UNDP Boosts Kabale University Business Hub with $260,000 for Irish Potato Value Addition & Innovation Projects

By Naboth Isaac Niwagaba August 23, 2023 389 Views

KABALE – The Kabale University Business and Innovation Hub has received a significant financial boost from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), totaling USD 260,000 (equivalent to UGX 910 million).

The funding is aimed at supporting various projects, including the enhancement of value-added processes for Irish Potatoes.

This announcement came to light during a meeting held at the premises of Kabale University, where the Resident Representative of the UNDP, Elsie Attafuah, visited to assess the progress of projects sponsored by the organization within the institution.

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Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga, the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, shared that the Irish Potato value addition initiative had been in its research phase for several months, waiting funding. She acknowledged the contribution of UNDP, stating,

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“Initially, UNDP provided us with USD 60,000, and they have now generously added USD 200,000, which will significantly enhance our innovation and business hub.” Prof. Kwesiga communicated this development to the press during the sidelines of the meeting.

Elsie Attafuah, the Resident Representative of the UNDP, lauded Kabale University for taking the step to embark on the Irish Potato value addition project, underscoring its significance given the prevalence of the crop in the Kigezi Sub region.

She emphasized, “Kigezi, especially Kabale, is renowned for its cultivation of Irish potatoes. Hence, this project is both timely and promising. I am enthusiastic about witnessing your progress and the achievement of your goals in the near future.”

The meeting saw the participation of Kabale University’s management, UNDP delegates, members of the Guild Representative Council, and lecturers from various faculties.

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Elsie challenged Kabale University to place a greater emphasis on skills development as they strive to establish themselves as a leading institution in research and industrialization within South Western Uganda.

“While discussions on businesses, industries, and tourism are important, without prioritizing skills development, these endeavors might not resonate effectively with the local community and the university’s stakeholders,” she remarked.

Assoc. Prof. Businge Phelix Mbabazi, who provided an update on the progress of the Business and Innovation hub at Kabale University, outlined that the funds provided by UNDP would be allocated towards procuring equipment for Irish Potato value addition and supporting other initiatives within the business and innovation center.

According to data from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Kigezi contributes to 60% of the total Irish potato production in Uganda. On a regional scale, Uganda ranks third after Kenya and Rwanda “in East Africa.”