The Inspire Africa Coffee Park in Ntungamo District is operating at a fraction of its installed capacity because of unreliable electricity, inadequate water supply and delays in the release of government funding, its management has said.

The coffee-processing facility in Rwashamaire currently produces about 10 metric tonnes of coffee products a month, against a projected annual capacity of up to 54,000 metric tonnes when fully operational.

The disclosure was made on Tuesday as the Parliamentary Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation inspected the facility as part of its oversight activities.

Duncan Abigaba, the corporate manager of Inspire Africa Coffee Park, said the factory requires a dedicated industrial power connection and a reliable water supply to increase production.

“The factory requires more than two million litres of purified, food-grade water daily to operate at full capacity,” Mr Abigaba said.

The facility is expected to produce 27 products, with about half already certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. Production has so far begun with roasted and ground coffee, while other products are undergoing certification.

Abigaba also said funds allocated to the project in the 2026/27 financial year had not been released, despite engagements with relevant government agencies.

The constraints have raised questions about the pace at which the facility can deliver on its intended objectives of promoting coffee value addition, creating employment and expanding markets for farmers.

However, coffee farmers in Ntungamo have welcomed the project, saying it has strengthened their confidence in coffee production by creating a potential market for their produce.

The farmers said they have seen coffee processed into products such as cold brew and other by-products, while improved coffee prices have contributed to higher household incomes.

Patrick Musinguzi, the Kashari North MP and leader of the parliamentary committee delegation, described the facility as an important investment in Uganda’s agro-industrialisation drive.

He urged the public to visit the facility and assess its operations before drawing conclusions about the project.

Another committee member, Ayagalachi Jamal, the MP for Bukooli County North in Bugiri District, said he was impressed by the range of products that can be derived from coffee, including cosmetics.

The committee said it would continue monitoring the project and follow up on the challenges affecting its operations.

Management says resolving the power, water and funding constraints would allow the facility to increase production, expand its product range and deliver greater benefits to farmers and the wider community.