KWEEN, July 17, 2025 –– Despite recovering from a devastating fire that destroyed key infrastructure earlier this year, the Tropical Institute of Development Innovations [TRIDI] in Kween district, Sebei Subregion, has embarked on efforts to revitalise the silk industry, buoyed by the arrival of the second-season rains.
Emma Walimbwa, TRIDI’s Director for Partnership and Capacity Building, said the timely rains have enabled the institute to begin replanting mulberry fields that were damaged in the blaze.
“We are recovering – thank God for the rains and favourable climate,” Walimbwa said. “This project has the potential to transform the region and empower communities in a truly life-changing way.”
The sericulture project, which began in 2018, has faced several challenges, particularly around funding and partnerships necessary for adopting sustainable innovations and achieving long-term growth.
Despite being less than eight years old, the project has established 34 operational stations, developed expansive mulberry plantations, and acquired modern silk-reeling machinery to support value addition.
Walimbwa expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by the Ministry of Science and Innovations, which he said has hindered the project’s progress.
“This delay has significantly hampered the project’s ambitions, causing setbacks in implementation, stunted product development, and the loss of employment opportunities,” he noted.
Currently, the project employs approximately 1,700 people, with plans to expand both direct and indirect employment to at least 10,000 individuals.
With President Museveni recently pledging Shs 43.17 billion in funding, the institute is optimistic that increased financial support will more than double production capacity and create thousands of new jobs, particularly for young people.
In the face of these challenges, TRIDI remains committed to commercialising sericulture technologies and innovations aimed at establishing a robust silk industry in Uganda.
The institute is also preparing to host the upcoming Global Sericulture and Silk Industry Congress, an opportunity expected to elevate Uganda’s industrial profile and attract local and international investment.
Uganda is actively working to revitalise its silk production industry, aiming to become a major player in the global market. The country is focusing on commercialising silk-based textiles and other innovations to create household wealth and generate employment. Government initiatives, including the National Industrial Policy and National Textile Policy, are supporting this effort, with a particular emphasis on value-addition and processing.
https://thecooperator.news/mps-shocked-as-over-shs-50-bln-silk-project-stalls-in-sheema-district/
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