Uganda’s banana industry is looking beyond the local market, with the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBID) preparing to take its range of value-added banana products to consumers in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and Asia.
The initiative, based in Nyaruzinga in Bushenyi District, plans to export products under its TOOKE brand, including banana flour, porridge, biscuits, bread, cookies and mandazi.
Andrew Matovu, the Director of Business and Enterprise Development at PIBID, said the initiative has already developed market strategies, collected market data and identified potential distributors and other partners to support the planned expansion.
He said entering international markets would not only widen the market for Ugandan banana products but also create new opportunities for farmers, processors and other players across the banana value chain.
Matovu made the remarks on Monday when the Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation toured the PIBID factory in Nyaruzinga.
The committee, led by Patrick Musinguzi, the Member of Parliament for Kashari North in Mbarara District, called for increased government investment in research, innovation and value addition in Uganda’s banana industry.
Musinguzi said the banana sector has significant potential to drive industrialisation, create jobs and reduce Uganda’s dependence on imported products such as biscuits and cookies.
He described PIBID as a 315-billion-shilling investment aimed at transforming the livelihoods of communities in Bushenyi and neighbouring districts through banana production, processing and value addition.
However, Musinguzi urged the government to strengthen measures against corruption, pilferage and wastage of public resources, warning that effective management of government projects is essential if they are to deliver meaningful economic transformation.
Ismail Muhammad Lomwa, the Member of Parliament for Kotido Municipality, said the committee would present its findings and recommendations to Parliament, including a proposal for increased funding for PIBID.
Lomwa said additional resources would enable the initiative to complete the banana value chain while ensuring that funds are properly allocated to support industrialisation and value addition.
The committee said strengthening initiatives such as PIBID could contribute to food security, create jobs, increase farmers’ incomes and position Ugandan products, including the TOOKE brand, for greater access to regional and international markets-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
