The transformation of Katebe Farm in Lyantonde District was officially unveiled by the Engineering Development and Innovation Centre (EDiC), under the Science Technology and Innovation Office of the President (STI-OP), marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s agro-industrialisation agenda.
The ceremony was presided over by Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, and held at Katebe Farm owned by Gen Kale Kayihura, the former Inspector General of Police.
The event brought together farmers, engineers, local government leaders, and key stakeholders from the agricultural and innovation ecosystem.
The farm’s transformation features the introduction of modern dairy processing technologies, including a steam boiler system, a biomass burner, and improved pasteurisation equipment. These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance milk processing capacity, improve product quality, and reduce operating costs through more sustainable energy use.
Speaking at the event, Dr Musenero described the initiative as a practical demonstration of how science and innovation can directly improve livelihoods and drive economic growth.
“This is what it looks like when science leaves the lab and goes to the farm,” she said. “We are building systems that help our farmers add value, reduce losses, and earn more from their work. Through the STI Secretariat, we are intentional about supporting innovations that solve real problems and create meaningful impact in communities.”
She further highlighted the broader national vision behind such interventions, emphasizing the importance of scaling locally developed technologies across the country.
“Our goal is to ensure that every region in Uganda benefits from home-grown technologies. When we invest in innovation at this level, we strengthen entire value chains—from the farmer to the market—while creating jobs and building resilience in our economy,” she added.
The host and owner of the farm, Gen. Kale Kayihura, expressed appreciation for the collaboration and noted the transformation’s impact on operations.
“This change has fundamentally improved how we do business. We can now reduce waste, maintain higher quality standards, and process milk more efficiently. I thank EDiC for bringing this level of innovation to the farm—it is a game-changer not only for us but for the entire farming community in this area,” he said.
Jimmy Kandole, one of the engineers on the project from EDiC, emphasized the importance of integrating energy-efficient systems into agro-processing.
“Our objective was to design solutions that are sustainable, accessible, and efficient for Ugandan farmers. The improved pasteurisation system ensures consistent product quality, while the biomass burner reduces dependence on expensive fuels. This is a model that can be replicated across the country,” he explained.
Beyond the technological upgrades, the transformation is already generating tangible benefits for surrounding communities. Katebe Farm works with more than 15 milk suppliers and supports a broader ecosystem impacting over 1,000 people, including those involved in banana processing, goat rearing, and other farm activities.
Strategically located at the intersection of Kiruhura District, Sembabule District, and Lyantonde District, the farm serves as a regional hub. Community members actively contribute by supplying inputs such as milk, firewood for the biomass system, liquid soap, and casual labour, reinforcing its role in driving inclusive local economic growth.
The Katebe Farm intervention reflects EDiC’s broader mandate to develop, adapt, and deploy appropriate technologies that address local challenges and accelerate industrial development. By bridging the gap between research and real-world application, EDiC continues to strengthen Uganda’s innovation ecosystem.
Now fully upgraded, Katebe Farm stands as a model for modern, efficient, and sustainable dairy processing, demonstrating the tangible benefits of investing in science, technology, and innovation to unlock the full potential of Uganda’s agricultural sector.
