The cold storage capacity in Uganda stands at an estimated 4.5 m³ per 1,000 inhabitants as of 2023, according to a recent survey examining facilities for bulk handling of perishable food products. Improving the cold chain is crucial for reducing food loss globally. The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has estimated that upgrading refrigeration capacity in low-income countries could save 144 million tonnes of food annually. The FAO reports that over 38% of food losses in sub-Saharan Africa occur at the production, postharvest handling, and processing stages.
In a study published in the International Journal of Refrigeration (IJR), researchers Mukama M. and Abaasa P. surveyed bulk cold storage facilities across 16 city districts in Uganda, finding that only 9 districts had such facilities, resulting in the observed storage capacity.
Uganda's cold storage capacity is comparable to Ethiopia's 5 m³ per 1,000 inhabitants in 2020 but significantly lower than Kenya's 38 m³ per 1,000 inhabitants in the same year, according to the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA).
The efficacy of Uganda's cold storage facilities showed significant temperature variations from set points. For instance, a facility in Entebbe handling chilled fruits and vegetables maintained a set temperature of 10°C but fluctuated between 8°C and 21.3°C. Similarly, a Kampala facility for frozen foods, set at -18°C, experienced temperatures ranging from -23.2°C to -12.9°C. These fluctuations compromise food safety and quality and increase energy consumption.
For further details, download the study on
FRIDOC.