Gomba District — President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Meat and Beans Processing Factory in Katonga, Kisozi Sub-county, Gomba District, saying the facility should support value addition, create a market for farmers, and contribute to Uganda’s industrialisation efforts.
The factory is a joint venture between NEC, the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and Kenyan investor Francis Ragwa, who serves as the managing director of the processing plant.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni said Uganda has sufficient agricultural and livestock resources to supply the factory, adding that the challenge lies in organising production and ensuring reliable markets for farmers.
He credited growth in the country’s coffee, dairy and livestock sectors to what he described as improved economic planning and farmer mobilisation.
The President said Uganda’s annual coffee production has increased from about three million bags to approximately nine million bags and expressed optimism that production could rise further in the coming years.
He also said annual milk production has grown from about 200 million litres in 1986 to about 5.4 billion litres, while the national cattle population has increased from about three million to approximately 16 million.
According to Mr Museveni, government will assess the most suitable model for supplying the factory, including sourcing livestock from large-scale commercial farmers or organised smallholder farmers.
“We have to determine the most appropriate production model depending on the factory’s requirements and available supply,” he said.
The President also urged government institutions to improve coordination in supporting investments, particularly by ensuring that infrastructure such as electricity is available before licensed projects begin operations.
He said agencies responsible for approving investments should work together to eliminate bottlenecks that delay industrial projects.
Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the factory would strengthen local value addition while reducing dependence on imported processed food products used by the military.
He said the facility would also support employment and provide a market for livestock and bean farmers.
“The UPDF is not only a security institution but also contributes to national development through commercial investments undertaken by NEC,” Mr Kiwanuka said.
Lt Gen James Mugira, the managing director of NEC, said implementation of the project began more than seven years ago but was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the factory is expected to reduce government expenditure on imported canned food products while supporting industrialisation and employment creation.
Lt Gen Mugira also called for stronger veterinary services, disease control and export certification to enable Uganda to expand its beef exports.
He said Uganda’s cattle population, favourable climate and pasture provide an opportunity for the country to become a competitive exporter of beef if production challenges are addressed.
Mr Ragwa said the partnership between NEC and private investors demonstrates the potential for regional investment in agro-processing.
He said the joint venture agreement was signed in 2019, although construction was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Mr Ragwa, the factory currently employs about 100 workers and is expected to create additional opportunities across the livestock value chain.
He also said Uganda’s Ankole cattle present opportunities for value addition and export if supported by appropriate investment.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Finance Minister Henry Musasizi, Trade Minister Sanjay Tanna, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi, Uganda Industrial Research Institute Executive Director Prof Charles Kwesiga, senior UPDF officers, investors and local leaders.