Uganda Exports First Consignment of Chilled Cut Meat to Saudi Arabia

Uganda has exported its first consignment of chilled cut meat packed in cartons to Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in value addition and the country’s growing capacity to meet international meat export standards.

Uganda has successfully exported its first consignment of chilled cut meat to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in what industry players have described as a significant milestone for the country’s livestock and agro-processing sectors.

The 2,500-kilogram shipment departed from Entebbe International Airport aboard a Flynas flight at 4:00am on May 26 and arrived in Riyadh ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations, a period associated with high meat consumption across the Middle East.

The export was facilitated by Jet Fresh Cargo, an Entebbe-based cargo consolidator and General Sales Agent for Flynas, in partnership with Pearl Meat Industries based in Nakasongola District.

Unlike previous meat exports from Uganda that largely involved full animal carcasses, the latest shipment consisted of portioned meat packed in cartons to meet evolving international market preferences and packaging standards.

Industry players say the development reflects Uganda’s growing focus on value addition within the meat export chain and demonstrates increasing confidence in the country’s agro-processing capabilities.

“This is the first time we are exporting Ugandan meat packed in cartons. It may appear like a small adjustment, but it is a significant step in the right direction for value addition and demonstrates the adaptability of Ugandan slaughterhouses in responding to the requirements of the Middle Eastern market,” said Wail Dagash, Managing Director of Jet Fresh Cargo.

The development comes slightly over a year after Flynas launched direct passenger flights between Entebbe and Saudi Arabia, creating new trade and logistics opportunities for Ugandan exporters targeting Gulf markets.

According to Jet Fresh Cargo, more than 500,000 kilograms of Ugandan fresh produce have been exported to Saudi Arabia through the Flynas route since its introduction.

The exports include fruits, vegetables, fish fillets and other perishable agricultural products sourced from Ugandan producers.

The company says the direct connection has helped stimulate demand for Ugandan produce in the Middle East while supporting efforts to increase incomes for farmers, livestock keepers and agribusinesses.

Dagash said the direct Entebbe-Riyadh route had significantly reduced transportation time and costs for exporters.

“Previously, shipments of meat to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had to go through intermediate airports, which meant transit times of up to 15 hours. Now Ugandan meat reaches Riyadh in only four hours. This is 11 hours of added shelf life. Since chilled meat has a shelf life of only 14 days, every hour counts,” he said.

Jet Fresh Cargo specialises in air cargo logistics for Uganda’s perishables export market, providing services to exporters dealing in fresh produce, chilled meat and fish products for regional and international markets.

The company is also the exclusive air cargo logistics provider for Pearl Meat Industries, handling exports of chilled Ugandan meat products to overseas destinations.

Officials say the latest shipment aligns with broader efforts to diversify Uganda’s exports, improve cold chain logistics and strengthen the country’s competitiveness in international agricultural trade markets.

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