Kampala – Dr. Hilary Emmanuel Musoke Kisanja, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Agribusiness and Value Addition Development, has flagged off Uganda’s first consignment of processed beef destined for Ethiopia, marking a significant milestone for the country’s meat export industry.
The consignment, produced by Ranchers Finest Limited, will be supplied to Diamond Hotel Group of Companies in Ethiopia under a new export agreement aimed at expanding Uganda’s presence in regional and international markets.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Ranchers Finest processing plant in Kampala, Dr. Kisanja described the export as a major achievement that will boost employment, increase foreign exchange earnings, and strengthen value addition in Uganda’s livestock sector.
“During our childhood, we depended on imported tinned beef. For many years, Uganda exported live animals with little value addition, causing the country to lose significant revenue. Processed meat can fetch up to six times more than live animal exports,” Dr. Kisanja said.
He noted that government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga have encouraged thousands of Ugandans to invest in cattle, goat, pig, and poultry farming, creating a strong foundation for agro-industrial growth.
Dr. Kisanja urged farmers organized in cooperatives and producer groups to partner with Ranchers Finest to secure reliable markets for their livestock and benefit from the growing demand for processed meat.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ranchers Finest, Mr. Collins Muyanja, said the company will supply Diamond Hotel Group with 20 tonnes of processed beef every month, alongside value-added products including premium steaks, sausages, and lamb.
He revealed that Ranchers Finest won the contract through a competitive international tender, citing the company’s ISO 22000:2018 and HACCP certifications as key factors in meeting the stringent food safety and quality standards required by the hospitality industry.
“This agreement demonstrates the growing confidence in Uganda’s meat industry and its ability to meet international food safety standards demanded by leading hospitality brands,” Muyanja said.
To meet the monthly supply requirements, Muyanja said the company will work closely with a network of outgrowers across the country, creating more opportunities for livestock farmers.
He also commended the Government of Uganda, particularly Dr. Kisanja, for its continued support towards promoting value addition and agro-processing.
Ranchers Finest currently employs more than 200 people directly and produces over 120 processed meat products, including beef, pork, lamb, goat meat, and chicken. The company exports to several regional and international markets, including Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Arab Emirates, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi.
