BUSHENYI — The Parliamentary Committee on Presidential Affairs has commended the government for investing in the Presidential Initiative for Banana Development and its banana value-addition and research centre in Bushenyi District.

The committee, chaired by Hon. Ojara Mapenduzi, made the remarks during a visit to the banana industrial project to assess the utilisation of government funds, progress of the project and its impact on farmers and the wider community.

During the visit, the committee toured various components of the project, including the irrigation scheme and industrial research facilities, to assess value for money and the impact of government investment.

The committee’s team leader, Hon. Opolot-Okwalinga Simon Peter, Member of Parliament for Kanyum County in Kumi District, described the project as a potential game changer for Uganda’s economy.

However, he called for urgent intervention to address challenges affecting the project, particularly inadequate funding, electricity and water supply, as well as shortages of scientific manpower.

The committee also commended President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the project, saying it has created a market for banana farmers, generated employment and opened up economic opportunities for communities in Bushenyi and the wider Ankole region.

Hon. Katusiime Annet Mugisha, the Bushenyi District Woman Member of Parliament, said more than Shs30 billion appropriated for the project was reportedly not released as planned, while the project has identified a funding gap of about Shs53 billion.

She said the committee would engage the Ministry of Finance and other relevant government agencies to seek solutions to the funding challenges and ensure the project achieves its intended objectives.

Meanwhile, Rev. Prof. Florence Isabirye Muranga, Director General of the Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), said inadequate and inconsistent financing has affected the retention of skilled scientists and slowed the implementation of planned activities.

Prof. Muranga said the project is preparing for large-scale production and entry into international export markets, including the United States, but requires a reliable supply chain and adequate processing capacity to meet anticipated demand.

The Parliamentary Committee has urged banana farmers in Bushenyi and the wider Ankole region to join cooperatives and take advantage of opportunities emerging from the growing banana value chain.

The committee said strengthening farmer participation in the value chain could help improve household incomes while contributing to Uganda’s industrialisation and economic transformation agenda.