GOMBA, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Meat and Beans Processing Factory in Kisozi, Gomba District, describing the project as a major step towards increasing value addition, agro-industrialisation and export-led economic growth.
The factory is a joint venture between the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and Kenyan investor Francis Ragwa.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Museveni praised Ragwa for considering the investment idea and expressed confidence that Uganda has the agricultural capacity to supply the factory with sufficient raw materials.
Museveni said the project demonstrates how collaboration between government institutions and private investors can accelerate industrial development.
“I congratulate Mr. Ragwa for his vision and initiative. NEC provided the land, but the idea was his,” the President said.
The facility is expected to process meat and beans for both domestic consumption and export markets, adding value to Uganda’s agricultural produce while creating employment opportunities.
President assured investors that Uganda’s agricultural production continues to expand, providing a reliable supply of inputs for agro-processing industries.
He pointed to steady growth in the country’s coffee, dairy and livestock sectors, attributing the progress to improved organisation among farmers and government support for commercial agriculture.
“I assured the investors that Uganda has the capacity to supply the required raw materials. Our coffee, milk and livestock production continue to grow because of proper organisation, and we shall continue mobilising our farmers to produce even more,” Museveni said.
President also noted that expanding agro-processing industries is key to reducing exports of raw agricultural commodities and increasing the country’s earnings from value-added products.
Museveni used the event to urge ministers to play a more active role in supporting investment and economic transformation.
Referring to his development agenda under the slogan “Kisanja of No More Sleep,” he said government officials should ensure that investors receive the infrastructure and support needed to succeed.
“In this Kisanja of No More Sleep, every minister must be omusumba(pastor) of their sector by ensuring that investors have the infrastructure they need to succeed,” he said.
The President emphasised that improving roads, electricity, water and other infrastructure remains essential for attracting investment and boosting industrial production.
Uganda has prioritised value addition as part of its strategy to transform the economy from one that primarily exports raw agricultural products to one that exports processed goods.
The commissioning of the NEC Meat and Beans Processing Factory is expected to strengthen local agro-processing capacity, create jobs, expand market opportunities for farmers and contribute to Uganda’s export earnings.
This investment also reflects the growing role of public-private partnerships in supporting industrialisation and manufacturing under the government’s broader economic development agenda.
With the factory now officially commissioned, operations are expected to scale up as investors begin sourcing raw materials from farmers across the country.
The government says it will continue working with NEC, private investors and farming communities to ensure a steady supply of agricultural produce while improving infrastructure needed to support agro-processing industries.
The project is expected to contribute to Uganda’s long-term goal of increasing value addition, expanding exports and creating more employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
