President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Tuesday inspected the ongoing construction of the Inspire Africa Coffee factory project in Rwashamaire Town Council, Ntungamo District.
Since 2023, the Ugandan government has invested in the coffee value chain through the Coffee Investment Consortium Uganda (CICU) to boost export revenue, create jobs, and raise farm gate prices. CICU brings together various coffee stakeholders to add value to Ugandan coffee and promote its export as a single-source origin.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, the government allocated resources through the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Office of the President for the establishment of a modern industrial coffee park in Rwashamaire Town Council. Construction, which began in October 2023, is 60% complete and is expected to finish by December 2024. Once operational, the park will produce instant coffee, drip coffee, malt coffee, coffee energy drinks, and coffee beauty products.
The enhanced value chain is projected to increase Uganda’s coffee revenue from USD 1 billion to USD 4 billion annually.
President Museveni expressed satisfaction with the progress of the factory, emphasizing the importance of adding value to Ugandan coffee.
“The battle for coffee is to stop the haemorrhage because Africa has been bleeding for a long time,” he said.
He highlighted the disparity in profits between exporting unprocessed coffee at USD 2.5 and processed coffee in non-producing countries like Japan at USD 40, calling for a united front to add value to Ugandan coffee.
The President pledged to provide the necessary support to complete the factory. “Nelson [Tugume] was telling me what is required to complete it, and I am going to support him,” he assured.
Museveni also warned those threatening coffee farmers, promising to address any such issues. He urged the Ntungamo locals to support and collaborate with Mr. Nelson Tugume to enhance their economy and the country’s overall economic health.
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, thanked the President for inspecting the project. “Your Excellency, I hope I am doing the work you sent me to do, and I hope you will give me feedback,” Dr. Musenero stated.
Mr. Nelson Tugume, Director of Inspire Africa Coffee Group, expressed gratitude to the President for his support. “Your Excellency, we are at war with many people who think we are taking their lunch,” he said, urging the Ntungamo community to support the factory for employment and improved livelihoods.
The visit was attended by Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ntungamo District Leaders, Coffee Farmers, and Religious Leaders.
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President Museveni Inspects Progress of Inspire Africa Coffee Factory Project
