A renewed push to industrialise the Teso sub-region has gained momentum following high-level talks between political and business leaders on expanding agro-processing capacity.
Former National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice chairperson Captain Mike Mukula on Tuesday revealed details of a meeting with Vice President Jessica Alupo, where the two explored practical strategies to accelerate socio-economic transformation in the region.
Central to the discussions was a proposal to establish a modern dairy processing plant aimed at boosting value addition under the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM).
Mukula said the envisioned facility would process a wide range of dairy products, including yoghurt, butter, cheese, ice cream, fresh and long-life milk, as well as flavoured milk.
The move, he noted, is designed to shift farmers from subsistence production to market-oriented agriculture.
“It was a great pleasure meeting my sister, H.E. the Vice President, to discuss practical strategies for accelerating the socio-economic transformation of the Teso sub-region,” Mukula said.
“A key focus was establishing a modern dairy processing plant to add value to PDM agricultural initiatives.”
The Teso sub-region, which comprises several districts in eastern Uganda, has long been identified as an area with untapped agricultural potential, particularly in livestock and crop farming.
However, limited access to processing facilities has constrained farmers, often forcing them to sell raw produce at low prices.
Mukula argued that investing in agro-processing infrastructure would unlock new markets, enhance product quality, and improve earnings for local farmers.
He added that the proposed plant would also create employment opportunities, especially for youth, while stimulating industrial growth.
“Teso has enormous potential to become a leading dairy and agro-processing hub,” he said. “Such investments will expand markets for farmers, create jobs, diversify household incomes, reduce poverty, and stimulate sustainable industrial growth.”
The development aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy to promote value addition as a pathway to economic growth.
The Parish Development Model, a flagship government programme, seeks to uplift households by integrating them into the money economy through agriculture and small-scale enterprises.
Mukula further indicated that his business group is ready to partner with stakeholders to implement the project, underscoring private sector interest in the region’s transformation agenda.