President Museveni, through the Presidential Industrial Hubs initiative, has established a modern value addition facility at the Sebei Zonal Industrial Hub in Kween District, in a move aimed at boosting agro-processing, improving product quality and increasing household incomes in the Sebei sub-region.
The facility, which focuses on adding value to cereals commonly grown in the region, was inspected by a delegation of local leaders and a State House team led by the Director of Presidential Projects and Industrial Hubs, Eng. Raymond Kamugisha, who represented the State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye.
Speaking during the inspection, Eng. Kamugisha said the facility is a strategic intervention aimed at harnessing the region’s agricultural potential by processing grains locally instead of exporting raw produce.
“This region is known for producing a variety of cereals. With this facility in place, we shall now focus on adding value to those grains from here, which will enhance both local consumption and export potential,” he said.
He noted that the centre is equipped with modern machinery capable of handling up to 500 metric tonnes of produce, with a daily production capacity of 10 tonnes.
According to Kamugisha, the investment will significantly reduce post-harvest losses and improve the competitiveness of Ugandan grain products on the international market.
He further emphasised that poor post-harvest handling has historically affected Uganda’s agricultural sector, citing challenges such as aflatoxin contamination in grain products, including posho.
“We are training farmers in proper post-harvest handling to eliminate challenges like aflatoxin contamination. Through this facility, we are demonstrating best farming and processing practices, which will ensure our products meet international standards,” he said.
The facility also includes an animal feeds processing section, which is expected to reduce Uganda’s reliance on imported animal feeds, particularly from neighbouring countries such as Kenya.
“Our farmers have been spending heavily on imported animal feeds, but this will soon be history. We now have the capacity to produce quality feeds locally,” Kamugisha said.
He highlighted the wider strategic importance of equipping industrial hubs with value addition facilities, saying they will play a key role in addressing national challenges such as food shortages.
“For instance, during food crises like the one in Karamoja, government agencies have been sourcing relief food from elsewhere. In the near future, these hubs will be able to supply such food, as we shall be buying produce from local communities, processing it, and distributing it where needed,” he explained.
Kamugisha revealed that State House has already established value addition capacity in four industrial hubs across the country, with plans underway to extend similar facilities to eight additional hubs to strengthen national preparedness and response systems.
Local leaders welcomed the development, describing it as a transformative milestone for the Sebei sub-region.
Fadhil Satya, the Youth Chairperson of Kapchorwa District, likened the initiative to major industrial transformations that have driven economic growth in developed countries.
“Many nations have had defining moments in their development. The United States industrialised through the Industrial Revolution, China through its ‘Made in China’ strategy, and today Uganda is transforming through Presidential Industrial Hubs. This initiative is giving opportunities to young people who would otherwise not access quality education and skills,” he said.
Justine Yeko, a committee member of the Sebei Zonal Industrial Hub and District Commercial Officer for Kapchorwa, commended the government for establishing a fully integrated hub with skilling programmes, a common user facility, a value addition centre and a four-acre demonstration model.
“This hub is already transforming lives. Many youth and community members are benefiting from skills training and access to financial support,” she said.
Beneficiaries of the Shs50 million SACCO loans extended to graduates of the Presidential Industrial Hubs also shared testimonies, highlighting improvements in their livelihoods and business growth resulting from the financial support.
During the meeting, Isaac Nabwira was unveiled as the new Finance Officer for the Sebei sub-region. He will oversee SACCO operations across Bukwo, Kween and Kapchorwa districts, while promoting financial literacy and a stronger savings culture among beneficiaries.
The meeting was attended by district leaders, including LCV chairpersons from Bukwo, Kween and Kapchorwa, the Mayor of Kapchorwa Municipality, Chief Administrative Officers, Resident District Commissioners, District Internal Security Officers, District Commercial Officers, District Production Officers, youth leaders, representatives of persons with disabilities and women council leaders.
The leaders raised several issues requiring attention to improve services at the hub, including the selection of trainees and the integration of tree planting as one of the best practices to be promoted.
The establishment of the Sebei Value Addition Facility marks a significant step in Uganda’s broader strategy to industrialise the economy through agro-processing, job creation and improved productivity at the grassroots level.