President Museveni Commissions NEC Meat And Beans Processing Factory At NEC Farm Katonga.

His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni today commissioned the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Meat and Beans Processing Factory at NEC Farm Katonga, Kisozi, Gomba District, in a landmark step for Uganda’s value addition and industrialization agenda.

Built to international standards, the modern facility has the capacity to process 150 animals per day, operating five days a week, translating to the requirement of approximately 39,000 head of cattle annually. To secure a reliable and sustainable supply of quality livestock, NEC has begun engaging farmers, for an arrangement guaranteeing farmers competitive offtake prices in exchange for consistent, high-quality supply.

In his remarks, President Museveni pledged government support for the successful implementation of the venture, particularly in mobilizing cattle to sustainably supply the factory. He pledged that farmers will be mobilized at all levels, noting that 100 dedicated beef farmers would be sufficient to satisfactorily supply the plant. The President also pledged to solve the requirement for stable power supply to the factory and directed the line Minister (in attendance) to urgently develop a permanent solution to the matter.

Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, commended NEC and M/s Ragwa & Co Ltd for the partnership, noting it will save the UPDF significant sums previously spent on importing similar products.

“This factory isn’t just about business. It is about the transformation to selfsufficiency. This facility has the capacity to produce for the UPDF and other sister agencies. It has already created employment for food scientists, engineers, and many others. The factory will source raw materials from local producers. Your commissioning today means better-fed troops and greater employment opportunities,” the Minister said.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, NEC Managing Director Lt. Gen. James Mugira said the factory would generate direct and indirect employment for hundreds of Ugandans while strengthening livelihoods for livestock farmers, transporters, suppliers, and traders across the value chain.

He singled out the facility’s tin canning line as of particular strategic importance, noting that it will reduce Uganda’s reliance on imported processed meat products, particularly dry ration for the country’s security forces, including the UPDF, Uganda Police, and Uganda Prisons Service thereby advancing national self-sufficiency and conserving foreign exchange.

Lt. Gen. Mugira thanked M/s Ragwa & Co Ltd for its confidence in Uganda, describing the investment as one that brings capital, technology, expertise, and international best practice to the country’s livestock sector. He explained that the plant completes an integrated production cycle: bulls reared at NEC Farm Katonga are fattened at the neighbouring Egypt–Uganda Joint Model Farm before being processed at the new facility taking the value chain from farm to finished product.

The joint venture between NEC and M/s Ragwa & Co Ltd marks a bold step in transforming Uganda’s livestock wealth into industrial strength, enhanced food security, and greater national self-reliance.