Alliaceous vegetables market in Uganda

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, Uganda's alliaceous vegetables market volume grew moderately from 348,600 tons to 351,300 tons. This increase was supported by heightened cultivation of indigenous varieties and substantial investments in cold chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses, which improved the quality and export potential of fresh produce. However, a regulatory ban on genetically modified organisms in 2020 limited farmer access to improved seed varieties, constraining the expansion of domestic production.

Market volume surged to 373,400 tons in 2021, driven largely by a spike in imports to 45,300 tons. This growth followed the expansion of agricultural value chain development projects that integrated certified seeds, fertilizers, and direct market linkages for smallholder farmers. The subsequent tightening of phytosanitary and quarantine inspection services for exporters in 2022 contributed to a reduction in import volumes, bringing the total market size down to 350,900 tons that year.

The market recovered to 368,900 tons in 2023 as imports increased again to 43,900 tons. This recovery was supported by continued government efforts to strengthen agricultural input markets and new investments in climate-smart postharvest handling and storage under the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project. The passage of the Animal Feeds Act in early 2024 introduced new standards for production and labeling, indirectly affecting the vegetable sector through its rules on feed ingredients.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Uganda

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

Uganda's production of alliaceous vegetables declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 335.6 thousand tons, but by 2020 it had fallen slightly to 328.0 thousand tons, representing a 2.2% decrease. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, the value of Uganda's alliaceous vegetables production declined. In 2019, production value peaked at 133.6 million US dollars, but in 2020 it decreased to 128.7 million US dollars, a modest 3.7% drop. From 2017 to 2020, the production value grew by 26.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3%. The largest year-on-year increase was recorded in 2018, when the value rose by 16.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Uganda in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Uganda

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of alliaceous vegetables from Uganda showed significant volatility during this period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2017, while exports peaked in 2019 at 2 004 tons, creating a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports declined to 1 747 tons, a 12.8% decrease compared to the previous year. The most substantial year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when exports surged by 109.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Sudan was the dominant destination for Uganda's alliaceous vegetables exports, accounting for 93.2% of total export volumes.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Uganda in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Uganda's alliaceous vegetables export revenues experienced notable fluctuations. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while 2019 saw the peak at 798 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 3.5-fold gap between these years. In 2020, export revenues fell to 685 thousand US dollars, marking a 14.1% decrease from the previous year. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when export value jumped by 132.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Uganda in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, South Sudan accounted for 93.4% of the total value of alliaceous vegetables exports from Uganda, demonstrating a strong market dependence.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Uganda in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Uganda

Imports in kind, t

Uganda's imports of alliaceous vegetables increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 25 032 tons. This represents a 6.9% growth compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import volumes increased by 85.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 22.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uganda in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania was the primary source for Uganda's alliaceous vegetables imports, supplying 79.8% of total import volumes, while other markets contributed relatively smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Uganda in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Uganda's spending on alliaceous vegetables imports grew for the third year in a row in 2020, reaching approximately 5 098 thousand US dollars. This represents an 18.8% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import values surged by 137.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 33.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Uganda in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Tanzania and China together accounted for 89.8% of the total value of Uganda's alliaceous vegetables imports, with the remaining share distributed among other markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Uganda in value, 2017-2020