Coffee value addition push gains momentum at Ntungamo facility
NTUNGAMO, March 31, 2026 — Government has reaffirmed its commitment to agro-industrialisation and coffee value addition, as efforts to operationalise the Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo district gather momentum.
The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development [General Duties], Henry Musasizi, made the remarks during a recent inspection visit to the facility, where he assessed construction progress and reviewed ongoing coffee value addition initiatives.
Nelson Tugume, Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Africa Group, commended government for its support towards the coffee processing project but highlighted critical infrastructure gaps.
He noted that the facility requires 20 megawatts of electricity and at least two million litres of food-grade water daily to operate at full capacity.
Tugume revealed that plans are underway to establish a dedicated power line from the Mirama Hills substation, alongside a water pipeline from Kahengye, with more than five kilometres of piping already installed.
Rwampara County Member of Parliament, Amos Kankunda, underscored the importance of field visits by legislators to government-backed projects. He said such engagements enable informed decision-making under Uganda’s Agro-industrialisation, Tourism, Manufacturing and Science, Technology and Innovation [ATMS] strategy.
Musasizi praised Inspire Africa Group for its transformative vision, noting that the project aligns with Uganda’s broader economic ambitions.
“I am here on behalf of the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, and I wish to affirm that His Excellency the President [Museveni] has strong belief in this project,” he said.
He added that the Africa Coffee Park has the potential to process up to 11 per cent of Uganda’s coffee output, boost farmers’ incomes, and enhance the country’s competitiveness in global coffee markets.
The Minister also highlighted plans to integrate coffee tourism and promote domestic consumption as part of efforts to expand market opportunities and foster patriotism in locally produced coffee.
Musasizi further pledged government support towards the designation of the Africa Coffee Park as a Special Economic Zone, aimed at attracting additional investment. He emphasised the need to strengthen key infrastructure, including electricity, water and road networks, to support industrial growth.
He revealed that the Ministries of Finance and Science, Technology and Innovation are working together to streamline governance at the Park, ensuring that innovations developed at the facility are effectively commercialised for both domestic and international markets.
https://thecooperator.news/ntungamo-district-boss-calls-for-regular-training-of-sacco-leaders/
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