President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially inaugurated the BENNI Foods Factory on Kaguta Road in Kiruhura District. The factory specializes in dairy processing, is set to address the challenges of excess milk production while creating employment opportunities and improving farmer incomes in the region.
The Benni Foods Factory, a project by Uganda’s leading dairy producer, aims to boost milk production and support local farmers by increasing the demand for raw milk and offering fair pricing. As part of a broader strategy, the factory also seeks to improve dairy cattle yields to 30 litres per day and establish a matching processing capacity. Currently, Western Uganda’s average milk yield per cow stands at 6.2 litres per day — one of the highest in the country but still far below the national target.
Strategically located in Kiruhura District, a prominent dairy-producing region, the new facility is designed to process 1 million litres of milk per day. This high processing capacity will help stabilize the milk supply chain and create additional employment opportunities. Already, 73 local youths have been employed, with more jobs anticipated as operations expand beyond the initial test phase.
The Kiruhura site offers a competitive advantage due to low farm gate prices for dairy, making it an attractive hub for export-oriented products. According to Uganda’s Dairy Development Authority (DDA), the country’s dairy export value surged from US$103.2 million in 2021/2022 to US$266.4 million in 2022/2023, demonstrating the sector’s growing potential.
In his address at the launch event, President Museveni welcomed BENNI Foods’ investment, applauding their decision to set up the factory in Uganda.
“You are most welcome; you are in the right place at the right time. We have big potential here, and once the farmers are sensitized on how to properly care for their cows, we can produce more milk than we do now,” the President said.
The President commended the people of Ankole for adopting modern dairy farming practices and for their willingness to settle in one place, a move that has significantly boosted milk production in the region.
“When we came here, we spoke to the elders, and I am glad they took our advice to settle in one place. When we introduced dairy farming, they welcomed it,” he remarked.
However, President Museveni urged farmers to prioritize cattle health and pasture management to enhance production.
“Normally, cows use their tongues to harvest grass, but now they are using their teeth because the grass is short. This is not good for their health,” he warned.
The President also advised against complacency, encouraging proactive livestock care rather than relying solely on divine intervention.
President Museveni assured the local community that the government would address electricity challenges by providing a dedicated power line to support the factory’s operations. He also promised to explore other mechanisms to mitigate energy-related difficulties in the area.
Additionally, he called on farmers to collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to access better cattle breeds, capable of producing up to 30 litres of milk per day compared to the current national average of 5 litres.
“We have a solution for all problems of cattle,” the President asserted, highlighting ongoing research into a vaccine for ticks that would eliminate parasites without harming the animals.
Vice President Jessica Alupo praised President Museveni’s visionary leadership, crediting him for creating a peaceful and secure environment that allows investors to thrive. She commended his commitment to launching large-scale projects like BENNI Foods, which are expected to transform Uganda’s economy and uplift local communities.
Mr Jitendra, the CEO of BENNI Foods, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to increase milk production and support the local farmers.
“The factory aims to help local farmers produce more milk than the 100 litres we currently consume each day,” he said.