SIMPSON M
Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, on Tuesday, 25th March 2025, inspected the ongoing construction of the Inspire Africa Coffee Factory project in Rwashamaire Town Council, Ntungamo District, and commended the progress made so far.
Since 2023, the government has been investing in the coffee value chain to boost export revenue, create employment, and improve farm gate prices for coffee farmers. In the Financial Year 2023/2024, the Ugandan government allocated resources through the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Secretariat under the Office of the President to establish a modern Industrial Coffee Park in Rwashamaire Town Council.
Construction works, which began in October 2023, have now reached 75% completion, presenting a promising outlook. Once complete, the park will produce instant coffee, drip coffee, malt coffee, a coffee energy drink, and even coffee beauty cosmetics.
Speaking during the inspection, Hon. Dr. Musenero expressed optimism that the value chain expansion would increase Uganda’s coffee revenue. She further called on women to take part in the upcoming coffee marathon set for 24th May at Inspire Africa Coffee Park in Rwashamaire, aimed at recognizing their contribution to coffee farming.
The LC5 Chairperson of Ntungamo District, Mr. Mucunguzi Samuel, also appreciated the minister for her commitment to such developmental projects. He encouraged the people of Ntungamo to unite, support, and work with Mr. Nelson Tugume, the Director of Inspire Africa Coffee Group, in order to maximize the economic benefits of the factory.
He urged locals to register for the coffee marathon and inspire more women to continue growing and maintaining coffee, as it contributes to both household and national development.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nelson Tugume, the Director of Inspire Africa Coffee Group, expressed gratitude to Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero for her support and to the President for believing in the project even when setting up a coffee factory seemed impossible.
He encouraged the people of Ntungamo to embrace the factory, saying it will provide employment opportunities and uplift their livelihoods. Mr. Tugume also emphasized the significance of the coffee marathon, calling on people from Uganda and East Africa to participate in what he termed as the “first-ever coffee marathon.”
He explained that proceeds from the event will be used to purchase garden materials and other necessities to support women in coffee farming, whom he referred to as “women in garden,” acknowledging their crucial role in coffee production despite not fully benefiting from the industry.
The visit to Inspire Africa Coffee Park was attended by the Ntungamo district administration, a team from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as Uganda’s golden girl in athletics, Dorcus Inzikulu, who will be the chief runner for the marathon.
The coffee marathon will be followed by an after-run concert featuring top entertainers from Uganda and beyond, headlined by Diamond Platnumz and Ray G.
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