Bundibugyo, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to establish a cocoa processing factory in Bundibugyo, a move aimed at transforming the district’s agricultural output into industrial wealth and creating thousands of jobs. The announcement was made on Friday, December 5, during a campaign rally ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential flag bearer, stated that the government has secured committed investors for the project, which he described as a “turning point” for Uganda’s largest cocoa-producing district.
“We’re going to establish a cocoa factory. I went to America long ago and asked them to make chocolate here, but they refused. Now we have serious investors, and we shall have our own factory,” he said.
Bundibugyo accounts for over 70% of Uganda’s cocoa exports, making it a critical source of foreign exchange. Museveni explained that the factory will not only add value to cocoa but also anchor a broader industrial ecosystem, comparing the planned facility to Namanve and Mbale Industrial Parks, which collectively employ tens of thousands.
The President emphasized that Uganda’s job creation potential lies in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT, rather than the public sector. He urged youth to embrace skills development and entrepreneurship, citing success stories of graduates from industrial hubs and private-sector entrepreneurs.
Museveni also highlighted the NRM’s achievements over the years, including peace, infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. He announced plans to rehabilitate the Mubende–Fort Portal–Bundibugyo road, expand healthcare services with new HCIII and HCIV facilities, and ensure every parish and sub-county has access to primary and secondary schools.
On wealth creation, the President revisited his four-acre model, encouraging households to combine agriculture with small-scale livestock, poultry, and fish farming to generate income. He cited examples of local cocoa and cattle farmers earning significant revenue despite limited infrastructure.
Supporting the President, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among affirmed government progress on creating Bughendera District, urging local leaders to support rather than obstruct development initiatives. Bundibugyo NRM Chair David Kabyanga praised Museveni’s leadership and confirmed that the cocoa factory assessment team has completed its work, with construction expected to commence soon.
The project, alongside other initiatives such as PDM and Emyooga, highlights the government’s ongoing focus on empowering local communities, creating jobs, and building a self-sustaining, industrialized economy in Uganda.
