President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Meat and Beans Processing Factory in Kisozi, Gomba district, calling on farmers to increase commercial production and take advantage of the growing market created by Uganda’s agro-processing industries.

While commissioning the state-of-the-art facility at Katonga on July 15th, 2026, President Museveni congratulated Francis Ragwa, the Managing Director of the NEC Meat and Beans Processing Plant, for investing in Uganda’s value addition agenda through a joint venture with NEC, the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

“First of all, I want to congratulate Mr. Ragwa for taking the initiative. Yes, NEC has given you the land, but the ideas were yours and I thank you and congratulate you,” President Museveni said.

The President assured investors that Uganda has adequate raw materials to sustain the factory, noting that the challenge lies in organising farmers and connecting them to dependable markets rather than increasing production.

“The issue of the supply of the required raw materials is just organisational. Uganda is now the biggest producer of coffee in Africa,” he said.

Drawing from the country’s progress in coffee, dairy and livestock production, President Museveni said markets are the biggest driver of agricultural transformation.

“What remains is to streamline production because the real stimulus is the market. Once I am sure about the market, I can mobilise Ugandans using the correct economics,” he added.

He also challenged government ministries and agencies to better coordinate investments by ensuring critical infrastructure is in place before industries begin operations.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, described the factory as a milestone in Uganda’s industrialisation journey, saying it will reduce dependence on imported canned food while creating jobs and providing a ready market for livestock and bean farmers.

“The UPDF is not only a fighting force but also a productive force. This factory is not just about business; it is about strategic logistics, troop welfare and national economic transformation,” Kiryowa said.

Lt Gen James Mugira, the Managing Director of NEC, said the project, which was initiated more than seven years ago but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, will promote value addition, create employment and reduce government spending on imported canned food. He also urged livestock farmers to seize the opportunity created by the guaranteed market.

Meanwhile, Ragwa said the joint venture demonstrates what African partnerships can achieve through private investment, revealing that the factory already employs about 100 workers.

“We are proud that today we have made it happen. This factory is proof that Africans can invest, create industries and employ themselves. We currently have about 100 workers,” Ragwa said.

He also commended President Museveni for maintaining peace and stability, saying the secure environment has enabled investors to establish industries and create jobs in Uganda.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Henry Musasizi, Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Sanjay Tanna, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi, UIRI Executive Director Prof. Charles Kwesiga, senior UPDF officers, investors and local leaders.