The Inspire Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo District has become a beacon of progress in Uganda’s coffee value addition sector. With an impressive government investment of $22 million, the factory is set to transform Uganda’s coffee industry, offering immense benefits to coffee farmers and the nation at large.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, recently toured the facility and expressed his optimism about its potential. Despite earlier criticism surrounding the project, Ssenyonyi praised the advanced technology being used and emphasized the importance of the factory’s success for Ugandans.
Commitment to Uganda’s Coffee Industry
Ssenyonyi highlighted the need for the factory to deliver on its promise of adding value to Uganda’s coffee. Speaking during the tour, he remarked:
“We have visited this Inspire Africa Coffee factory, and while much has been said about it, I want this project to succeed. I want production to take shape for the benefit of Ugandans who may not have the opportunity to raise these concerns directly.”
He also underscored the importance of creating a clear framework for government support of private entities like Inspire Africa Coffee Factory, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayers’ money.
Ssenyonyi stressed that public trust in government projects hinges on clear accountability. He called for transparency in how funds are allocated and utilized to eliminate skepticism.
“When you don’t account, you are seen as a thief. So, how much has the government invested in this project? It’s important for Ugandans to know. Additionally, how can we defend you when the government fails to meet its obligations?” Ssenyonyi said, urging for publicly accessible agreements like memorandums of understanding.
A Vision for the Private Sector
Nelson Tugume, the chairman of Inspire Africa Coffee Factory, supported Ssenyonyi’s call for accountability. Tugume emphasized the critical role of the private sector in driving economic growth, stating:
“Government must stop thinking they can run businesses. Instead, identify someone doing something and support them to do more.”
He reiterated that a private sector-led economy is the key to Uganda’s transformation and urged the government to empower entrepreneurs and companies through strategic partnerships.
The Inspire Africa Coffee Factory is expected to become fully operational by March 2025. Once functional, it aims to serve as a benchmark for coffee value addition in Uganda and across the East African region. Its success could inspire similar initiatives in other regions, bringing Uganda closer to its coffee value addition goals.
With advanced technology and government backing, the factory has the potential to uplift thousands of coffee farmers, enhance Uganda’s coffee exports, and strengthen the country’s position in the global coffee market.
The Inspire Africa Coffee Park represents a pivotal step in Uganda’s journey towards becoming a leader in coffee value addition. By fostering transparency, accountability, and private sector collaboration, the project could transform Uganda’s coffee industry and deliver long-term economic benefits.
For Uganda’s coffee farmers and the nation, the future looks promising as initiatives like this continue to take root and flourish.
