Title: Uganda Silk Industry: History, Present Status, Potential and a Strategy for Development

Authors: Clet Wandui Masiga, Peter Ndemere, John Ndyabagye, Paul Gimeyi, Ben Ekoot, Robin Mugisha, Janet Nagasha, Ismail Baruhagara, Godfrey Sempiri, Mugume Naboth Ngambe, Emma Walimbwa, Daniel Mushikoma, Godfrey Kasiime, Noah Sabunyo, Demas Lukoye Kutosi, Sayed Mohammad Ali Mousavi, Didas Mugisha, Sarah Babirye, Jacky Namaadi, Li Chao, Samuel Wangoda, Jennifer Muwuliza, Ronald Jaggwe, Emmanuel Omene, Francis Muwumuza, Emmanuel Osujo, Yona Musinguzi, Monica Nyakaisiki, Getrude A. Basiima, Beatrice Nakayiiki Bbale, Joseph Esimu, David O O Obong, Elioda Tumwesigye

Abstract:

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the sericulture industry in Uganda, tracing its history, analyzing its current status, and outlining a strategy for its future development. The industry’s origins date back to the 1920s, with significant pioneering efforts by private individuals and associations in the late 1980s and 1990s, leading to a pilot project funded by the European Union. Despite initial success in training hundreds of farmers, the sector faced challenges including a lack of consistent government support, market access for bulky cocoons, and inadequate value-addition infrastructure, causing a decline in production. Recent years have seen a revitalization led by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, which is funding the “Commercialization of Sericulture Technologies and Innovations” project. This current initiative focuses on establishing mulberry plantations, building farmer capacity, developing post-cocoon processing technologies, and creating a supportive policy environment. The article highlights the significant potential of sericulture for job creation, rural income generation, and export earnings, given Uganda’s favourable climate and existing market demand. The strategy for development involves scaling up production, integrating modern technologies, and leveraging both public investment and growing foreign private interest from companies in Iran and China to build a sustainable and commercially viable silk industry.

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