President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to set up a large scale coffee processing facility in Ibanda District, saying the project will accelerate value addition, improve coffee quality, and boost household incomes in one of Uganda’s fastest-growing coffee zones.
Museveni made the commitment on Saturday while addressing thousands of supporters at Kagongo Demonstration School playground. He said a modern processing plant would help Ibanda consolidate its position as a key producer of both Arabica and Robusta coffee.
“You, the people of Ibanda, already know what to do,” Museveni said. “Therefore, I will help you establish a coffee processing facility that you have proposed here to add value to your coffee.”
The President said the new plant will complement ongoing government interventions, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), free coffee seedlings from government nurseries, and additional seedlings from his Kisozi farm. He noted that households engaged in enterprises such as coffee, poultry, piggery, and goat rearing would continue to have access to PDM financing.
Jovrine Kaliisa Kyomukama, the NRM District Chairperson, welcomed the pledge. She said Ibanda currently has 28,062 acres under coffee, producing 14,381 tons annually and earning farmers about Shs 178 billion. She noted that the district lacks essential processing equipment such as dryers and hullers, and that the proposed facility would help close these gaps.
Farmers at the rally shared testimonies of rising incomes. Among them was Mr. Mutabaazi Wilbroad from Nyabuhikye, who earns more than Shs 40 million each season from his 8-acre coffee plantation. Museveni applauded such progress, adding that Uganda now earns US$2 billion annually from coffee exports.
The President also reviewed Ibanda’s performance under PDM, reporting that the district and municipality have received Shs 21.9 billion, with more than 85% of the funds already distributed to households. He urged leaders to ensure all beneficiaries receive their allocations and reminded residents of the difference between public infrastructure and individual wealth creation.
Museveni said the NRM’s 2026–2031 priorities include peace, industrialization, and improved infrastructure. He assured residents that road projects including the Mbarara–Ibanda road and the Ibanda–Kagongo–Kabujogera–Kamwenge route will be repaired or reconstructed. He added that government is studying the possibility of establishing a ferry on Lake George to ease cattle transportation and support cross-district trade.
Ibanda, which delivered 87.3% of its 2021 presidential votes to Museveni, remains an NRM stronghold. As campaigns intensify ahead of 2026, the President’s pledge for a mega processing plant stands out as a significant development promise set to strengthen Ibanda’s place in Uganda’s coffee economy.
