Rosebud expansion to create more jobs

A farmer harvests palm fruits. The commodity has become a key source of livelihood for the people of Kalangala District. Photo by JULIE KIGONGO. 

By Dorothy Nakaweesi

In Summary

Income source. Flowers have become one of Uganda’s largest income earners.

Rosebud, one of Uganda’s largest flower growers plans to expand its operations in a move that is set to boost the country’s flower exports.

The Entebbe - based flower exporter plans to add about 10 to the current 40 acres.

Ms Julie Musoke, the Uganda Flower Exporters’ Association executive director, said: “Rosebud’s expansion is likely to create more jobs as well as boosting export volumes.”

Rosebud is Uganda’s largest exporter of roses, contributing about 40 per cent of the country’s export market.

Mr Sudhir Ruparelia, the company’s proprietor told Prosper that the expansion is likely to see about 500 Ugandans get employed in the flower industry.

The expansion, according to Mr Ruparelia, is expected to cost about (Shs13 billion) ($5 million).

Currently the firm employs 1,200 people with majority working in greenhouses that cover a total of 40 acres.

The company produces and exports about nine million stems per month.


The greenhouses are irrigated by an automated water pumping unit which runs on a fully computerised hydroponics systems.



Data [2012] from the Uganda Export Promotion Board, indicates that the flower industry is one of Uganda’s leading non-traditional exports raking in about $36 million from a total tonnage of 6,400 [tonnes].

Previously the country exported 5,765 tonnes worth $30.6 million in 2011. In 2010, the country exported 3,472 tonnes worth $22.4 million.

There are over 15 flower export firms including Rosebud, Wagagai, Fiduga, Mairye, Kajjansi Roses among others.


The company produces a number of rose varieties including red calypso (bright red), viva (bright yellow), valentino (dark red) and chelsea (orange).

Others include akito (white), marie claire (orange flame), blushing akito (pink), poeme (pink), meera (champagne), lambada (orange) and samoa (deep orange).