Museveni urges Ntungamo locals to support new coffee factory

Our Reporter

President Museveni being shown a packet of soluble coffee processed by the factory as minister Musonera, Evelyne Anite and other people look on (PPU photo).

NTUNGAMO, May 23, 2024 - President Yoweri Museveni wants the people of Ntungamo to unite, and support the coffee factory established by Inspire Africa Coffee Group if they are to improve their livelihoods and the economy of Uganda at large.

Museveni made the call recently while inspecting the progress of the factory in Rwashamaire town council, Ntungamo district.

Addressing a limited gathering at the factory, Museveni cautioned those threatening coffee farmers that they should tread carefully because he will deal with them.

Since 2023, the government has been investing in the coffee value chain through the Coffee Investment Consortium Uganda (CICU) to increase export revenue from coffee, create employment opportunities and increase the farm gate prices.

CICU is a consortium that unites coffee stakeholders in the country to add value to coffee and promote the export of value-added coffee from Uganda as a single source origin.

In the Financial Year 2023/2024, the government of Uganda allocated resources through the Science, Technology and Innovation [STI] Secretariat under the Office of the President towards the establishment of a modern Industrial coffee park in Rwashamaire town council, Ntungamo district.

The construction works which started in October 2023, are at 60 percent and will be completed in December, 2024. Upon completion, the park will produce instant coffee, drip coffee, malt coffee, coffee energy drink and coffee beauty cosmetics.

In the long term, the value chain will increase Uganda’s coffee revenue from the current US$ 1 billion to US$ 4bln.

During the inspection, Museveni said that he is pleased with the progress in regard to construction of the factory which is currently at 60 percent.

"The battle for Coffee is to stop the hemorrhage because Africa has been bleeding for a long time. The global coffee market is worth US$ 460bln, with Africa only receiving US$ 2.5bln of this amount. Surprisingly, a non-coffee-producing country like Germany earns US$ 65bln from coffee. This huge imbalance is concerning."

By government supporting the coffee factory, Museveni said the aim is to have Uganda serve as an example to the entire African continent to add value to its raw materials, including coffee, "so that they earn more from our sweat and create more jobs for the youth, increase earnings for the farmers and better utilization of electricity, water, and other services".

He said there is going to be a united front to add value to Ugandan Coffee which he termed as Chapter One. Museveni further promised to support the factory with the necessary materials for it to be completed on time.

Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation thanked the President for inspecting the progress of the project. “Your Excellency, I hope I am doing the work you sent me to do, and I hope you will give me feedback,” Musenero said.

Meanwhile, Nelson Tugume , the CEO of Inspire Africa Coffee Group, thanked Museveni for believing in him and other coffee farmers even when the dream to put up a coffee factory seemed impossible.

“Your Excellency, we are at war with many people, some people think we are taking their lunch,” Tugume said.

He urged the Ntungamo people to support the factory, adding that it will benefit them with employment opportunities and improve their livelihoods.

The visit to the factory was witnessed by ministers, legislators, Ntungamo district leaders, coffee, the media farmers and religious leaders among others.

https://thecooperator.news/museveni-contributes-shs-1-3bln-to-nebbi-catholic-diocese-ahead-of-uganda-martyrs-day-celebrations/

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