H.E. the Vice President of Uganda, Rtd. Maj. Jessica Alupo, officially launched a transformative chili farming project aimed at revitalizing the socioeconomic landscape of the Busoga sub-region. The launch was presided over by the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, who represented the Vice President at the event.
The initiative is being spearheaded by the Busoga Consortium in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the Chinese Embassy in Uganda and the Kehong China Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park Luwero.
Held in Kamuli District, the launch ceremony brought together political leaders, farmers, development partners, and members of the Busoga Consortium Secretariat. In her keynote address, Rt. Hon. Kadaga congratulated the people of Busoga on this significant milestone and urged them to embrace the project with dedication and unity.
“This project is not just about agriculture—it’s about empowerment, sustainability, and prosperity for the people of Busoga,” Kadaga remarked.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Vice President, Kadaga conveyed H.E. Alupo’s appreciation for the efforts of the Busoga Consortium in driving development at the grassroots level. “I commend the Busoga Consortium for their visionary leadership and tireless commitment to transforming lives. This project represents both progress and unity,” She stated.
“As we launch the project today, I am happy to note that this intervention is crafted on the basis of local existing strengths and development potentials of Busoga sub-region. By sharing cross-cutting resources therefore, you will increase attraction for both local and foreign investments as well as international trade promotion. As is the case with Soya bean growing, Chili growing will certainly expand Uganda’ potential to engage in export trade with China”, said Alupo in her statement.
The Minister of State for Agriculture Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga who was represented by Mr. Julious Twinasimasiko National Coordinator of the China Uganda South to South Cooperation Project Phase III applauded the Busoga Consortium for the role played in boosting Agriculture in Busoga. He pledged the Ministry’s support towards planting inputs, tractors and other technical support to ensure Busoga’s socioeconomic transformation.
Key dignitaries at the event included Hon. John Teira, Member of Parliament for the area, who applauded Rt. Hon. Kadaga for consistently turning policy into tangible outcomes for Busoga. Also in attendance were Hon. Kisa Bakubalwayo of Luuka District, Kamuli District LCV Chairperson Mr. Maxwell Kuwebula, Chinese agricultural experts led by Mr. Zhang Xiaoquing team leader of FAO-China-Uganda South to South Cooperation Project Phase III, and representatives of the Greater Kamuli farmers’ community.
Dr. Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium, together with the Secretariat team, encouraged communities across Busoga to actively participate in the chili project. The initiative is expected to significantly boost household incomes and create agribusiness opportunities throughout the region and Uganda at large.
On behalf of the investors, Mr. Zhang Shenhong, General Manager of the Kehong China Uganda Agricultural Cooperation Industrial Park assured the farmers and leaders of Busoga and Uganda market for the Chili that was to be grown. He noted that the Park is committed to ensuring that all the Chili grown by the farmers in Busoga and Uganda is bought at the seasonal negotiated price. The investors target 220,000 tonnes of Chili from Busoga and other parts of the Country in the short term valued at about $300 million dollars per annum.
Mr. Zhang informed the gathering that in addition to the out growers supplies, the park was to plant 500 acres of Chili to boost the quantities and sustain the Chinese market demand.
The chili farming project stands as a symbol of growing collaboration between Ugandan leadership and international partners. With the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries and the Government of China, the project aims to expand export markets, deliver technical training to farmers, and position Busoga as a major contributor to Uganda’s agricultural exports.
