Crucial Steps to Get Approved as a Fresh Produce Exporter in Uganda

Uganda is rich in agricultural potential, and the global demand for its fresh fruits and vegetables continues to grow. However, before you can start exporting, you need to go through an official registration and approval process.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, especially if you're new to export procedures or unfamiliar with Uganda’s regulatory institutions.

✅ Step 1: Register Your Company with URSB

Before anything else, you need to register your business entity with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB).

URSB is the official government body that handles business name registrations, incorporation of companies, and issuance of legal business certificates.

You can register online via the URSB e-Services Portal
Alternatively, you can visit URSB offices across the country, including the head office at Georgina House, Kampala Road, for in-person support.

💡 Registration costs are minimal. For example, registering a business name starts from UGX 24,000, while incorporating a limited company may cost UGX 40,000–100,000, depending on the share capital.

✅ Step 2: Obtain a Recommendation Letter from the Ministry of Trade

Once your company is legally registered, the next step is to request a recommendation letter from the Commissioner for External Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (MTIC).

Where to go:
Ministry of Trade offices are located at Farmers House, Parliamentary Avenue, Kampala.

What to prepare:

  • A formal letter requesting the recommendation, addressed to the Commissioner

  • A copy of your business registration documents

  • Your intended export products

As of now, this is largely a physical submission, although MTIC is working on digitizing their services. Confirm current procedures by calling MTIC via +256 414 341 023 or checking their website

✅ Step 3: Undergo Orientation and Facility Assessment by HortiFresh

After receiving your recommendation, you are required to attend an SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) orientation and undergo export readiness assessments. This is handled by the apex association, HortiFresh.

👉 What is HortiFresh?

HortiFresh Uganda is the national association of horticultural exporters and producers. They provide:

  • Export readiness training

  • Farm and packhouse audits

  • Compliance support for exporters

Where to find them:
You can visit their offices at Plot 2D, Nakasero Hill Road, Kampala, or contact them via their website

✅ What They Assess:

  • Packhouse standards (cleanliness, handling procedures, storage)

  • Farm practices (safe chemical use, pest control, record-keeping)

  • Out-grower contracts and traceability systems

After a successful assessment, HortiFresh will issue a recommendation letter to support your registration with the Ministry of Agriculture.

✅ Step 4: Obtain a Recommendation from HortiFresh to MAAIF

After the assessments and training, HortiFresh will give you a formal recommendation letter, addressed to the Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).

This letter confirms:

  • You’ve undergone SPS training

  • Your farms and packhouses were assessed and found fit for export

  • You're a registered member of HortiFresh

Membership with HortiFresh is required before proceeding.

✅ Step 5: Submit Application to MAAIF (Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification)

Now, prepare a formal application on your company’s letterhead and address it to the Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification, MAAIF.

Your application must be submitted physically to MAAIF offices at Plot 21-29, Lugard Avenue, Entebbe.

Include the following attachments:

  • Copy of HortiFresh recommendation letter

  • Proof of HortiFresh membership

  • Packhouse and farm audit reports

  • Proof of SPS orientation

  • Copy of your company registration documents

  • TIN from Uganda Revenue Authority

  • REX number (for EU exporters)

📌 [Coming Soon: A detailed guide on how to write this application letter - stay tuned for our next blog post and we’ll link it here.]

✅ Step 6: Provide Evidence of a Packhouse

A packhouse is a facility where your produce is sorted, cleaned, packed, and labeled before export. MAAIF will not approve your export license if you don’t have access to a functioning packhouse.

You must show:

  • Ownership (land title or purchase agreement), OR

  • Lease/Rental Agreement, OR

  • Shared Use Agreement if using an already approved packhouse

The packhouse must meet basic phytosanitary and hygiene standards and be approved by MAAIF or HortiFresh.

✅ Step 7: Show Proof of a Nucleus Farm or Out-Grower Contracts

MAAIF requires exporters to show that they either:

  • Own a nucleus farm, OR

  • Work with contracted out-growers (registered farmers who supply produce)

👨‍🌾 How land ownership is presented in Uganda:

In Uganda, land can be customary, freehold, leasehold, or mailo. For proof of ownership, you’ll need:

  • A land title (issued by the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development), OR

  • Land sale/purchase agreement, OR

  • A valid lease agreement

For foreigners, owning land is possible under leasehold tenure, and land transactions are recorded and managed via the Ministry of Lands Zonal Offices.

✅ Step 8: Acquire a TIN and REX Number

TIN (Tax Identification Number)

A TIN is required for all tax and business transactions in Uganda.
You can register for a TIN online via the URA Portal
It’s free of charge and usually issued within a few days.

REX (Registered Exporter System)

If you plan to export to the European Union, you must have a REX number, which allows your produce to qualify for preferential duty-free access under trade agreements.

Apply for a REX number through the Uganda Revenue Authority, under the Customs Department.

✅ Step 9: Submit Documents to MAAIF for Approval

Finally, submit all the required documents to the Department of Crop Inspection and Certification at MAAIF for review.

If everything is in order, you will receive official approval to begin exporting your fresh produce.

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