Bundibugyo District is poised for a major economic transformation after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential Candidate, unveiled new plans to establish a milk-chocolate factory and a full-scale industrial park to harness the region’s abundant cocoa, dairy, and mineral resources.
President Museveni made the announcement while addressing thousands of residents at Bumadu Playgrounds in the Rwenzori Sub-region, marking one of the most ambitious development declarations for Bundibugyo in recent years.
The President revealed that he has already identified potential investors who are ready to set up a milk-chocolate factory, a project expected to create thousands of jobs, expand the market for local cocoa farmers, and position Uganda as a competitive producer of cocoa-based products.
He said that value addition, not raw commodity export, is the surest path to increasing farmers’ incomes and raising Uganda’s national revenue.
He added cocoa growing to his list of recommended wealth-creation enterprises for households in Bundibugyo, urging farmers to intensify production and embrace organized farming.
He encouraged residents to undertake other profitable ventures such as coffee farming, dairy cattle rearing, fish farming, fruit growing, and poultry production.
He highlighted these enterprises as pillars of the wealth-creation model promoted by the NRM.
Why Cocoa and Milk-Chocolate? Economic Experts Weigh In
Agricultural economists say the President’s proposal for a milk-chocolate factory is strategically sound.
Dr. Emmanuel Mugisha, an agribusiness analyst at Makerere University, notes that Uganda exports over 35,000 metric tonnes of raw cocoa annually, mostly to Europe and Asia, without processing.
He adds that processing cocoa into chocolate increases its value by nearly ten times.
He says that a milk-chocolate factory in Bundibugyo would significantly boost household incomes, reduce youth unemployment, and stimulate secondary businesses such as packaging, transport, and retail.
He explains that Bundibugyo’s high-altitude tropical climate makes it one of the most ideal cocoa-growing regions in East Africa.
Mineral economists also argue that an industrial park would diversify the district’s economic base beyond agriculture, tapping into the region’s limestone, copper, and iron ore deposits.
They believe such facilities would anchor long-term industrialization in the Rwenzori corridor.
Museveni’s Wealth-Creation Philosophy Re-emphasized
During the rally, President Museveni shared success stories from across Uganda of individuals who have prospered under the NRM’s mass-line philosophy.
He encouraged aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs to emulate the discipline and consistency demonstrated by those who have transformed their livelihoods through commercial production.
He said that examples of successful wealth creators prove that Uganda’s rural households can rise out of poverty through organized production and access to markets.
He urged residents to embrace government programmes, use available extension services, and demand accountability from their local leaders.
Education and Health: Expanding Social Services in Bundibugyo
President Museveni announced plans to expand Bundibugyo General Hospital and upgrade various health centers across the district.
He noted that the government intends to increase the number of education facilities to match the district’s rapid population growth.
He said Bundibugyo currently has 107 government primary schools and 12 secondary schools, but more facilities are needed to keep pace with rising enrolment.
He encouraged parents to embrace Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education, saying that no child should remain out of school.
He emphasized healthy living, proper feeding, and household productivity as key components of family transformation.
He reaffirmed that the NRM government will continue strengthening lower health units to improve access to medical care.
Infrastructure: Roads, Industrial Parks, and Regional Connectivity
The President assured residents that the government will reconstruct the Fort Portal–Bundibugyo Road, one of the district’s most vital trade routes.
He said additional road upgrades will follow to support the industrial park and create efficient linkages to major markets.
He stressed the importance of prioritization in public resource allocation, noting that leaders and citizens must agree on the most urgent development needs.
Infrastructure experts argue that the renewed focus on road upgrades aligns with the district’s increasing agricultural output.
They say paved roads would reduce transport costs, improve access to markets, and attract investors who previously hesitated due to poor transport networks.
Political Leadership and Ideology: Museveni Calls for Integrity
President Museveni urged Bundibugyo voters to elect leaders with integrity, ideological grounding, and a clear understanding of national development.
He cautioned against corruption, emphasizing that dishonest leadership undermines service delivery.
He encouraged youth to seize job opportunities in commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and skills development centres.
He said that Uganda’s job market is expanding through industrialization and that the youth must equip themselves with practical skills.
Government to Maintain Peace in the Rwenzori Region
On security, the President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintain peace and stability in Bundibugyo.
He cautioned individuals attempting to destabilize the region, noting that Uganda’s progress depends on continued peace.
Security analysts say the Rwenzori Sub-region has historically experienced tensions due to tribal conflicts and cross-border instability.
They argue that maintaining peace is essential for realizing the President’s proposed industrial and agricultural plans.
NRM Leaders Highlight Achievements and Party Discipline
NRM Second National Vice Chairperson Anita Among praised the government for the development strides made in Bundibugyo.
She cautioned residents against emerging internal party factions, warning that division weakens the NRM’s ability to deliver services effectively.
Bundibugyo District NRM Chairperson David Kabyanga presented the district development status report, outlining achievements in agriculture, education, health care, and water access.
He urged the government to accelerate several pending infrastructure projects.
A District on the Brink of Transformation
Experts believe Bundibugyo is entering a new economic chapter with the potential to become Uganda’s leading cocoa-processing hub.
They argue that the introduction of an industrial park, a milk-chocolate factory, and expanded infrastructure could reshape the district’s economic landscape for decades.
Residents say they are optimistic that the President’s new commitments will translate into tangible development outcomes.
If implemented effectively, Bundibugyo may soon stand as a national model for rural industrialization and agro-based value addition.
