise to address immediate challenges and take advantage of new opportunities on the horizon.

Industry expertise you can trust

Global competition, price volatility, increased costs of doing business, family succession planning and accessing capital can all create challenging situations. The right solution requires innovative financial support, constructive advice and effective tax planning.

We produce innovative strategies for our farming and agriculture clients based on a detailed understanding of the options that exist for agri‑businesses, producers and processors ⁠—⁠ while always taking appropriate steps to stay ahead of changes in the industry.

Our agriculture sector professionals serve a wide range of clients from family farms to large agri‑business companies. We offer proven audit, tax and advisory services to both large and small operations.

Our services include:

• Audits, reviews and compilations
• Succession planning
• Estate and retirement planning
• Taxation services (planning, preparation, VAT, commodity taxes, international tax guidance)
• Assistance with government grants and subsidies
• Personal financial planning
• Accounting system reviews and bookkeeping assistance
• Accessing capital and financing
• Forecasts and projections, performance analysis, strategic planning and risk mitigation strategies