President Museveni has called on local cassava processors to embrace Uganda’s indigenous nutritious food varieties to create more value and reduce reliance on imports.
This call was made on Thursday as he commissioned Pura Organic Agro Tech Limited, a cassava starch processing factory in Nakasongola town.
“I also encourage local cassava processors to explore indigenous nutritious food varieties to add value,” President Museveni said, urging agro-industrialists to think beyond traditional processing and venture into nutrition-focused innovation.
The president noted that starch produced from cassava plays a critical role in several industries, including pharmaceuticals, which heavily rely on imported starch—mostly from India,” he said
“Medicines are expensive, largely due to our reliance on imported starch. I’m pleased this factory will reduce costs,” Museveni added.
The commissioning of Pura Organic Agro Tech is seen as a significant step toward import substitution, value addition, and rural industrialization three pillars Museveni has consistently championed under his wealth creation agenda.
The factory is expected to boost the income of cassava outgrowers, stimulate rural economies, and reduce Uganda’s pharmaceutical production costs.
Museveni commended Ugandan farmers for taking advantage of this opportunity, particularly cassava outgrowers who are now assured of a stable market for their produce.
He emphasized the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge and crops into modern processing to preserve nutrition and cultural heritage.
However, the President expressed dismay at elements he described as saboteurs of national progress.
“I am disappointed by those undermining these investments, including individuals vandalising electricity poles and causing power outages. We will address these challenges,” Museveni warned.
The call to action is clear: Uganda must harness its local food resources not only for food security but for industrial and pharmaceutical self-reliance.
