A major upgrade of Katebe Farm, owned by retired General Kale Kayihura, the former Inspector General of Police, has been unveiled in Lyantonde District, highlighting the growing role of science and innovation in transforming Uganda’s dairy sector.
The transformation, led by the Engineering Development and Innovation Centre (EDiC) under the Science Technology and Innovation Office of the President (STI-OP), introduces modern dairy processing technologies aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing farmer incomes.
Presiding over the launch, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Monica Musenero Masanza said the project demonstrates how government-backed innovation can deliver practical solutions at farm level.
“This is what it means to take science out of laboratories and into communities,” she said. “We are enabling farmers to add value, reduce losses, and earn more through the application of appropriate technologies.”
The upgraded facility now includes a steam boiler system, a biomass-powered energy solution, and improved pasteurisation equipment. These are expected to significantly boost milk processing capacity while lowering reliance on expensive fuel sources.
Dr Musenero said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader strategy of promoting home-grown technologies to strengthen agricultural value chains and create jobs.
“Our focus is to ensure every region benefits from innovation. Investments like this strengthen the entire ecosystem—from production to market—while building economic resilience,” she added.
Gen Kayihura, the proprietor of Katebe Farm, said the upgrade has already transformed operations at the facility.
“This intervention has changed how we handle our dairy business. We are now able to process milk more efficiently, maintain better quality standards, and minimise waste,” he said, describing the project as a breakthrough not only for his farm but for the wider farming community.
The project engineers say the technologies deployed are designed with scalability in mind. Jimmy Kandole of EDiC noted that the integration of energy-efficient systems is critical for sustainable agro-processing.
“We focused on solutions that are practical and replicable. The biomass system reduces fuel costs, while improved pasteurisation ensures consistent quality. This model can be adopted across the country,” he said.
Beyond the infrastructure upgrade, the farm continues to play a central role in the local economy. It works with more than 15 milk suppliers and supports livelihoods for over 1,000 people engaged in dairy, banana processing, and livestock activities.
Situated at the intersection of Kiruhura District, Sembabule District, and Lyantonde District, Katebe Farm serves as a key agricultural hub, linking farmers to processing and market opportunities.
Officials say the project reflects a broader effort by EDiC to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, positioning innovation as a driver of Uganda’s industrialisation agenda.
With its new capabilities, Kayihura’s Katebe Farm is expected to serve as a model for modern, efficient, and sustainable dairy farming in Uganda.
