Uganda Positions Organic Agriculture for Global Markets as National Organic Week 2026 Opens

KAMPALA – Uganda is strengthening its position in sustainable agriculture and international organic markets following the launch of the 5th National Organic Week (NOW) 2026 and the inaugural Organic and Nature Expo Africa (ONE Africa) at Hotel Africana in Kampala.

The launch symposium brought together government leaders, agricultural stakeholders, organic farming practitioners and development partners to discuss strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture, strengthening food systems and expanding Uganda’s access to regional and international markets.

The event, held under the leadership of the National Organic Agricultural Movement of Uganda (NOGAMU), highlighted the importance of integrating organic, regenerative and agroecological farming practices into the country's national development agenda.

Government representatives, including the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, and the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, emphasized the need to translate Uganda's agricultural production potential into greater economic value through sustainable farming and improved market access.

A key focus was the implementation of the National Organic Agriculture Policy, with calls to integrate organic agriculture into major government programmes, particularly the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the upcoming Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV).

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The symposium also witnessed the co-launch of the Kilimohai Agroecology Blue Mark, an initiative intended to strengthen the identification, verification and market recognition of sustainable and regenerative agricultural products from Uganda.

The mark is expected to help position Ugandan products competitively in regional and international markets by providing greater assurance of their production standards and sustainability credentials.

Speaking on the role of NOGAMU, Chief Executive Officer Chariton Namuwoza highlighted the importance of building farmers' and agribusinesses' capacity to meet organic certification requirements and international market standards.

He noted that NOGAMU is working to prepare farmers and agribusinesses for certification by strengthening their capacities and guiding them through standards and compliance processes.

This support is increasingly important as international markets, particularly the European Union, continue to strengthen requirements for traceability, documentation and compliance among agricultural exporters.

Namuwoza also emphasized that organic agriculture goes beyond food production, describing it as an important investment in environmental protection, food safety and the future resilience of agricultural systems.

“Organic agriculture isn't just about farming. It's about protecting our future,” he noted.

The 2026 National Organic Week and ONE Africa Expo are expected to provide a platform for farmers, processors, exporters, investors, policymakers and other stakeholders to showcase organic products, exchange knowledge and explore business opportunities within Africa's growing sustainable agriculture sector.

The events also underline the growing recognition that sustainable agriculture can contribute to environmental conservation, improved livelihoods, stronger food systems and increased export opportunities.

As Uganda seeks to expand its agricultural competitiveness, the integration of organic farming into national development programmes, coupled with improved certification and market access, is expected to play an important role in unlocking the country's potential in the global organic economy.