Uganda Development Bank (UDB), United Nations Devlopment Programme (UNDP), and Kabale University launched a business Incubation centre to support value addition for Irish potatoes and other agricultural products in the Kigezi region.
The project, worth over one billion shillings (USD 290,000), will be stationed at Kabale University. It focuses on enhancing value addition in Irish potatoes through the production of crisps and milk, and through the production of yoghurt and ice cream.
Associate Professor Abanis Turyahebwa, the Head of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at Kabale University, said the centre will serve students, educationists, farmers, and other community members interested in value addition and innovation.
He added that farmers will also be able to use the facility to conduct research on diseases affecting Irish potatoes and explore possible remedies.
Mauda Byampangyi, a renowned Irish potato farmer from Kabale District, described the establishment of the centre as a major blessing to farmers.
She said that with value addition, the demand for Irish potatoes is expected to increase, allowing farmers who have long faced exploitation by middlemen to earn better incomes.
Bedda Mwebesa, the Kabale District Production and Marketing Officer, noted that the centre will improve market access and competitiveness for agricultural products such as Irish potatoes and milk, thereby boosting farmers’ income.
Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, the UNDP Resident Representative for Uganda, said the programme is expected to benefit 150,000 farmers, create 10,000 jobs, and help reduce Uganda’s import bill.
She explained that UNDP’s interest in supporting the establishment of the centre stemmed from research findings showing that while Uganda produces about 850,000 metric tons of Irish potatoes annually, only 300,000 metric tons are processed.
She added that since the Kigezi region contributes about 60 percent of the national production of Irish potatoes, the lack of value addition has created a supply gap that has forced many hotels to rely on imports.
Professor Joy Constance Kwesiga, the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, urged the government to provide more researchers and infrastructure to ensure the success and sustainability of the project.
Hajji Muzamil Mukwaampola, a Council Member at the University, represented Dr. Kedress Turyagyenda, the Permanent Secretary, at the launch.
He said the project aligns with National Development Plan IV, which emphasizes innovation and industrialization.
He also noted that it complements the new curriculum being implemented in lower education levels.
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