President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is accelerating Uganda’s economic transformation by leveraging agro-exports, particularly in high-value products like dairy, to open new international markets, earn foreign exchange, and strengthen rural incomes.
His latest move, flagging Uganda’s first powdered milk export to Algeria, marks a bold step in his broader strategy to continue positioning agriculture as a powerful engine for national growth.
The milestone event, held at State House Entebbe, saw Museveni preside over the export of 500 metric tons of whole powdered milk, processed by Brookside Limited.
This shipment is part of a 2,100-metric-ton deal valued at over USD 8 million. It is destined for Algeria, a North African economic powerhouse with a growing appetite for high-quality dairy products.
“During my visit to Algeria in March 2023, I had good discussions with His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune regarding Algeria’s interest in importing milk from Uganda. I am, therefore, happy to see the first shipment of whole powdered milk, starting with an initial batch of 500 tons valued at $8 million,” said President Museveni.
Museveni’s push for agro-export diversification aligns with his long-standing vision to industrialize agriculture, boost productivity, and transform Uganda’s largely subsistence farming economy.
Through targeted diplomacy and sector reforms, the President is turning agriculture into a key driver of exports, especially in products where Uganda has competitive advantages like milk, coffee, and fruits.
“It’s the beginning of many opportunities,” said Kennedy Gatheru, Director of Finance at Brookside Africa Ltd. “From your personal trade intervention, and with your involvement, we are confident of securing further export opportunities for our range of dairy products.”
The President’s 2023 state visit to Algiers was pivotal. During that trip, Museveni negotiated new trade deals in agro-processing, securing Algeria’s commitment to sourcing dairy and coffee from Uganda.
This led to a series of agreements spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Uganda Export Promotion Board, and Brookside, ensuring compliance with Algerian quality standards and paving the way for market access.
Algeria is a strategic trade partner with a large population and strong demand for dairy. According to Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, who met President Museveni in December 2024 at State Lodge Nakasero, the North African country intends to redirect its $700 million annual milk import budget to more affordable and reliable suppliers like Uganda.
Museveni praised the development during their meeting, describing it as a win for bilateral cooperation and a concrete outcome of African-led trade initiatives.
Uganda’s dairy industry has become one of the country’s most dynamic agricultural sectors. With annual production now exceeding 2.8 billion liters, the sector employs thousands and serves regional and international markets. Uganda currently exports milk products to over 15 countries across Africa and the Middle East.
“Algeria is a market we’ve been pursuing for some time. When the President visited that country in 2023, one of the bilateral negotiations and the MOUs we signed was to allow our coffee and milk. “I want to congratulate Brookside, as well as the dairy sector and its farmers, on the opening of this market,” said Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Minister of Agriculture.
Officials say the Algeria deal will not only increase Uganda’s foreign exchange earnings but also stabilize prices for local farmers by creating long-term demand for their produce.
Museveni’s agro-export push is part of his broader economic vision: using value addition and market expansion to build an export-led, self-sustaining economy. Under his leadership, government institutions have stepped up efforts to:
- Support agro-processors in meeting international standards
- Secure bilateral trade deals for agricultural commodities
- Promote private sector investment in agri-value chains
- Develop rural infrastructure to support farm-to-market logistics
President Museveni’s strategy to reshape Uganda’s economy through agro-exports is beginning to bear fruit. With rising volumes, expanding markets, and stronger trade partnerships, particularly with Algeria, Uganda is positioning itself as a serious player in Africa’s agro-industrial value chains.
By blending diplomacy, industrial policy, and private sector engagement, the President is turning Uganda’s natural bounty into economic opportunity for millions.