Kampala,Uganda– Beekeepers under their umbrella body, the Uganda Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO), have called on the government to regulate the importation of honey into the country, arguing that such a move would protect and promote locally produced honey.
Speaking during the 14th National Honey Week in Kampala, TUNADO Executive Director Dickson Biryomumaisho said the influx of imported honey has created unfair competition, threatening the livelihoods of local beekeepers.
“The importation of bee products, especially honey, undermines our local market. It discourages local production and compromises the quality of products available to consumers,” he said.
Phiona Birungi, the Program Manager at TUNADO, also highlighted additional challenges facing the apiculture sector. These include the widespread use of pesticides by farmers, which harms bee health, and deforestation, which reduces forage areas for bees.
She noted that these challenges not only affect beekeepers but also have far-reaching impacts on the wider agricultural sector, which relies heavily on bees for pollination.
Officiating at the event, State Minister for Agriculture Bright Rwamirama acknowledged the concerns but said that an outright ban on honey imports may not be feasible. Instead, he emphasized the need to improve the quality of locally produced honey to compete effectively in the market.
The minister commended TUNADO for the strides made in honey production and export, which he said are contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.
“Uganda currently exports an estimated 50,000 metric tons of honey, earning approximately $155 million. This is commendable, but we must work to increase both production and exports,” Rwamirama said.
He also urged Ugandans to support the local honey industry by consuming homegrown products, which he described as organic and of high quality.
