By Frank Kamuntu
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to establish a mega coffee processing facility in Ibanda District, a commitment he says will transform the area’s thriving coffee sector by boosting value addition, improving quality, and increasing household incomes.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Kagongo Demonstration School playground on Saturday, the NRM National Chairman and 2026 flag-bearer said the facility will anchor Ibanda’s long-term growth as one of Uganda’s leading coffee-producing hubs.
Museveni noted that Ibanda’s dual production of Arabica and Robusta coffee positions the district to benefit immensely from large-scale processing.
“You, the people of Ibanda, already know what to do,” he said. “Therefore, I will help you establish a coffee processing facility that you have proposed here to add value to your coffee.”
The President reiterated government support under the Parish Development Model (PDM), promising continued access to free coffee seedlings from government nurseries and his Kisozi farm. He emphasized that PDM funding would remain available for households investing in enterprises such as coffee, poultry, piggery, and goat rearing.
Hon. Jovrine Kaliisa Kyomukama, the NRM District Chairperson, welcomed the pledge, noting that Ibanda currently has 28,062 acres under coffee cultivation, producing 14,381 tons annually and generating about Shs 178 billion. Despite this progress, she said farmers lack essential processing equipment such as dryers and hullers—gaps the proposed facility would help close.
Farmers at the rally shared strong testimonies of commercial success. Among them was Mr. Mutabaazi Wilbroad from Nyabuhikye, who earns over Shs 40 million per season from his 8-acre coffee farm. Museveni celebrated such achievements, pointing out that Uganda now earns US$2 billion annually from coffee exports, making the crop one of the nation’s biggest foreign exchange earners.
The President also reviewed Ibanda’s performance under PDM. The district and municipality have so far received Shs 21.9 billion, with more than 85% of the funds already disbursed to households. He urged local leaders to ensure all remaining beneficiaries are reached, reminding residents of the distinction between shared development (roads, schools, hospitals) and personal wealth creation.
Museveni used the rally to outline key priorities in the NRM 2026–2031 manifesto, including peace, infrastructure, and industrialization.
He assured residents that several road projects—such as the Mbarara–Ibanda road and the Ibanda–Kagongo–Kabujogera–Kamwenge route—will be repaired or fully reconstructed. He also said government is studying the possibility of introducing a ferry on Lake George to ease cattle movement and stimulate cross-district trade.
With Ibanda continuing to be an NRM stronghold—having delivered 87.3% of its 2021 presidential votes to Museveni—the President encouraged voters to focus on wealth creation through the 4-acre model, alongside tapping into growing opportunities in agriculture and industry.
As the 2026 campaigns intensify, the promise of a mega coffee processing plant stands out as a major development pledge, poised to unlock new value chains and strengthen Ibanda’s position in Uganda’s coffee economy.
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