By Lydia Labanya
With maize emerging the second leading agricultural export foreign exchange earner after coffee, the Government has intensified efforts to ensure stakeholders in the maize value chain comply with the required quality standards.
During a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on Wednesday at the Standards House, Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) head office, discussions revolved around enhancing the quality of maize grain traded within domestic and international boundaries.
John Paul Musimami, the acting executive director of UNBS, detailed a pivotal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the South Sudan Bureau of Standards.
“This MOU emphasises that South Sudan will primarily accept UNBS-certified goods, reinforcing our certification’s importance in bolstering trade ties,” he said.
Touching on recent disruptions, Musimami explained that: “A group of trucks believed to carry maize with aflatoxin contamination were detained at Nimule entry point this year.”
Initial figures showed Uganda 66 Ugandan trucks were held by South Sudan authorities on their way to Juba.
He acknowledged the substantial trading implications, adding: “Given the significance of the South Sudan market to our economy, these disruptions are gravely concerning. Our approach in resolving this issue has always been respectful, diplomatic, and intent on preserving vital trade links.”
Musimami also mentioned collaborative efforts with governmental agencies, such as the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industry Development (PACEID), led by Odrek Rwabwogo, to resolve the setbacks.
“Through intensive dialogues, including a notable session in Kampala, we managed to achieve a breakthrough in negotiations,” he noted.
To further solidify quality assurance, a dedicated centre has been established in Matugga, Wakiso district.
“Following consultations with grain millers, this facility is set to provide UNBS the means to sample exports. Despite initial challenges, our determination remains unwavering, especially with the agriculture ministry’s close collaboration, to bolster the certification process for grains,” he elaborated.
Musimami emphasised the importance of traders ensuring their exports are UNBS-certified, stating: “We aim not to hinder, but to fortify our standing in pivotal markets, such as South Sudan.”
Paul Mwambu, the commissioner of the department of crop inspection and certification in the ministry, underscored the centrality of the maize value chain in Uganda’s agrarian landscape.
“The maize value chain begins in the farm, weaving through various stages, culminating in the pivotal role played by the trade ministry, with UNBS at its helm,” he explained.
Mwambu stressed on the collective approach needed to address issues, saying: “When challenges arise, a collective engagement from producers, aggregators, processors and regulatory bodies is essential. This platform is an invaluable asset for such collective remedy.”
Highlighting maize’s importance, he said: “Maize sustains Ugandans, feeds our schools and underpins trade with neighbours. Given our climatic and soil advantages, we are poised to be a significant maize supplier, not just domestically, but for our neighbouring countries in the region.”
Mwambu also emphasised collaborative efforts to ensure quality, saying: “Our aim is to foster understanding and streamline compliance for the betterment of all stakeholders.”
Carol K. Nankinga, the assistant commissioner, emphasized directives from UNBS and the agriculture ministry focusing on quality.
“Our prime goal is to ensure maize is insect-free and of superior quality. We also underscore the need for inspection centres to be compliant,” Nankinga explained.
She elaborated on the synergies between UNBS and the ministry in ensuring top-notch standards, urging stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the uniforms of the ministry’s inspectors.
Nakinga also lauded the collaboration between both entities and expressed the importance of a phytosanitary certificate through the UNBS checks. Discussing the global ambit of maize trade, she said:
“While our immediate focus is Elegu and Sudan, Ugandan maize is a global commodity. It’s imperative to stay abreast of international market requirements.” Nankinga emphasized the need for systematic registration of all stakeholders in the maize trade, arguing that with international market demands pivoting towards traceability, it’s crucial for stakeholders to be registered.
Expert advice
In a story published by New Vision yesterday, a team of researchers from Makerere University Business School, led by Prof. Wasswa Balunywa, advised the Government to increase investment in maize production, storage facilities, irrigation and help stakeholders to adhere to quality standards in order to create more jobs and boost earnings from maize exports.
