President Yoweri Museveni has opened the BENNI Foods factory in Kiruhura District, a huge boost to the dairy industry of Uganda. The newly established milk processing factory, located on Kaguta Road, will transform the life of local farmers, create job opportunities, and boost the economy of the region. The factory is a solution to the region’s issue of excess milk production, holding out a promising future to the farming community.

During the launch, President Museveni welcomed the investors for choosing Uganda as the place to establish their factory. “You are most welcome; you are in the right place at the right time. We have big potential here, and once the farmers are sensitized on how to take good care of their cows, we can produce more milk than we do now,” he said. The President also praised the people of Ankole for embracing modern dairy farming techniques and settling in one place, a move that has significantly boosted their farm productivity. The President stressed that cattle care was crucial, and farmers had to plant more pasture for their cows.

“Cows normally harvest grass with their tongues, but they are now eating with their teeth since the grass is short,” he stated. He also warned against over-dependence on God and advised farmers to take proactive steps in caring for the livestock and not to rely on God’s intervention only. To keep the factory and the community running, President Museveni told the people of Kiruhura that the government was going to address the issue of electricity. He pledged to provide a dedicated power line to the factory and seek alternative ways of ending energy-related challenges in the area. He also invited farmers to work with the Ministry of Agriculture to be able to obtain better breeds of cattle.

These developed breeds can produce up to 30 liters of milk per day, while at present the average is 5 liters. The President also delivered good news on the development of a tick vaccine, a major concern for cattle farmers. “We have a solution to all cattle issues,” he said. “The vaccine will make it such that when ticks bite cows, they will die instead of inflicting injury on the animals.” The innovation has the potential to revolutionize cattle farming in Uganda, with farmers having an easier time maintaining healthy and productive herds.

Vice President Jessica Alupo thanked President Museveni for his visionary leadership and commitment to the economic transformation of Uganda. She acknowledged his effort in bringing peace and security across the country, which has seen Uganda become a destination for investors to do business. “BENNI Foods’ establishment is proof of the President’s drive for mega projects that will spur economic growth and improve livelihoods,” she said. BENNI Foods CEO Mr. Jitendra spoke about the future vision of the company. “The factory aims to facilitate local farmers to produce more milk than the 100 liters used by us per day,” he said to us.

Currently, 73 local youths are working in the factory, with more jobs to be made available as the company moves ahead of its test commencement phase. This is great news for the community, as it provides the much-needed work opportunities and boosts the local economy. The launch of BENNI Foods is a great stride towards the industrialization of Uganda and the sustainable development of agriculture. The factory is expected to be a key driver in the improvement of the livelihood of local farmers, the creation of job opportunities, and the development of the country’s dairy industry. By processing excess milk into value-added dairy products, the facility will not only reduce wastage but also increase the value of locally produced milk.

For the farmers in Kiruhura, the factory represents hope and opportunity. Most had been victims of the issue of excess milk production, losing out on income due to a lack of storage and processing facilities. Now, with BENNI Foods operational, they have a ready market for their milk, ensuring them better prices and incomes. The factory also aligns with Uganda’s broader ambitions of industrialization and economic transformation. By adding value to raw agricultural products, the nation can reduce its reliance on imports and increase export potential. That, in itself, will create more jobs, stimulate economic growth, and increase living standards for millions of Ugandans.

As the factory begins operations, the people of Kiruhura are optimistic about the future. They see BENNI Foods as a sign of development and a testament to what can be achieved when the government, investors, and local communities collaborate. With the right support and additional investment, Uganda’s dairy industry can be a global leader in producing high-quality products for consumption in markets worldwide.

The opening of BENNI Foods is a lifeline for Kiruhura and Uganda at large. It solves the problem of surplus milk production, provides employment, and stimulates the local economy. With the backing of President Museveni and the dedication of investors, the factory will change the lives of farmers and help in the economic development of the country. This is a new beginning for Uganda’s dairy sector, and the future has never been brighter.