Digitization of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards in Uganda as Horticulture Exports Increase

The Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture is digitizing its sanitary and phytosanitary standards as horticulture exports are increasing. The current inspection process is highly manual which creates challenges that include the inability of the regulatory bodies to store and review inspection records, delayed inspections caused by detailed paper requirements and documentation, and a lack of proper data analysis. Uganda has seen a steady increase in horticulture exports, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Major Ugandan horticultural exports are to neighbouring countries, including Kenya, South Sudan, and DRC. The EU and the UK are also big importers of Ugandan horticulture, mainly consisting of chilies, green bananas, avocados, eggplants, and sweet potatoes.