Nigeria is set to start importing milk and coffee from Uganda, following discussions between former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni during Obasanjo’s visit to Uganda. This is aimed at boosting Uganda's agricultural exports and strengthening trade ties between the two countries.
Obasanjo, who toured Pearl Dairy Farms Limited in Mbarara City alongside President Museveni, expressed Nigeria’s interest in Ugandan dairy products and coffee. “I am here to see how Nigeria can buy Ugandan milk, expand production of processed milk, and coffee,” Obasanjo stated during his visit.
Impressed by Uganda's ability to produce 5.7 billion liters of milk annually, Obasanjo highlighted the untapped potential within African countries, noting that Nigeria has been importing milk from Europe despite the abundant supply from Uganda. "It’s just recently that I found out Uganda is the net exporter of milk in Africa," he said.
President Museveni welcomed the partnership, assuring Obasanjo and Ugandan farmers of Uganda’s capacity to meet local and international demand for milk and coffee. “Uganda has the capacity to produce enough milk for both domestic and international markets,” Museveni emphasized.
Museveni, who was accompanied by First Lady Janet Museveni, also took the opportunity to promote sustainable farming practices. He urged local farmers in Kiruhura and Kazo districts to adopt zero-grazing and silage planting for better productivity and profitability. "Free-range grazing is not sustainable for long-term profit. We must adopt better methods to ensure we produce for not just Uganda, but all of Africa," Museveni advised.
The visit concluded with the commissioning of the refurbished Nshwere Church of Uganda, upgraded by Tororo Cement Company, and further discussions on expanding Uganda’s export potential. Uganda’s Minister of State for Animal Industry, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, revealed that Uganda’s dairy export value now stands at $264.5 million, underscoring the economic importance of the sector.
This new trade agreement is expected to benefit both nations, with Uganda tapping into Nigeria’s vast market while Nigeria diversifies its sources for milk and coffee, reducing its dependence on European imports.