In the heart of East Africa, Uganda is witnessing a transformative initiative aimed at establishing a hemp sector. Spearheaded by Mwamic General Enterprises SMS Ltd, under the leadership of Michael Mwandha, the Ugandan Sativa Project is navigating the complexities of the country’s regulatory framework, hoping to harness the potential of hemp cultivation.
An initial planting of 192 seeds at a site in Bwigula, in Uganda’s Eastern Region, yielded 2,300 seeds, demonstrating the crop’s adaptability to the country’s climate, Mwandha said. The trials have provided valuable insights into soil fertility, pest management, and organic pesticide development, laying a solid foundation for future large-scale cultivation,” he said.
Strategic vision
“The success of our trial farm demonstrates that industrial hemp can thrive in Uganda,” Mwandha said. “This is not just about cultivation – it’s about establishing a supply chain that empowers farmers and strengthens Uganda’s agricultural economy.”
According to Mwandha, the Uganda Sativa Project is structured around committees representing three core farming groups. Trial farmers are focused on seed research to optimize crop performance; model farmers serve as trainers in hemp-farming best practices; and an out-growers committee will work to expand the number of hemp farmers. Some 45,000 veterans from eastern Uganda are willing to grow hemp, Mwandha said.
The overarching goal is to establish Uganda’s first hemp processing facility, capable of handling fiber processing, hurd processing, and seed oil extraction, thereby creating a self-sustaining supply chain.
A significant challenge facing the project is Uganda’s current narcotics legislation, which does not distinguish between industrial hemp and marijuana. Mwandha said the lack of legal clarity hampers cultivation efforts and deters potential investors. His group is actively engaging with policymakers to advocate for regulatory reforms that will facilitate the growth of the hemp industry. Ignorance surrounding hemp among the Ugandan public is also a challenge, requiring educational initiatives, according to Mwandha
Government support
“One of the biggest hurdles we face is legislative clarity,” said Joseph Carringer, Lead Strategist and Project Manager at CMG, strategic advisor to the Uganda project. “By working with policymakers to establish clear regulations, we can unlock investment opportunities and position Uganda as a leader in industrial hemp production in Africa.”
To help in facing these challenges, the Uganda Sativa Project has garnered support from key government ministries including those for regional cooperation, health, agriculture, internal affairs, wealth creation and defense, according to Mwandha.
GreenWave Enterprises, a U.S.-based non-profit, is coordinating fundraising efforts for the project’s ambitious plans, while Canna Markets Group is leading project management and strategic planning.
Plans for carbon
CarbonConnect, a German specialist, is a consulting partner on the project. The Hamburg-based company has developed sustainable carbon strategies for small shareholder organizations in Africa and Latin America that create revenue streams for participating farmers.
Mwandha’s company, Mwamic General Enterprises, is a farming consultant and trader. The company collaborates with stakeholders to implement agricultural projects, train farmers, and promote local products in global markets.