STI Committee Hails Inspire Africa Coffee Factory's Success and Pledges Ongoing Support
The Parliamentary STI Committee has praised the progress being made on the Inspire Africa Coffee Factory in Rwashamire, located in Ntungamo District.
The facility, designed to boost coffee value addition and improve exports, has been lauded for its substantial impact on the coffee sector.
On Friday, the committee toured the Inspire Africa coffee park to evaluate the advancement of the initiative, emphasizing the significance of raising awareness among the general populace regarding how this venture affects coffee growers.
The visit entailed a comprehensive tour of the premises, succeeded by a presentation from Nelson Tugume, who is the principal backer and advocate for the Inspire Africa Coffee Group.
Tugume stressed the importance of providing precise information to the public, encouraging the committee to serve as advocates highlighting how the facility enhances the coffee sector.
"There is a lot of misinformation among the people. You, as committee members, have been recruited to share the truth with the public," Tugume said.
Throughout the tour, Members of Parliament acknowledged the advancements achieved but simultaneously voiced worries regarding the transparency of public finances and the effectiveness of quality control mechanisms.
Andrew Ojok Oulanyah, who represents Omoro County as an MP, requested further details about the project’s financial strategy and the extent of governmental participation, with particular interest in the $30 million funding.
Oulanyah emphasized the importance of comprehending the quality assurance plan, the role of cooperatives in enhancing value, and the collaboration between the government and the initiative.
Dr. Asiimwe Florence, who serves as both the Vice Chairperson of the committee and the Masindi Women's Member of Parliament, assured the public that Parliament will back the initiative.
She stressed the need to clear up any uncertainties around the initiative.
"As far as we can tell, the government stands to gain from this investment. However, there is significant public doubt regarding the funding, and our task is to educate people on how the project will advantage farmers," Dr. Asiimwe clarified.
Tugume also tackled misunderstandings regarding the project's financing, particularly assertions that he had been funded by President Museveni.
He strongly refuted these speculations, asserting, "The government is not even the minor stakeholder in this initiative. It’s entirely untrue that I accepted funds from President Museveni to instruct individuals on coffee consumption."
The Inspire Africa Coffee Factory, situated within the Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamire, is scheduled to commence operations on May 21, 2025. This event will see President Museveni visit for his third time to lead the official commissioning ceremony.
This represents a major landmark for the initiative, which seeks to transform Uganda’s coffee sector through enhancing the value of coffee production and increasing export volumes.
The support from Parliament and ongoing development efforts signal a promising future for the project, which is expected to benefit farmers and the broader Ugandan economy.
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