Museveni Inaugurates Major Beans and Beef Canning Factory in Gomba

President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned a significant new factory in Kisozi, Gomba District, focused on canning beans and beef. This marks a substantial step forward for Uganda’s agro-industrialization agenda, aligning with the nation’s ambition to achieve tenfold economic growth and increase GDP significantly by 2035.

The modern facility is a collaborative effort between the National Enterprises Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Force, and Kenyan investor Francis Rwaga. President Museveni lauded Rwaga for his vision and initiative, noting that the idea for a beef-canning factory originated from him. He also affirmed Uganda’s capability to consistently supply the necessary raw materials, citing the nation’s expanding production in coffee, milk, and livestock.

Expressing his commitment to investor success, the President stated that ministers must act as “pastors” for their sectors, ensuring essential infrastructure is readily available. He highlighted the impressive growth in the country’s livestock and dairy sectors, with milk production reaching 5.4 billion liters and the national cattle herd growing from three million in 1986 to 16 million. This growth underscores the potential for greater value addition through agro-processing and enhanced market penetration.

President Museveni urged government officials to dismantle investment bottlenecks, emphasizing that once the Uganda Investment Authority grants a license, relevant ministries must expedite the provision of supporting infrastructure like electricity. This directive aims to streamline operations for investors and foster a more conducive business environment.

Investor Francis Rwaga shared that the factory was designed to meet rigorous international standards, drawing inspiration from facilities in Europe and South America. He proposed developing a premium global brand for Uganda’s indigenous Ankole cattle, akin to Japan’s success with Wagyu beef, envisioning an ‘Ankole Heritage Beef’ brand that includes retail outlets, a steakhouse, and food tourism, alongside expanding exports.

Lt. Gen. James Mugira, MD of NEC, detailed the factory’s substantial daily requirement of 150 head of cattle and annual need of 39,000 animals. NEC is actively engaging large-scale farmers and the Uganda Beef Farmers’ Association to ensure a consistent supply chain and is developing models to include smallholder farmers.

The Defence Minister, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, described the investment as strategic, moving Uganda towards greater self-reliance and industrialization. The factory is poised to create numerous employment opportunities and provide a vital market for Ugandan livestock and bean farmers.

Source: https://ugandainvest.go.ug/president-museveni-commissions-beans-beef-canning-factory