Empowering Uganda’s Fresh Produce Exporters: Final CICS/RUSH System Training Marks Milestone for FFV Sector Quality and Compliance

MAAIF Commissioner, Dr Nankinga, conducting training

The final training session on the CICS/RUSH system — a project funded by the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation through SwissContact — was successfully held for exporters and quality controllers from Uganda’s Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (FFV) sector. This initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries in collaboration with HortiFresh and system developer ThinkIT, aimed to enhance export readiness and quality control within the FFV industry. This session aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the CICS/RUSH system and address any issues or challenges exporters may have encountered during its initial phases. As the system approaches full rollout, equipping exporters and quality controllers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the platform is essential for the industry’s success.

The CICS/RUSH (Crop Inspection and Certification Systems/Reengineering Uganda’s SPS Inspection for Horticulture Exports) system is an advanced digital platform developed to enhance traceability, compliance, and efficiency within Uganda’s FFV export sector. Designed in alignment with international standards, the system offers an integrated solution for managing product quality from harvest to export. Real-time data tracking and verification capabilities make the system an invaluable tool for meeting the rigorous standards of high-end international markets, providing Uganda’s FFV exports with a competitive edge.

The final training session covered several key objectives. Firstly, it provided a recap and reinforcement of core CICS/RUSH functionalities. Participants reviewed essential platform workflows, including product data entry, quality control checks, and export documentation management, ensuring they are proficient with each aspect of the system. Secondly, the session addressed challenges and concerns encountered by exporters and quality controllers during earlier phases of implementation. By creating an open forum for discussion, the session allowed participants to share specific issues and receive targeted solutions, enhancing their confidence in using the system effectively.

Additionally, the training session prepared all participants for the imminent full rollout of the CICS/RUSH system. As the platform becomes fully operational, it will play a pivotal role in reducing export rejections and improving efficiency across the FFV sector. The training aimed to build a strong foundation for participants, enabling them to manage their export processes more independently and with greater precision.

The impact of the CICS/RUSH system on Uganda’s FFV export sector is expected to be transformative. By digitizing and centralizing critical export procedures, the system will enhance traceability, allowing exporters to document and verify product quality throughout the entire supply chain. This capability is essential for establishing and maintaining trust with international buyers. The system’s alignment with international quality and regulatory standards will also enable Uganda to meet the requirements of high-value markets in the EU and The Middle East. Furthermore, by streamlining quality control processes and providing real-time data updates, CICS/RUSH is anticipated to significantly reduce export rejections due to quality issues, thus increasing Uganda’s competitiveness in the global FFV market.

With the completion of this training, Uganda’s FFV exporters and quality controllers are now better equipped to operate the CICS/RUSH system. They have acquired the skills to handle export documentation, manage compliance checks, and uphold the quality standards expected by international buyers. Hortifresh remains committed to supporting the sector through continuous training and resources, ensuring that all stakeholders are prepared to navigate evolving export requirements.

This training marks a significant step forward in Hortifresh’s mission to position Uganda as a competitive player in the global fresh produce markets. As the CICS/RUSH system rollout progresses, the association looks forward to further initiatives that will enhance Uganda’s standing in the horticulture export industry.

Kevin Kusiima