Hot pepper, known for its fiery taste and bold flavour, has become one of the most profitable crops for small and large-scale farmers in Uganda.
From farm to market, the demand continues to rise.
Musa Kyobe, a resident of Kambwomero in Luwero district, has grown hot pepper for three years. He considers it a special crop due to its consistent market and good returns.
“I can earn up to sh1m-1.5m from just an acre in a season,” he says.
“It grows well in our soils, and with proper care, the yields are very high.”
According to Kyobe, hot pepper matures fast, within three to five months, and can be harvested continuously for several weeks.
He adds that the crop requires moderate rainfall, regular weeding, and good pest control, but the investment pays off quickly.
Ritah Namatovu, a trader at Gayaza market, confirms the high demand.
“Restaurants, hotels, and even export companies buy hot pepper in bulk,” she says.
“Prices go as high as sh5,000 per kilogramme during peak demand.”
Namatovu says the profit margin is much higher compared to common vegetables.
The crop is also favoured in export markets due to its use in sauces, seasonings, and pharmaceutical products.
Farmers and traders agree, hot pepper is more than a spice, it’s a smart investment that can uplift livelihoods if grown and marketed properly.
