UGANDA – The Grain Council of Uganda has introduced a comprehensive code of conduct aimed at improving the quality of grains produced in the country.
The initiative seeks to address concerns related to aflatoxins, which have adversely impacted the marketability of grains like maize, millet, sorghum, rice, and wheat.
At the launch event in Kampala, stakeholders emphasized the importance of self-regulation within the sector.
The code of conduct outlines roles, responsibilities, and guidelines for stakeholders throughout the entire value chain, from farmers to aggregators, transporters, and processors.
Mr. Robert Mwanje, the Chairperson of the Grain Council of Uganda, highlighted the need for adherence to best practices at every stage, including proper harvesting and threshing.
The code of conduct serves as a campaign to encourage self-regulation, with government regulators such as the Minister for Agriculture, Uganda National Bureau of Standards, and the Ministry of Trade endorsing the initiative.
The Chief Technical Advisor at the Grain Council of Uganda, Mr. Humphrey Mutaasa, emphasized that the document would be applicable from the production stage to cooperatives, grain handlers, transporters, and processors.
The self-regulation initiative aims to address quality concerns in the market and promote health and safety standards.
As the largest handler, processor, and buyer of grain in Uganda, the Grain Council launched the governing document to ensure consistent adherence to best practices.
The code of conduct will play a crucial role in governing processes within facilities and addressing the informalities in grain trade in Uganda.
Mr. Mutaasa urged all members of the Grain Council to comply with the practices outlined in the code of conduct.
The comprehensive approach covers stakeholders at every level, from farmers and cooperatives to handlers, transporters, processors, and even consumers.
The introduction of the code of conduct reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of grains and ensuring a standardized and regulated grain trade in Uganda.
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