Uganda exports first consignment of chilled cut meat to Saudi Arabia

May 26, 2026 in Companies, Trade & Industry, Transport by Editor

Uganda has exported its first consignment of chilled cut meat to Saudi Arabia aboard a direct Flynas flight, marking a new milestone in the country’s push toward value-added agricultural exports and improved access to Gulf markets.

 

Uganda has exported its first consignment of chilled cut meat to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking a new step in the country’s efforts to expand value-added agricultural exports to Middle Eastern markets.

The 2,500-kilogram shipment departed Entebbe International Airport aboard a direct Flynas flight in the early hours of May 26 and arrived in Riyadh ahead of this year’s Eid al-Adha celebrations, a peak consumption period for meat products across the Gulf region.

The export was facilitated by Jet Fresh Cargo in partnership with Nakasongola-based Pearl Meat Industries.

Industry players say the shipment is significant because it moves Uganda beyond exporting full animal carcasses toward higher-value processed meat products packaged to international retail standards.

Unlike previous exports, the latest consignment consisted of portioned chilled meat packed in cartons.

“This is the first time we are exporting Ugandan meat packed in cartons,” said Wail Dagash, Managing Director of Jet Fresh Cargo.

“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,” he added.

The development comes slightly over a year since Flynas launched direct passenger flights between Entebbe and Saudi Arabia, creating faster cargo connections for Ugandan exporters targeting Gulf markets.

According to Jet Fresh Cargo, the direct Entebbe-Riyadh route has significantly reduced transit times for perishable exports.

Previously, shipments to Saudi Arabia often passed through multiple transit airports, extending delivery times to as much as 15 hours. The direct route now cuts the journey to roughly four hours.

Dagash said the shorter transit period is particularly important for chilled meat exports, which typically have a shelf life of about 14 days.

“Every hour counts because reduced transit time means extended shelf life and better product quality upon arrival,” he said.

Uganda’s livestock sector has increasingly been seeking access to higher-value export markets as the country attempts to diversify export earnings beyond traditional commodities.

The Middle East remains one of the largest importers of halal meat globally, creating opportunities for East African suppliers with certified processing facilities and efficient cold chain logistics.

Jet Fresh Cargo says it has already handled more than 500,000 kilograms of Ugandan fresh produce exports to Saudi Arabia since the launch of the direct Flynas route.

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

Industry stakeholders say improved air connectivity is gradually strengthening Uganda’s competitiveness in time-sensitive agricultural exports where freshness and delivery speed are critical.

The latest shipment also highlights growing investment in cold chain logistics and agro-processing infrastructure needed to support Uganda’s export diversification agenda.

Jet Fresh Cargo has positioned itself as a logistics provider for Uganda’s perishables export sector, handling chilled meat, fish and fresh produce shipments to regional and international markets.

The company is also the exclusive air cargo logistics provider for Pearl Meat Industries.

Exporters say expanding value-added meat exports could increase earnings for livestock farmers and processors while helping Uganda move away from dependence on low-value raw commodity exports.

However, analysts note that sustained growth in the sector will depend on Uganda’s ability to maintain international sanitary standards, improve processing capacity and strengthen refrigerated transport infrastructure.