Uganda Government commissions US$234,065 Buwana milk collection centre

UGANDA – The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has commissioned a UGX 845 million (US$234,065) Buwana Milk Collection Centre, aimed at boosting milk collection.

Constructed under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project, the facility marks a significant milestone in strengthening the dairy value chain and enhancing rural incomes across Nakaseke.

The milk collection centre is one of several strategic investments by the LEGS Project in Nakaseke, aimed at improving infrastructure, boosting agricultural productivity, and expanding market access.

The Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, commended Nakaseke District for its commendable service delivery, as reflected in their strong performance under the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), where they ranked 12th out of 176 Local Governments.

He also praised their impressive revenue collection efforts, which placed them 14th nationally, and assured the district of consideration under LEGS II, citing their commitment to implementing Government programmes.

The new facility has significantly improved connectivity and market linkages, enabling farmers to transport their produce, particularly milk, more efficiently and profitably.

Mr. Dan Abaho, the chairperson of the Buwana Comparative Milk Group, stated that plans are underway to venture into milk value addition to help stabilize and improve prices.

“Currently, a litre of milk goes for UGX 700, but we hope this will increase once value is added through processing,” he said.

Beyond dairy, the LEGS Project has played a pivotal role in improving livestock productivity by training Artificial Insemination (AI) technicians and equipping local youth and extension workers with the skills to provide AI services.

Uganda ships first US$8M powdered milk to Algeria

Recently, Uganda officially launched its maiden export consignment of whole powdered milk to Algeria, recording a significant milestone in its dairy industry and regional trade ambitions in North Africa.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni presided over the flag-off ceremony at State House Entebbe, marking the culmination of extensive negotiations and trade agreements between the two nations. The inaugural shipment consists of 2,100 metric tons of high-quality powdered milk, valued at over US$ 8 million.

Three leading Ugandan dairy processors, Pearl Dairy Farms, Brookside Uganda, and Amos Dairies Uganda, secured the contract to supply milk to Algeria for the next three years.

The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, congratulated the dairy sector for the milestone, expressing hope that increased exports will sustain the market for farmers.

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