Museveni orders draft of tea sector regulations to stabilize Uganda’s industry 

UGANDA – President Yoweri Museveni has directed Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to develop regulations for tea growing and management.  

The move aims to protect the sector from low global pricing, which has been partly attributed to poor farming and processing practices. 

Speaking during a meeting with tea stakeholders, Museveni emphasized the need for stricter oversight of both growers and buyers to improve the quality of Uganda’s tea. “We need to regulate those who grow tea so that they grow it properly and the ones who buy tea, buy good tea. This will be done,” he said. 

The President further tasked farmers to submit a detailed assessment of tea’s viability, particularly on whether it should be categorized as a high-value or low-value crop.  

He noted that while some stakeholders argue tea can generate significant monthly income, its returns are still lower than those of alternative crops such as coffee. 

“I want you to go back and write to me on whether tea is a high-value crop under intensive agriculture or we should continue with extensive agriculture. If you can show net UGX 1.4 million per month, that will be good,” Museveni said. 

Addressing calls for the creation of a Tea Authority, Museveni dismissed the idea, describing it as outdated. He instead directed MAAIF to establish specialized desks for various crops.  

“That’s a colonial mentality and approach where they emphasized cotton, coffee, and copper. But the NRM has been telling you that you can make money from cassava; it is a cash crop,” he said. 

Despite concerns over tea’s profitability, the President pledged government support to ease industry challenges. He confirmed UGX 312 billion in funding to help tea growers and processors settle debts while also promising resources for fertilizers to enhance yields and quality. 

Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze urged farmers to adopt self-regulatory mechanisms as the government works on formal regulations. “Farmers must also play their part as we fast-track the process,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Uganda Tea Outgrowers Association Chairperson Onesmus Matsiko appealed for swift action on zoning policies and input subsidies.  

“If the issue of costly fertilizers and green leaf quality regulation is dealt with, we would solve Uganda’s tea industry problems by more than 80 percent,” he noted. 

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