JESA Farm Dairy grapples with fresh milk shortage amid factory delays

UGANDA – JESA Farm Dairy, a prominent dairy producer in Uganda, has found itself grappling with yet another challenge as a shortage of fresh milk hits its shelves.

The scarcity was attributed to delayed factory works, which have extended beyond initial projections. This setback has prompted JESA to issue a public statement, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to its customers while expressing sincere apologies for the disruption.

In their statement, JESA reassured customers that efforts are underway to swiftly resolve the issue, with an expected restocking of fresh milk. In the interim, the company urges consumers to consider their UHT milk offerings as an alternative.

“Our Fresh Milk is currently experiencing a shortage,” JESA said in a statement. “We understand this may be disappointing and inconvenient, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption this has caused.”

To mitigate customer dissatisfaction, JESA announces a special promotion: a complimentary 200ml pack of JESA JUS for every litre of JESA Fresh Milk purchased at selected supermarkets, subject to stock availability.

This recent milk shortage follows a previous setback in March 2024, where JESA encountered difficulties in yogurt production due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, disrupting global supply chains.

Despite these challenges, JESA assured its commitment to securing alternative supply sources and returning to normal production levels promptly.

Meanwhile, the broader dairy sector in Uganda plays a vital role in both household income generation and nutrition.

While the industry has sustained an average growth rate of three percent annually, it continues to face hurdles in reaching its full potential.

Dairy production, primarily driven by small-scale farmers in rural areas, remains largely unprocessed, with only 20 percent of the country’s milk output undergoing processing.

The Dairy Industry (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was introduced on April 4th, 2024, underscored the challenges facing the sector.

It highlighted the collapse of the industry in previous years and the subsequent efforts by the Dairy Development Authority (DDA) to revitalize it.

With interventions since 2000, milk production has seen a significant increase, reaching 3.9 billion litres by 2023. The establishment of milk collection centers and processing companies has also expanded, indicating progress in infrastructure development.

Despite these advancements, the recent shortages faced by JESA Farm Dairy underscore the fragility of the dairy supply chain and the need for continued support and investment in the sector.

Strategic measures, including improving cold chain infrastructure and enhancing support for small-scale farmers, are crucial for ensuring the resilience and sustainability of Uganda’s dairy industry in the face of geopolitical and logistical challenges.

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