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Joel Ssenyonyi led by Inspire Africa Coffee Park Chairman Nelson Tugume and other visitors at the plant. Ssenyonyi expressed optimism about the advanced technological equipment.
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By Our Reporter
Ntungamo — The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has commended the Inspire Africa Coffee Park for its efforts in advancing Uganda's coffee value addition but underscored the need for transparency in government support to private projects. Ssenyonyi made the remarks during his visit to the $132 million facility in Ntungamo District, which has received $22 million in government funding.
The Inspire Africa Coffee Park, spearheaded by entrepreneur Nelson Tugume, aims to revolutionize Uganda’s coffee industry by using cutting-edge technology to process and add value to coffee. The factory is expected to be fully operational by March 2025.
Nelsone Tugume, left with Ssenyonyi (second-left) during the visit to Inspire Africa Coffee Park
Transparency concerns
While touring the facility, Ssenyonyi expressed optimism about the advanced technological equipment but called for a clear framework to address public concerns about government support for private enterprises. “There should be a clear modus operandi on how private companies are supported by the government. Without transparency, people will naturally question such projects even when the idea is very good like this one,” Ssenyonyi stated.
He emphasized the need for accountability, saying, “Skepticism arises when there are no clear accountability measures. People want to know: where is the value for taxpayers' money? Transparency will dispel doubts and build trust among Ugandans.”
Ssenyonyi called for a clear framework to address public concerns about government support for private enterprises
Tugume responds to allegations
During the visit, Nelson Tugume, the chairman of the coffee factory, dismissed rumors that the project belonged to President Museveni and his family.
“I am tired of this rubbish rhetoric calling this a Museveni project. My wife and I sold many properties, including our home in Kampala, to fund this initiative. We now rent, but we made that sacrifice to ensure this project succeeds,” said Tugume, visibly irritated by the claims.
Tugume explained that President Museveni supported the project after learning about its potential to align with his vision for value addition, but the initiative remains privately owned.
While Ssenyonyi reiterated the importance of supporting innovative projects like the Inspire Africa Coffee Park, Tugume requested for pretection of his investment from all stakeholders. “Everyone—whether in government or opposition—must protect this investment,” Tugume added, emphasizing the collective responsibility to nurture Uganda’s coffee sector.
Tugume called for pretection of his investment from all stakeholders
The bigger picture
Tugume called on the government to focus on empowering the private sector rather than trying to run businesses. “The government must stop thinking they can manage businesses. Instead, identify those doing good work and support them to do even more,” Tugume remarked, advocating for a private sector-led approach to Uganda’s economic transformation.
Hon. Paul Lutamaguzi Ssemakula, who accompanied Ssenyonyi on the tour, lauded the progress at the factory, calling it a game-changer for the coffee industry. He encouraged Ugandans to increase coffee production to meet the growing demand for value-added exports.
Hon. Paul Lutamaguzi Ssemakula (third from right), who accompanied Ssenyonyi on the tour, lauded the progress at the factory
The role of CICU
Since 2023, the government has been investing in the coffee value addition chain through the Coffee Investment Consortium Uganda (CICU). The initiative aims to increase export revenue, create employment opportunities, and boost farm gate prices. CICU brings together stakeholders in Uganda’s coffee industry to promote value-added coffee exports as a single-origin product.
Other attendees
A new dawn for Uganda’s Coffee Industry
The Inspire Africa Coffee Park is poised to become a benchmark for coffee processing and value addition in East Africa. Its success could pave the way for similar initiatives across the country, advancing Uganda’s coffee export ambitions and strengthening its economy.
With sustained efforts and collaboration, Uganda’s coffee industry could experience unprecedented growth, empowering local investors and benefiting the nation at large.
Torch Media Africa
