DAIRY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA)

The Dairy Development Authority (DDA) is a cornerstone institution in Uganda, founded under the Dairy Industry Act of 1998. Its chief mandate is to both develop and regulate the dairy industry, ensuring it makes a substantial contribution to the nation’s economic growth and enhances the nutritional well-being of Ugandans. The DDA operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). 

Background of the Dairy Development Authority

The DDA was officially constituted in 2000, following the enactment of the Dairy Industry Act. This act was part of a broader governmental strategy to liberalize the dairy sector, aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and self-sufficiency in milk production across Uganda. The DDA’s vision, “Dairy for improved health and prosperity of Ugandans,” encapsulates its dual focus on improving public health and expanding economic opportunities through the development of the dairy industry.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT MILK PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET?

There is a wide range of milk products from processors in the Ugandan market. They include; 

• Pasteurized milk
• UHT milk
• Yoghurt
• Ice cream
• Cheese
• Ghee
• Butter

MANDATE OF DDA

“To provide development and regulatory services that will ensure increased production and consumption of milk, sustainable and profitable dairy industry sector that will contribute to economic development and improved nutritional standards in Uganda.”

VISION

Dairy for Improved Health and Prosperity of Ugandans.

MISSION

“To Increase productivity and competitiveness of the Dairy Sector enhancing its contribution to population health and wealth of all Ugandans.”

GOAL

To enhance dairy value addition and quality for increased market competitiveness.

What DDA Offers to the Public

1. Capacity Building: DDA offers comprehensive training and skills development programs for dairy stakeholders across the value chain. These initiatives aim to enhance production efficiency and overall productivity in the dairy sector.
2. Value Addition: DDA promotes value addition in the dairy sub-sector by providing training in yoghurt production, cheese making, and product packaging. These skills are critical in reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ incomes.
3. Pasture Production and Fodder Conservation: DDA supports dairy farmers by distributing improved pasture seeds and seedlings, alongside promoting best practices in fodder conservation to ensure year-round feed availability.
4. Milk Consumption Promotion: To boost milk consumption, DDA runs initiatives such as the school milk program and celebrations during World Dairy Month in June, fostering a culture of healthy dairy consumption.
5. Mass Milk Consumption Campaigns: DDA leads public campaigns, including the June Dairy Month festivities, aimed at promoting milk consumption and raising awareness of the importance of producing high-quality milk for improved nutrition and increased income for farmers.
6. Milk Marketing and Reducing Losses: DDA actively works to reduce post-harvest milk losses and improve quality by facilitating better transportation systems, rehabilitating milk collection centres, and distributing food-grade utensils to ensure hygienic handling of milk products.

THE ten (10) DUTIES OF DDA

1. Registers and licenses milk processors and traders;
2. Supports dairy farmers’ marketing organizations;
3. Advises the Government on milk standards and coordinates the enforcement of those standards in liaison with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards;
4. Controls and regulates dairy and dairy-related import and export activities in conformity with the External Trade Act, but without violating the Animal Diseases Act;
5. Implements Government policy designed to promote the development of the dairy sector;
6. Supports various dairy development activities such as dairy extension, dairy breeding, dairy research, dairy training, dairy products development and general market promotion, including promotion of dairy export(s);
7. Acts as arbitrator in any conflict between dairy companies and processors;
8. Coordinates all dairy processing and marketing promotional activities, such as seminars, trade fairs and workshops;
9. Pools dairy processing and marketing data;
10. Advises the Government on research priorities of the dairy sub-sector and
11. Does anything connected with, or necessary for the performance of the foregoing duties?

Mandate and Objectives

The DDA’s wide-ranging mandate is focused on fostering sustainable growth in the dairy industry. Key responsibilities include:

1. Regulation: Registering and licensing milk processors and traders to ensure strict adherence to national standards.
2. Quality Assurance: Advising the government on milk standards and coordinating their enforcement in partnership with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS).
3. Farmer Support: Facilitating the organization of dairy farmers, enhancing their access to markets, and strengthening marketing organizations.
4. Data Management: Aggregating and analyzing data on dairy production, processing, and marketing to inform policy and industry growth strategies.

The agency’s mission is to drive productivity and competitiveness in the dairy sector, with a focus on increasing its contribution to both public health and economic prosperity.

STRATEGIC GOALS

Operating under a strategic plan spanning 2020/21 to 2024/25, the DDA has set ambitious goals to enhance the dairy sector.

 These objectives include:

1. Increasing value addition and improving quality to boost market competitiveness.
2. Encouraging domestic consumption of dairy products while also expanding export opportunities.
3. Strengthening the institutional frameworks governing the dairy industry. These goals are aligned with Uganda’s broader national development objectives, particularly about agricultural transformation and agro-industrialization as key drivers of economic growth.

Operational Structure

The DDA’s operations are structured around three core departments:

• Dairy Development Department: Focuses on improving production practices and extending support to farmers.
• Regulatory Services Department: Oversees the enforcement of industry standards and regulatory compliance.
• Finance and Administration Department: Manages the authority’s financial and administrative functions. This organizational framework allows the DDA to efficiently execute its programs and maintain rigorous oversight over industry regulations.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACT

Since its inception, the DDA has made remarkable strides in boosting milk production, with output increasing from approximately 2.81 billion litres in 2020/21 to about 3.85 billion litres in 2022/23. The authority has also spearheaded the revival of dormant facilities, such as the Mbale Dairy Processing Factory, significantly enhancing processing capacity in the region. Additionally, the DDA has fostered collaboration among stakeholders through dialogue platforms that bring together farmers, processors, and traders, ensuring the entire value chain is aligned for growth.

In conclusion, the Dairy Development Authority plays an essential role in shaping Uganda’s dairy industry by promoting quality standards, supporting farmers, and driving sustainable practices. Through its various initiatives, the DDA is contributing significantly to national food security, rural development, and economic growth, while improving the health and livelihoods of Ugandans.