July 14, 2026
The 2025 TASAI Uganda Country Report presents findings from the sixth TASAI study in Uganda, which assesses the structure and performance of the country’s formal seed sector. The study focuses on four priority crops central to Uganda’s food and nutrition security: maize, bean, millet, and sorghum.
Uganda has a relatively established private seed industry, having liberalized the sector nearly three decades ago. The country’s formal seed sector has undergone significant changes in recent years. For instance, reforms since 2016 have streamlined the production and distribution of early-generation seed through a licensing and pre-booking system. However, the sector is experiencing declining domestic demand for certified seed, increasing competition from imported maize seed, and growing concerns about seed quality assurance.
Under the Research and Development category, the report found that NARO Holdings Limited (NHL), the commercial arm of the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), has become the primary source of basic seed in Uganda, as the transition of basic seed production and distribution to NHL progresses. In 2024, NHL supplied basic seed to 50% of maize seed companies, 83% of bean seed companies, and 80% of sorghum seed companies. The study also found that many of the varieties dominating Uganda’s seed market are relatively old. Of the 19 commonly sold varieties identified across the four crops, several have been in circulation for more than a decade. Notably, Longe 5 maize and the Seremi millet varieties were released more than 20 years ago. This slow varietal turnover suggests that farmers continue to rely heavily on established varieties despite ongoing breeding efforts.
Under the Industry Competitiveness category, the report highlights both growth and consolidation within the sector. The number of active seed companies increased from 24 in 2019 to 33 in 2024, demonstrating continued private-sector participation. Maize remains the dominant crop, with 30 active seed companies, followed by bean (17), sorghum (9), and millet (2). At the same time, certified seed production has declined across all four crops. Surveyed companies reported producing 15,713 metric tons (MT) of maize seed in 2024, down from 16,582 MT in 2021. Sorghum seed production fell sharply from 4,353 MT in 2021 to just 553 MT in 2024. Stakeholders attribute these declines largely to the scaling down of the government’s Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) seed procurement program and reduced export demand from South Sudan. Competition varies considerably across crops. The maize seed market remains highly competitive, supported by a large number of seed companies. In contrast, the bean and millet markets have become increasingly concentrated among a few firms. Uganda Prisons Ltd. remains the country’s only government-owned seed company, accounting for just 3% of the maize seed market.
Under Seed Policy and Regulations, Uganda has an established legal framework governing variety release, seed certification, and seed trade. However, the report identifies weaknesses in implementation and compliance. A notable finding is the large disparity between seed production figures reported by seed companies and those recorded by the National Seed Certification Service (NSCS). Surveyed companies reported producing 15,713 MT of maize seed in 2024, while government records captured only 7,239 MT. Similar discrepancies were observed for bean, millet, and sorghum seed. These findings suggest that substantial quantities of seed may be produced and marketed without undergoing complete inspection and certification.
Under Institutional Support, seed companies rated regulatory services between “fair” and “good” on TASAI’s satisfaction scale: the seed import process averaged 55% (“fair”), while the export process scored higher at 63% (“good”). Companies cited customs delays, documentation requirements, and border clearance procedures as key challenges affecting seed imports.
Under Services to Smallholder Farmers, the report highlights significant changes in seed distribution systems. In 2024, agro-dealers were the dominant channel for certified seed sales, accounting for 60% of maize seed sales and 68% of bean seed sales. Government purchases, once a major driver of seed demand, have declined sharply following the reduction of OWC procurement activities. One of the most striking findings is the rapid growth of maize seed imports. Uganda imported 11,236 MT of maize seed in 2024, primarily from Kenya and Zambia. Imported hybrids continue to gain market share despite costing approximately 60% more than locally produced hybrids. Stakeholders attribute their popularity to extensive promotional activities, reliable seed quality, and timely delivery.
The Uganda TASAI Country Study was presented to stakeholders from government agencies, research institutions, seed companies, and development partners for validation and discussion in Kampala on May 6, 2026.
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