EAP constructs value addition facilities for maize and fruits in Masindi district
MASINDI, April 28, 2025 – East African Power [EAP], through its Budongo Community Development Project, has initiated the construction of a maize milling and fruit processing facilities in Kigaragara Village, Labongo Sub-county, Masindi district. This initiative aims to add value to local agricultural produce, create employment opportunities, and promote environmental conservation.
Located approximately 15 kilometres from Murchison Falls National Park, Kigaragara village comprises nearly 200 households.
During a community engagement meeting on April 24, 2025, John Chol, Programme Manager of the Budongo Community Project, outlined the project’s objectives.
He emphasised that apart from processing maize and fruits, a pellet factory and clean energy cooking initiatives will also be launched. These components, Chol, are designed to provide sustainable livelihoods and reduce dependence on forest resources.
He highlighted that the clean energy initiatives would decrease fuel costs and mitigate environmental degradation by reducing carbon emissions and the use of charcoal.
He encouraged local farmers to cultivate more fruits and cereals, assuring them of a ready market for their produce. Chol also announced that the project would offer training in financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills to empower women and youth in the community.
Emoru Angaisi, LCI Chairperson of Kigaragara Village, welcomed the project, noting that the lack of value addition facilities had previously limited agricultural activities to subsistence farming.
He expressed optimism that the project would transform the area by providing economic opportunities and reducing poverty. Angaisi also pointed out challenges such as land fragmentation and sugarcane cultivation, which have contributed to food insecurity.
Mathew Odipio, Area Councillor for Kituuka parish, urged residents to utilise the project effectively to improve their livelihoods. He emphasised the importance of cooperation among project implementers, local leaders, and stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
Godfrey Lubangakeni, Community Conservation Officer for Murchison Falls National Park, commended the initiative, particularly the clean energy cooking component.
He noted that alternative livelihoods would reduce encroachment into the park for charcoal production and poaching. Lubangakeni also mentioned that over Shs 100 million had been distributed in Labongo Sub-county to support conservation efforts.
James Balikurungi, LCIII Chairperson of Labongo Sub-county, expressed support for the project, stating that it would contribute to development and enhance local revenue. He encouraged youth to embrace the project and increase food production to supply the forthcoming factories.
John Bosco Ssemanda, Managing Director of EAP, explained that the initiative is part of the CARE [Community, Agriculture, Renewable Energy] Project. The CARE Project adopts an enterprise approach to address environmental and social issues in and around the Budongo Forest Reserve.
Ssemanda noted that Budongo Forest faces threats such as poaching, deforestation for charcoal production, and population pressure. He added that the CARE Project aims to create jobs, increase livelihoods, and provide alternative employment to activities like bushmeat poaching and charcoal production.
He appealed to political leaders to support the project, facilitate the acquisition of necessary permits, and encourage community engagement. He emphasised that the success of the project relies on the active involvement of local leaders and stakeholders.
The Budongo Community Development Project represents a collaborative effort to promote sustainable development, environmental conservation, and improved livelihoods for communities bordering Budongo Forest Reserve.
About EAP
EAP is an integrated renewable energy development and engineering company providing affordable and reliable clean energy solutions across multiple East African countries. As a long-term, social-impact-driven IPP, the organisation develops, designs, builds, and operates hydro and solar power plants, driving sustainable growth in the region.
The organisation collaborates with partners and local communities to develop environmentally sustainable hydropower and solar energy solutions ranging from utility-scale to small and medium projects while maintaining a world-class investment profile.
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