Govt finally invests sh20b in Luweero fruit factory
According to the state minister of finance (general duties), Cissy Mulondo, the money has been included in the current financial year budget for implementation of the project, which has been in the pipeline for over 20 years.
Minister Cissy Mulondo (2nd R) handing over the 40 wheelbarrows and spades that she donated to Luweero district authorities for use in the monthly cleaning exercises. (Credit: Frederick Kiwanuka)
LUWEERO - The Government has revived the hopes of fruit farmers in Luweero after providing sh20b for the long-awaited construction of a fruit factory under the current financial year budget (2026/27).
According to the state minister of finance (general duties), Cissy Mulondo, the money has been included in the current financial year budget for implementation of the project, which has been in the pipeline for over 20 years.
Mulondo said preparations are ongoing to embark on the project and make it a reality. "The sh20b for the construction of the Luweero fruit factory has been included in this financial year budget," Mulondo said.
Mulondo made the remarks in Luweero town on August 27 during a local leaders' meeting which she called to discuss the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme and other government projects.
However, the prolonged delay in implementing the project had made the people of Luweero lose hope of realising the Government's pledge.
President Yoweri Museveni in 2012 restored the lost hopes when he directed Uganda Development Corporation (UDC) to undertake the project in a move to provide a stable market for the abundant pineapples that are grown in the area.
This was followed by a feasibility study which UDC undertook in 2013 with the aim of promoting value addition to the locally abundant pineapples.
Accordingly, Luweero District Local Government responded by availing 10 acres of free land at Kyevunze village near Luweero town, which UDC had failed to utilise for over 10 years.
Luweero district is among the leading producers of pineapples in the country, with most of the produce being sold in local markets and some in Kampala.
Mulondo assured the people of Luweero that President Museveni would fulfil all the promises that he made to them.
The minister urged the people of Luwero to participate in government programmes, especially the PDM, to boost their household incomes.
During the same function, Mulondo also donated to the district 40 wheelbarrows and spades to be used in the monthly community cleaning exercises.
Luwero Resident District Commissioner Mariam Seguya urged leaders of the PDM programme to be transparent in the execution of their duties.