Overview:
The project, which is part of the government's efforts to invest in the coffee value chain, has been allocated resources through the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Office of the President.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has inspected the progress of the Inspire Africa Coffee factory project in Rwashamaire Town Council, Ntungamo District.
The project, which is part of the government’s efforts to invest in the coffee value chain, has been allocated resources through the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Office of the President.
“The battle for coffee is to stop the haemorrhage because Africa has been bleeding for a long time,” President Museveni noted, adding that in Uganda, when you export unprocessed coffee, you get $2.5, and when it is exported to countries like Japan that do not produce coffee, they process it and get $40, which is unfair.
He said there is going to be a united front to add value to Ugandan Coffee, which he termed as Chapter One.
The President further promised to support the factory with the necessary materials for it to be completed on time. “Tugume (Nelson) was telling me what is required to complete it, and I am going to support him,” President Museveni promised.
He also cautioned those threatening coffee farmers that they should tread carefully because he will deal with them. “I will not tolerate anyone threatening coffee farmers,” President Museveni warned.
On the other hand, President Museveni encouraged Ntungamo locals to unite, support, and work with Mr. Nelson Tugume if they want the factory to improve their economy and the economy of the country. “If you want this factory to improve your economy and the economy of the country, you must unite, support, and work with Tugume,” President Museveni advised.
Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, thanked the President for inspecting the progress of the project. “Your Excellency, I hope I am doing the work you sent me to do, and I hope you will give me feedback,” Dr. Musenero said.
Mr. Nelson Tugume, Director Inspire Africa Coffee Group, thanked the President for believing in him and other coffee farmers even when the dream to put up a Coffee Factory seemed impossible. “Your Excellency, we are at war with many people, some people think we are taking their lunch,” Mr. Tugume said.
He implored the Ntungamo people to support the factory, adding that it will benefit them with employment opportunities and improve their livelihoods.
The visit to the factory was witnessed by Ministers, Members of Parliament, Ntungamo District Leaders, Coffee Farmers, and Religious Leaders.