KAMPALA — Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has unveiled plans to launch a National Marketing Company (NaMCO) aimed at promoting Ugandan agricultural products locally, regionally, and globally, as part of its 2026–2031 manifesto.
The initiative is designed to tackle persistent non-tariff barriers, limited branding, and fragmented logistics, creating a state-backed platform for collective marketing, standards compliance, and export support.
“NaMCO will provide the structure, intelligence, and certification to ensure our commodities are competitive and consistently marketed,” the manifesto reads.
Learning from Global Success Stories
NRM officials point to Ethiopia and Kenya as models:
- Ethiopia’s Coffee and Tea Authority has positioned the country as Africa’s largest coffee exporter.
- Kenya’s Horticultural Crops Directorate helped horticulture exports surpass $1 billion annually.
Other examples include:
- Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, where cocoa export boards coordinate pricing and improve quality controls.
- Vietnam, whose Coffee Export Association turned it into the world’s second-largest coffee producer.
NRM hopes to replicate these successes by strengthening Uganda’s bargaining power, reducing risk for exporters, and facilitating access to duty-free markets in the EU, UK, Middle East, and Russia.
Uganda’s Growing Export Market
Exports have surged dramatically, from $554 million in 1995 to $13.2 billion by June 2025, with nearly half going to regional markets. Key buyers include:
- Democratic Republic of Congo: $965 million
- Kenya: $702 million
- South Sudan: $586 million
Despite growth, Ugandan farmers still face arbitrary bans on milk, sugar, eggs, and even processed steel. NaMCO is expected to streamline certification and marketing to overcome these hurdles.
Support for Farmers and Traders
The NRM manifesto also promises:
- Investment in cold storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses
- Modern slaughterhouses to improve meat quality
- Border markets and logistics infrastructure for smooth cross-border trade
- An export guarantee scheme providing patient capital to traders
The platform aims to diversify Uganda’s exports beyond raw commodities, protect farmers from ad-hoc trade bans in the East African Community, and unlock higher value for milk, coffee, maize, and fish.
“Ugandan farmers often face bans due to arbitrary standards. NaMCO will de-risk exporters and enhance competitiveness,” officials said.
✨ Bottom Line: The NRM’s National Marketing Company could be a game-changer for Uganda’s agricultural sector, boosting exports, protecting farmers from market shocks, and positioning the country as a regional and global competitor in high-value commodities.
