Editor
The Executive Director of the Uganda Industrial Research Institute (UIRI), Prof. Charles Kwesiga, has voiced concern over Uganda’s ongoing importation of potato crisps, despite the country’s capacity to grow Irish potatoes in several regions.
At a Stakeholders Workshop on the Irish Potato Value Chain held at Kabale University yesterday, Prof. Kwesiga criticized the presence of foreign-made Irish potato crisps, particularly those from the United States, on local supermarket shelves. He expressed dismay over seeing American crisps in Kabale District, an area renowned for its successful Irish potato cultivation.
Prof. Kwesiga also questioned the logic behind importing small items such as toothpicks from countries like China, Indonesia, and Korea, when Uganda has abundant bamboo resources.
As the owner of an Irish potato processing plant, Prof. Kwesiga urged Kabale University to emphasize the careful selection of skilled labor, the adoption of appropriate technology, and the provision of affordable financing to ensure high-quality production and sustainability.
Kabale University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joy Kwesiga, announced a significant boost of over UGX 900 million from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for investment in the Irish Potato Value Addition Program. This funding was partly used to acquire new Irish potato processing machines, which were showcased at the event.
Innocent Fred, the UNDP Team Leader for Inclusive Growth and Innovation, highlighted that the partnership with Kabale University aligns with Strategic Development Goal No. 1, which aims to eliminate poverty. He noted that UNDP’s annual investment in Uganda totals UGX 100 billion, with a vision to create job opportunities, particularly for the youth.
Kabale District Production Officer (DPO), Mr. Beda Mwebesa, challenged Kabale University to conduct research on the increasing soil infertility that has led to a significant decline in Irish potato yields in the Kigezi sub-region over the past 15 years. Mr. Mwebesa pointed out that despite the use of fertilizers, yields have decreased from 9-10 bags of potatoes to just 4-6 bags per 100 kg of seed planted per season.
Kabale University, which transitioned from a private institution to a public academic entity serving the Kigezi sub-region, has seen substantial growth since the change. The university’s student population has expanded from 1,500 to over 5,000 as of June 2024 and has also benefited from support from various development partners, including UNDP.
