Sesame (Simsim) Production & Export in Uganda 2026
Why Sesame Matters to Uganda
Sesame โ locally known as simsim โ is one of northern Uganda's most reliable cash crops. It is drought-tolerant, suited to the Lango and Acholi sub-regions, and earns farmers hard currency through export. Uganda produces an estimated 110,000 โ 160,000 tonnes annually depending on rainfall, with the bulk exported to India, China, Israel and Japan.
Main Production Regions
- Lango sub-region โ Lira, Apac, Oyam, Kole, Dokolo, Otuke
- Acholi sub-region โ Pader, Kitgum, Agago, Gulu
- West Nile โ emerging production in Arua, Yumbe, Nebbi
- Teso โ Soroti, Kumi, Katakwi
Yields and Production Economics (Per Acre)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Average yield | 250 โ 500 kg per acre |
| Production cost | UGX 350,000 โ 600,000 per acre |
| Farmgate price (clean white sesame) | UGX 4,000 โ 6,500 per kg |
| Gross revenue per acre | UGX 1,000,000 โ 3,250,000 |
| Net margin per acre | UGX 400,000 โ 2,600,000 |
Export Prices and Quality Grades
Uganda sesame is graded primarily on colour, purity and oil content. White hulled sesame for confectionery commands the highest prices. Mixed and brown grades sell at discounts.
| Grade | FOB Export Price (USD/tonne) |
|---|---|
| Conventional clean white | 1,200 โ 1,800 |
| Organic certified white | 2,000 โ 3,000 |
| Mixed / brown | 900 โ 1,400 |
Organic certification adds 40 โ 70% premium and is increasingly demanded by EU and Japanese buyers.
Quality Standards Required by Buyers
- Moisture content below 6%
- Purity above 99% (free from stones, husks, foreign matter)
- Free from aflatoxins (below 5 ppb for EU)
- Free Fatty Acid (FFA) below 2%
- Pesticide residue compliance (MRLs vary by market)
- Traceability to cooperative or aggregator level
Major Export Buyers and Aggregators
- NUCAFE-linked sesame cooperatives in Lango
- Aponye Uganda Limited
- Mukwano Group sourcing
- AgriExim โ Indian-linked exporter
- Direct contracts with Indian and Israeli importers
How to Enter the Export Market
- Register an exporting company at URSB
- Get URA tax registration and PIN
- Register with Uganda Export Promotion Board (UEPB)
- Acquire phytosanitary inspection capacity through MAAIF
- Establish aggregation centre in production zone with cleaning, grading and bagging
- Build offtake relationships โ Indian importers attend the annual Uganda agribusiness expos
- Consider group organic certification for premium positioning
Risks and How to Manage Them
- Aflatoxin contamination โ driven by poor drying; invest in raised drying racks and moisture meters
- Price volatility โ forward contracts with offtakers stabilise margins
- Side-selling by farmers โ manage with pre-financing tied to delivery
- Post-harvest losses โ proper threshing, winnowing and storage critical
- Climate risk โ Lango and Acholi rainfall increasingly erratic; drought-tolerant varieties from NaSARRI recommended
Frequently Asked Questions
How profitable is sesame farming in Uganda?
Net margins range from about UGX 400,000 to 2,600,000 per acre, depending on yield (250-500 kg/acre) and farmgate price (UGX 4,000-6,500/kg for clean white sesame). Organic certification adds a 40-70% premium.
Where is sesame grown in Uganda?
Mainly in the Lango sub-region (Lira, Apac, Oyam), Acholi (Pader, Kitgum, Gulu), West Nile (Arua, Yumbe) and Teso (Soroti, Kumi).
Which countries import Uganda's sesame?
India, China, Israel and Japan are the main export markets. Conventional clean white sesame fetches USD 1,200-1,800/tonne FOB; organic certified reaches USD 2,000-3,000/tonne.
Kennedy Nyabwala is the founder of Basket Advisory Technologies, with extensive cross-sector experience spanning agribusiness, construction, logistics, supply chain and fintech across Uganda and East Africa. Based in Kampala, Uganda.