President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Meat and Beans Processing Factory at Katonga in Kisozi, Gomba District, urging farmers to embrace commercial production and support Uganda’s agro-industrialization agenda.
The modern processing facility is a joint venture between NEC, the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and Kenyan investor Francis Ragwa, who serves as the Managing Director of the NEC Meat and Beans Processing Plant.
Speaking shortly after commissioning the factory, President Museveni commended Ragwa for investing in Uganda’s agro-processing sector, describing the project as a significant step towards value addition, job creation, and expansion of the country’s industrial base.
The President said Uganda has the capacity to supply all the raw materials required by the factory, noting that the major challenge has been organizing farmers and creating dependable markets rather than production.
Museveni cited the growth of Uganda’s coffee sector as an example of how proper planning and farmer mobilization can transform production. He said coffee output has increased from about three million bags to approximately nine million bags and is expected to reach 12 million and eventually 20 million bags.
The President also challenged government leaders to take greater responsibility in supporting investments within their respective sectors, describing ministers as “pastors” tasked with guiding and developing their areas of responsibility.
Meanwhile, NEC Managing Director Lt. Gen. James Mugira said the project was initiated more than seven years ago but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic before construction resumed.
He said the factory will contribute to value addition, industrialization, employment creation, and reducing government expenditure on imported canned food products, including canned beans previously sourced from Brazil.
By Our Reporter
16th July 2026
End