Despite their immense nutritional and medicinal value, bitter berries, locally known as katunkuma, remain one of the most ignored traditional vegetables in Uganda.
Yet, experts say these small, bitter fruits could significantly improve public health and offer income opportunities for farmers.
David Kavulu, a farmer from Janda in Luwero district, grows bitter berries on a quarter-acre piece of land. However, he struggles to find a consistent market.
“Many people don’t like the bitter taste, so the fruits ripen and rot in the garden. I have even thought about uprooting them to grow something else,” Kavulu laments.
But others are discovering ways to benefit from the crop.
Phoebe Kagambe, a commercial farmer, has found success in adding value to bitter berries.
“I dry them and grind them into powder, which I package and sell to health-conscious customers. These products fetch better prices and stay longer on the shelf,” Kagambe explains.
Sharon Naluwende, a nutritionist at Mulago hospital, says bitter berries are a powerhouse of nutrients.
“They are rich in iron, fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. They help cleanse the blood, support digestion, and regulate blood pressure, people with diabetes, hypertension, or frequent stomach problems can benefit greatly,” she says.
The problem lies in low public awareness and poor market organisation. If more farmers learned how to process or market bitter berries, and if consumers understood their health benefits, the crop could become a key player in nutrition and income generation.
With proper promotion, bitter berries can shift from being a neglected backyard crop to a valued food and health product in every home.
