The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Honourable Dr. Monica Musenero, has commissioned the upgraded Katebe Farm Engineering Transformation Project in Kashagama, Lyantonde District.
The facility, owned by the former Inspector General of Police General (Rtd) Kale Kayihura, was upgraded by the Engineering Development and Innovation Centre (EDIC).
The project, initially started in 2018, faced high costs due to imported machinery and the lack of affordable local technical expertise. With EDIC’s intervention, the yoghurt production unit’s capacity has increased from 500 litres in 24 hours to 3,000 litres in just 12 hours.
Speaking at the commissioning on 22 March, Dr. Musenero said the facility is a model for locally driven industrialization and value addition, aligning with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s push for Ugandan’s to transition from subsistence agriculture to market-oriented production.
She noted that EDIC provides local engineering solutions, precision tools, and technical support, addressing Uganda’s long-standing challenges in accessing affordable technical expertise.
Gen Kayihura said the project was motivated by the need to create a sustainable market for local farmers’ milk.
He credited EDIC’s technical support and favorable loan terms from Wazalendo SACCO for the project’s success, urging other Ugandan’s to form SACCOs to access affordable credit.
Colonel Yusuf Magero Buha, CEO of Wazalendo SACCO, commended Gen Kayihura for effectively using credit to support productive ventures, pledging continued support for SACCO members.
The upgraded facility now demonstrates how local engineering expertise can support industrial growth and value addition, serving as a blueprint for other innovators in Uganda.
