About Us
Uganda's officially endorsed apex body for the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables sector, driving competitiveness, quality, and sustainable market growth since 2019.
Transforming Uganda's FFV Sector
HortiFresh is an all-inclusive business membership organization dedicated to the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) sector. We represent a new beginning for exporters, producers, and service providers—uniting stakeholders under a single umbrella to improve economic development and sustainability for Uganda. By consolidating sector mandates and fostering strategic partnerships, we enhance production, competitiveness, and market access while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.
From Foundation to Field
The evolution of Uganda's apex FFV body
Establishment
Founded by five visionary business leaders passionate about transforming Uganda's horticultural potential into economic reality.
Kabira Club Declaration
Official endorsement as the apex body through a historic declaration signed by Uganda's leading horticultural export associations and government ministries.
National Launch
Formal establishment of the Secretariat and official launch of national operations, marking the beginning of coordinated sector-wide service delivery.
Field Operations
Expansion beyond headquarters to direct field operations, bringing capacity building and compliance support to agricultural communities across Uganda.
Regional Leadership
Designated as COMESA-EAC FFV Market Accelerator Secretariat and founding subscriber to the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA).
The Kabira Club Declaration
On 31st July 2021, Uganda's leading horticultural export associations consolidated their mandates under HortiFresh, creating a unified apex institution for sector-wide advocacy and export competitiveness.
UHEPA
Uganda Horticulture Exporters & Processors Association
HOPE
Horticulture Organization for Promotion & Empowerment
FAUEX
Federation of Associations of Uganda Exporters
UFVEPA
Uganda Fruits & Vegetables Producers & Exporters Association
Ecosystem Partners
VANEX
Uganda Vanilla Exporters Association – sector advocacy & value chain development
UFEA
Uganda Flowers Exporters Association – cut-flower sector development
Fresh Handling Ltd
HortiFresh shareholder offering packhouse and cold-chain solutions
Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
A sector that produces and sells safe and good quality fresh fruits & vegetables, recognized locally and internationally for excellence.
Mission
To build the capacity of fresh fruits and vegetables value chain players to meet safety, quality and market requirements.
Core Values
Leadership Beyond Borders
As a founding subscriber to the Horticulture Council of Eastern Africa (HoCEA) and designated COMESA-EAC FFV Market Accelerator Secretariat, we drive regional harmonization and trade competitiveness.
🌐 Regional Advocacy
- Strengthening cross-border trade policies
- Enhancing sector competitiveness
- Coordinating with EAC member states
📋 Standards Harmonization
- Aligning Uganda's standards with COMESA/EAC frameworks
- Facilitating mutual recognition agreements
- Simplifying compliance procedures
🌱 CEHA Uganda Chapter
- Coordinating potato, avocado, and onion value chains
- Technical assistance to MSMEs
- Regional value chain development
Government Partnership & Recognition
Officially recognized by key ministries and driving infrastructure development to boost export capacity
Official Recognition
- Ministry of Trade, Industry & Cooperatives (MTIC)
- Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development (MoFPED)
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries & Fisheries (MAAIF)
Strategic Partners
- PACEID – FFV Centre of Excellence development
- Uganda Free Zones & Export Promotions Authority (UFZEPA)
- EU Partnership initiatives
Center of Excellence Initiative
Advancing plans for a €4 million Center of Excellence at Entebbe Airport, in partnership with the Government of Uganda and the EU, designed to boost export capacity and improve compliance infrastructure.
Strengthening Uganda's Export Readiness
Through HortiFresh Investments Ltd, we are implementing an EU-funded €8 million SPS compliance project to address systemic trade barriers and recover lost revenue.
Strategic Objectives
This initiative addresses 700+ export rejections since 2015 and supports Uganda's continued participation in the €58 million EU fresh produce market, representing 60% of the country's FFV exports.
Implementation Partners
