Govt commissioned coffee plant, water and solar projects to boost Bunyangabu, Kabarole, livelihoods

BUNYANGABU - To drive rural economic transformation, Government has commissioned new infrastructure projects in Bunyangabu and Kabarole districts.

The projects include a modern coffee processing facility, a piped water system, and a solar mini-grid.

The interventions, falling under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project, were officially launched by the Minister of State for Local Government, Victoria Rusoke Businge.

Constructed at over sh427m the coffee processing plant in Bunyangabu has capacity to process 2.5 tonnes per hour.

Addressing a group of stakeholders at the annual events, Rusoke urged farmers to scale up coffee production to ensure the facility operates at full capacity.

She also encouraged cooperatives to establish coffee nurseries to guarantee a steady supply of quality seedlings.

For years, farmers in the area have relied on middlemen, often transporting coffee to distant markets such as Kasese, a practice that exposed them to exploitation and low prices.

On behalf of farmers' groups, Adonia Kimanywenda said producers previously sold a kilogram of coffee at between sh4,000 and 5,000 due to poor post-harvest handling and lack of processing capacity.

“With this facility in place, prices are expected to rise to about sh 12,000 per kilogram,” he said, expressing optimism for improved household incomes.

Representing the LEGS Project, Eng. Isaac Opolot encouraged farmers to embrace government interventions such as the e-voucher system, through which the government subsidizes 50 percent of agricultural inputs, as well as the establishment of community nurseries to boost production.

He noted that increased production will be critical in matching the capacity of the new processing facility.

LEGS-supported projects in Bunyangabu include the construction and rehabilitation of community access roads such as the Bubwika–Yerya Bridge road and the Buhesi–Mitandi road.

Other interventions are Kagera Market Shed, the Nyamiseke–Mahoma road, and the Bunaiga Gravity Water Scheme.

While in Kabarole District, the Minister commissioned the Mugusu Piped Water Supply System and the Karangura Mini-Grid Solar Project.

The Mugusu water system is serving 28 villages, providing thousands of residents with access to clean and safe water.

The development is expected to reduce the burden of long-distance water collection while improving sanitation, public health, and productivity.

Relatedly, the Karangura solar mini-grid is benefiting more than 1,500 households and has the capacity to serve many more households. 

Reports indicate that since its installation, several small businesses have emerged, signalling growing economic opportunities in the area.

Rusoke encouraged residents to utilise the electricity productively by investing in income-generating activities such as welding, carpentry, and other enterprises.

Representing the Project Coordinator, Eng. Paul Mukasa Kasule, Dr. David Siriri called on communities to prioritise productive use of electricity to increase household incomes.

He added that due to the mountainous terrain in the area, the solar project was fitted with lightning control systems to protect it from damage and ensure a stable power supply.

Guests at the commissioning events included: ministry officials, district leaders, and community members, who welcomed the projects and called for the expansion of similar interventions under Phase Two of the LEGS Project.

District technical leadership, led by Chief Administrative Officer Hood Nsubuga, pledged continued support to ensure the sustainability and effective utilisation of the projects.