Maize farmers in the Bunyoro sub-region are set to benefit from improved post-harvest handling and value addition following the installation of a modern grain milling facility and high-capacity storage silo at the Bunyoro Zonal Presidential Industrial Hub.
The newly installed maize mill, with a processing capacity of up to 100 tonnes per day, was test-run on Wednesday during an inspection by State House Comptroller Jane Barekye.
The development marks a significant step in government efforts to transition farmers from subsistence agriculture to a market-oriented system.
According to Edmond Ndyaremwaki, National Coordinator for Value Addition at Presidential Industrial Hubs, the initiative places value addition at the centre of its strategy.
“Presidential Industrial Hubs are an initiative by the President to address the development needs of Ugandans. That is why 19 hubs have been established across the country,” Ndyaremwaki said.
He noted that while skilling programmes have already benefited hundreds of young people, the next phase focuses on processing raw materials into finished products.
“In Bunyoro, maize is produced in large quantities. Farmers will now bring their produce here for processing, which will significantly increase its value and their incomes,” he added.
The facility is expected to produce high-quality maize flour (posho) and a range of animal feeds for poultry, pigs, and cattle products in high demand across the agricultural sector. Officials say the plant can process large volumes within 24 hours, offering farmers a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional methods.
Complementing the mill is a modern silo with a storage capacity of 50,000 tonnes, designed to tackle post-harvest losses a long-standing challenge for farmers. The silo will support proper drying and storage, helping preserve grain quality and stabilize supply.
Raymond Kamugisha, Director of Presidential Industrial Hubs, said similar value-addition infrastructure has already been installed in 11 hubs nationwide.
“The President has emphasized transitioning Ugandans into the money economy. As long as we have raw materials, we will continue investing in processing capacity—even if it means setting up more factories—to maximize the value of our agricultural produce,” Kamugisha said.
He added that the Masindi hub is set for further expansion, including plans to produce maize-based products such as cornflakes for both domestic and export markets, as well as the installation of coffee processing equipment.
Scovia Turyahebwa, Manager of the Bunyoro hub, said the facility will help address exploitation by middlemen.
“For years, farmers have been forced to sell their maize at very low prices due to limited market access and storage facilities. This hub will change that. Farmers can now store their produce safely and access better markets,” she said.
The investment is expected to boost farmer incomes, create jobs, and drive local economic growth, reinforcing Uganda’s push toward agro-industrialisation.