By Caroline Nakire
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Meat and Beans Processing Factory at Katonga in Kisozi, Gomba District, calling on farmers to embrace commercial production and support Uganda’s agro-industrialisation agenda through increased value addition.
The modern processing facility is a joint venture between the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and Kenyan investor Mr Francis Ragwa. The factory is expected to boost value addition, create employment and provide a reliable market for livestock and bean farmers.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni congratulated Mr Ragwa for investing in Uganda’s agro-processing sector, describing the project as a major milestone in the country’s industrialisation journey.
“First of all, I want to congratulate Mr Ragwa for taking the initiative. NEC has given you the land, but the ideas were yours and I thank you and congratulate you,” the President said.
President Museveni said Uganda already has the capacity to supply the factory with the required raw materials, stressing that the country’s greatest challenge is organising farmers and securing reliable markets rather than increasing production.
“What remains is to streamline production because the real stimulus is the market. Once I am sure about the market, I can mobilise Ugandans using the correct economics,” he said.
The President cited Uganda’s coffee industry as an example of successful farmer mobilisation, noting that production has grown from three million bags to about nine million bags and is projected to reach 20 million bags. He also highlighted significant progress in the dairy sector, where annual milk production has increased from 200 million litres in 1986 to about 5.4 billion litres today, while the national cattle population has risen from three million to approximately 16 million.
He said Government would determine the most suitable model for supplying the factory, whether through large-scale commercial farmers or organised smallholder farmers, depending on production requirements. He also called for better coordination among government agencies to ensure essential infrastructure, including electricity, is in place before industries begin operations.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, described the factory as another milestone in Uganda’s industrialisation drive, saying the UPDF continues to contribute to national development beyond its security mandate.
“The UPDF is not only a fighting force but also a productive force. This factory is not just about business; it is about strategic logistics, troop welfare and national economic transformation,” Hon. Kiryowa said.
He noted that the factory will reduce Uganda’s dependence on imported canned food for military operations, create employment opportunities for engineers, food scientists and technicians, and provide a ready market for livestock and bean farmers.
Providing an update on the project, NEC Managing Director Lt. Gen. James Mugira said the initiative was conceived more than seven years ago but its implementation was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the facility will enhance value addition, promote industrialisation, create jobs and reduce government expenditure on imported canned food products.
Lt. Gen. Mugira urged livestock farmers to take advantage of the new market opportunity, noting that Uganda has the potential to become a major beef exporter through improved disease control, vaccination and compliance with export certification standards.
Mr Francis Ragwa said the partnership with NEC demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation and private sector investment in advancing industrial development. Although the joint venture agreement was signed in 2019, implementation was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said the factory currently employs about 100 workers and is expected to create many more jobs as production expands. Mr Ragwa also commended President Museveni for maintaining peace and stability, saying Uganda’s favourable investment climate continues to attract and support investors.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Henry Musasizi; the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. Sanjay Tanna; the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Mr Ramathan Ggoobi; the Executive Director of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute, Prof. Charles Kwesiga; senior UPDF officers, investors and local leaders.
The new processing facility is expected to strengthen Uganda’s agro-processing sector by promoting value addition, creating employment, expanding export opportunities and providing a sustainable market for livestock and bean farmers, further advancing the country’s industrialisation agenda.Government officials and distinguished guests pose for a group photo during the commissioning of the NEC Meat and Beans Processing Factory at Katonga, Kisozi, Gomba District.